Hard to build your own controller?

WiLLiSTER · 07-16-2006, 09:53 PM

Well, I'm finally really considering doing it, but i've got to get a few things in order first.

I was wondering about how hard it might be to do this. I know I'll have to solder things, but I'm most concerned with getting the turn-table to work. Are there any other things that might be difficult.

Also, what would one estimate the cost to. I've already got the controller board (from the ps2 controller) so what else might I need.

Any help would be very nice and... helpful... xD

EDIT: I've been reading some things on building one and they all use the board from a koc. Would I be better off with that?

EDIT2: Where might I get the buttons? I used to know of a site like WAAC or something, but I forget.

nytelyte · 07-17-2006, 01:48 AM

My roomie got buttons from www.controllica.com but I don't know if they're still up or not. Also, the buttons from there were very inexpensive, but a little stiff... He ended up getting springs from other buttons (since he works at a place where he has access to arcade game parts).

HBCoffin · 07-17-2006, 04:53 AM

I'm thinking about doing the same. It sounds like it could be a really fun project, unfortunately I'm having the same trouble as you on just how I should go on about this. If I made something, I'd want to make it as nice as possible. I don't want to spend a week trying to put something together and it turns out uglier than my original product.

mastapsi · 07-17-2006, 10:32 AM

There is already a thread for this, The Homemade IIDX ASC thread. If you have any questions you should go there. FYI, someone there does n=know how to make a custon turntabe circuit, but it is quite the project and he recomends that unless you have a good deal of soldering and electrical experience, you just stick with gutting the KOC for the TT circuit.

word · 07-17-2006, 11:58 AM

im thinking about building a whole iidx cab, with a ps2 inside, for the turntable i will glue a disk of some sort of space age material onto the original turntable, to make it arcade size.

thoughts suggestions etc...?

HBCoffin · 07-17-2006, 12:13 PM

Damn, maybe I should just save up for a really nice one like the DJ Dao series or what desktop arcade offers. I'm just stumped on what kind of material to use. What kind of wood should or would I need to use? Or possibly plexiglass?

mastapsi · 07-19-2006, 12:31 AM

Unless you have the tools to cut plexiglass, which I think are unique to plexiglass, you'll prolly have to go with wood.

Glueing stuff onto the turntable to make it arcade sized does work, but it makes the turntable less sensitive, as you must turn the turntable farther to get it to respond. You might just try making your own turntable, while gutting the circuit, and just making the ring with the notches further out to increase the sensitivity.

djdao · 07-19-2006, 03:01 AM

exact size depend on machine.
Turntable depend on IC.
If you want to make Bm2dx ,you need to have machine and IC experience.
If you want to redo a bm2dx controller,just need 7 buttons.

mastapsi · 07-19-2006, 03:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djdao

exact size depend on machine.
Turntable depend on IC.
If you want to make Bm2dx ,you need to have machine and IC experience.
If you want to redo a bm2dx controller,just need 7 buttons.

What he's trying to say is that unless you have experience with making electronics and suck, your much better off gutting a KOC and using that. In fact, that's what desktop arcade does. DumpsterKeeper just buys (or you can send you KOC in) KOCs and guts them for the curcuit boards.

So really unless you are good with making things, you may just be better off to buy a DA or a Ransai or a DJ DAO. These guys have been doing this for years and they know what they are doing.

If you are absolutely set on making your controller from scratch, then there are a few people in the Homemade IIDX controller thread (which is prolly where this should be) who can help you. Also, I know that both DumpsterKeeper and Random(of Ransai) are willing to answer questions on how to make controller.

word · 07-19-2006, 11:17 AM

ok kool, thanks for the responces,

i think ill just keep the original turntable from the KOC, as i figured to make a 2P controller with arcade sized turntbles for the machine will look a bit odd, as the control panel will have to be so wide, so ill just be making somthing similar to some of the peoples work in the homade controllers thread.

i have some experience with electronics (took it as a subject in school) but that was just making stuff from a book, not really inventing anything

thanks for all the help!

WiLLiSTER · 07-19-2006, 07:14 PM

Alright, I think I've heard what I needed to hear. Lock, can continue in the homemade controllers thread.

word · 07-26-2006, 12:30 PM

i really need to know if controllica's low profile keys are worth buying, please tell me, otherwise its happ poker buttons

K.AuthoR · 07-26-2006, 03:42 PM

I'd like to know where to get some Sanwa's from, if at all possible.

WiLLiSTER · 07-26-2006, 05:10 PM

Guys, talk about this stuff in the home made controller thread.

kaizoku · 07-26-2006, 10:44 PM

Locked by request and because Homemade thread exists.