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How to Mod Rapid Fire to a PS3 Controller

The game controller that comes with the PlayStation 3 is a solid and dependable performer. What it lacks is a rapid-fire button so you can mow down your opponents in games where the speed of shooting is more important than accuracy. You can modify, or "mod" the PS3 controller so that it will have rapid fire capabilities. The modification will require opening the controller and installing a special circuit board that you can purchase from a PlayStation parts supply store. No special electronic skill is needed other than being proficient with a soldering iron. The PlayStation 3 console is not altered in any way.

Things You'll Need

Towel
Rapid fire mod board
Phillips jeweler's screwdriver
Electric wire
Wire cutters
Wire strippers
Soldering iron
Solder
Pliers
Bonding glue

Instructions

- 1
  Put the towel down on a table. Put the PS3 controller face down on the towel. Remove the screws from the back of the PS3 controller using the Phillips jeweler's screwdriver.
- 2
  Scratch off the serial sticker. Remove the screw beneath the sticker with the Phillips jeweler's screwdriver. Carefully pull the back off of the front of the PS3 controller. Turn the back over and put it down on the towel with the electronic components facing upward.
- 3
  Cut four pieces of 6-inch electric wire with the wire cutters. Strip the insulation off of both ends using the wire strippers.
- 4
  Solder the end of one wire to the GRND-labeled contact on the rapid fire mod board. Solder one end of a wire to the 5 Volts-labeled contact on the rapid fire mod board.
- 5
  Solder the other end of the wire attached to the GRND contact to the left most contact on the circuit board inside of the front case of the PS3 controller that is to the right of the silver screw attached to the black plastic insert. Solder the other end of the wire attached to the 5 Volts contact to the right most contact on the circuit board inside of the front case of the PS3 controller that is to the left of the silver screw attached to the black plastic insert.
- 6
  Solder the end of one wire to the Left trigger-labeled contact on the rapid fire mod board. Solder one end of a wire to the Right trigger-labeled contact on the rapid fire mod board.
- 7
  Solder the other end of the wire attached to the Left trigger contact to the center contact of the three contacts lined up vertically beneath the Left trigger plastic insert at the left of the PS3 controller.
- 8
  Solder the other end of the wire attached to the Right trigger contact to the center contact of the three contacts lined up vertically beneath the Right trigger plastic insert at the right of the PS3 controller.
- 9
  Push out the two green buttons from the front case of the PS3 controller. Place them on the two posts that are side by side on the rapid fire mod board.
- 10
  Use the pliers to pull out the post from the front shell that partially covers the button holes where you took the two green buttons out.
- 11
  Place the rapid fire mod board inside the front of the PS3 controller on the left side. Secure the rapid fire mod board by applying some bonding glue to each side. Let the bonding glue set.
- 12
  Reassemble the PS3 controller.

PlayStation 3