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Author Topic: Current control panel interface options  (Read 1075 times)

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shrunkenmaster

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Current control panel interface options
« on: May 01, 2014, 04:42:48 pm »
I'm currently scratch-building an Asteroids cabaret and am wondering what the current status is regarding control interfaces. All I need is something that will accommodate 6 buttons - what's the cheapest/best option these days?

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Slippyblade

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Re: Current control panel interface options
« Reply #1 on: May 01, 2014, 04:47:56 pm »
On the cheap side of things you could always just pick up a $5 USB gamepad and hack it.  Though for reliabilty I'd go with one of the off-the-shelf options like a KeyWiz, iPac, or Kade.  For a simple setup like yours, I'd go with a Kade.  If you don't mind soldering then the DIY kit is only like $22.  If you don't want the cool-guy interface board, you can find 16k minimus boards that will support the Kade Loader software for as cheap as around $6.
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Louis Tully

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Re: Current control panel interface options
« Reply #2 on: May 01, 2014, 04:49:17 pm »
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« Last Edit: February 12, 2015, 05:09:02 pm by Louis Tully »
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shrunkenmaster

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Re: Current control panel interface options
« Reply #3 on: May 01, 2014, 04:58:13 pm »
Been so spoilt with all the recent interfaces that I totally forgot about the good old game pad hack!! Thanks chaps, gives me something to go on. Didn't want to fork out for a posh gizmo, plus I'm quite happy with a bit of soldering  :applaud:
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GeoMan

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Re: Current control panel interface options
« Reply #4 on: May 04, 2014, 07:42:33 am »
Quote from: shrunkenmaster on May 01, 2014, 04:58:13 pm
Been so spoilt with all the recent interfaces that I totally forgot about the good old game pad hack!! Thanks chaps, gives me something to go on. Didn't want to fork out for a posh gizmo, plus I'm quite happy with a bit of soldering  :applaud:

The response time is usually not so good with cheap game pads. I would suggest a MiniPac (the cheaper version). It can also drive a Spinner & Trackball in the future if you need it.
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BadMouth

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Re: Current control panel interface options
« Reply #5 on: May 04, 2014, 04:00:41 pm »
A cheap flexible option with no hacking is the minimus AVR board:
http://www.amazon.com/MINIMUS-AVR-ATMEL-ATMEGA32U2-BOARD/dp/B00HCNX5TG

programmed with the KADE loader software:
http://kadevice.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=52&sid=5c689f93c501f51d91306efb61ef974d

You can program it to show up either as a keyboard or gamepad.

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