Andromeda Stardust Posted January 6, 2017 Author Share Posted January 6, 2017 Bump. Here's a custom job I just completed. MeatWithGravy sent me his favorite Cigar Box for conversion and I just finished it. It was smaller than expected but everything went together just fine. For this and all future jobs, I will clamp some scrap wood underneath the lid when drilling to prevent blowout. Preliminary fit. Final product: I'm gonna go ahead and start taking commissions. If there's a special cigar box you want me to convert into a joystick, let me know. I will need exact internal dimensions to make sure everything will fit before I order the parts. Shipping for the parts on my end will cost extra since I can't bulk buy when doing custom jobs. Take care everybody and have a happy 2017! 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeatWithGravy Posted January 6, 2017 Share Posted January 6, 2017 It looks even better than I imagined it would! Can't wait to get my hands on it! Thanks, Kosmic Stardust! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andromeda Stardust Posted January 6, 2017 Author Share Posted January 6, 2017 Your Welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+LS650 Posted January 19, 2017 Share Posted January 19, 2017 I received one of these about a week ago. I finally reconnected my Atari tonight and checked it out. I tried it out with 7 or 8 games. It works superbly! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andromeda Stardust Posted January 19, 2017 Author Share Posted January 19, 2017 Awesome, so glad you enjoyed it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andromeda Stardust Posted January 28, 2017 Author Share Posted January 28, 2017 Bump! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andromeda Stardust Posted March 14, 2017 Author Share Posted March 14, 2017 Haven't bumped in a while. These are still available... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RamrodHare Posted June 7, 2017 Share Posted June 7, 2017 Just wondering if you would sell a "kit" so I could put it in a box myself. I'd be interested in the 2 button. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andromeda Stardust Posted June 7, 2017 Author Share Posted June 7, 2017 Just wondering if you would sell a "kit" so I could put it in a box myself. I'd be interested in the 2 button. The parts are available online with pretty cheap shipping. I guess I could sell the harness with buttons and a stick, but you'd still have to drill holes, route out the trapezoidal hole for the 9-pin, and check that whatever enclosure you used had clearance for the buttons and joystick. Wire Harnesses are quick and easy to make though the 7800 harness involves a bit of extra work due to the resistors. Also the Simitsu and Happ/IL fire buttons use different sized QDs. I prefer the detachable cables myself but a cut extension cable through a hole (secured with a knot and glue) would be easier for a user to install. Problem is the QD connectors nor the plug end would fit the small hole, and the wires in the extension cables are too thin to crimp. I used 24 gauge with the strands folded over inside the crimp, which is about the smallest you can use reliably. I had been meaning to do an instructable video in case people want to make their own cigar box joysticks, but time got away from me. Were you interested in purchasing one of my Decade 7800 sticks? I have a left hand and right hand still available. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andromeda Stardust Posted June 10, 2017 Author Share Posted June 10, 2017 Bump. Independence Summer Clearance. Free shipping until July 4th!!! Includes Canada. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andromeda Stardust Posted June 13, 2017 Author Share Posted June 13, 2017 Bump. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andromeda Stardust Posted June 14, 2017 Author Share Posted June 14, 2017 Up. Free shipping... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andromeda Stardust Posted June 18, 2017 Author Share Posted June 18, 2017 Bump. I am currently building a custom Starplex commission for another forum member, out of a bare woodcraft box. WIP, sanded and stained with Minwax Ebony, but not yet applied the finish. Would you rather have joysticks housed in unmarked wooden boxes, stained and finished, for a small upcharge? No tobacco advertising! Let me know please as I can buy more at the local hobby store... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andromeda Stardust Posted June 19, 2017 Author Share Posted June 19, 2017 Bump. Option B is now SOLD. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andromeda Stardust Posted June 24, 2017 Author Share Posted June 24, 2017 Bump. I'm probably not going to be making any more cigar boxes and will be focusing on finished wood here on out. Update: I have decided to venture out into a new direction. Since the original run of cigar box joysticks have not sold well, I've decided to retire from up-cycling cigar boxes. Instead, any future controller boxes I build going forward will start with ready made woodcraft boxes and will be stained and finished prior to sale. I think it will benefit my business to move away from tobacco advertising and result in nicer finished product. I recently received a commission from for a custom Starplex controller from Sramirez2008 and the controller turned out so nice, I really didn't want to send it off. Discussion and interest thread:http://atariage.com/forums/topic/256709-homemade-cigar-box-arcade-controllers/?p=3791229 In other news, my latest commission just shipped out, a gorgeous wood finished Starplex controller! Here's some before and after shots: Not sure what I'll do with the remaining cigar boxes after July. eBay them? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Austin Posted June 25, 2017 Share Posted June 25, 2017 (edited) PM'ed. Not sure what I'll do with the remaining cigar boxes after July. eBay them? Could always leave them for sale here if you don't want to mess with eBay. Edited June 25, 2017 by Austin 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andromeda Stardust Posted June 25, 2017 Author Share Posted June 25, 2017 Option A is sold. Thanks Austin! Options D, G, and H still available... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swami Posted June 26, 2017 Share Posted June 26, 2017 Bump. Option B is now SOLD. Thanks! I bought the option B 7800 model. Java Toro Mint black box with left-side buttons. I really like its noir look; Like the kind of 7800 controller Pacino might have in Scarface. I have numerous controllers and wanted one I could use for 4-way games like pac-man on my PC, 2600 and 7800 and for games on my colecovision like light grid racers and cold blood. It works well with everything. For the CV, I have it on a DB9 y-splitter on an extension cord from the console; I use controller extension cords with everything to preserve the controller sockets. I have a standard CV controller on one lead of the splitter and a 7800 box on the other lead of the y-splitter. This makes the 7800 work with two fire buttons. You can add a sega rapid-fire adapter in-line with the 7800 adapter to get rapid fire on button one (possibly button-2, I am just figuring this out). Works with a Blaster rapid-fire in-line for rapid-fire function on the 7800, as well. The 4-way works great, allowing me to make the risky moves in pac-man and light-grid racers that end in disaster with standard 8-way joysticks. Happy with the purchase and I may go for another custom model in the future.The opening lid makes accessing the joystick mechanism very easy. I also like that is easy to use on one thigh and you can use flat-hand fingering on the buttons to avoid the standard controller thumb cramps. Edited for corrections 6/26/17 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andromeda Stardust Posted June 26, 2017 Author Share Posted June 26, 2017 Thank you so much for your feedback. I am glad you are enjoying it. I'm not quite sure how you wired the 7800 controller into the matrix to use for Colecovision, but I am glad it suited your purpose. If you wouldn't mind elaborating how you connected it, I could pass this info to help others. A number of people besides myself are also making 7800 controllers so it would be worth it I think. Yes, the option of switching from square 8-way to 4-way using a clover restrictor gate with a Phillips screwdriver is nice. The rotating "square" to "diamond" 4/8 way gates on certain fancier sticks are more expensive and really don't work well in practice. Often these rotation devices will still hit the diagonal briefly while riding the gate between cardinal directions. = = = = = = = = I would build Coleco pinouts myself with a pass through male pin header to use a stock controller for the numeric pad, but as I mentioned to you and a couple others in PM, I don't own a Colecovision so I wouldn't be able to test the controller. That's why I can only do 2600, 7800, and SMS+ (slight enhancement adds a diode and 10k pull up resistor to the SMS schematic allowing "extra button" functionality with Genesis compatible 2600 homebrew while retaining 100% compatibility with SMS games). I can also do an NES Advantage or 3-button Sega style box (using 100% new logic chips) using a slightly bigger enclosure, if someone really wanted to go all out. The schematic for the joystick and dual fire portion is simple but I would never sell one without the hardware to test it on. Edladdin sells or will be selling a universal Coleco adapter with the keypad built in, but it's $99 IIRC if you already had a dedicated controller, and at that price point IMO it would be worth it to buy the full fledged Coleco joystick for a bit more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+sramirez2008 Posted June 26, 2017 Share Posted June 26, 2017 Ohhh baby!!! I received my custom Starplex controller today and can't say enough about it. The craftsmanship is excellent. Really digging the box design (evokes the 2600 ridges) as well as all of the work that went into prepping, sanding and staining this beauty. She looks wonderful. My iPhone pics don't do it justice. For anyone that's been considering purchasing one of Kosmic's controllers, consider no more. The controller is solidly built, the concave Happ buttons feel and perform like a dream and the 9ft. cable is a great addition. Thanks Kosmic Stardust. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swami Posted June 27, 2017 Share Posted June 27, 2017 Thank you so much for your feedback. I am glad you are enjoying it. I'm not quite sure how you wired the 7800 controller into the matrix to use for Colecovision, but I am glad it suited your purpose. If you wouldn't mind elaborating how you connected it, I could pass this info to help others. A number of people besides myself are also making 7800 controllers so it would be worth it I think. Yes, the option of switching from square 8-way to 4-way using a clover restrictor gate with a Phillips screwdriver is nice. The rotating "square" to "diamond" 4/8 way gates on certain fancier sticks are more expensive and really don't work well in practice. Often these rotation devices will still hit the diagonal briefly while riding the gate between cardinal directions. = = = = = = = = I would build Coleco pinouts myself with a pass through male pin header to use a stock controller for the numeric pad, but as I mentioned to you and a couple others in PM, I don't own a Colecovision so I wouldn't be able to test the controller. That's why I can only do 2600, 7800, and SMS+ (slight enhancement adds a diode and 10k pull up resistor to the SMS schematic allowing "extra button" functionality with Genesis compatible 2600 homebrew while retaining 100% compatibility with SMS games). I can also do an NES Advantage or 3-button Sega style box (using 100% new logic chips) using a slightly bigger enclosure, if someone really wanted to go all out. The schematic for the joystick and dual fire portion is simple but I would never sell one without the hardware to test it on. Edladdin sells or will be selling a universal Coleco adapter with the keypad built in, but it's $99 IIRC if you already had a dedicated controller, and at that price point IMO it would be worth it to buy the full fledged Coleco joystick for a bit more. Sorry, I was mistaken there, thinking about a sega controller I hooked up. It is really quite simple.for a 7800 controller. and colecovision (see pictures): 1) Controller extension cord from console, https://www.amazon.com/Controller-Extension-Cable-Cord-Atari-Joystick/dp/B0733SR43C/ref=sr_1_4?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1498529094&sr=1-4&keywords=atari+extension+cord 2) PC 1ft DB9 Female to 2 Male Serial RS232 Splitter Cable attached to extension cord (DB9 plug has same pin layout as atari/CV/sega genesis/SMS) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016SP1DQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 3) attach colecovision standard controller to one male end and 7800 controller to other male end. Actually, the number pad works fine, no disconnecting controller and both fire buttons work correctly. You cannot attach the PC DB9 female end directly to the Colecovision console because the outer plastic to hold the screws is too large, but it will fit snugly into the extension cord. 4) If you want rapid fire on button one, hook up a sega genesis rapid fire adapter in between. One other note: You will find maybe one molded atari spiltter cable a year on eBay for $100. The extension cord/DB9 PC splitter combo will run you $20-25. I'll edit the previous post to make it correct. I own too many systems and adapters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess Ragan Posted June 27, 2017 Share Posted June 27, 2017 Bump. I am currently building a custom Starplex commission for another forum member, out of a bare woodcraft box. WIP, sanded and stained with Minwax Ebony, but not yet applied the finish. Would you rather have joysticks housed in unmarked wooden boxes, stained and finished, for a small upcharge? No tobacco advertising! Let me know please as I can buy more at the local hobby store... Most likely cheaper for you. Also free of the tobacco stench. How much are those craft boxes? What size would you need for a joystick and a full complement of six buttons? Because I think I wanna make a smaller stick than the one I just put together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andromeda Stardust Posted June 27, 2017 Author Share Posted June 27, 2017 Sorry, I was mistaken there, thinking about a sega controller I hooked up. It is really quite simple.for a 7800 controller. and colecovision (see pictures): 1) Controller extension cord from console, https://www.amazon.com/Controller-Extension-Cable-Cord-Atari-Joystick/dp/B0733SR43C/ref=sr_1_4?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1498529094&sr=1-4&keywords=atari+extension+cord 2) PC 1ft DB9 Female to 2 Male Serial RS232 Splitter Cable attached to extension cord (DB9 plug has same pin layout as atari/CV/sega genesis/SMS) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016SP1DQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 3) attach colecovision standard controller to one male end and 7800 controller to other male end. Actually, the number pad works fine, no disconnecting controller and both fire buttons work correctly. You cannot attach the PC DB9 female end directly to the Colecovision console because the outer plastic to hold the screws is too large, but it will fit snugly into the extension cord. 4) If you want rapid fire on button one, hook up a sega genesis rapid fire adapter in between. One other note: You will find maybe one molded atari spiltter cable a year on eBay for $100. The extension cord/DB9 PC splitter combo will run you $20-25. I'll edit the previous post to make it correct. I own too many systems and adapters. That is awesome; I am so glad it worked for you. Glad to know 7800 controllers work with a splitter. If anyone wants to use one of these on a Colecovision, let me know and I'll add a male Dsub plug to the controller to use as a pass through so you won't need to source a Y-splitter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andromeda Stardust Posted June 27, 2017 Author Share Posted June 27, 2017 Most likely cheaper for you. Also free of the tobacco stench. How much are those craft boxes? What size would you need for a joystick and a full complement of six buttons? Because I think I wanna make a smaller stick than the one I just put together. Well the tobacco shop I got them from was selling empty boxes for $5. The shop owner was previously just throwing them away and decided people might want to use them for stuff. The exact woodcraft box I used for the Starplex commission is sold through Hobby Lobby stores. http://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Wood-Crafting/Unfinished-Wood/Wood-Rectangle-Box-Set/p/25428 Online you can only buy the full set of nested boxes but they do break them up in the stores. The smallest size is the one I used, which sells for $8.99 retail and measures 9.375"x6.25"x3.25" in inches. I have two more as blank canvasses if anyone wants a commission. The form factor is perfect for two button joysticks. One issue with supply is since they ship as a set (the boxes can be nested inside one another), the stores also get them as sets, and I have to wait for them to sell out of the larger sizes before they restock the smaller ones. I also found a square form factor with smooth top not listed on the website (perfect for large CX-40 replicas) and another slightly smaller rectangular cigar-sized box with smooth top over at Micheals. I can do two button joystick (right or left hand orientation) in 7800 or SMS+ (SMS+ adds a diode and pullup resistor to the schematic to make it compatible with 2600 homebrew that read the C button on Genesis controllers, whereas a stock SMS controller will not work) or ambidextrous layout (joystick in the center). An Ambidextrous stick could be 2600 with parallel fire buttons or have 7800 wiring (both buttons work on 2600 in either case) unless you request something else. And I can also do the five button Starplex. Here's a diagram I made in MS-Paint showing possible layouts to get your imagination flowing: If anyone wants to commission one of the above layouts, let me know. I have a large quart sized can of the Ebony wood stain but if you want a lighter stain color, I can arrange that too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+-^CrossBow^- Posted June 27, 2017 Share Posted June 27, 2017 Well the tobacco shop I got them from was selling empty boxes for $5. The shop owner was previously just throwing them away and decided people might want to use them for stuff. The exact woodcraft box I used for the Starplex commission is sold through Hobby Lobby stores. http://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Wood-Crafting/Unfinished-Wood/Wood-Rectangle-Box-Set/p/25428 Online you can only buy the full set of nested boxes but they do break them up in the stores. The smallest size is the one I used, which sells for $8.99 retail and measures 9.375"x6.25"x3.25" in inches. I have two more as blank canvasses if anyone wants a commission. The form factor is perfect for two button joysticks. One issue with supply is since they ship as a set (the boxes can be nested inside one another), the stores also get them as sets, and I have to wait for them to sell out of the larger sizes before they restock the smaller ones. I also found a square form factor with smooth top not listed on the website (perfect for large CX-40 replicas) and another slightly smaller rectangular cigar-sized box with smooth top over at Micheals. I can do two button joystick (right or left hand orientation) in 7800 or SMS+ (SMS+ adds a diode and pullup resistor to the schematic to make it compatible with 2600 homebrew that read the C button on Genesis controllers, whereas a stock SMS controller will not work) or ambidextrous layout (joystick in the center). An Ambidextrous stick could be 2600 with parallel fire buttons or have 7800 wiring (both buttons work on 2600 in either case) unless you request something else. And I can also do the five button Starplex. Here's a diagram I made in MS-Paint showing possible layouts to get your imagination flowing: custom joysticks.png If anyone wants to commission one of the above layouts, let me know. I have a large quart sized can of the Ebony wood stain but if you want a lighter stain color, I can arrange that too. You forgot one more configuration: The dual joystick no fire button config for robotron! hehe.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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