Custom PCBs

[SukkaFoo2]

I've heard there are companies out there who will create custom PCBs.  Apparently you use their software to design the layout and they'll print up X number of them for you. Is it possible to have them print a PCB that acts the same as the PCB in a console's pad? Have any of you used a service like this?

If so, is there some legal reason not to use one of these services to print a custom PCB to be used as the guts of an arcade stick? (i.e. does the software that runs a commercial pad need to be licensed?)

(Sorry of this is in the wrong forum, it's about hardware, but isn't a review. Move it if need be)

[HaRuMaN]

I've heard there are companies out there who will create custom PCBs.  Apparently you use their software to design the layout and they'll print up X number of them for you. Is it possible to have them print a PCB that acts the same as the PCB in a console's pad? Have any of you used a service like this?

If so, is there some legal reason not to use one of these services to print a custom PCB to be used as the guts of an arcade stick? (i.e. does the software that runs a commercial pad need to be licensed?)

(Sorry of this is in the wrong forum, it's about hardware, but isn't a review. Move it if need be)

A lot of people (like me) just simply hack the existing gamepads, or go with a commercially available adapter.  What console are you interested in?

[SavannahLion]

If so, is there some legal reason not to use one of these services to print a custom PCB to be used as the guts of an arcade stick? (i.e. does the software that runs a commercial pad need to be licensed?)

Generally, (I'm not certain of the PS3 design), there is a distinction between the console side software that interfaces to a controller, the controller hardware itself and the firmware on the controller (if any exists).

AFAIK, there are no direct restrictions on creating a third party product that interfaces to any one of the three above mentioned. In other words, I can design and construct a controller to interface to game consoles and I don't need to ask company's permission to do so. I can also buy a controller and interface it to some other console or system. Some company lawyers might tell you otherwise, but I haven't seen a court case that upholds this specific scenario.

It can be done and has been done, but it's not very practical or cost effective.

[RayB]

If there are custom chips, you're screwed, but otherwise, go for it.

[rockin_rick]

It sounds like you are describing two different things.  One is simple PCB board mfg.  For this, the most common one that provides free PCB CAD software and mfgs the boards is ExpressPCB - http://www.expresspcb.com/

(Note PCBexpress is different)

With this, you are only going to get the circuit board, no chips/IC/parts on it.  You will still have to determine what parts go on the board, where those parts go, where to run the traces, etc.

The second thing is a total custom circuit board with parts and operation to your spec.  For this, you are going to need to hire a consultant and spend big bucks.  What you are describing is the whole package, circuit design, PCB design, PCB mfg., board assy., firmware programming.  It is not possible to 'print' a working circuit board.  (FWIW - bare circuit boards are not printed...)

You didn't really specify just what you are wanting to acomplish in the end, perhaps there are already made products that will do what you need?

Rick

[MonMotha]

I use Advanced Circuits (www.4pcb.com) for most of my PCB fabrication needs.  Their $33/ea special is almost unbeatable for the specs, and the $66/ea special is similar.  If you want truely bare bones (no silkscreen or soldermask, just bare solder plated traces on FR-4), check out their bare bones special.  They only accept standard Gerber files though (and maybe AutoCAD drawings, though I think they charge a fee to convert), and they do not provide layout software.  Eagle CAD is a reasonably complete package that has a free version for limited stuff and isn't too expensive for the full version.  Personally, I'm fond of Altium Designer, but that's BIG $$$.  OrCAD is also not bad, but also BIG $$$.

There's also batchpcb, a service run by the Sparkfun guys.  Turn time is VERY long and service isn't nearly as good, but it is a fair bit cheaper, especially in low quantity for small boards.

If you've never done this before, it's a big project.  Taking something from "I want a device that does this" to a complete physical device that does that involves lots of skills that take a little while to pick up.  You need to know at least basic circuit theory, how to program very small "computers" (microcontrollers), and you'll need to be able to solder (or spend big $$$ to get the boards assembled for you).

If you have some oddball interface requirement, I specialize in that kind of thing.  I've hooked up beatmaniaIIDX cabinets to playstation2s in the past, so I'm reasonably confident that I can get done just about anything you'd need.  If you just want to hook some buttons and a joystick up to a playstation, go hack a $5 digital pad from gamestop - it's way cheaper, unless you just can't stand the ugliness (I can't).  PM me if you're interested.