My XBOX Live Arcade controller

[somunny]

Using the XBOX 360 controller for most retro games sucks, IMO.  This unit has an Ultimarc Magstick Plus and Happ buttons in it.  Here's some pics of the process:

Here's the pieces of the kit.  I laminated everything with black Wilsonart.



All glue, no screw!



The unused hole is hidden beneath the laminate.



I glued some corner blocks in to mount the control panel deck and bottom cover to.



Here's a close up of the t-nut installation.  I later Bondo'd over the top of the t-nuts.



I didn't like the idea of drilling a hole through the box for the cord, so I used a usb pass-through I had.   The hacked 360 controller plugs into it on the inside of the unit and an extension plugs in on the outside.



Here's the finished project!

[Apollo]

god job that's pretty cool

[theCoder]

That looks great.  How did you do the the CP top/artwork?

[Apollo]

i agree very cool art work

[somunny]

I did the XBLA logo in photoshop and the sprites in Illustrator.  Thanks for the compliments. 

[Malenko]

sooooooo
wanna make me one?  I need 2 sticks though, already bought smash TV ages ago on XBL

[polaris]

10 out of 10 mate.
im constantly amazed at the artwork and finished products around here

[NiteWalker]

From the other thread in consoles:

Beautiful. 
I'm a huge fan of formica myself. I like the usb pass thru very much. I wish there was a way to do that for playstation controllers...
The art is awesome. Nice and simple but colorful at the same time.

My suggestions for your (inevitable Wink) next stick:
Add a slant to the box. It's more comfortable to play with a sloped surface because of ergonomics. Most arcade machines have slanted surfaces right? 

For the hole you're not using, I'd cover it with a scrap from a 1 1/8" holesaw (it'll be undersized so you'll have to use some bondo). Although the formica is super strong and durable when used on a substrate, it's prone to cracking if left unsupported. It wouldn't take much to crack it where the unused hole is.

Can we have some more pics please? 
I'd like to see the insides and some more details of the usb pass thru port.

Fantastic job. One of the nicer single player panels I've seen. 

[somunny]

The MDF was a kit that I got from northerngames.  I have a plan drawn up for my next box (and possibly run of boxes).  It's shorter with a slant and a rectangular top.  I try to keep the buttons on the deck down to a minimum so you can see more artwork.

I got a chance to test it out this weekend (as you can see by my XBLA sig  ).  I'll get some pics of the guts for you Nite.

[beardawg252002]

nice work.  i really like the artwork.

now, my suggestion is to make your next one wireless.  look at my avatar.  also, there is a thread on the first page called "my first arcade controller(s)."  there, i have links to my wired and wireless versions.

its not that much different to make a wireless one.  and so much cleaner with no wires!!!  you just need a 2AA battery holder from radio shack ($3).  message me if you got any questions on a wireless version.

very good job and i understand the feeling of not wanting to play xbla on a regular controller.  so much better with a joystick and buttons.  enjoy.

[nyprimus4]

I'm considering making one for my PS3. I have PS3 and 360 but don't really play any XBLA titles. I play Tekken Online though, Super Puzzle Fighter, Virtua Tennis would work too.

How much did all the supplies cost you?

[superbigjay]

nice work!

that usb passthrough gives it a professional touch 

Jay

[somunny]

Thanks guys.

I think I have about $100 into it.  The thing I like about the usb controller as opposed to a wireless on is there's no need for batteries.

[Zeosstud]

Looks good.

[Martijn]

he! i have seen that usb extender somewhere else 

nice work. i am also considering to build one for my ps3 for sf2 hd remix

[somunny]

he! i have seen that usb extender somewhere else 

nice work. i am also considering to build one for my ps3 for sf2 hd remix

Thanks.    This thread is a year and a half old so it's funny to see it brought up again.  I have plans to make a couple of new SF themed ones, too.

I don't remember who originally posted the usb pass-throughs but I know it was on this board.  I have a dozen of them waiting for projects.

[Martijn]

lol did not see that it was old because i fount the usb units by browsing the net. i thought you got the idea from my cab