Build your own controller.

[EricBall]

That's a nice job. I have to admit I've been considering building a similar stick for the 7800. The problem with arcade joysticks is the depth means the box cannot be handheld.

 

Did you manage to find an 8-way Wico leaf with the rubber grommet? If I were to make one, I think I would also go with Wico leafs instead of the Happ microswitches 'cause I think the hard stop / click would be very annoying. (Or maybe the Happ Ultimate optical, but they are $$.)

 

Did you scrounge or scavenge the 9 pin cable & connector or buy them?

[Stingray]

It is true that the size of arcade sticks sort of precludes their use in a handheld stick, but one of the the main problems that I have with Atari sticks is that they have to be hand held. I wanted something that can be rested on my lap so I don't have to keep a death grip on the base while I'm using it!

 

It's the same style as the genuine Wico leaf sticks, but I belive this one is a generic (made in China) replica. I have some genuine Wico leafs, but I paid a lot more for those. I've got a set of 8 way Happs microswitch sticks on my MAME cabinet, the clicking really doesn't bother me, it's not that noticable.

 

The cable is an old style Mac printer cable which has nine wires inside. I cut the ends off and soldered a 9 pin din connector from Radio Shack on one end.

 

-S