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COMBO Extension Installation Guide - v0.8

The COMBO Extension is a 2-in-1 button that allows you to add a button to the face of your controller without having to drill any holes. This guide will help you understand and perform the installation of a COMBO Extension into most arcade controllers.

Guide Outline

Use the links below to navigate through the guide.

Video Guide

This video guide covers Hit Box, Cross|Up, and any arcade controller with a Brook Fighting Board. 

If you have a different controller, or want more detailed information, please continue with the rest of the guide below.

Introduction

Read this guide thoroughly to ensure accuracy of the installation process. Even if you have plenty of button installation experience, we highly recommend going through this whole guide.  

Some information will be repeated and explained thoroughly so even those without any modding or button installing experience can understand and follow the instructions.

This guide will not cover every arcade controller that is available, but it will cover some important options. If your specific controller is not included in this guide, we will direct you as best we can to your best installation options through this guide. In the end, if you still need help, reach out to your local, trusted controller modder and share this guide with them. They can help you determine how to best install your COMBO Extension.

If at any point you have any questions, need help with installation, or have feedback on this guide, please reach out to support@hitboxarcade.com or post in the #tech-support channel in our Discord.

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COMBO Extension Anatomy

For installation and wiring purposes, there are two important parts of the COMBO Extension to keep in mind:

  • The Signal Wire
  • The Ground Wire

The Ground Wire will be connected to one of the terminals on the main button. This is important because that terminal will be where you connect the ground wire from your controller's board (this will be covered more extensively in the installation section).

The Signal Wire is what will connect to a Terminal block so it can output signals (this will be covered more extensively in the installation section).

COMBO Extension Anatomy [Video Clip]

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COMBO Kit

The COMBO Kit - currently included with all COMBO Extension orders - is a collection of wiring and parts to help wiring your COMBO Extension to your controller.

In the COMBO Kit, you will find:
  • Wiring harnesses to connect to specific boards
  • Signal Splitter
  • Terminal Block
  • Screw and ziptie to help secure your wiring

COMBO Kit Overview [Video Clip]

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Controller Compatibility

Every controller will be different in its compatibility with the COMBO Extension.

There are two questions to consider regarding this compatibility:

  • Does the COMBO Extension seat properly into the controller's case?
  • How will you wire the COMBO Extension to the controller's board?

Seating Compatibility

The COMBO Extension can seat in any arcade controller that can accept and install standard arcade buttons.

Here is general list of controllers that can install a COMBO Extension:

  • Hit Box
  • Cross|Up
  • Smash Box
  • In general, any controller that can install buttons from these manufacturers: Sanwa, Seimitsu, Gamerfinger, Crown / Samducksa, and Qanba.

COMBO Extensions cannot be installed into:

  • Pads (such as the DualShock4, DualSense, or Xbox controllers)
  • Keyboards
  • Any controller whose buttons switches are attached directly to a board (similar to a keyboard)
  • Any controller whose clearance height is less than an inch and a half

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Wiring Compatibility

 How the COMBO Extension wires to your controller is fully dependent on the controller that you have. Below is a hub of controller options. Please select the controller option that best describes what you have.

If you have any questions or need help with installation, please reach out to support@hitboxarcade.com or post in the #tech-support channel in our Discord.

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Hit Box

Which version of Hit Box do you have?

If you have any questions or need help with installation, please reach out to support@hitboxarcade.com or post in the #tech-support channel in our Discord.

Back to Wiring Compatibility Hub - Back to the top

Other Controllers

The variety of controllers that the COMBO Extension can install into is extensive. If your controller is not directly covered in this installation guide, follow the instructions directly below for some general installation information.

As with all cases of modding, we recommend reaching out to you local, trusted controller modder for further guidance.

There are three main options for other controllers:

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Installation

This is the beginning of the installation instructions of the guide.

The instructions below are detailed and specific for the controller that you are installing into.

If you have reached this section without reading any of the above sections, please do so now.

 

Seating the Button

Safety, Parts, and Tools

First, make sure your controller is unplugged.

Second, you will need a COMBO Extension.

Lastly, your tools.

      • P1 Philips screwdriver for Hit Box, Cross|Up, and Smash Box.
        • Other controllers may or may not need a screwdriver.
      • Needle-nose pliers.
        • This can help with removing the wires from the button you are removing to replace.
Installation

1 - Remove the button that you wish to replace with at COMBO Extension (CX).

 

2 – Put the main-button portion of the CX into the now vacant hole. Ensure the Extension-button wiring goes into the hole as well.


3 – Push the CX into the controller's case until it is flush with the top of your controller.

 

Seating the COMBO Extension [Video Clip]

 

4 – Install the wiring onto the main button, ensure that the ground wire is on the correct terminal (ground terminal is highlighted below).

Wiring the Main Button [Video Clip]

Now that your COMBO Extension is seated, you will need to wire it up.

If you have any questions or need help with installation, please reach out to support@hitboxarcade.com or post in the #tech-support channel in our Discord.

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Wiring the COMBO Extension

Below is divided into different sections that are dependent on what controller you have. We recommend visiting the Wiring Compatibility section and follow the links there for the best possible installation process.

As the COMBO Extension gets into more hands, this portion of the guide is expected to get more comprehensive. If any of the below needs clarity or you have any questions, please contact support@hitboxarcade.com or join or Discord and discuss the process in the #combo-extension channel.

PS4 Hit Box - Gen 4 & Gen 5 (CN-TOP)

Preliminary Information

These versions of the PS4 Hit Box provide direct access to L3, R3, and Touchpad.

If your controller does not have v3.1 or v3.3 clearly visible on the main board, you will have to use other instructions: Back to Wiring Guides Hub.

If you wish to simply duplicate other standard buttons on the face of your controller, please follow these directions: here.

日本語の説明

Safety, Parts, and Tools

First, make sure your controller is unplugged.

Second, you will need these parts:

      • COMBO Extension
      • Terminal block
        (for every two COMBO Extensions you are wiring, you will need one of these)
      • CN-TOP Cable Harness - 7-pin JST wiring harness
      • Hit Box board - v3.1 or v3.3
        (installed on the inside of Hit Box)

Tools are not needed for this wiring, but having needle-nose pliers can help.

Instructions

1 - Use the CN-TOP cable harness

2 - Plug it into the CN Top port

 

 


3 – Connect the exposed ends of the wires from the CN-TOP Cable Harness into the Terminal Block.
(GND is not needed for L3 / R3 / TP)

Pinch the Terminal Block directly above the port where you want to insert
the wire. Insert the wire. Then release the Terminal Block.

Your cabling should be labeled, but if not the 2nd,
3rd, and 4th pins are R3, L3, and Touchpad,
respectively.



4 – Connect the CX wiring to the other end of the Terminal Block

This is what the wiring logic should look like.

 

 

If you have any questions or need help with installation, please reach out to support@hitboxarcade.com or post in the #tech-support channel in our Discord.

Back to Hit Box Wiring Guides - Back to Wiring Guides Hub - Back to the top

Gen 3 - PS4 Hit Box (CN-5)

Preliminary Information

This version of the PS4 Hit Box provide direct access to L3 and R3.

If your controller does not have a board with a CN5 port, you will have to use other instructions: Back to Wiring Guides Hub.

If you wish to also get access to Touchpad, here are two options you have:

Safety, Parts, and Tools

First, make sure your controller is unplugged.

Second, you will need these parts:

      • COMBO Extension
      • Terminal block
        (for every two COMBO Extensions you are wiring, you will need one of these)
      • CN-5 Cable Harness - 8-pin JST wiring harness
      • Hit Box board - with CN5 port
        (installed on the inside of Hit Box)

Tools are not needed for this wiring, but having needle-nose pliers can help with if needed.

Instructions

1 – Use the 8-pin cabling.

2 – Plug it into the CN5 port. Labelled “CN5” on the Hit Box board.

 

 

3 – Connect the exposed ends of the relevant wires from the CN5 Cable Harness to the Terminal Block.

 



4 – Connect the CX wiring to the other end of the Terminal Block.

 

 

If you have any questions or need help with installation, please reach out to support@hitboxarcade.com or post in the #tech-support channel in our Discord.

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Cross|Up

Preliminary Information

Before connecting the wiring, ensure to properly seat the COMBO Extension into the Cross|Up: Seating Instructions.

This installation will provide direct access to L3, R3, and Touchpad for the extended-buttons.

At this time, with the v2.00 firmware of the Cross|Up, these buttons will not be remappable with the Cross|Up Designer Software.

If you wish to have the extended-buttons remappable you will either have to:

Safety, Parts, and Tools

First, make sure your controller is unplugged.

Second, you will need these parts:

      • COMBO Extension
      • Terminal block
        (for every two COMBO Extensions you are wiring, you will need one of these)
      • 4-pin JST wiring harness
      • Cross|Up board
        (installed on the inside of the Cross|Up)

Tools are not needed for this wiring, but having needle-nose pliers can help.

Instructions

1 – Use the 4-pin cabling

2 – Connected it to the 4-pin port on the Cross|Up board

 

 

3 – Connect the exposed ends of the wires from the 4-pin cabling into the Terminal Block. (Do not connect the black/ground wire)



4 – Connect the CX wiring to the other end of the Terminal Block

 

 

If you have any questions or need help with installation, please reach out to support@hitboxarcade.com or post in the #tech-support channel in our Discord.


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Brook Fighting Board

Preliminary Information

This installation will provide direct access to L3, R3, and Touchpad for the extended-buttons.

Your controller may already have L3, R3, and Touchpad connected to its set of menu buttons. If this is the case, then you have two main options:

Older versions of Brook Fighting Boards may not have the required port for this installation, but L3, R3, and Touchpad should still be accessible. Reach out to your local, trusted controller modder for guidance if this ends up being your situation.

Safety, Parts, and Tools

First, make sure your controller is unplugged.

Second, you will need these parts:

      • COMBO Extension
      • Terminal block
        (for every two COMBO Extensions you are wiring, you will need one of these)
      • 4-pin JST wiring harness
      • Brook Fighting Board
        (we are using a Brook UFB as an example)

Tools are not needed for this wiring, but having needle-nose pliers can help with if needed.

Instructions

1 – Use the 4-pin cabling

2 – Connected it to the 4-pin port on the Brook Fighting Board
(If the port is not labelled, you may need to look up the board's schematics)

 

 

3 – Connect the exposed ends of the wires from the 4-pin cabling into the Terminal Block. (Do not connect the black/ground wire)



4 – Connect the COMBO Extension wiring to the other end of the Terminal Block.

 

 

If you have any questions or need help with installation, please reach out to support@hitboxarcade.com or post in the #tech-support channel in our Discord.

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Alternative Wiring Options

The options addressed below will be applicable to essentially every arcade controller that fighting game players use.

If your controller is not directly covered in this installation guide, follow the instructions below for some general installation information.

As with all cases of modding, we recommend reaching out to you local, trusted controller modder for further guidance.

Alternate Wiring Options:

Duplicating Buttons

This process will use a Terminal Splitter in order to duplicate other buttons that are already installed in your controller.

This process does not add new binds to your controller that you do not already have mapped onto installed buttons.

日本語の説明

Why duplicate a button?

      • L3, R3, and/or Touchpad are already set to menu buttons on your controller, and you wish to have better access to them on the face of your controller.
      • You simply want to have better access to a specific bind instead of where it is currently located on your controller.
      • You wish to have remapping on the extended-button on the COMBO Extension for the Cross|Up.
      • Or all of the above.
Preliminary Information

There are a couple of factors to keep in mind when duplicating buttons.

  • L2 and R2 (LT and RT) cannot be used during duplication easily
    • General explanation: The L2 and R2 binds meant for analog inputs, which causes it to interact with ground wiring differently. Because of this a digital input and an analog input cannot share the same ground wire.
    • Problems and Solutions:
      • 1 - If you are seating the COMBO Extension in a spot where an L2 or R2 is, where the main-button is currently using the wiring of L2/R2:
        • Swap the wiring of the main-button with the wiring of something that is not L2/R2. (This will require mapping your in-game inputs differently from the default options)
          OR
        • You can only duplicate the other L2/R2 input.
      • 2 - If you are seating the COMBO Extension in a spot that is not L2 or R2, but you are attempting to duplicate L2 or R2:
        • Duplicate a different input other than L2/R2. (This will require mapping your in-game inputs differently from the default options)
          OR
        • Swap the wires of the L2/R2 button you are duplicating with a non-L2/R2 input. You can continue to duplicate that specific button by doing this. (This will require mapping your in-game inputs differently from the default options)
  • All of the trigger inputs on HORI controllers (L1, L2, R1, R2) cannot be used during duplication easily 
    • General explanation: HORI's wiring is different from many manufacturers, where the wiring for triggers is affected directly by other wires.
    • Problems and Solutions:
      • 1 - If you are seating the COMBO Extension in a spot where an the triggers are, where the main-button is currently using the wiring of triggers:
        • Swap the wiring of the main-button with the wiring of something that is not the triggers. (This will require mapping your in-game inputs differently from the default options)
      • 2 - If you are seating the COMBO Extension in a spot that is not the triggers, but you are attempting to duplicate the triggers:
        • Duplicate a different input other than the triggers. (This will require mapping your in-game inputs differently from the default options)
          OR
        • Swap the wires of the trigger button you are duplicating with a non-trigger input. You can continue to duplicate that specific button by doing this. (This will require mapping your in-game inputs differently from the default options)
Safety, Parts, and Tools

First, make sure your controller is unplugged.

Second, you will need these parts:

      • COMBO Extension
      • Terminal block
        (for every two COMBO Extensions you are wiring, you will need one of these)
      • Terminal Splitter - one for each COMBO Extension you wish to install

Tools are not needed for this wiring, but having needle-nose pliers can help with if needed.

Instructions

1 – Disconnect the signal wire from the button you wish to duplicate.



2 – Use the Terminal Splitter



3 – Connect the Terminal Splitter to the button you wish to duplicate.



4 – Connect the original signal wire to the Terminal Splitter.



 

 

5 – Connect the exposed end of the Terminal Splitter wire into the Terminal Block.

 



6 - Connect the COMBO Extension wiring to the other end of the Terminal Block.

 

 

If you have any questions or need help with installation, please reach out to support@hitboxarcade.com or post in the #tech-support channel in our Discord.

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Connecting to Standard Terminals

Preliminary Information

The extended-button on the COMBO Extension does not have a connector that will work with standard terminals found in most arcade controllers.

In order to connect to these standard terminals, you can use a Terminal Splitter and Terminal Block to chain the connection.

Why use this method?

This method is for cases where duplicating another button does not fit your needs.

      • You wish to have better access to a specific bind instead of where it is currently located on your controller, and do not want to break any controller rulesets regarding multiple buttons (ie, CPT).
      • You wish to have remapping on the extended-button on the COMBO Extension for the Cross|Up without it being a duplicate button.
Safety, Parts, and Tools

First, make sure your controller is unplugged.

Second, you will need these parts:

      • COMBO Extension
      • Terminal block
        (for every two COMBO Extensions you are wiring, you will need one of these)
      • Terminal Splitter - one for each COMBO Extension you wish to install

Tools are not needed for this wiring, but having needle-nose pliers can help with if needed.

Instructions

1 - Use the Terminal Splitter.

2 - Connect the Splitter end of the Terminal Splitter to the terminal end of the signal wire you wish to use.

[image coming soon]

3 - Connect the exposed end of the Terminal Splitter wire into the Terminal Block.

4 - Connect the COMBO Extension wiring to the other end of the Terminal Block.

 

 

5 - Determine what you want to do with your now spare button.

      • If you wish to keep it as a 'dead' button, you do not need to do anything further.
        • We recommend this option if the game you compete in requires that buttons are not to be duplicated on the face of the controller (ie, CPT).
      • If you wish it to connect to L3, R3, or Touchpad:
        • Connect the button to a Terminal Block, similar to the Duplicate instructions.
        • Then connect it to L3, R3, or Touchpad depending on the controller you have. Use the Wiring hub to determine what will work best for you.
      • If you wish for it to duplicate another button:
        • Use the Duplicate instructions to connect the button to the Terminal Block and then connect it to another button.

 

If you have any questions or need help with installation, please reach out to support@hitboxarcade.com or post in the #tech-support channel in our Discord.

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Soldering to the board

Preliminary Information

If L3, R3, and Touchpad are accessible on your controller's board, then this is an available option to you.

We only recommend this option if you have a clear understanding of the board you are attempting to solder to and you have extensive soldering experience, otherwise we highly recommend that you reach out to your local, trusted controller modder to help you with this.

In addition, we recommend not soldering the COMBO Extension wire to your board but instead solder an extra wire to your board and then using the terminal block as a way to connect the COMBO Extension to that extra wire. This will ensure that the COMBO Extension can be uninstalled and replaced like other buttons in your controller.

The instructions below will help with preparing your installation process for soldering, but it will not provide soldering instructions.

Safety, Parts, and Tools

First, make sure your controller is unplugged.

Second, you will need these parts:

      • COMBO Extension
      • Terminal block
        (for every two COMBO Extensions you are wiring, you will need one of these)
      • Additional wiring - one wire for each COMBO Extension you wish to install
      • Controller board and soldering tools.

We recommend that you do not solder to your controller's board unless you have full understanding of the board in your controller and have extensive soldering experience. Otherwise, please contact your local, trusted controller modder for help.

Instructions

1 - Connect the COMBO Extension wiring to the other end of the Terminal Block.

2 - Connect the wire that is soldered to your controller's board to the other end of the Terminal Block.

 

 

If you have any questions or need help with installation, please reach out to support@hitboxarcade.com or post in the #tech-support channel in our Discord.

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Testing

Before you fully commit to playing and close your controller, please test your buttons.

 Below is a video clip of the testing process.

 

Testing on PC

If you have a Windows PC, we recommend using joy.cpl to test your buttons.

Search "joy.cpl" in the Windows search bar on your PC. (The search bar is usually in the bottom left or bottom center of your screen)

Select the "joy.cpl" program to open it. It should look something like this: 

 

Next, plug in your controller. It should populate into the joy.cpl window, and look something like this: 

 

Double-click on your controller to test your buttons.

When you press buttons on your controller, you will see the bindings in joy.cpl.

Use this information to ensure your installation process was a success.

Below are the bindings for buttons in joy.cpl for Hit Box and Cross|Up.

Hit Box

 

Cross|Up

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Testing in Training Mode

Your next best option will be to start the fighting game of your choice and going into its training mode.

Be sure to turn input display on, so you can determine what buttons are being pressed.

From there, you can confirm if your installation was a success.

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Troubleshooting

In this section we will go over some general issues you may come across during or after the installation process.

As always, if you ever need any help or support, please reach out to support@hitboxarcade.com or post in the #tech-support channel in our Discord.

Main-Button Customization

In case you didn't know, you can customize the main-button of the COMBO Extension the same way you can customize COMBO Buttons. Below are video clips of the process.

General Instructions

 

Installing Optimizer

 

 

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Button Output Issues

If you are having issues with your COMBO Extension not outputting properly, we have put together guidelines to deal with specific issues.

As you troubleshoot your output issue, you can reference each point in the list below to help resolve your issue.

Extension-button has no output

  • 1 - Swap the wires that are connected to the terminals on the main-button.
  • 2 - If that does not resolve the issue, then swap the wires back. Then:
  • 3 - Check which type of wire the Extension signal wire is connected to.
    • 3a - If it is connected to a ground wire, then disconnect that ground wire and replace it with a signal wire of your choice.
    • 3b - If it is connected to a signal wire, then retry the whole wiring process again. If the issue persists, please contact support@hitboxarcade.com.

Both buttons are outputting the same signal

  • 1 - Check which type of wire the Extension signal wire is connected to:
  • 2 - If it is connected to a ground wire, then disconnect that ground wire and replace it with a signal wire of your choice. Then:
    • 2a - Swap the wires that are connected to the terminals on the main-button.
  • 3 - If the Extension signal wire is connected to a signal wire from your controller, then ensure that it is the signal wire of your choice is connected.

Main-button has no output

  • 1 - Remove the wire that is connected to the signal-terminal on the main-button.
  • 2 - Connect a signal wire of your choice to that terminal.

Neither button has an output

  • 1 - Remove the wire that is connected to the signal-terminal on the main-button.
  • 2 - If that wire is a signal wire, then put it back onto the signal-terminal.
    • 2a - Disconnect the wire from of the ground-terminal.
    • 2b - Connect a ground wire to the ground-terminal on the main-button.
  • 3 - If the wire you disconnected from the signal-terminal is a ground wire:
    • 3a - Keep that ground wire disconnected.
    • 3b - Now connect a signal-wire of your choice to the signal-terminal.

Main-button is always active

Below is a graphic version of the information in this section.

If you have any questions or need help with installation, please reach out to support@hitboxarcade.com or post in the #tech-support channel in our Discord.

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Main-Button Always Active

If your main-button is always outputting without you pressing anything and continues to output when you do press on it, here is what we recommend you do.

  • 1 - With your controller still plugged in, removed the ring and plunger from the main-button. Instructions here: General Button Customization.
    • If the button is still outputting, ensure nothing is pressing against the switch at the bottom of the button housing. If nothing is pressing against it and it is still outputting, please contact support@hitboxarcade.com.
    • If the button stops outputting after removing the ring and plunger, then move on to the next step.
  • 2 - Determine if the PCB of the switch (the board that the microswitch is attached to) is seated properly into button housing.
    • Unplug your controller.
    • Uninstall the COMBO Extension from your controller.
    • If your PCB at the bottom looks like this:
      • Push down onto the switch on the inside of the button housing. 
      • Focus the pressure of your push on the side of the switch that is angled up. 
      • Push until you hear it click into place.
    • It should now look like this:

 

Video of the process above:

 

 

If you have any questions or need help with installation, please reach out to support@hitboxarcade.com or post in the #tech-support channel in our Discord.

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Extension (Square) Cap Installation

In the event that the square cap is removed from the extension-button, you will want to install it back on.

Before trying to install the square cap, check underneath the cap to see if any of the notches are damage. If they are damaged, please reach out to support@hitboxarcade.com.

Below is a close-up video of the square cap installation.

 

If you have any questions or need help with installation, please reach out to support@hitboxarcade.com or post in the #tech-support channel in our Discord.

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日本語の説明

 以下は、C.O.M.B.O. Extension の顧客がインストール プロセスを紹介したビデオです。

Hit Box Gen 4およびGen 5のインストール

完全な英語の手順は上記にあります: Hit Box Gen 4/5.

 

ボタンの複製

完全な英語の手順は上記にあります: Button Duplication.

 

English