Author Topic: Howler Arcade Controller is now LIVE on Kickstarter! (Read 17237 times)

engg100 · « **on:** October 25, 2013, 06:08:58 pm »

Hello everyone,

I am a first time poster to arcadecontrols.com but have viewed many posts here. I have created my own arcade controller called the "Howler Arcade Controller" Check it out on Kickstarter:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2034467396/howler-arcade-controller

Here are a few details:

The Howler Arcade Controller is a 4 joystick, 26 button, gamepad controller, keyboard controller, mouse controller, 96 channel LED driver USB composite device designed for interfacing to controls on a home arcade system.

Thanks,

Josh

Brian74 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 25, 2013, 06:22:34 pm »

I like it, just one thing. What about us that have poor soldering skills? Screw terminals?

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

BadMouth · « **Reply #2 on:** October 25, 2013, 06:32:32 pm »

Angled P3 & P4 joysticks. I cannot support.

jmike · « **Reply #3 on:** October 25, 2013, 06:32:45 pm »

Quote from: Brian74 on October 25, 2013, 06:22:34 pm

I like it, just one thing. What about us that have poor soldering skills? Screw terminals?

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

Actually if you read his kick starter info he stated this
"Added spring pin connectors for all connections, no soldering is required!"

Looks great. Awesome all-in-one solution.

ChanceKJ · « **Reply #4 on:** October 25, 2013, 07:07:55 pm »

Rick · « **Reply #5 on:** October 25, 2013, 07:52:44 pm »

Quote from: ChanceKJ on October 25, 2013, 07:07:55 pm

Josh? You're in Calgary?? We should have coffee so I can take a look at this board!

Whoa, whoa, whoa. You're Canadian??! Nice one, good sir.

Love the product. Love the idea that it's not going to cost me any duty to get it incorporated into my product line. We should talk.

Generic Eric · « **Reply #6 on:** October 25, 2013, 08:16:40 pm »

~~How come each button connection has 6 holes?~~

Does this/will this work with LED blinky?

engg100 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 25, 2013, 10:01:14 pm »

Hey everyone, thanks for replying to my thread! Hopefully no one thinks I am spamming them, I am just trying to get some interest in my controller.

Here are some answers to your questions:

1) No soldering is required with this board. It will have spring terminals for all connections. THe board in the video is the Beta version. The production version will require no tools to connect to!

2) Rick, I will shoot you a message soon!

3) I will have a dll done to interface with LEDBlinky. I just need to show the LEDBlinky guy that people are purchasing my board and I am sure he will provide support for it. I am also developing my own commandline program that will operate in the same way as LEDBlinky.

Help a brother out and show your support to get this the Howler controller off the ground!!!

Thanks,

Josh

DaveMMR · « **Reply #8 on:** October 25, 2013, 10:53:18 pm »

Quote from: BadMouth on October 25, 2013, 06:32:32 pm

Angled P3 & P4 joysticks. I cannot support.

Hehe.

But serious question: How come the $89 backers get a power supply and USB Cable and the $99 backers do not?

engg100 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 25, 2013, 11:02:50 pm »

@DaveMMR

The reason that the $89 backers get the power supply and USB cable is because they are early adopters and only the first 50 people get this. I did this as a bonus to people who are willing to take the lead and help out someone who loves old school video games and designing electronics. If I gave the controller out to everyone at this price I would have to pay a lot of money out of my pocket. As it is right now even if I get the $10k I am asking for I will barely break even but I am just doing it because it is fun for me and I wanted to see how much interest there would be for this out there.

If I get more than the 10k THEN I will probably make some money!!!

Why don't you snatch one up for $89, there are only 23 left!!!

Thanks,

Josh

DaveMMR · « **Reply #10 on:** October 25, 2013, 11:15:00 pm »

Ah I had to think about it but it makes sense now. The way it was worded made it seem like you'd continue offering the $89 pledge even after fifty people claimed it (they just wouldn't get the power cable/USB). But now I see it's limited.

If I decide to add LEDs to my project it'll be something I'll consider. Good luck.

Generic Eric · « **Reply #11 on:** October 25, 2013, 11:42:01 pm »

Does the $89 level get you the "your name silkscreened" or is that extra? If I only got the $10 what is it being silkscreened into?

I'd like some details on the suggested parts for the marquee for lighting. That sounds exciting!

engg100 · « **Reply #12 on:** October 26, 2013, 12:00:18 am »

Eric,

The $10 or more level is meant for people that want to support the project but aren't gamers. It gets the backers name slikscreened on the back of the with something like: "Kickstarted by: <insert names here>" The $89 Early Adopter version gets you the board, power supply, and USB cable.

Thanks,

Josh

swaffar · « **Reply #13 on:** October 26, 2013, 03:59:51 am »

It's nice to see an all-in-one solution... It's been a long time coming. I'm just not crazy about LEDs flashing all over my control panel. Best of luck.

jackiabu · « **Reply #14 on:** October 26, 2013, 04:50:53 am »

nice men

but I hope that everything related to LEDs flashing is more simple that MALA, and other shity programs

i have an IPAC and all this issue about LEDs flashing is complicated for me. why can't it be more simple....

rablack97 · « **Reply #15 on:** October 26, 2013, 03:45:21 pm »

Quote from: jackiabu on October 26, 2013, 04:50:53 am

nice men

but I hope that everything related to LEDs flashing is more simple that MALA, and other shity programs

i have an IPAC and all this issue about LEDs flashing is complicated for me. why can't it be more simple....

I'm sure it is quite difficult for you, an IPAC is for controls only...You need and LEDWIZ or a PACLED64 to get the leds working.

If you follow the instructions or the tutorials, you can get both working, its not hard its just time consuming to get it setup how you want too. I use mine primarily for the jukebox (music synch), attract mode, and game controls, which are quite simple to setup.

This is in interesting project, I would look into a 2plyr board as well, more of the population looks at this variation rather than 4, you'll be having folks pay for 2 extra players worth of controls and leds they'll never use.

True enough the multi-color CP is phasing out, folks are going with themes and static colors for that theme, the rgb effect makes the system look like a carnival attraction.

However it is preference, and this board gives you tons of options....will be looking with interest...especially for the 2ply version if ever developed.

kahlid74 · « **Reply #16 on:** October 26, 2013, 04:25:23 pm »

I backed you but two things, fix your angled joysticks and 15 dollars shipping to wisconsin? It ain't 15 to ship from Canada to wisconsin lol.

engg100 · « **Reply #17 on:** October 27, 2013, 12:56:14 am »

Thank you guys for all your support so far! I am almost 42% of the way there: http://www.kicktraq.com/projects/203...de-controller/

7% of the people that check out the video back the project, I don't know if that is good but it seems awesome to me! If anyone knows where I can post this to get more traffic to my project page please let me know, it would be very helpful!

And yes, I will fix my angled controllers and I am also going to move the spinner so I don't break my finger when I am playing golden tee! I built the arcade quicker than I would have liked because I want to have a platform to develop and test my controller board.

ChanceKJ · « **Reply #18 on:** October 27, 2013, 01:08:19 am »

stan2323 · « **Reply #19 on:** October 27, 2013, 09:08:40 am »

I backed it. This is what I need to redo my control panel. I hope it gets funded.

Stan

TKW4rr10r · « **Reply #20 on:** October 27, 2013, 10:42:15 am »

42 days to go and about halfway there, I'm sure it will get funded. I do have a question though:

So say you need 2 for the additional buttons, like on your benchmarking control panel. Would you be able to configure the lighting to seamlessly treat them as one unit? Or if you went for servo sticks could you use the joy inputs as additional buttons?

Sorry for the noobish questioning. I'm very curious about the capabilities since I'll be looking for these when I get to another project sometime next year. Do you plan on doing just this kick-starter run, or make these as the need dictates after?

jackiabu · « **Reply #21 on:** October 27, 2013, 11:05:20 am »

Quote from: rablack97 on October 26, 2013, 03:45:21 pm

Quote from: jackiabu on October 26, 2013, 04:50:53 am
nice men

but I hope that everything related to LEDs flashing is more simple that MALA, and other shity programs

i have an IPAC and all this issue about LEDs flashing is complicated for me. why can't it be more simple....

I'm sure it is quite difficult for you, an IPAC is for controls only...You need and LEDWIZ or a PACLED64 to get the leds working.

If you follow the instructions or the tutorials, you can get both working, its not hard its just time consuming to get it setup how you want too. I use mine primarily for the jukebox (music synch), attract mode, and game controls, which are quite simple to setup.

This is in interesting project, I would look into a 2plyr board as well, more of the population looks at this variation rather than 4, you'll be having folks pay for 2 extra players worth of controls and leds they'll never use.

True enough the multi-color CP is phasing out, folks are going with themes and static colors for that theme, the rgb effect makes the system look like a carnival attraction.

However it is preference, and this board gives you tons of options....will be looking with interest...especially for the 2ply version if ever developed.

My mistake, I meant to say that I have also PACDRIVE USB addition to the USB IPAC. Why can not run them directly from MAME Why have all these programs around

keilmillerjr · « **Reply #22 on:** October 27, 2013, 11:09:17 am »

I backed this project. 1 unit > 3 units.

I like the simple app you made to test and program the inputs. It looked like it runs on Windows. Will you be releasing the app for Linux and Mac too?

Will your unit be able to read controls.dat and light only the controls used in the game?

Is it possible to add effects to the buttons such as just making the buttons glow dark/light a certain color, and then maybe go really light when pressed?

Thank you!

lcmgadgets · « **Reply #23 on:** October 27, 2013, 11:13:36 am »

OMG, this is one sweet project! Gotta fund it! But how much?! Am tempted to become an 'early adopter' & possibly get my own board, but, for what? I already have an IPAC4, 2 U360's, a PacLED64, a sidewinder dual strike for analog...all collecting dust as my project moves forward at a snail's pace...

what to do?!

engg100 · « **Reply #24 on:** October 27, 2013, 02:01:20 pm »

Again, you guys are fricking amazing, the project has surpassed the 50% point, we are halfway there!!!

I will try to answer some of your concerns:

@TKW4rr10r:
The command-line program that I am writing will interface to the controllers seamlessly, weather you have 1 or 4(for a ridiculous arcade, I see 2 as being the most controllers used in a system).

And yes you will be able to configure the unused joystick inputs as button inputs so you could have an additional 16 button inputs if you didn't use the joysticks. The only caveat is that you would only be able to have RGB LEDs for 4 of them. All this functionality will be easily configured using the Howler Config program.

If I meet the kickstarter goal (looking good so far) I am going to have a website and sell these long term for sure!

@keilmillerjr
Yes, my app is currently running in Windows. I figured I would start there since the majority of users would have that installed on their systems. If I get enough interest and backers I will definitely be developing a Linux app. I will also most likely be writing an interface document for how to communicate of the USB Generic HID to the Howler Controller so that anyone can write a driver for any system!

I plan on having my program read the controls.dat and some other types of script files to light only controls for the game. That is how I am controlling them in my video, I have a script file that defines the buttons and colors per game and cycle through the list.

Anything is possible with the right firmware and control software. I am going to be making the controller user upgradable so that future features can be added with firmware updates.

@lcmgadgets
Throw in $10 and get your name silkscreened on the board!!! Go for it!!

Once again, thanks everyone!

If you want you can help a guy out by sharing the link on twitter, Facebook, reddit or any other forums that may have interested people: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2034467396/howler-arcade-controller or use the bitly link for twitter: kck.st/HhLK0A

Also, if you wanna follow me on twitter @wolfmizzle or mention the controller #howlercontroller.

Josh

lcmgadgets · « **Reply #25 on:** October 27, 2013, 08:05:32 pm »

Pledged $10. Good luck!

Generic Eric · « **Reply #26 on:** October 27, 2013, 09:06:23 pm »

Wargrabhl!? I missed the early adopter level. Good luck!

keilmillerjr · « **Reply #27 on:** October 27, 2013, 09:58:52 pm »

Quote from: engg100 on October 27, 2013, 02:01:20 pm

@keilmillerjr
Yes, my app is currently running in Windows. I figured I would start there since the majority of users would have that installed on their systems. If I get enough interest and backers I will definitely be developing a Linux app. I will also most likely be writing an interface document for how to communicate of the USB Generic HID to the Howler Controller so that anyone can write a driver for any system!

I plan on having my program read the controls.dat and some other types of script files to light only controls for the game. That is how I am controlling them in my video, I have a script file that defines the buttons and colors per game and cycle through the list.

Anything is possible with the write firmware and control software. I am going to be making the controller user upgradable so that future features can be added with firmware updates.
[/qiote]

I'm not a software programmer per say (web developer), but I would like to look at the interface document when the project is complete. Maybe I'll expand my skills into the mac app development by then.

Everything seems wonderful! Keep up the good work with the project!

engg100 · « **Reply #28 on:** October 27, 2013, 10:50:37 pm »

I can't believe that all of the "early adopter" levels are gone! I have added a "early procrastinator" level for $6 more which includes the howler controller, power supply, and USB A-B cable.

http://kck.st/HhLK0A

I never thought the Howler Arcade Controller would take off this quick! I couldn't have done it without all you guys, thanks a lot!!!

Acids · « **Reply #29 on:** October 28, 2013, 04:56:24 am »

Just a thought, With All the Spring connector things it gonna be very messy when populated.
Have you considered increasing the size slightly allowing for better cable management?

johnm · « **Reply #30 on:** October 28, 2013, 09:25:17 am »

Quote from: engg100 on October 27, 2013, 12:56:14 am

If anyone knows where I can post this to get more traffic to my project page please let me know, it would be very helpful!

http://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?PHPSESSID=6a70b4924182c914f1f3aa4dd0ec11ec&board=4.0

http://www.gamoover.net/Forums/index.php (french site)

http://zonaarcade.forumcommunity.net/ (Spanish)

engg100 · « **Reply #31 on:** October 28, 2013, 05:50:07 pm »

John,

Thanks for the help! Also, my project has been featured as one of Kickstarter's "Staff Picks". Pretty cool I guess...

http://www.kickstarter.com/discover/categories/technology?ref=sidebar

Josh

Nephasth · « **Reply #32 on:** October 29, 2013, 12:25:48 am »

Where the ---fudgesicle--- was this 2 years ago?

Kane · « **Reply #33 on:** October 29, 2013, 10:08:39 am »

I'm in for one, maybe this will get me back into working on my cab.

Felsir · « **Reply #34 on:** October 30, 2013, 04:28:27 am »

I'm also in. No plans where I'm going to use it yet, but I found it a project worth supporting.

casm · « **Reply #35 on:** October 30, 2013, 12:41:23 pm »

Nice project!

One question: Any plans for a JAMMA version? I realise that your design offers a lot more flexibility in terms of how many controls can be added than, say, a J-Pac, but there are likely more than a few of us out there who aren't really looking to move away from our existing JAMMA setups. We / I may also be lazy and not want to have to rewire our cabinets' control panels in order to work with the Howler

Really is an awesome piece of kit, though, and very well designed. Kudos!

engg100 · « **Reply #36 on:** November 01, 2013, 11:25:17 pm »

Howler Arcade Controller is 107% funded after only 1 week!!! Still over 5 weeks to go, now to think of some stretch goals… Thanks to everyone in the arcade controls forums for your support! If you haven't checked it out yet: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2034467396/howler-arcade-controller

engg100 · « **Reply #37 on:** November 03, 2013, 04:02:46 pm »

Hey guys, I have some exciting news. I have teamed up with www.paradisearcadeshop.com to provide complete kits with RGB joystick, RGB buttons, and all required wiring. If anyone is interested check out he "Kits' section on the Howler Arcade Controller Kickstarter Project! http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2034467396/howler-arcade-controller

unkpinball · « **Reply #38 on:** November 05, 2013, 10:10:41 am »

With this controller now supporting LED Blinky, I've ordered both. Gonna try to make my X-Arcade not look like an X-Arcade, a new overlay from them and a lot of work should do it. Hopefully.

armi0024 · « **Reply #39 on:** November 09, 2013, 04:10:38 am »

Bumping a great project, thank you for inviting us to be involved!

rablack97 · « **Reply #40 on:** November 09, 2013, 07:25:41 am »

Wow this really took off, congrats on your funding, and you still have a month to go....

rablack97 · « **Reply #41 on:** November 09, 2013, 07:33:42 am »

Wow, this really took off. Congrats on your funding........

CoryBee · « **Reply #42 on:** November 09, 2013, 08:04:28 am »

Wow, this really took off. Congrats on your funding........

Brian74 · « **Reply #43 on:** November 09, 2013, 08:34:30 am »

Wow, this really took off. Congrats on your funding........

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

sharpfork · « **Reply #44 on:** November 09, 2013, 10:21:16 am »

I really dig this open source project but I don't need one so I backed it at the name on PCB level. I think it is cool that you have teamed up with Paradise on rewards too, good people.

A bit of advice from someone who helped run the KADE kickstarter: KS will lock your ability to edit your page Sunday Dec 8, 3:52pm EST. Have at least the URL of your after KS site figured out and make your KS page point to where people can get info about your project. It will be an excellent source of traffic. If you have any questions about lessons I learned from doing a KS, PM me, I'm happy to share my lessons learned and help however I can. The fabrication and international shipping on a tight timeline was challenging to say the least.

Kane · « **Reply #45 on:** November 09, 2013, 11:26:25 am »

I changed my pledge from just the board to the Alpha vs. Beta reward level, I can't wait!

engg100 · « **Reply #46 on:** November 12, 2013, 04:35:32 pm »

Thanks a lot for all your support guys! I have found a local guy to do all the PCB fabrication (the have a brand new SMT pick and place machine and oven!) which will be great because I can actually help with the board assembly to ensure the highest quality! I will be sure to put the website on the page before the project ends. For anyone interested it is www.wolfwareeng.com It is still a work in progress...

I need to find some more ways to promote this project, if anyone has any ideas please let me know!

Josh

armi0024 · « **Reply #47 on:** November 19, 2013, 03:53:21 am »

Bumping this thread because I want to get enough support for us to get some convex RGB Hoku buttons in!

Jumpman64 · « **Reply #48 on:** November 20, 2013, 09:30:31 pm »

Does the Howler remember the current configuration or does it have to be reloaded after each boot?

engg100 · « **Reply #49 on:** November 21, 2013, 12:16:29 am »

There will be a configuration utility that lets you setup the controls to keyboard/mouse/joystick inputs and stores them in EEPROM so they are persistent ever after being powered off.

engg100 · « **Reply #50 on:** November 26, 2013, 01:07:25 pm »

Hey Everyone,

Less than 2 weeks to go and we are 270% funded! I have added a new video to the project page "LED Show" that shows how the LEDs will work. I just want to thank everyone again for their support!

Thanks,

Josh

ChanceKJ · « **Reply #51 on:** November 28, 2013, 01:23:42 am »

This is such a badass project. And it's being done locally too! Josh, i'm gonna come to you personally for one of these next summer/fall when i start my next build.

armi0024 · « **Reply #52 on:** November 28, 2013, 01:59:26 am »

Just because we like him so much... All people pledging at a level to get the RGB Joysticks will be receiving joysticks with Universal Adapter plates installed

engg100 · « **Reply #53 on:** December 05, 2013, 11:13:29 pm »

Only 2 days left for this Kickstarter Campaign, thanks a lot to everyone for all your support!

Josh

Felsir · « **Reply #54 on:** December 06, 2013, 04:02:21 am »

I'm planning to upgrade my arcade with this controller - I currently have servostiks installed, what options do I have to illuminate these?

armi0024 · « **Reply #55 on:** December 06, 2013, 04:26:58 am »

I'm pretty sure the Servostick is a JLW based stick, and if it is, we have RGB shafts for JLW's. I can't guarrantee they will fit because I don't have the servostick shaft dimensions, but I would be willing to make these an available option in place of the full joysticks if it tipped the scale to supporting the kickstarter. With Josh's approval that is.

If someone sends the dims I can also double check.

Felsir · « **Reply #56 on:** December 06, 2013, 07:41:01 am »

Quote from: armi0024 on December 06, 2013, 04:26:58 am

it tipped the scale to supporting the kickstarter.

I'm an early supporter already :-)

Thanks, what dimensions do you need? Diameter of the shaft?


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Author Topic: Howler Arcade Controller is now LIVE on Kickstarter! (Read 17237 times)

Nephasth