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Retractable console cords

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effdubya:

Okay for the 4 player cab i'm planning to build I want to have a whole load of console controllers, as this is more of a complete entertainment hub than a pure MAME machine.

I plan to get:
2xNES controllers
2xSNES controllers
4xN64 controllers
2xPlaystation controllers
4xDreamcast controllers
2xMegaDrive(aka Genesis) controllers
[i know its a lot :P]

Now my question is, how would I make their cords retractable? I'm wanting to have something kind of like vaccuum cleaner extension cords that can be pulled out, and then when you hold a button it winds back up onto a circular spool kind of thing.

Would it work if I simply connected the centre of each of these 'spools' to a motor which would rotate when circuit is complete when pressing on its accompanying retract button, which would be hooked up to the computer power supply?

If there is a manual way I'd be interested to hear it because I'd rather that the computer would not always have to be on just in case somebody leaves one hanging. Thanks!

Crazy Cooter:

I have two PC controllers that have that.  I got them at WalMart.  The box says "Gemini Elements" and they have a vibration motor built-in.  They look just like the standard console controller and have rubberized handles.

DarkBubble:

I've been searching for the same thing you're after, effdubya.  I even tried to find an explaination of the retractable USB and ethernet cables to see if I could adapt it, but I couldn't find anything.  I don't care if I have to rig a crank, rather than have a spring-loaded or motorized mechanism.  I just want to be able to keep the gamepad boards in the unit, rather than build standalone boxes for each board.

I'd just about resigned myself to including a flip-top section with pegs to simply wrap the hand-wound cables around, but if anyone has a solution to your problem, it'd help me out as well.

effdubya:

i think it might be time for me to see if i have an old vaccuum cleaner lying around  ;D

i'll let ya know what i find

pkellum:


--- Quote from: Crazy Cooter on October 20, 2005, 12:42:40 pm ---I have two PC controllers that have that.  I got them at WalMart.  The box says "Gemini Elements" and they have a vibration motor built-in.  They look just like the standard console controller and have rubberized handles.

--- End quote ---

I have a couple of these myself, they are wonderful low cost controllers ($15).  Not as good as my Logitech Wingman Rumblepads, but still great controllers.

Patrick


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