First project - desktop controls

[n3rrd]

Hey guys,

New to the entire byoac scene, but heavily into older video games, I've been wanting a project bringing that retro-feel to my room.  I've decided to start out simple, and start making a desktop control panel.  I've decided just to hack an existing gamepad, but am very partial to USB right now (besides, my soldering skills aren't up to par to hack a keyboard).  I happened to find an older Microsoft USB Sidewinder with it's digital d-pad, six buttons, two more which would traditionally be used for start/select and two shoulders.  The hack has proved to be fairly simple, so far.

Now, my question is:  which would most of you guys go with (assuming this cp was going to be expanded beyond the scope of just one player)?  A gamepad hack, or a keyboard hack?  I've done a search and read what I could find.  Really just looking for opinions and/or personal experiences.

Consider things such as ease, cost, and compatibility.  How bad is USB support in MAME (not all familiar with MAME yet, myself)?  I mean, I can pick up these controllers for $8.95 in retail boxes, or I can pick up a single basic keyboard for anywhere from $12-19.99, aswell as a project box (I'm a sucker for making things look decent).  I don't really have the cash to throw at an I-PAC at the moment, but have plenty of spare time.  Besides, my soldering could use the practice!

Anyways, I am dragging on.  Please just share your opinions/experiences with either method.

Thanks in advance,
  n3rrd.

[HaRuMaN]

I would go for the gamepad hack.  The keyboard hack has been known to be a pain...  first you have to figure out the matrix, and then deal with ghosting/blocking issues if and when they arise.  The first two control panels I made were USB gamepad hacks, and they worked GREAT!    I have had no issues with using the with MAME, either.

[n3rrd]

Awesome.  I have some familiarity with electronics and basics in soldering, and it's something that interests me.  I've been looking for something to play around with, and I've finally found something.  The hack is much less painful than I was expecting, too!  I'll take pictures, and such.  I know it's been done to death, but we have to follow protocol, right? 

I believe I am going to wire both and play with them, see which I prefer.  I may as well become familiar with both methods if I plan to eventually go "full out".

By the by, thanks for the quick response!
  n3rrd.

[HaRuMaN]

No problem.  Happy hacking...   

[Stobe]

Personally, I would only hack a keyboard if you wanted to be able to say that you hacked one.

Groovygamegear now has a very inexpensive solution costing about the same, or less than your keyboard hack.  For under $20, you can't beat it.  Check this link:

http://www.groovygamegear.com/Page2.html

All the functionality of their Keywiz 1.5, plus you get to practice soldering.

I've had plenty of practice soldering already (what I do for a living), so I went with the Keywiz 1.5 with screw terminals.  I've had a good experience so far with this encoder.

Hope this helps.
-Stobe

[Tiger-Heli]

Right website, wrong product -

Check out the GGG GP-Wiz32, USB 32-input gamepad encoder.  $19.95 if you want to practice your soldering or $23.95 if you don't.

[Stobe]

Right website, wrong product -

His preference really.  I forgot this was a desktop project.  USB would probably be the better route.  But if it was a matter of hacking a keyboard versus a keyboard encoder....  that's what I was really getting at.

-Stobe

(Good catch Tiger-Heli)

[Tiger-Heli]

His preference really.  I forgot this was a desktop project.  USB would probably be the better route.  But if it was a matter of hacking a keyboard versus a keyboard encoder....  that's what I was really getting at.

-Stobe

(Good catch Tiger-Heli)

Agreed, his preference, but the original post said he was partial to USB.

[cbmeeks]

I assume you  have the wood, glue, etc already??

Here is what I would do.  But if you are on a really tight budget, then it might be hard.  You said you are into old "retro" games.

You could always buy a cp but we are assuming you want the total experience of building one.

I would build a small box (in a cool shape) that would hold enough for two players.

I would get 2 joysticks (OMNI-Stik BASIC $13.50) - $27
I would do 6 buttons each (12 buttons @ $1.85) - $22.20
Player 1/2 start - $3.70
Pause,Exit buttons - $3.70
Coin 1/2 buttons - $3.70
mounting plates for joysticks - $25.00 (may not need this)
encoder - $20.00

So, you are looking at around $80 - $120 plus shipping/wood/glue/screws/etc.

Then, I would just plug it in the computer and play on the monitor.  It would basically be a USB keyboard in a big, fat, box...lol

If you are super cheap (or poor like me), you MIGHT save $10 - $50 by hacking stuff, eBay, etc.

[n3rrd]

Thanks for the replies everyone, I appreciate the input.

cbmeeks, the cost you listed is more than likely in USD, and I would be spending CAD, but that doesn't look to be brutally expensive.    I am currently nineteen, working full time and putting some money away for school;  no bills leaves that within my price range.

You can see my situation though.  I am not only trying to build a controller to play games on, but learn a few things, and try something a little different than usual.  I have plenty of free time, so hacking stuff might not only save me a few bucks, but would end up benefitting me in other ways.  Haha, have to do something while the girlfriend is working and I'm not, right?

Stobe, I may end up just purchasing an encoder like you suggested.  I might still attempt to hack one just for the hell of it.  I've basically finished hacking this USB gamepad I snagged for $8.95 CAD, and it's working... just need the arcade controls now. 

I am sort of just trying out my options and playing around to see what I prefer.  Still in that learning/planning stage before I tackle the bigger project.  For some reason I find the hacking things idea to be very interesting.  *shrugs*

Thanks again.
  n3rrd.

[SteveJ34]

I certainly understand the joy received from tinkering with stuff just because "you can".

Everything we do may not always be the most cost effective but there are many that reap pleasure from making something work.

I know I just spent a bit of time retrofitting a nice little 1.2ghz system from parts onhand into one of those shiny Netvista cases that were so plentiful on Ebay recently for $3. I fabricated an I/O shield from scratch, created a custom internal fan assembly, spent extra time zip tying cables here and there, replaced power supply etc.

Noone other than myself would really appreciate the effort expended but I enjoyed the project and the end result.

Happy Hacking!