USB Controller Hack Project with pics..

[supadave]

I got this idea from a thread from way back. You can read the thread if you like: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=84548.0

The controller I used is a $6.95 cheap pc controller that I got from RandyT's site. Groovy Game Gear: http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=258

And now some pics.. This project is not 100% just yet. Controller 1 is done. Tonight I will rig a test button and test all the connections. I went with Cat5 Cable and will wire my control panel the same. It will allow for easy removal or replacement down the road. Also I can color code my wires to the buttons and joysticks by using cat5.

This hack is just a cheaper alternative to an I-Pac and it lets you get a more creative feel when building.

[supadave]

Tested the controller and all inputs work perfect! I just loaded the windows controller map and crossed the inputs with the common ground wire and each one lit up fine. Next step is to make the second controller. This kind of work is what makes this hobby so fun.. 

[DeLuSioNal29]

I bought 2 of these about a year ago and screwed one up trying to solder wires to it.  I still haven't opened the second one.  Any tips on how you soldered it?  Any particular brand of solder or soldering gun, etc.

Any help would be great!

Thanks!

DeLuSioNaL29

[bkenobi]

Just don't keep the iron on anything for too long and you should be fine.  If you keep the hot iron on a chip or around a trace for too long, you will cook things and the chip will crack or the trace will lift.  Oh, and check to make sure you don't have bridged solder joints.  It's really not that difficult and fortunately not that expensive if you do screw things up.   

[syph007]

A flux pen also helps the solder stick to small via or traces.  That was what I found the easiest technique improvement anyway.