The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls

Main => Retail vendors => Topic started by: Gr8Dane on March 25, 2021, 11:02:28 am

Title: Vectrex Controller
Post by: Gr8Dane on March 25, 2021, 11:02:28 am

Hi all,
I've begun making custom controllers for the Vectrex console. If anyone is interested in having one, let me know. I've written about it previously here, for more info: https://atariage.com/forums/topic/318444-vectrex-custom-controller/ (https://atariage.com/forums/topic/318444-vectrex-custom-controller/)

Price will likely be $65-$70 including shipping within the US.

I will post some pictures once the final product is complete.

Title: Re: Vectrex Controller
Post by: Gr8Dane on April 19, 2021, 02:06:11 pm

The first prototype is completed. So far it works great! Let me know if you'd like to pre-order. Price is likely $70 including shipping within the US.

A couple things to note: 1) I know button 1 is too far down, I've got a solution to prevent that on your controller. 2) I know there's a white border on the decal, I will attempt to trim any of that off any other decals.

Title: Re: Vectrex Controller
Post by: opt2not on April 19, 2021, 07:55:15 pm

Looks good. I wonder how this holds up compared to the chopperthedog version I have. That one’s been working out great for me. Any improvements between the 2?

Title: Re: Vectrex Controller
Post by: Gr8Dane on April 20, 2021, 07:46:54 am

That's a good question. I think he used real Sanwa buttons in his controllers, my buttons are imitation. They work fine, but I'm not sure how long they'll hold up under heavy use. I really like the joysticks I found. They're much more accurate than the original controller. It makes a big difference on analog games like hyperchase, pong, etc.

Title: Re: Vectrex Controller
Post by: Mike A on April 20, 2021, 08:54:05 am

If you are selling these you shouldn't use parts that are of questionable quality.

Title: Re: Vectrex Controller
Post by: Gilrock on April 20, 2021, 09:13:09 am

I find it funny both guys that worked on these Vectrex controllers are dogs. :)

Title: Re: Vectrex Controller
Post by: Gr8Dane on April 20, 2021, 04:10:19 pm

Quote from: Gilrock on April 20, 2021, 09:13:09 am

I find it funny both guys that worked on these Vectrex controllers are dogs. :)

I find it funny that I didn't realize that until now, haha.

Title: Re: Vectrex Controller
Post by: Gr8Dane on April 22, 2021, 10:59:22 am

I'm making progress on the controllers!

(https://atariage.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2021_04/306246825_2021-04-22(5).jpg.e03f3b9627085a219e0e20d044c02fc2.jpg)(https://atariage.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2021_04/185687426_2021-04-22(3).jpg.386b8138ad35d8108fc4493ac1ea4d6b.jpg)

Title: Re: Vectrex Controller
Post by: Gr8Dane on May 05, 2021, 03:21:11 pm

The first batch of 9 GDE Vectrex controllers is complete! Thank you to everyone who pre-ordered, giving me the confidence boost to make this project happen! I'll be ordering parts to start a batch of 25 in the coming weeks.

For anyone interested, I am still adding to the pre-order list, however, it is getting pretty long. Also, for future rounds, the price will be $80 shipped within the US. Shipping costs were higher than I anticipated in the first round.


Two other news updates: 1)I'm looking into starting to use genuine Sanwa buttons. These are more expensive, but a lot of people seem to be willing to pay the premium for them. 2)My next endeavor is going to be autofire (or turbofire) controllers. These will also be a more expensive version. More news to come!