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Upgrade Your Arcade1Up Countercade with a 60-in-1 Conversion Kit: A Practical Guide
Introduction: Expanding a Countercade’s Game Library with a 60-in-1 Conversion Kit
For arcade enthusiasts, the built-in game library of a Countercade is a great start, but it often leaves fans wanting more. The Arcade1Up Countercade 60 in 1 Conversion Kit Gen1 from DIY Retro Arcade is designed to unlock a wider catalog by swapping in a JAMMA-based board that runs a 60-game collection. This kit is described as a full kit, minus the monitor or LCD driver, and includes a speaker relocation, new speakers, a dedicated power supply, and the wiring harness necessary to tie everything together. Reading this guide will help you decide if this kit is right for your cabinet, understand what’s inside, and learn high-level steps for a safe upgrade.
What’s in the kit and what it changes
The kit is a complete upgrade package intended to work with a Countercade Gen1 cabinet. It includes parts designed to improve audio, control responsiveness, and the ability to run a 60-in-1 JAMMA board. The list of components helps ensure you have all the hardware you need to install and run the new board with a clean, reliable wiring harness. Here is what’s typically included:
- Speaker Relocation Kit
- 4" Speaker
- Power Supply
- EMI Filter with template
- Three Red Buttons | 2 White Buttons | 2 Small Buttons for Test & Service
- 35 cm "Shorty" 60 in 1 JAMMA Harness for Sanwa 5 Pin
- Genuine Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT 5 Pin Joystick
- VGA Cable
- PCB Feet
- 60 in 1 JAMMA Board
- Needed screws: 4 x #8-32 x 1/2", nuts and bolts for speakers; 2 x #6-32 x 3/4" for EMI filter; 2 x #8 x 3/8" for Sanwa joystick; 10 x #6 x 1/2" for power supply, PCB feet and elsewhere
What this means is that you are not simply swapping software. The kit is an integrated hardware upgrade that reuses the cabinet’s existing shell but reconfigures the control panel, audio path, and video input to enable a larger library of games. You’ll gain a modern joystick (the Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT), improved button layout options, and a JAMMA-compatible board that can host a broad selection of titles. Because the kit relies on a new JAMMA board rather than a built-in board, you should plan for vibration and sound alignment, as well as the potential need to relocate the speakers for optimal audio performance.
Compatibility and prerequisites
Before committing to an upgrade, it’s essential to confirm compatibility with your specific cabinet model. The Arcade1Up Countercade Gen1 is the intended target for this particular kit, and the wiring harness is designed around its panel dimensions and connector locations. If you own a different generation Countercade or a related cabinet, you’ll want to verify that the harness length and button layout match your hardware. In addition, since this is a 60-in-1 JAMMA-based solution, you’ll be relying on a separate game board to drive play, so it’s important to ensure that your cabinet’s monitor is compatible with VGA input, or that you’re prepared to route the signal via the board’s output method, and that your LCD driver remains separate as the kit specifies.
Other prerequisites include: a basic level of comfort with cabinet hardware, a workspace that allows you to disconnect power safely, and a willingness to manage cabling and cable routing in a way that reduces stress on connectors. If you’re replacing connectors or re-routing the speaker wires, take care to avoid short circuits or pinching wires that can lead to future problems. As with any electronics upgrade, following the kit’s template for EMI filtering and proper grounding will improve reliability and reduce noise.
What matters when choosing a conversion kit
When evaluating a 60-in-1 conversion kit for a Countercade, focus on a few key attributes that affect both performance and long-term reliability. The following criteria help you separate solid kits from ones that may introduce fitment or compatibility issues:
- Build quality and hardware fidelity: Are components solidly designed, with robust mounting points for the joystick and buttons? A kit built around a genuine Sanwa joystick and well-constructed cables will stand up to frequent button mashing and long-term use.
- Wiring harness and connector compatibility: The harness should be long enough to reach from the JAMMA board to the control panel without forcing you to strain wires. Check that the harness connectors align with your panel’s button layout and that color-coding or labeling makes wiring intuitive.
- Video and audio integration: A dedicated VGA/Video cable and an efficient speaker arrangement reduce lag and ensure clean audio. A kit that includes a speaker relocation kit helps preserve cabinet acoustics without crowding the control area.
- Power management and EMI filtering: A stable power supply paired with an EMI filter helps prevent hum, noise, and stray currents that can affect both video and sound output. Template guides for mounting the EMI filter make installation more straightforward.
- Replacement parts availability and support: If you rely on a third-party kit, confirm that replacement parts are accessible and that there’s sufficient documentation or vendor support in case you run into compatibility questions.
In short, a quality kit should integrate cleanly with the Countercade’s existing shell, offer a reliable gaming board, and provide straightforward installation steps. It should avoid forcing you into tricky wiring bends or creating interference with the cabinet’s original electronics. If a kit checks these boxes, you’ll likely enjoy a more versatile arcade experience without sacrificing cabinet integrity.
Installation overview: a high-level road map
Rather than providing a step-by-step manual for soldering or tool-by-tool instructions, here is a high-level framework you can use to approach the upgrade safely and methodically. If you’re unsure about any step, consult the kit’s documentation or seek assistance from a qualified technician or an experienced arcade hobbyist.
- Prepare your workspace and power down: Unplug the cabinet from any power source and remove the back panel to access the control board, speaker space, and panel wiring. Have a clean workspace with containers for small parts so screws and connectors don’t get misplaced.
- Document current wiring: Take photos of the existing wiring before you disconnect anything. This helps you retrace your steps if something doesn’t align with the new kit’s layout.
- Disassemble or reposition as needed: Depending on your cabinet design, you may need to relocate the stock speaker wiring to make room for the new speaker or reposition the control panel layout to accommodate the 60-in-1 board and JAMMA harness. The goal is to minimize cable tension and avoid crimping any wires.
- Install the JAMMA board and harness: Connect the 60-in-1 JAMMA board to the Sanwa joystick, buttons, and game harness. Ensure pins are seated properly and that the harness is routed away from sharp edges or moving parts.
- Route power and audio connections: Attach the power supply to the cabinet’s internal power rail if applicable, then connect the EMI filter and speaker lines as described by the kit. Keep wires orderly and secured with cable ties or clips to prevent interference with gameplay.
- Test in stages: Before finishing assembly, check video output, sound, and button functionality in sections. A successful test will confirm that the board, joystick, and buttons respond to input correctly and that the video signal is stable.
- Final assembly and calibration: Reassemble the cabinet shell, re-secure the back panel, and perform final joystick calibration and button mapping. Many kits offer configuration guides to help you set up the control mapping for the 60 games included on the JAMMA board.
Testing, calibration, and daily-use tips
Once the kit is installed, you’ll want to go through calibration to ensure the joystick and buttons respond consistently. For Sanwa joysticks, precise neutral position alignment and sensitivity tuning will improve accuracy in fighting games or platformers alike. Map the buttons to the control scheme you prefer and test across several genres to catch any mismatches early. If you notice lag, it may be related to video cable routing, HDMI/VGA adapter quality, or power stability. In many cases, simply reseating connectors and securing cables away from the cabinet’s moving parts can reduce glitches.
Troubleshooting common issues
Despite careful planning, you may encounter issues after installation. Here are common problems and quick-fix approaches:
- No video or a blank screen: Verify that the JAMMA board is seated correctly, the VGA or video cable is connected firmly, and that the cabinet’s monitor input is configured to the correct source. Check any adapter or driver components to ensure compatibility with the new board.
- No sound or distorted audio: Confirm that the speaker wires are connected to the correct terminals on the JAMMA board, and that the EMI filter is properly seated. A misrouted speaker wire can mute audio entirely.
- Unresponsive buttons or joystick: Recheck the button wiring, ensure that the harness matches the button layout, and reseat the Sanwa joystick plug. Some boards require a calibration routine or a mapping step in the game menu.
- Power instability: If the cabinet dims or resets during play, verify the power supply rating and connections. Overloading the original cabinet power rail can cause voltage drops; a dedicated or upgraded supply may be necessary.
Maintenance and care
Maintaining a converted Countercade is mostly about keeping the wiring tidy and protecting electronics from dust and moisture. Regularly inspect connectors for signs of wear, clean dust from inside the cabinet, and re-seal any gaskets around the display if your cabinet uses a glass panel. If you relocate components, recheck cable ties occasionally to ensure nothing has loosened during transportation or gameplay. A little preventive care goes a long way toward preserving performance and minimizing downtime.
Safety notes and ethics of upgrades
Upgrading a cabinet like the Countercade is a hobby that can be rewarding but also risky if not done responsibly. Always unplug power before opening any cabinet, and avoid working inside the cabinet while it is plugged in. Use anti-static precautions when handling boards and connectors. If your goal is to reuse or resell the cabinet later, document the changes you’ve made and preserve the cabinet’s original parts where feasible. Remember that some kits may affect warranty coverage, so review the vendor’s terms and your own warranty expectations before proceeding.
Conclusion: a richer arcade experience, with careful planning
Upgrading a Countercade with a 60-in-1 conversion kit can dramatically increase your game library while preserving the cabinet’s classic style. The key is to evaluate compatibility, choose a kit with solid hardware and wiring, and follow a high-level plan that emphasizes safe handling and clean cable management. With the right approach, you’ll enjoy more titles, improved controls, and a more robust arcade setup that remains faithful to the original cabinet’s spirit.
