bit BANG GAMING PASTA

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Summary

Manual Icons

Note Icon Usage

Highlights information that should be remembered about a topic.

Tip Icon Usage

Indicates a suggestion or shortcut that can provide a benefit.

Warning Icon Usage

Alerts users to situations requiring extreme caution and awareness.

Product Overview

Overview

Describes the PASTA Board's purpose and compatibility with control boards.

Connectivity Features

Details retained functions and wiring capabilities of the PASTA board.

Installation Procedure

Removing the Stock Board

Step-by-step instructions for disassembling the original board.

Mounting the PASTA Board

Instructions for positioning and securing the new PASTA board.

Mounting the Control Board

Steps for attaching the control board using provided spacers and screws.

Connecting the Control Board

Guides the user through connecting various harnesses to the control board.

Troubleshooting Guide

Troubleshooting No Power

Provides steps to diagnose and resolve issues related to power not being applied.

Troubleshooting Button;LED Signals

Offers solutions for problems where buttons or LEDs do not respond correctly.

Troubleshooting Latency

Clarifies that latency issues are due to the control board, not the breakout board.

Additional Information

Support and Resources

Provides contact details and links for support and community resources.

Revision History

Lists changes and updates made to the manual across different revisions.

The PASTA Board is a breakout board designed for the Razer Panthera PS3/PS4 arcade stick, enabling users to convert their setup to use any compatible control board, such as those from Brook LLC or Bit Bang Gaming LLC. This product is a collaborative project between Bit Bang Gaming LLC and the FGC (Fighting Game Community), born from a request by a community member named Gemini, who provided his stick for the research and development process and gathered input from other FGC members. Unlike some other similar products on the market that are limited to specific Brook PCBs, the PASTA Board is designed for broader compatibility, working with any Brook PCB model and any future Bit Bang Gaming PCB control boards.

Function Description:

The primary function of the PASTA Board is to act as an intermediary between the Razer Panthera's existing wiring and a new, user-supplied control board. It allows for a seamless conversion while retaining most of the original functionality of the arcade stick.

Usage Features:

The PASTA Board simplifies the conversion process by providing connectivity for various components of the Razer Panthera:

Main Button Inputs: It retains the functions of the main button inputs, including 1P, 2P, 3P, 4P, 1K, 2K, 3K, 4K, LEFT, RIGHT, DOWN, UP, START, SELECT, and HOME.
Secondary Buttons: The functions of secondary buttons like TPKEY, TURBO, L3, and R3 are also retained.
Player LEDs: The player LEDs will continue to function as intended.
Stick Mode: The stick mode functionality (LS, DP, RS) is preserved.
Lock Switch: The lock switch, which typically applies to START, SELECT, and HOME buttons, remains functional.
Turbo Button and LED: The original PS3/PS4 slide switch is repurposed as a turbo button, and the case LED on the latch button is repurposed as a turbo LED.
USB Connectivity: USB wiring is handled via a 5-pin terminal block. The USB connection to the control board is made using a dedicated USB port on the PASTA Board and an included short USB cable.
PS5 Upgrade Kit Compatibility: The board includes a mounting method compatible with Brook PCBs designed for PS5 upgrade kits.

Important Technical Specifications:

While specific electrical specifications like voltage and current ratings are not explicitly detailed in the provided manual, the board is designed to integrate with the existing low-voltage electrical systems of the Razer Panthera and compatible control boards. The manual emphasizes the importance of proper wiring and polarity, suggesting that the board operates with +3.3V for certain connections like the player LEDs.

Installation Process Highlights:

The installation process involves several steps, including:

Removing the Stock Board: This requires unscrewing the plastic case, carefully removing glue that secures the stock board, unplugging all connectors, and de-soldering or snipping the USB wires.
Preparing USB Wires: The USB wires need to be stripped back for connection to the PASTA Board's terminal block.
Mounting the PASTA Board: The PASTA Board is positioned where the stock board was, aligning with rubber mounting grommets and secured with screws saved from the previous step.
Connecting USB Wires: The stripped USB wires are guided into the terminal block on the PASTA Board and secured by screwing them in. A tip is provided to tug each wire to ensure proper installation.
Connecting Ribbon Cables: A 20-pin ribbon cable, included with the PASTA Board, must be plugged in before mounting the control board.
Connecting USB Cable: A short USB cable, also included, is plugged into the PASTA Board.
Connecting Case Harnesses: Various harnesses from the Razer Panthera case are plugged into the PASTA Board, including:
- 1P, 2P, 3P, 4P, 1K, 2K, 3K, 4K button cables, START, SELECT buttons, and case LED harnesses. The manual highlights the importance of observing the arrow and orientation for these connections.
- Touchpad surface and joystick harnesses. A warning is given not to swap these connections.
- Player LEDs, L3, R3, TPKEY, HOME, LOCK, PS3/PS4 switch, LS, DP, RS harnesses. A crucial warning is provided regarding the orientation of this connection due to +3.3V being sent from the PASTA Board.
- Turbo harness.
- TPKEY \ L3 \ R3 harness. A note warns against accidentally plugging this into the turbo port.
- Stick mode harness. A note clarifies that for Brook boards, a specific 4-pin header next to the right-angle header will be used, and an extra harness will be left over.
Mounting the Control Board: The user's chosen control board is mounted onto the PASTA Board using included spacers and screws, tightened with an Allen wrench.
Final USB Connection: The USB cable is plugged into the control board.
Clean Up and Test: After all connections are made, the area should be cleaned, inspected, and the device tested.

Maintenance Features:

The manual itself serves as a guide for installation and troubleshooting, which can be considered a form of maintenance support. It provides guidance on:

Troubleshooting No Power: Suggestions include ensuring power wires are not reversed, in the correct port, screw terminals are tight, and enough insulation is stripped from the conductor.
Troubleshooting No Button Signal or LED Signals: Recommendations include ensuring all cables are plugged into the correct location and that cables without keyed connections are in the correct orientation.
Latency: The manual clarifies that the PASTA Board itself introduces no latency, and any perceived latency would be due to the control board used.

Safety and Modding Disclaimer:

The manual includes a comprehensive safety and modding disclaimer, emphasizing that the product requires basic knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems. It lists several precautions:

Always wear safety glasses.
Use the right tool for the right job.
Work in a well-ventilated area.
Treat electricity with respect.
Always disconnect power while modding.
Use a fuse with battery mods and ensure charging/protection circuits are in place for rechargeable batteries.
Double-check polarity with documentation or a multimeter.
Do not start modding without confidence; seek help from the community or Bit Bang Gaming.

The disclaimer also states that Bit Bang Gaming is not responsible for damage from improper installation practices and that by continuing with the manual, the user accepts the risks and confirms proficiency in installation. It encourages users to have fun and seek help from the friendly modding community.

Support and Community:

Bit Bang Gaming provides multiple channels for support and community engagement:

Website: www.bitbanggaming.com
Discord: https://discord.gg/dNSgxEY
Twitter: @BitBangGaming
Email: bbg@bitbanggaming.com
Facebook: fb.com/bitbanggaming

The manual also includes a "Tip" icon that points to a YouTube video for learning how to use a multi-meter, which is helpful for troubleshooting. The document revision notes indicate ongoing updates to the manual based on user feedback and to improve the installation process.