Zonie Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 (edited) Do we have one of these yet? A lot of us like to make controllers. Thought I'd start a thread about it. Here's my New Asteroids Controller. It's sort of a remake of one I made as a kid but with better parts now. A remake of my Defender controller is in the works. I'm also going to mod a SNES controller so I can plug my Atari compatible controllers into it. I've done that with a Dreamcast controller. Pack of 10 buttons $7 Box $4 (about 5 in wide, perfect for either playing on a surface or holding it in your hand) Cord from an old Broken CX-40 Printed the marquee on some plasticized label paper made for labeling chemical drums. Edited June 1, 2017 by Zonie 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess Ragan Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 Yeah, there's a homemade joystick page on the classic computer section of this forum. Still, this is a bit different. I think there was a third party controller kind of like this from a company called Starplex, but I have a feeling yours is more responsive. Looks nicer, too. Personally, I made a dial controller using a VCR head and a laser mouse, but alas, it stopped working properly. Now I'll have to get another mouse and do it all over again. Bah! The things I do for this hobby! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zonie Posted June 1, 2017 Author Share Posted June 1, 2017 It's smaller than the starplex unit. This one can be used like a game pad as well as on a table top. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+GoldenWheels Posted June 1, 2017 Share Posted June 1, 2017 Hey, very nice! I had a similar idea and built a few of these not too long ago: I sold that one, but also made another where the "warp" button (blue) is dead center under thrust (green) and fire (red). I actually like that a LOT better as it is far easier to actually use warp. I am actually working on a full size arcade 7800 arcade stick with a starplex set up built into the middle right now. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess Ragan Posted June 2, 2017 Share Posted June 2, 2017 I'm kind of shocked that people use warp in Asteroids and the like. Half the time I use hyperspace, it drops me right onto a rock. Thanks for nothin', jerks. Anyway! I could probably make the modern equivalent of the Starplex controller, the HitBox. It's designed for fighting games, but replaces the joystick with a handful of oddly placed buttons. I don't get it, honestly, but people seem to like it well enough! Where are you guys sourcing your buttons, anyway? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reaperman Posted June 2, 2017 Share Posted June 2, 2017 (edited) I have a starplex ebay watch, but they always want more than I'm willing to spend. They look a bit flimsy too--a custom would certainly solve that. Mine's more of a referb/conversion of the world's worst psx controller, into a neo geo conversation piece. I didn't go with the usual scantily-clad anime girl theme that many do these days. Seemed gay. Nothing less gay than a dudestick, though, amirite? A suave, handsome dude, who oils up his throbbing, veiny muscles in the cool evening breezes of summer. A dude who, incidentally, didn't sell out his best friend, but rather tried to save an entire city in the clouds for the low, low cost of 'some space farmer.' A dude who has responsibilities now, and a passion for classy malt beverages. Lando makes the tough decisions. huh, where was I? Referb before/afters: I have kind of strong opinions about button feel, and went with IL-convex units and cherry switches. I like to feel exactly when the switch engages, so I don't have to beat on the thing like I do with japanese buttons. Stick is an IL eurostick with cherry switches. I like the shape and heavy spring--besides, I don't really have a choice if I want to match the color of the buttons. Fun fact, that awful blue grid pattern was actually painted directly on the back of the clear plexy and was a pain to get off. There were two spots along the bottom where glue(!?) melted the plastic, and the paint couldn't be removed. This really was the worst psx controller ever. Edited June 2, 2017 by Reaperman 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H454 Posted June 2, 2017 Share Posted June 2, 2017 (edited) I have a starplex ebay watch, but they always want more than I'm willing to spend. They look a bit flimsy too--a custom would certainly solve that. Mine's more of a referb/conversion of the world's worst psx controller, into a neo geo conversation piece. I didn't go with the usual scantily-clad anime girl theme that many do these days. Seemed gay. Nothing less gay than a dudestick, though, amirite? A suave, handsome dude, who oils up his throbbing, veiny muscles in the cool evening breezes of summer. A dude who, incidentally, didn't sell out his best friend, but rather tried to save an entire city in the clouds for the low, low cost of 'some space farmer.' A dude who has responsibilities now, and a passion for classy malt beverages. Lando makes the tough decisions. huh, where was I? I have kind of strong opinions about button feel, and went with IL-convex units and cherry switches. I like to feel exactly when the switch engages, so I don't have to beat on the thing like I do with japanese buttons. Stick is an IL eurostick with cherry switches. I like the shape and heavy spring--besides, I don't really have a choice if I want to match the color of the buttons. 10/10 - that THE best joystick I've seen. Also the wiring you did looked WAY better than the original. I'm trying to find someway that's reasonably priced to make a 5200 joy stick with pots. So far, progress is slow. Edited June 2, 2017 by H454 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zonie Posted June 2, 2017 Author Share Posted June 2, 2017 (edited) For arcade buttons, Suzo-Happ. I think you can get them on amazon and ebay now. The little red ones on my asteroids controller are from amazon.https://amazon.com/gp/product/B01765VRV2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 They are about 1/2". Actually 20 for $10. I got smaller ones also, like the one on my CX-40 7800 mod.||https://amazon.com/gp/product/B00HUHBV40/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Edited June 2, 2017 by Zonie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0078265317 Posted June 2, 2017 Share Posted June 2, 2017 These are nice too. http://atariage.com/forums/topic/266184-some-of-my-recent-joystickcontroller-customs-robotron-joystick-coupler/?hl=%2Bcustom+%2Bcontroller Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zonie Posted June 2, 2017 Author Share Posted June 2, 2017 I'm thinking about hacking the console of a light sixer to hold the two joysticks in recessed cutouts like the Tank console they were originally designed for. 3D printing the well's etc. Thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess Ragan Posted June 2, 2017 Share Posted June 2, 2017 I have a starplex ebay watch, but they always want more than I'm willing to spend. They look a bit flimsy too--a custom would certainly solve that. Mine's more of a referb/conversion of the world's worst psx controller, into a neo geo conversation piece. I didn't go with the usual scantily-clad anime girl theme that many do these days. Seemed gay. Nothing less gay than a dudestick, though, amirite? A suave, handsome dude, who oils up his throbbing, veiny muscles in the cool evening breezes of summer. A dude who, incidentally, didn't sell out his best friend, but rather tried to save an entire city in the clouds for the low, low cost of 'some space farmer.' A dude who has responsibilities now, and a passion for classy malt beverages. Lando makes the tough decisions. huh, where was I? Referb before/afters: I have kind of strong opinions about button feel, and went with IL-convex units and cherry switches. I like to feel exactly when the switch engages, so I don't have to beat on the thing like I do with japanese buttons. Stick is an IL eurostick with cherry switches. I like the shape and heavy spring--besides, I don't really have a choice if I want to match the color of the buttons. Fun fact, that awful blue grid pattern was actually painted directly on the back of the clear plexy and was a pain to get off. There were two spots along the bottom where glue(!?) melted the plastic, and the paint couldn't be removed. This really was the worst psx controller ever. So you're the Colt 45 controller guy? Wow, that thing is legend. I've seen it pop up around other forums, particularly Cheap Ass Gamer. I... honestly wouldn't have thought about putting Billy Dee Williams on a joystick, but hey, whatever works! I had a Red Octane joystick; one of the later models for the PS2, with the black case and red buttons. It wasn't as terrible as you're describing this one to be, but it felt a little less than arcade perfect. Also, the edge of the plexiglass needed to be sanded down. IGN wasn't kidding in its review... those damned edges really will do some mischief to your wrists if you let them. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+GoldenWheels Posted June 2, 2017 Share Posted June 2, 2017 Where are you guys sourcing your buttons, anyway? Now, I order the cheapest of the cheap generics, either from eBay or alibaba: http://www.ebay.com/itm/252619958151?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&var=551528827283&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT I've used Sanwas etc and all feel far too "light" in their activation. These cheap-os are clicky and a bit stiff, but break in after a bit, and to me feel far more like a button I'd expect to find on an old arcade cabinet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CRTGAMER Posted June 2, 2017 Share Posted June 2, 2017 (edited) My Zaxxon Arcade CPanel modded to support 2600, PS1/PS2, PC PS2 Keyboard and Spinner PS/2 Mouse. I even threw in a coin reject release tied to a limit switch in the front. Note the main button colors match the Playstation Duel Shock. Utilizing a Sony controller PCB mod the best choice due to so many adapters available for other consoles. Arcade Controller Mod Guide: Home System Adaption - http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=292282#p292282 Arcade Spinner Mod: Tempest Inexpensive Method - http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=353752#p353752 Edited June 2, 2017 by CRTGAMER 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reaperman Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 (edited) So you're the Colt 45 controller guy? Wow, that thing is legend. I've seen it pop up around other forums, particularly Cheap Ass Gamer. I... honestly wouldn't have thought about putting Billy Dee Williams on a joystick, but hey, whatever works! Really? I had no idea it was making the rounds. I've posted it here and neo-geo.com. Its build is spread over the official neo geo thread, but I probably owe it to myself to gather them together: the purchase initial billy dee williams art concept (photoshop brainstorming prior to arrival) first look at the horror main external cleanup post (the Lando must go on) final artwork (adhesive print) comes in artwork trimmed/installed, arcade parts installed (unwired) finally done post Edited June 3, 2017 by Reaperman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess Ragan Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 I'm a little perplexed that you insisted on using the original plexiglass that came with the joystick. Seems like you could have thrown it out and started anew with Lexan, rather than trying to clean off the original artwork. Lexan is supposed to be really flexible for projects like these, letting you drill through it without cracking the way plexiglass would. Or so I'm told. Anyway. What would you guys recommend for custom art? I assume the Asteroids controller has a sticker or something on it, but how would you make that? Right now I'm thinking of using printed card stock sealed under the aforementioned polycarbonate. If there's any reason I should do something else, I'd love to know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reaperman Posted June 3, 2017 Share Posted June 3, 2017 (edited) I went for an adhesive vinyl print from a local photography shop, but I'd imagine the same product is available at sign printers too. The stuff they used even had a little texture/grain to it, to resist fingerprints, etc. It's thinner, more flexible, and easier to cut than photo paper. I just pressed it onto the stick, forced it into the corners with a flat object and trimmed it using the edges/corners as a guide with a bare razor blade. Way easier than that could have gone. It was designed resist fading and sun damage--actually the demo of it that they showed me was stuck directly to the back door of the building--tough stuff. I will certainly keep using it in the future. The reason I recycled the stock plexiglass is largely that I'm a condo dweller, and lack a shop of any kind. Meaning I don't have a drill press to punch accurate holes. It's also got edges that aren't 90 degrees, so I couldn't rely entirely on the cutters found at the box stores. Not having a shop is also why I was going for donor sticks in the first place, vs building my own case, which I'd much rather have done. I've never dealt with thick lexan (just thin rc bodies, etc), but I would have wanted it thick, as the stick was clearly designed with a specific thickness in mind. Edited June 3, 2017 by Reaperman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zonie Posted June 3, 2017 Author Share Posted June 3, 2017 I printed the asteroids sticker on Avery drum label sheets. Standard size, but plasticized paper. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7800fan Posted June 4, 2017 Share Posted June 4, 2017 Building a custom 5200 controller, waiting for the parts to show up. It will be a Masterplay clone with built in keypad and top 3 button and work with SMS and genesis controllers. I can't play Pitfall 2 with the POS analog controller so I need digital hack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess Ragan Posted June 5, 2017 Share Posted June 5, 2017 Is it wise to use Cricut printable vinyl for a project like this? I know it exists; I just don't know if it's feasible for something like this. If I could do all this stuff at home or near home base, it would be a lot more convenient. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swami Posted June 5, 2017 Share Posted June 5, 2017 Do we have one of these yet? A lot of us like to make controllers. Thought I'd start a thread about it. Here's my New Asteroids Controller. It's sort of a remake of one I made as a kid but with better parts now. A remake of my Defender controller is in the works. I'm also going to mod a SNES controller so I can plug my Atari compatible controllers into it. I've done that with a Dreamcast controller. Pack of 10 buttons $7 Box $4 (about 5 in wide, perfect for either playing on a surface or holding it in your hand) Cord from an old Broken CX-40 Printed the marquee on some plasticized label paper made for labeling chemical drums. Where do you buy these boxes, or do you have a super-shop?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zonie Posted June 5, 2017 Author Share Posted June 5, 2017 I think I got this one at a local shop called Tri Tek. It's only about an inch and a quarter deep. I'll see if they have more so I can post a label or something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andromeda Stardust Posted June 5, 2017 Share Posted June 5, 2017 Here's my Starplex, with built in turbo: And some video footage of it working (skip to 6:38): It's great for playing Space Rocks and Star Castle! Be sure to also check out the Homebrew Joystick thread: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/223203-do-you-use-a-homebrew-joystick-post-your-pics/ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zonie Posted June 5, 2017 Author Share Posted June 5, 2017 (edited) The asteroids box is a Serpac 151i, BK. It's usually about $8, But I found one for $4 in a junk shop. http://www.alliedelec.com/serpac-151i-bk/70196455/?mkwid=sOVPIPHJu&pcrid=30980760979&gclid=CjwKEAjwgtTJBRDRmd6ZtLrGyxwSJAA7Fy-hh5mwFSZARcR-FJ2QaAZqCXQnTBlHoM33FoY6NOC7_RoCeoTw_wcB Edited June 5, 2017 by Zonie 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jess Ragan Posted June 7, 2017 Share Posted June 7, 2017 Anyone know what screw and bolt combination I'll need to anchor a joystick to a wooden case? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zonie Posted June 7, 2017 Author Share Posted June 7, 2017 (edited) For an arcade stick like a Happs? 10-32 x 3/4 with locknuts and some flat washers should do the trick for a cigar box. longer if you are using thicker plywood. Use flat heads and countersink the holes in the board so you have a flat surface to put a label over it. I have had some nintendo sticks that had threaded studs on them that were probably M4's... Edited June 7, 2017 by Zonie 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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