Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: D_Harris on February 12, 2011, 03:57:37 am

Title: Joystick and Button Hole Sizes
Post by: D_Harris on February 12, 2011, 03:57:37 am

I have to make a few control panels and was wondering if anyone here has run into any difficulty with buttons/joystick hole sizes after the holes were already drilled into the panel?

The standards from what I understand are 1-1/8" for buttons and 1-1/4" for joysticks.

The problem is that I just measured a Williams and a Nintendo control panel from the original arcade game and I have and came up with the following:

A Robotron joystick hole is 1-3/8" in diameter.
Joust/StarGate button holes are 1-3/16" in diameter.
Mario Bros. Joystick hole is 1-7/16" in diameter.
Mario Bros. button holes are 1-1/16" in diameter.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York

Title: Re: Joystick and Button Hole Sizes
Post by: Mixelplix on February 14, 2011, 02:08:01 pm

I think it depends on the manufacturer or your joystick for exact specifications.

For instance, check out:
http://happcontrols.com/joysticks/rotary_optical_joy_e.htm (http://happcontrols.com/joysticks/rotary_optical_joy_e.htm)

They give the exact dimensions you need to use for hole drilling and such. I've made some mock-up panels for the joysticks and buttons that I've ordered from Happ and never had a problem with fit. Since there are so many different types of joysticks and several different types of push buttons, you need to know where you're going to order your parts before you start drilling. That way you can use the right set of specifications from the manufacturer for installation.

Title: Re: Joystick and Button Hole Sizes
Post by: D_Harris on February 14, 2011, 02:09:42 pm

Thanks a lot.

I guess it's time to do my research.

(I know about the Nintendo differences, but I had previously only heard about the 1-1/4" and 1-1/8" sizes mentioned for all other games).

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.

Title: Re: Joystick and Button Hole Sizes
Post by: D_Harris on February 18, 2011, 04:02:56 pm

Quote from: Mixelplix on February 14, 2011, 02:08:01 pm

I think it depends on the manufacturer or your joystick for exact specifications.

For instance, check out:
http://happcontrols.com/joysticks/rotary_optical_joy_e.htm (http://happcontrols.com/joysticks/rotary_optical_joy_e.htm)

They give the exact dimensions you need to use for hole drilling and such. I've made some mock-up panels for the joysticks and buttons that I've ordered from Happ and never had a problem with fit. Since there are so many different types of joysticks and several different types of push buttons, you need to know where you're going to order your parts before you start drilling. That way you can use the right set of specifications from the manufacturer for installation.

I just realized you mis-understood. The HAPPS link you posted actually doesn't mention anything about what size to drill the joystick hole.

The hole I'm referring to is the main hole that the joystick protrudes through.

Darren Harris
Staten Island, New York.