4TW Fightstick Case Assembly Guide
(Updated 9/10/2024)

General Notes:

Do not overtighten any of the screws. Do not use power tools to avoid damage.
Before you begin, It is recommended to plan your wiring before you start building. Place the PCB where you would like to install it and check and measure all your cables to make sure they reach the intended connections.
Join our Discord server for help and support: https://discord.gg/Ztf9DhM - There is a specific 4TW Channel for questions and community support.

All Acrylic pieces are covered with a paper protective film. Color may vary depending on the acrylic vendor. The paper may also have some markings written on it from the acrylic vendor. It is suggested to leave the film on each piece until you are ready to use the specific piece. Remove the paper protective film AWAY from your printed artwork since it can potentially stick on your prints and ruin your artwork.
The Black Acrylic for the 4TW is typically Half Matte / Half Shiny Black. When assembling the case, have the Matte Black side facing outward. Depending on availability of this type of acrylic, some 4TW DIY cases may come with Shiny black acrylic on both sides.
You may notice an odor from the laser cutting process. This is completely normal and will dissipate over a few days.
You can carefully use high grit sandpaper, a paper nail file (smooth side), or a card scraper to reduce the sharpness of the acrylic edges.
When not in use, keep your 4TW enclosure in a room temperature setting. Extreme heat may warp the acrylics (such as direct sunlight, or on top of heat vents, etc).
This document is in progress and will be updated periodically. Feedback is welcome.

Tools Needed:

Follow along via this video:
https://youtu.be/2KaJxMZI2FQ

STEP 1 - Assemble Side Panels

Assemble Button Sides:

Assemble Front Panel:

Assemble Rear Panel (USB Port Side):

STEP 2 - Top Support Panel

Prep Top Support Panel:

Install PCB:

If you plan on using a Brook or RP2040 Advanced Breakout Board PCB, you can install the PCB via the provided holes using two #4-40 flat Nuts/Bolts/Acrylic washers.

Install Joystick (skip this step if using a Stickless model):

For Joystick Models, Install the Joystick in the appropriate mounting holes via four #6-32 flat Nuts/Bolts/Washers.

Install Artwork (skip if you do not have artwork):

Install Top Acrylic Cover:

Remove protective paper film from both sides
Align Top Acrylic Cover to the Artwork (if available) and Top Support Panel
Secure with one #6-32 pan screw and one Stand-Off on each corner. It is recommended to finger tighten each bolt for now.

Install Buttons:

Carefully install buttons in the appropriate holes. For snap-in buttons, take note of the tabs as they can rip your artwork if you do not carefully install.

Install Ball-top/Bat-top and Shaft / Dust Covers (for joystick models only):

Install Dust Cover and Shaft Cover to the joystick shaft.
Finger tighten Ball-Top/Bat-Top to the joystick shaft. Tighten and secure via a flat-head screwdriver on the opposite side of the shaft.

Wiring:

Wire Joystick, All Buttons, Internal USB Cable, Touch Pad/L3/R3 harness, etc to PCB.

*If you are using the 20-Pin connector, Figure 1 (Top Left) is the standard orientation for Sanwa/Seimitsu Levers.

STEP 3 - Install Side Panels

Install Side Panels:

Follow along here: https://youtu.be/fJOmxmur29Y
The side panels are interlocking pieces that form a rectangle.
Align the side panels tabs with the notches on the top support panel until they are flush.
Please note that the sides will be loose until the bottom support panel is installed. The notches are slightly bigger that the side panels to allow for variances and a slight flex to avoid damage.
Focus on making sure all the Side Panel tabs are positioned into the Top Support Panel’s slots. You will use the Bottom Support Panel to lock them together.

STEP 4 - Bottom Support Panel

Install Bottom Support Panel:

Align the notches of the Bottom Support Panel notches to the tabs of the side panels. DO NOT USE EXCESSIVE FORCE.

Install Artwork (skip if you do not have artwork):

Lay down artwork on top of the of the Bottom Support Panel
Align Bottom Acrylic Cover to the Artwork (if available) and Bottom Support Panel

Install Rubber Feet:

Secure each Rubber Foot with one #6-32 flat screw to the Stand-Offs you already installed on each corner. Do not overtighten as it can damage the foot.

STEP 5 - Bottom Cushion(s) (Optional)

Install Bottom Cushion(s):

Align the foam cushion to the bottom panel. Start by peeling and folding back one side of the adhesive. Once aligned, secure the exposed side first and slowly peel back the rest of adhesive from underneath, securing as you go.

Watch the Tutorial:
https://youtu.be/lTebIuIm5-c?si=-Prm3pUETmrHz0NG&t=131

Install included paper shims inside slots of the bottom panel to avoid squeaking noises from the adhesive of the cushions touching the side panels (see build video: https://youtu.be/2KaJxMZI2FQ).
If you have split Cushions, install one of each side.

REFERENCE BUILD VIDEOS: