Alternative to soldering Happ buttons/sticks to PSX controllers?

[eastbayarb]

I am trying to connect my PSX pads to my Happ buttons/sticks using the tutorial at :

http://www.darkravenwind.com/cdvision/superpad.htm

Trouble is, soldering the wires to the pads doesnt seem to work at all. I have tried hot glue to make the wires and pads to stick together, but results are spotty at best.

Anyone have any other ideas?

[quarterstringer]

When I solder PSX controllers, I drill a small 1/16 hole through the edge of the solder point on the controller. Then put the wire through, bend it so it stays in place and solder the wire. Sorry, I just read the tutorial, and it mentions drilling the hole too. Use stranded wire, maybe that will help.

[eastbayarb]

I did exactly what you did --drilled a hole with a 1/16th" drill, using stranded wire, bent it, and tried to solder, but it won't stick to the solder points...

[cool69rtcharger]

if where you are soldering is green it will not stick unless you scratch it off i think

[eastbayarb]

No i am soldering (or trying to) to the copper like it says in the tutorial...it just will not stick.

[infiniteomega]

Try cleaning the contacts on the controller.  If they are dirty, solder won't stick.  Usually it will just kinda ball up and roll off.  Also, you might want to make sure your solder is new.  I've had problems with solder that's been sitting around for a while.  Also, you could try getting some flux.  Put the flux on the contacts.  It will help the solder flow a little better (although you shouldn't need it with modern solders as they should already have the proper amount of flux).

Hope that helps.

[JonnyBoy]

If soldering to a pad doesn't work, you could always use the X-Arcade encoder, although it's pricy it'll work on a bunch of different systems with the adapters.

[hanelyp]

Be sure to tin the wires before trying to solder them to the pads.  I.e. apply a bit of solder to coat the wire.  Flux and clean pads help.  Also, apply heat first to the pieces to be soldered, then introduce the solder to the hot metal.  Just a touch of solder on the iron helps transfer heat.  And soldering with a dirty soldering tip is near impossable.

[EwJ]

i'll second that haneylp - tinning the wires helps -and cleaning and re-tinning the tip of the soldering iron too.

[dabone]

Take a bit of fine sandpaper to the pcb, The contacts need to be roughed up a little for the solder to take. And remember, tin the wire and tin the contact, then hold them together and solder them.


Later,
dabone

[eastbayarb]

JonnyBoy,


X-Arcade encoders are out of the question because I plan on using 4 PSX pads for my 4-player control panel.

Everyone else, thanks for the advice!

Oh, does anyone know of a tutorial for properly soldering arcade joysticks/buttons to a dual shock controller? I plan on using these pads on console systems/games that require analog controls.

[eastbayarb]

Thanx for all the help guys!

I wired up a PSX pad to my CP and Happ buttons and sticks and though it took about a couple of hours, it works GREAT!.

[EwJ]

great!

if you're still looking for soldering tutorial and playstion controller hack info
or for others looking this up in the future,
there's some info right here:

http://arcadecontrols.com
on the left hand side under  'tech  & tips'
then under 'step-by-step guides' and 'tutorials',

[eastbayarb]

Now I am actually thinking of doing some dual shock psx pads but no tutorial I know of exists...

also, does anyone know if P360 joysticks will work with a PSX pad?

[pmc]

i'll second that haneylp - tinning the wires helps -and cleaning and re-tinning the tip of the soldering iron too.

What's the best way to clean the tip? Mine is all fugly from years of use. I used to use a wet paper towel or sponge while it was hot, but it no longer comes clean. I probably need to replace the tip anyway.

-pmc

[BobA]

You can sometimes restore the tip by retinning it.  Keeping a layer of solder on the tip helps keep it clean.  Clean the tip as normal then dip into some non acid flux.  Apply solder to the tip and see if you can get it to cover.  Wipe off excess solder when hot and repeat.  If that does not help you need a new tip.

[pmc]

You can sometimes restore the tip by retinning it.  Keeping a layer of solder on the tip helps keep it clean.  Clean the tip as normal then dip into some non acid flux.  Apply solder to the tip and see if you can get it to cover.  Wipe off excess solder when hot and repeat.  If that does not help you need a new tip.

I'll try it! Thanks!

-pmc

[ShinAce]

Sounds like a cold solder joint.

Make sure HEAT is making solder get to the 2 pieces, not the iron tip.

[eastbayarb]

Anyone know of a tutorial for hacking Dual Shock PSX/PS2 controllers?