*NEW Gamepad hack help (large PCB pic inside)

[jirovede]

Hi, I am doing a gamepad hack for a standalone CP and unfortunately I am pretty new to solder and such. I have a pic of the gamepad cb here and was wondering if someone could indicate where i need to solder for the directional pad and the 6 buttons (dont worry about the shoulder buttons). There also appears to be a black substance over the solder points, I am to scratch those off correct. Thank you for your time gentlemen.

[Tiger-Heli]

There also appears to be a black substance over the solder points, I am to scratch those off correct.

Only if you decide to solder to those points. Looks like a VERY easy pad to hack.  See below:  (I'm assuming a SF layout for the buttons).

Red - Common point for all directional pads (Only need one wire, and only need to attach to one of the solder points).
Yellow - Directional pad Right (Only need one wire, and only need to attach to one of the solder points).
Slime Green - Directional Pad Down
Dark Blue - Directional Pad Left (Only need one wire, and only need to attach to one of the solder points).
Magenta - Directional Pad Up
Sea Green - Common point for all buttons (Only need one wire for all).
Medium Blue - Button 1
Purple - Button 2
Teal - Button 3
Brown - Button 4 (Only need one wire, and only need to attach to one of the solder points).
Orange - Button 5 (Only need one wire, and only need to attach to one of the solder points).
Pink - Button 6 (Only need one wire, and only need to attach to one of the solder points).
Post back if you need clarification.

[jirovede]

Ok I think I got it (like the pic I made from yours?). So for the red common ground I can daisy chain that to the sea green and then do what with that wire (ground it to a screw inside the CP box?)? Also , I have to be careful not to bridge the solder points otherwise it will screw it up right (pray I won't). Thank you for your help.

[Tiger-Heli]

Ok I think I got it (like the pic I made from yours?). So for the red common ground I can daisy chain that to the sea green and then do what with that wire (ground it to a screw inside the CP box?)? Also , I have to be careful not to bridge the solder points otherwise it will screw it up right (pray I won't). Thank you for your help.

Oooops, I screwed you up - Ground was the wrong term.  Common would have been better.

You connect one wire to the red terminal and run that to the COM terminal on all your joystick microswitches.  You connect one wire to the Sea Green terminal and run that to the COM terminal of all your buttons.  You DO NOT connect the red and Sea Green terminals together nor to an actual ground.  All other wires go to the NO terminals of the appropriate swithch.

And yes, bridging solder points will most likely result in a stuck key or one key activating two button presses - best to avoid if possible.

[jirovede]

Ah ok now i get it, thank you very much. I really appreciate it. Any tips on how not to bridge the solder points (perhaps hot glue the points next to the ones I am suppose to solder that way if the do come close the hot glue will protect them from touching. Eh?

[blue]

Wouldn't the hot glue melt if the soldering iron comes in contact with it?

why dont you just drill a few holes on the same paths and the points Tiger-Heli laid out for you and then you wont have to worry about bridging the points?

Just some thoughts.

[jirovede]

Great idea! Thanks

[SirPoonga]

Drilling a hole might not work depending on where you rill it.  I'd say use solder braid or a solder remover to remode the existing solder from a contact point.  Then resolder with your wires and be careful.  Use a fine tip for soldering.

[Landstander]

If you're not dead-set on using a gamepad hack, you can use the instructions on this site http://www.aleax.com/personal/alias/arcade/p1_wiring.php for connecting straight to a joystick DB15. You'll just need some resistors and it's a lot easier to wire than trying to solder onto those pads.

Hi, I am doing a gamepad hack for a standalone CP and unfortunately I am pretty new to solder and such. I have a pic of the gamepad cb here and was wondering if someone could indicate where i need to solder for the directional pad and the 6 buttons (dont worry about the shoulder buttons). There also appears to be a black substance over the solder points, I am to scratch those off correct. Thank you for your time gentlemen.

[jirovede]

Screwed up on the other pad. But luckily I have one more. Need the same help as before except this time I have 2 buttons done! Thanks

[jirovede]

and the right side with buttons