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Finished (finally): Small metal control panel, Cyber pop style
krutknut:
Although my shoe box panel is good to use, it's not too durable.
I plan to use the same design, but on a metal panel.
I will build it from two 400*25*1mm metal sheets.
To get a sturdy panel, I will fold one sheet into a box without a bottom. The top will be 26*14cm, and the front will be 5 cm, and the back will be 6cm. I will make a small 1 cm fold under the box, to fasten a bottom plate. The sides willl be folded, and I believe that this will result in a quite sturdy box. I will cut out a bottom plate from the second sheet.
I'll cut holes for buttons and the stick using a 28,3cm hole punch.
The panel will have an U360, with IL buttons.
What do you people think about this?
Zeno:
Small.
Can you hook it up to your Palm?
What was the total cost for this mini?
krutknut:
It's an U360, so it connects to anything with USB.
The cost for this is:
U360: $59
Harness: $8
Extra groud cable: $3
Crimp disconnects: $9
10 IL buttons w cherry microswitches: $22
Sheet metal: $10
(I also have some extra buttons if I suddenly get some new idea)
(One cherry micro switch went dead almost immediately, is that normal?)
Then add tax, shipping, and the cost for tools.
Tax was 20% i think, and shipping was $12 for me as I ordered together with a friend.
Then add the hole punch to get nice holes in the metal, for about $13.
I am not yet sure exactly what tool I will use to bend the metal, there are many alternatives.
I belive that he U360 is an excellent choice for a small 1p panel, since it takes care of 8 buttons and has an USB interface. I haven't tested any other arcade sticks, so I can't compare.
I was considering an x-arcade, but I figured the cost would be about the same, and this is a much better deal.
stuckpixel:
This'll beat the pants off of an X-Arcade any day, if for no other reason, the ability to go 4-way or 2-way.
The U360s are a great deal, especially for these small controller projects. Most other small setups I've seen done are by hacking a game pad.
I guess the only thing I'd suggest is make sure the mockup is comfortable however you anticipate playing your games. If it is, go for it. Make sure to post some pics while building and the final shots!
krutknut:
Exactly. A gamepad hack wouldn't have given me the 4-way option that I want to play Pacman.
Metalworking was a both harder and easier than I thought. These 1 mm steel sheets are though.
Folding the box was ok, but cutting it with the wrong kind of metal cutter might have ruined the edges of the box, since I had to bend the metal to be able to cut properly. Maybe I'll have to invest in a table top cutter (quite expensive) and a new metal sheet (very cheap). It's a bit hard to see what the result will be like with the protective plastic still on.
I will also have to invest in a new drill for metal sheets. The normal metal drills works eventually, but it takes ages to get through.
My hole punch did a fantastic job in creating a perfect hole for an IL size button. The joystick fits in the hole as well.
Anyway, if I fail, I can always use wood like everyone else...
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