Alpha Manual

Overview

The SGF Alpha is a high performance premium stickless controller running the GP2040-CE firmware (https://gp2040-ce.info/) and is compatible with many modern consoles and computers. It comes pre-configured with all necessary firmware and SOCD cleaning.

Firmware updating is not recommended unless you need a new GP2040-CE feature. We never ship with firmware with any known issues, and updating firmware can introduce instability if done improperly or impact previous feature sets.

For questions about software configuration, firmware updates, and software support, please refer to the GP2040-CE documentation at https://gp2040-ce.info/#/usage 

Layout

Changing Input Method (PC/Switch/PS3/PS4/PS5)

Using the layout as noted above, hold the following buttons while plugging in the controller to change the input method. Note: this is saved across plug/unplug cycles.

Cross (X) - Switch

Circle - Xinput/PC

Square - DirectInput/PS3

Triangle - PS4/PS5* See details about PS4/PS5 compatibility

R2 - Keyboard emulation

Usage with PS4/PS5

When using with PS4/PS5, the proper input mode must be selected when plugging in (see above). After selecting proper input mode, the PS/HOME button must be pressed to choose the user profile before the controller can be used.

Without the use of a proper authentication device in the USB passthru port (see details below), the controller will time out on PS4/PS5 after approximately 8 minutes of use.

PS5 mode only works with games that support PS4 arcade sticks. This includes all popular fighting games and many others, but not every PS5 game. It does work with every PS4 game when played on PS5.

For the most up-to-date resource on compatible passthru authentication devices, see the GP2040-CE documentation. In general, the following devices can be used for each platform:

PS4	Any licensed PS4 controller/arcade stick Mayflash Magicboots PS4 Mayflash Magic-S Pro 2 Brook Wingman XE2 Any of the devices listed for PS5 below
PS5	Any licensed PS4 arcade stick only (standard controllers will not work, nor will PS5 licensed devices) Mayflash Magicboots PS4 v1.1 ONLY Mayflash Magic-S Ultimate with beta firmware ONLY Brook Wingman FGC PS5 licensed devices will not work

 

3.5mm External Input Port

The 3.5mm port can be used to connect external inputs to the L3 and R3 signals on the controller. Any digital switch can be used. Analog signals are not supported.

To send the button press signal, the switch should connect either the "left" or "right" (depending on whether the switch is L3 or R3) signal to the GROUND signal on the 3.5mm cable. No diodes or resistors are required. Adapters/converters for things like 3.5mm>RCA, 3.5mm>1/4in should work, but we're unable to test all of them.

Please note that tournament rules change often -- you are responsible for ensuring that use of external switches is allowed under your particular tournament rules. Many tournaments will require the use of the lockout switch to remain in compliance.

Lockout Switch

The small switch on the top of the controller near the USB-C port can be used for Tournament Lockout Mode. This mode physically disconnects the 6 option buttons (START, SELECT, HOME, TOUCHPAD, L3, R3) from the controller. This can prevent accidental presses in tournament play, and may allow for those buttons to be remapped to external inputs depending on tournament regulations.

Changing Directional Behavior

Using the layout above, hold the following buttons at any time to change the directional input behavior. Note: this is saved across plug/unplug cycles.
SELECT+START+LEFT - Left Analog Stick Emulation
SELECT+START+RIGHT - Right Analog Stick Emulation
SELECT+START+DOWN - Digital Dpad

Changing SOCD Modes

FAUST ships with Neutral SOCD as the default setting (U+D=none). Other settings can be chosen in the web config or with the following key combinations. Note: this is saved across plug/unplug cycles.

START+HOME+UP - Up Priority (U+D = U)
START+HOME+DOWN - Neutral (U+D = none, default)
START+HOME+LEFT - Last Input Priority (most recently pressed input is active)

Changing RGB LED Patterns

Using the layout above, hold the following buttons at any time to change the RGB LED behavior. Note: this is saved across plug/unplug cycles.

SELECT + START + SQUARE	Next Animation
SELECT + START + CROSS	Previous Animation
SELECT + START + TRIANGLE	Brightness Up
SELECT + START + CIRCLE	Brightness Down
SELECT + START + R1	Animation Parameter Up
SELECT + START + R2	Animation Parameter Down
SELECT + START + L1	Pressed Parameter Up
SELECT + START + L2	Pressed Parameter Down

Customizing RGB LED themes

To customize your RGB theme, please see the GP2040-CE documentation.

 

Disassembly Video

Plate Disassembly

PCB Removal

After removing the front plate with PCB attached, simply pull the PCB away from the switches and front plate gently, starting on the left and right sides.

Switch Removal

After removing the PCB from the front plate, simply push the switches with caps attached from the back out of the front plate assembly.

Cap Removal

After removing the switch from the front plate assembly, gently pull the switch and cap apart by hand or with the assistance of tweezers.

Switch Surround Removal

We advise against removing the switch surrounds, as they can be damaged if too much force is applied. If you have a specific need to remove them, please contact us for advice.

Configuration

The web configurator can be accessed by holding the START button while plugging in the controller to a PC, then navigating to http://192.168.7.1/ in a browser on the computer. Full reference for configuration options can be found at https://gp2040-ce.info/#/web-configurator. Note that changing values in the configurator may cause functionality issues. It is recommended to only adjust SOCD settings.