HeadcolorsTV Posted February 24, 2019 Share Posted February 24, 2019 (edited) I'm so...SO happy right now. I've had this project on the backburner for over half a year, and tonight I finally got around to modding & wiring the components and mounting everything on a "test control panel". I'm happy to report: I've successfully modded an NES-04 controller into an arcade stick. Tested it with Contra, and it works perfectly. Sanwa joystick, Suzo-Happ buttons, Cherry microswitches, if anyone's curious. I'll update this thread from time to time with updates on the control panel/body design and build. Edited February 24, 2019 by HeadcolorsTV 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeadcolorsTV Posted March 6, 2019 Author Share Posted March 6, 2019 Here's a peek at the top piece. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CMR Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 Nice looking stick. Someday I'm going to get a few of my own built. Someday...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeadcolorsTV Posted March 7, 2019 Author Share Posted March 7, 2019 Just got done with the control panel decal design, ready to send to my "vinyl girl". 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+wongojack Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 Cool! Did you use some sort of diagram to help you pick up the buttons and directions on the board and chip, or did you just figure it all out through trial and error? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeadcolorsTV Posted March 7, 2019 Author Share Posted March 7, 2019 Cool! Did you use some sort of diagram to help you pick up the buttons and directions on the board and chip, or did you just figure it all out through trial and error? I was actually fortunate enough to get it correct on the very first try, thanks to my slightly unorthodox technique of coloring traces with sharpies. Yes, you read that right. It works, and is PCB-safe. Doing this, I was able to easily determine the correct/optimal locations to add solder joints and sever traces. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeadcolorsTV Posted March 9, 2019 Author Share Posted March 9, 2019 Got the lower body assembled, planed and evened-out. Then I pre-installed the catches for hole location. I'll be removing the metal parts, disassembling the body, and applying clear lacquer to the inner sides of each piece. I think the next step will be to apply the cushioning to the bottom piece. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeadcolorsTV Posted March 18, 2019 Author Share Posted March 18, 2019 Bottom is cushioned, plexiglass overlay is cut and ready, and the frame is ready for the paint to go on. Realized my connection for vinyl doesn't do one-piece prints, so I'm looking to simply send the ai file to FedEx Office or similar, and cut the holes myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeadcolorsTV Posted March 22, 2019 Author Share Posted March 22, 2019 Okay everybody... I'm so excited for the final outcome of this project that I'm STRONGLY considering making more to order if anyone's interested. And I've taken the time, while waiting for the clear coat to harden over the week, to design a few more CPOs, and offer options. The stick should be 100% done and ready to show off some time this weekend. We'll see. Fingers crossed. PM me if you'd be interested in owning one of these. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeadcolorsTV Posted March 25, 2019 Author Share Posted March 25, 2019 And here it is. More to come later. And yes, it works. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeadcolorsTV Posted March 29, 2019 Author Share Posted March 29, 2019 While I'm thinking about it, I might as well list the full features of this stick: Hardwood body Sanwa joystick, 4lb tension spring, upgraded actuator Suzo-Happ concave buttons Cherry microswitches 24 AWG wire throughout Hinges for swing-open access from the top Catches (1 heavy-duty magnetic in front, 2 mechanical for the sides) under the control panel for secure closing. Automotive paint & clearcoat exterior, buffed and polished T-molding trim Clear lacquer interior Cushioned bottom (faux velour, foam padding) for lap comfort Plexiglass overlay protector Decal designed in Illustrator, printed on matte adhesive stock 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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