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Building an arcade stick: And So Can You!

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Posts

  • HounHoun Registered User regular
    edited April 2009
    No, it's on constantly, even with the button disconnected. It's something in the way I wired it up.

    Houn on
  • DaedalusDaedalus Registered User regular
    edited April 2009
    Hey, so I want to make a custom twin sticks controller for Virtual On, now that it hit the 360. Problem is that the only suitable joystick I found was this one: http://happcontrols.com/joysticks/50997000.htm

    It costs $126, and I'd need two. So that's clearly not happening.

    Does anyone know of any other eight-way two-button joystick that doesn't cost $TEXAS?

    Daedalus on
  • whitey9whitey9 Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Houn wrote: »
    No, it's on constantly, even with the button disconnected. It's something in the way I wired it up.

    One of my buttons was registered as "on" because I had a microscopic bead of solder shorting the button out. I unsoldered it and then put it back on and it was fixed.

    What method did you use to make the triggers work. It looks like you used the same PCB as mine (2007 Madcatz) and I got mine to work with no extra parts. Did you use the resistor method?

    whitey9 on
    llcoolwhitey.png
  • HounHoun Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Yeah, the problem was I was using a board that needed something more complicated than the single resistor method. I ended up using the Transistor Method from Shoryuken:
    Trigger one with labels:
    StickOne_PCB_Trigger_Take2_02_L.jpg

    Triger Two:
    StickOne_PCB_Trigger_Take2_01.jpg

    And, of course, my daughter testing it out:
    StickOne_Shoebox3.jpg

    Houn on
  • darkgruedarkgrue Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    I didn't build an arcade stick, I built a supergun, but I thought I'd share it here:
    th_IMG_0336.jpg th_IMG_0338.jpg th_IMG_0341.jpg

    Used a 130W Happ power supply, JRok v4.1 RGB encoder, a 2-channel high-to-low converter (to bring the amplified speaker levels down to line level). It's set up as a full JAMMA+ harness.

    The joysticks (which are out of frame) I'm using are from a MAS Supernova. I haven't yet set up the kick harness cables - I'm going to be adding an 8-pin DIN socket next to the JAMMA cable and set up different cables for different kick harnesses.

    darkgrue on
  • MandresMandres Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Is there not a commercially made encoder that works with the X360? For the PC/Mame there are several different options like the I-pac and the Keywiz (http://retroblast.arcadecontrols.com/reviews/keywiz.html). Hacking up a controller seems like such a hassle when you can just buy an encoder and wire it up with crimp-on connectors.

    Mandres on
  • HounHoun Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Nope. MS keeps their stuff locked down and secret. To my knowledge, no one has been able to hack their peripheral security, thus, padhacking it is.

    Houn on
  • DaedalusDaedalus Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Mandres wrote: »
    Is there not a commercially made encoder that works with the X360? For the PC/Mame there are several different options like the I-pac and the Keywiz (http://retroblast.arcadecontrols.com/reviews/keywiz.html). Hacking up a controller seems like such a hassle when you can just buy an encoder and wire it up with crimp-on connectors.

    Xbox 360 controllers all have a special authorization chip on them. Controllers will not work without this chip, so unlicensed controllers do not exist.

    There are encoding-type devices for every other console, though. I discussed this earlier, I think.

    Daedalus on
  • MandresMandres Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Ahh, I see. Well that certainly blows

    Mandres on
  • HounHoun Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Mandres wrote: »
    Ahh, I see. Well that certainly blows

    It's not so bad. Hacking apart the MadCatz was actually pretty fun.

    Houn on
  • ShadowrunnerShadowrunner Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    I was on the fence about making my own stick, but the idea of putting it in a shoebox has completely sold me on the idea.

    Shadowrunner on
  • joshgotrojoshgotro Deviled Egg The Land of REAL CHILIRegistered User regular
    edited May 2009
    I want to do this.

    Problem #1. Never touched an iron for soldering.

    joshgotro on
  • HounHoun Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    joshgotro wrote: »
    I want to do this.

    Problem #1. Never touched an iron for soldering.

    http://www.slagcoin.com/joystick/pcb_wiring.html#SOLDERING

    The most important part is to remember that the fucker is hot as fuck, and will burn the shit out of you.

    I got my first soldering iron when I was 15 or so, and one of the first few times I'd used it, I unplugged it, forgot it was still hot, and promptly picked it up by the metal.

    It still has my fingerprints burned onto the side of it to this day.

    Houn on
  • shadydentistshadydentist Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    I was on the fence about making my own stick, but the idea of putting it in a shoebox has completely sold me on the idea.

    Putting it in a shoebox works somewhat, but is not a good long-term solution as the shoebox slowly breaks down.

    If you really want to go low-budget, use a tupperware container.

    shadydentist on
    Steam & GT
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  • DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited May 2009
    Houn wrote: »
    joshgotro wrote: »
    I want to do this.

    Problem #1. Never touched an iron for soldering.

    http://www.slagcoin.com/joystick/pcb_wiring.html#SOLDERING

    The most important part is to remember that the fucker is hot as fuck, and will burn the shit out of you.

    I got my first soldering iron when I was 15 or so, and one of the first few times I'd used it, I unplugged it, forgot it was still hot, and promptly picked it up by the metal.

    It still has my fingerprints burned onto the side of it to this day.

    Also, less is more. Get a really narrow gauge solder. Tin your wires (put a fine coat of solder on them) before you try to connect them to the board. This is a great project to learn soldering on. If you are worried, do all the arcade buttons first. The penalty for failure there is really low.

    Doc on
  • DaedalusDaedalus Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    joshgotro wrote: »
    I want to do this.

    Problem #1. Never touched an iron for soldering.

    The soldering is truly the easiest part.

    Daedalus on
  • shadydentistshadydentist Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    And the box is truly the most aggravating part.

    shadydentist on
    Steam & GT
    steam_sig.png
    GT: Tanky the Tank
    Black: 1377 6749 7425
  • ImprovoloneImprovolone Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    I will build so many awesome boxes, plexi, metal, wood, whatever, for anyone whose gonna wire it for me.

    Improvolone on
    Voice actor for hire. My time is free if your project is!
  • DocDoc Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited May 2009
    I will build so many awesome boxes, plexi, metal, wood, whatever, for anyone whose gonna wire it for me.

    This would be a pretty good racket, if shipping were less of an issue. You both split costs on materials and components, you each get a box, and both people just do what they are good at.

    Doc on
  • ImprovoloneImprovolone Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Media mail... a box is media, right?

    Improvolone on
    Voice actor for hire. My time is free if your project is!
  • LoveIsUnityLoveIsUnity Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    It is if you print out a one page short story for the box to protect. Right?

    This is a project I'm going to work on this summer, particularly since everything fell in to place. I have a friend who is really big on building arcade cabinets, and he basically could provide joystick parts for the entire forum for a long time to come. He gave me an 8 way joystick and enough buttons to make a 360 stick.

    I have a couple of questions for you fine people --

    1) Is there anyway to tell what types of parts I have? I think I have Haap products based on an online search of joystick buttons, but I'm not sure. Is there a model number somewhere on the joystick and buttons that I could look up? I looked earlier, but I didn't see anything.

    2) Does it even matter that I don't know what type of parts I have?

    LoveIsUnity on
    steam_sig.png
  • AiranAiran Registered User regular
    edited June 2009
    WISE FROM YOUR GWAVE

    Exams are nearly over, so I've been shifting gears upwards to building a custom joystick. Great journal Daedalus, you've proved that it can be done even without all of the ideal tools and materials :)

    I've a pressing question though - the Mad Catz pad, there is marked a +5v pin. What am I supposed to wire that to?

    [edit] Just found out my uncles' soldering iron requires a fucking car battery to run. God.

    Airan on
    paDudSig.jpg
  • DaedalusDaedalus Registered User regular
    edited June 2009
    Airan wrote: »
    WISE FROM YOUR GWAVE

    Exams are nearly over, so I've been shifting gears upwards to building a custom joystick. Great journal Daedalus, you've proved that it can be done even without all of the ideal tools and materials :)

    I've a pressing question though - the Mad Catz pad, there is marked a +5v pin. What am I supposed to wire that to?

    [edit] Just found out my uncles' soldering iron requires a fucking car battery to run. God.

    You probably don't need to wire that to anything. If you have a stick that needs power input (like the Happ Perfect360), you connect it to that. If you have some LEDs you want to use, connect it to them (after making sure to get the resistance right, otherwise they won't L anymore).

    Daedalus on
  • joshgotrojoshgotro Deviled Egg The Land of REAL CHILIRegistered User regular
    edited June 2009
    Doc wrote: »
    I will build so many awesome boxes, plexi, metal, wood, whatever, for anyone whose gonna wire it for me.

    This would be a pretty good racket, if shipping were less of an issue. You both split costs on materials and components, you each get a box, and both people just do what they are good at.

    Guys. I have these bags of money. Who wants to build me one?

    joshgotro on
  • Folken FanelFolken Fanel anime af When's KoFRegistered User regular
    edited June 2009
    joshgotro wrote: »
    Doc wrote: »
    I will build so many awesome boxes, plexi, metal, wood, whatever, for anyone whose gonna wire it for me.

    This would be a pretty good racket, if shipping were less of an issue. You both split costs on materials and components, you each get a box, and both people just do what they are good at.

    Guys. I have these bags of money. Who wants to build me one?

    pff.. I do too. My bags have dollar signs on them. I'm also willing to pay for someone to build me a custom stick for me.

    Folken Fanel on
    Twitter: Folken_fgc Steam: folken_ XBL: flashg03 PSN: folken_PA SFV: folken_
    Dyvim Tvar wrote: »
    Characters I hate:

    Everybody @Folken Fanel plays as.
  • joshgotrojoshgotro Deviled Egg The Land of REAL CHILIRegistered User regular
    edited June 2009
    My bags says Brinks.

    joshgotro on
  • Folken FanelFolken Fanel anime af When's KoFRegistered User regular
    edited June 2009
    joshgotro wrote: »
    My bags says Brinks.

    Bags are cool and everything, but I like to go swimming.
    scrooge-mcduck.jpg

    Also: I make it rain bitch.
    scrooge-mcduck-make-it-rain.jpg

    Folken Fanel on
    Twitter: Folken_fgc Steam: folken_ XBL: flashg03 PSN: folken_PA SFV: folken_
    Dyvim Tvar wrote: »
    Characters I hate:

    Everybody @Folken Fanel plays as.
  • joshgotrojoshgotro Deviled Egg The Land of REAL CHILIRegistered User regular
    edited June 2009
    win win win win win win win

    joshgotro on
  • ImprovoloneImprovolone Registered User regular
    edited June 2009
    joshgotro wrote: »
    Doc wrote: »
    I will build so many awesome boxes, plexi, metal, wood, whatever, for anyone whose gonna wire it for me.

    This would be a pretty good racket, if shipping were less of an issue. You both split costs on materials and components, you each get a box, and both people just do what they are good at.

    Guys. I have these bags of money. Who wants to build me one?

    Give me some design ideas, I'll let you know what I can do.

    Improvolone on
    Voice actor for hire. My time is free if your project is!
  • Folken FanelFolken Fanel anime af When's KoFRegistered User regular
    edited June 2009
    Is it possible to build a stick that can work on both the 360 and ps3?

    EDIT: Also, if I want a certain design do I need it to be a certain resolution? (i.e. would the following be too small?)
    ssft_2.jpg

    Folken Fanel on
    Twitter: Folken_fgc Steam: folken_ XBL: flashg03 PSN: folken_PA SFV: folken_
    Dyvim Tvar wrote: »
    Characters I hate:

    Everybody @Folken Fanel plays as.
  • AiranAiran Registered User regular
    edited June 2009
    Is it possible to build a stick that can work on both the 360 and ps3?

    EDIT: Also, if I want a certain design do I need it to be a certain resolution? (i.e. would the following be too small?)
    ssft_2.jpg

    Sure can, but you need to find out what circuit you need to build to allow the PCBs for the 360 and PS3 to be switchable. I'm not even sure if I'm using the right terminology here.

    And that is waaaaay too low resolution to be usable in print. Need something much bigger.

    Airan on
    paDudSig.jpg
  • Folken FanelFolken Fanel anime af When's KoFRegistered User regular
    edited June 2009
    Airan wrote: »
    Is it possible to build a stick that can work on both the 360 and ps3?

    EDIT: Also, if I want a certain design do I need it to be a certain resolution? (i.e. would the following be too small?)
    ssft_2.jpg

    Sure can, but you need to find out what circuit you need to build to allow the PCBs for the 360 and PS3 to be switchable. I'm not even sure if I'm using the right terminology here.

    Yeah... not sure what any of that means. I'm more interested in paying one of you fine chaps to do it for me rather than doing one myself.
    Airan wrote:
    And that is waaaaay too low resolution to be usable in print. Need something much bigger.

    Hm... how about something like this then?
    street_fighter_ii_1_cover_by_udoncr.jpg

    Folken Fanel on
    Twitter: Folken_fgc Steam: folken_ XBL: flashg03 PSN: folken_PA SFV: folken_
    Dyvim Tvar wrote: »
    Characters I hate:

    Everybody @Folken Fanel plays as.
  • AiranAiran Registered User regular
    edited June 2009
    If I remember correctly, I think it depends on how many Dots Per Inch (DPI) your printer can print, if you can print at 300DPI, then as A4 is approximately 8 x 11 inches you need at the minimum (8x300)Height + (11x300)Width pixels. Or 2400x3300 if you can't be bothered to do the math :P

    As for the circuitry, you essentially need a switch which can divert the electrical signals coming from your buttons/joysticks to either one of the 360 or PS3 circuitboards. I'd love to go further, but I need to do some research myself first. Some hardcore chaps at Shoryuken.com have modded their PS3 Virtua Fighter High Grade sticks to have PS3/360 switches <3

    Airan on
    paDudSig.jpg
  • LoveIsUnityLoveIsUnity Registered User regular
    edited June 2009
    Quick question for the awesome people who have already made 360 joysticks. Instead of fooling around with the triggers and the analog sticks, can I just leave them as they are? I can always remap LB and RB to strong punch and kick, since I'll only need 6 buttons for the games I'm going to play. I'm already intimidated by the prospect of soldering at all, so the fewer chances I have to really mess shit up, the happier I'll be. It would also, as I see it, have the added benefit of not allowing me to hit any miscellaneous buttons if I went with two rows of three buttons instead of two rows of four buttons.

    LoveIsUnity on
    steam_sig.png
  • HounHoun Registered User regular
    edited June 2009
    If you're going to leave them alone, the safest policy is to either leave the triggers completely intact, or leave the potentiometers on after pulling the triggers, make sure they're set to neutral, and hot glue them down. There's some examples on the Shoryuken forums.

    Houn on
  • LoveIsUnityLoveIsUnity Registered User regular
    edited June 2009
    Thanks for the advice. I was going to just completely leave them alone.

    Also, are there any fighting games that don't allow for customizable buttons, because I may as well go to the trouble if it's going to make some games completely unplayable. I'm probably going to pick up SF2:HD, SF4, Blazblue, and MvC2.

    LoveIsUnity on
    steam_sig.png
  • LoveIsUnityLoveIsUnity Registered User regular
    edited June 2009
    Double post. Sorry.

    LoveIsUnity on
    steam_sig.png
  • DaedalusDaedalus Registered User regular
    edited June 2009
    It's easier to leave the sticks on than the triggers. If you're using the MadCatz pad, the triggers will probably break off all by themselves. I can't imagine how quickly that thing would break if you were trying to use it as a regular gamepad.

    Daedalus on
  • BartholamueBartholamue Registered User regular
    edited June 2009
    Is this a good place to post stick mods?

    Bartholamue on
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  • areaarea Registered User regular
    edited June 2009
    So I'm starting to price up everything I'd need to make my own padhacked 360 arcade stick, and I'd quite like to do a breakaway project box as the OP has done here.

    Where the hell can I buy a DA-15 cable in this country?

    I'm in the UK, and Rapid Electronics, Maplin and Farnell are all turning up blanks (or I'm being a muppet, which is probably more likely). I'm at a loss as to where to go after those three, which have always delivered the goods for me in the past.

    I could easily use a DB-25 cable with appropriate connectors instead, but it seems like a bit of a waste having all those extra pins for no reason.

    area on
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