Least expensive controller

[Dogface]

What would be the least expensive way to build an arcade style stick for a computer?  I'd like to build one of these first to get the idea before going for the cab (money's tight right now).   It seems like a keyboard or gamepad hack would be the way to go but I'm not sure.  I'd like to have a basic one stick with six or seven buttons for playing and two or three for insert coin, start, etc.  Maybe a two stick for Smash TV and Total Carnage.  


Any advise?

[Tailgunner]

For a one joystick panel I'd go with a USB gamepad hack.  For anything more I'd opt for a keyboard encoder.

The encoder would cost more up front, but it would give you room to grow when you want that second joystick, ect. You could also reuse it  when you build a cab.

[Minwah]

For a one joystick panel I'd go with a USB gamepad hack.  For anything more I'd opt for a keyboard encoder.

The encoder would cost more up front, but it would give you room to grow when you want that second joystick, ect. You could also reuse it  when you build a cab.

I agree.  The terminals on the keyboard encoder make is really easy to use on other future projects...

I wouldn't hack a keyboard because of ghosting probs etc., and it's probably easier to hack a pad anyway - do that if you can't afford the encoder

[NoOne=NBA=]

If you "reuse" some of the button connections (i.e. use 3 of the 7 button for your 1-P stick as your 2-P buttons), you should be able to get a 1-P fighting stick/2-P 3-Button control panel out of a gamepad hack.

You will save yourself alot of time/frustration with an encoder though.
Getting reliable solder connections without harming anything can be tricky, depending on the gamepad you get.

Definitely stay away from the keyboard hack though.
For those not familiar with ghosting, it is when combo keypresses create an unintended third keypress instead of the two intended.
Another shortcoming of keyboard hacks is that many keyboards will not let you press enough keys simultaneously (depending on which keys are press at the same time) to play games properly.

[Auntie MAME]

A Hot Rod has 60-70 bucks worth of hardware (encoder, buttons, joysticks) in it.  For $99 it's not a bad way to go.