Agetec and Sanwa JLF Experimentation and Comparison

Since I got a spare JLF from a Hori - EX I modded, and the joystick from the Dreamcast Agetec. I decide to run a few part swapping experiments. See which combinations work and which do not.



First I show you the part comparisons. For these comparisons, the Sanwa parts are to the Left and the Agetec are to the Right unless otherwise noted.


Shafts. I included a ruler here for scale.


Pivots


Main Base or Main body. The JLF base features its mount plate. The Agetec has no mount plate. In this Picture the Agetec is to the right and the JLF is to the left


Springs. In this Picture the springs are in this order, Agetec, Sanwa JLF and a LS-32 spring. I be using the LS-32 spring later on.


Spring Covers


E Clips. Sorry this photo is slightly out of focus.


Dust Washers


Actuator


Restrictor Gates

I did not include the Metal Washer (picure in Main body Photo) Micro switches or PCBs.
I can say that the Agetec and the JLF uses the same Omicron switches. Also the default wiring harness of the Agetec is permanently attaches to the stick, and clips off at the Agetec main PCB. On my Agetec joystick the wires been cut off, as I need them for my Agetec stick mod a while back. The Agetec also uses 5 wires like most JLF models and Seimitsu model sticks with model numbers ending in -01

Now to the Experimentation.


Here was my attempt to fit the Agetec pivot in the JLF body. It is a No-Go.
And no, removing the mount plate would not help.


Here is a Sanwa JLF shaft, pivot, spring cover, spring, actuator and eclip on the Agetec stick body.


Another view of the Sanwa JLF shaft on the Agetec stick


Here is the Agetec shaft on the Sanwa JLF

Test results.

Agetec's pivot, spring cover, spring, actuator all fit the JLF and vise versa.
Although the Sanwa JLF spring cover is too loose on the Agetec, and the Agetec spring cover feels off on the JLF. The e clip only fit there respected shaft mainly because the Agetec has the smaller e clip.

The 2 Actuators seem to be almost identical in terms of performance.

The JLF pivot, spring cover and actuator are all a bit snug on the Agetec shaft, but the Agetec parts are almost as snug on the same shaft.

I did notice a remarked improvement in feel and response when the JLF Pivot is place into the Agetec stick. I tested the Agetec with the Sanwa pivot, its stock spring, the JLF spring and a LS-32 spring. The 2 later springs felt tighter than the stock spring. We can't rule out the Agetec spring is just more worn out due to its age.

I believe that for a Agetec Mod, instead of replacing the whole joystick, if you just substitute the pivot for a JLF pivot, a JLF or another spring like the LS-32, and perhaps some fresh OMRON switches (or what ever brand switches you prefer) the Agetec stick is compatible to the JLF in terms of feel, response and comfort. Maybe a fresh application of Dow Molycoat 44 or Shin-Etsu G-40M grease to finish up the mod.
If you want to go frugal (cheap) just replace the pivot and spring.

Now the stick feel its worth keeping. Too bad that to mount the Agetec anywhere else, you most likely have to modify a mount plate or make a custom mounting. I am also sure a dedicated modder could include the 5 pin connector from a Sanwa or Seimitsu stick pcb onto the pcb of the Agetec.

Also keep in mind that the NC tabs on replacement micro switches get in the way of the support tabs that hold the gate in place on the Agetec, so if you just replace the switches, make sure you clip the NC (Normally Closed) tabs off. Keeping the NO (Normally Open) and Common tabs.

JLF shaft covers do not fit on the Agetec shaft. So keep that in mind if you are using Agetec and JLF parts in a mod of your own.

Oh yes the Agetec shaft will accept the same Ball tops as the JFL, Seimitsu sticks and the JWL-TM.