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Amiga computer related discussion => Amiga Hardware Issues and discussion => Topic started by: kedawa on January 05, 2009, 03:45:44 AM

Title: Building some new joysticks...
Post by: kedawa on January 05, 2009, 03:45:44 AM

I recently gutted some old arcade machines in order to salvage parts for a Playstation 2 arcade stick, and I have enough spare buttons and sticks to make a couple of sticks for my A500, too.

The first design I came up with is a simple 2-button design with the second button serving as either fire button 2, or joystick up.  That way it will work great for single-button action games where up serves as jump, as well as two-button shooters like R-Type and Starray.  I plan on using all of my old leaf-switch parts for this one, since I have exactly one stick and two-buttons from an early 80's arcade machine.

(http://i43.tinypic.com/29lh6wk.jpg)


The second Stick will use microswitch components, like those found on Street Fighter arcade games.  Here is what I've come up with so far:

(http://i42.tinypic.com/1q5qpw.jpg)

I have more spare parts for this one, so I want to go all out.
I added a down button for racing games that use up and down as accelerate and brake.

I probably won't get around to building this one any time soon, so I was hoping to get some ideas and insight about the design.
Is there any point in adding a button for fire button 3?
I'm not aware of any games for A500 that use all three buttons.  Few even use the second fire button.
A three button layout could also work, with a button for up/fb2 and another for down/fb3, but I'd like to avoid using switches on this one.

Any advice about how to build a decent shell for the stick would also be greatly appreciated.  I'm thinking of doing it all in wood, but I do have access to a machine shop sometimes, so sheet metal or aluminum could be used for at least some of the construction.

Title: Re: Building some new joysticks...
Post by: rkauer on January 05, 2009, 04:59:07 AM

 Have fun! :mickeymouse:

 Here you will find some nice ideas to make your version of Mad Dog McRee.

Make your own arcade using a PC (http://www.popsci.com/gear-gadgets/article/2004-06/make-your-own-arcade)

 Here is a better, 100% home-made one, but in Brazilian portuguese. Use Google translator for it. ;-) (http://papodehomem.com.br/como-montar-seu-fliperama-em-casa-passo-a-passo/)

Title: Re: Building some new joysticks...
Post by: kedawa on January 05, 2009, 05:40:53 AM

:lol:
I'm not really interested in doing anything that elaborate.  I just want some decent joysticks that I can set on my lap or coffee table.

My tiny apartment has no space for an actual arcade cabinet.