Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Stormy151 on May 26, 2011, 01:54:41 am
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Add a top fire button! :lol
I haven't seen this done on here (at least, I couldn't find any in the search), so I thought I would post this up.
I'm planning my Mame cab, and I'd really like to play as many games as I can, so I picked up the Mag Stiks- and I got to thinking. One of my favorite games was Assault, and I realized that I really couldn't play it without a top fire stick. I took the Mag Stik apart and decided it wouldn't be too hard to add one.
What's the WORST that could happen, right? :cheers:
I happen to have a super cool job that allows me access to a shop that is basically the world's ULTIMATE garage- CNC mills, routers, laser cutters, lathes, etc. So I decided to take advantage. The Mag Stik has threads at the bottom, and I was super concerned with ruining them. Someone suggested turning a whole new shaft out of hollow tube, which could be done- but seemed like a lot of unnecessary work.
Also, I didn't have a drill bit long enough for the lathe to go all the way through the shaft. The Mag Stik has a plastic sleeve between the knob and the body, and inside it was pretty much a shaft- I would just have to keep the wires clear of the 4/8 way switching mechanism. I decided to go through the knob as deep as I could- then go into the threaded end up until I was clear of the mechanism. I would then pop out the side and run the wires through a slot in the shaft that would be covered by the sleeve.
So that's what I did. I had a P1/2 start button from a Ms Pac cocktail I used for the top fire. Came out pretty slick. I may do it to the P2 stick so that it matches. I made the hole juuuuust bigger than the switch- it doesn't thread in, but it's a nice press fit. I can dig it out if I have to.
Now, how to keep the wires from twisting up? :lol
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Lucky.
Good work, now where do I place my order? I can't find the link. >:D
Seriously though, if I was still using my MSPs I would totally want that done.
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I definatly need to get me a lathe. That would open up so many possibilities. Good job on the mod.
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Thanks guys! I can't wait to try them- should be next week. I just have to finish designing the rest of the cab.
Yeah, having the lathe definitely helped! :lol You can get some ok smaller ones at Harbor Freight that are not too expensive. I used a heavy industrial lathe- which I'm sure was way overkill- mostly what helped me out was the larger chuck when it held the knob end.
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So, I'm going to do the P2 stick, but I'm going to get a longer bit so that I can just go all the way through the shaft rather than mill the slot in the outside.
That being said, you've got me thinking- if there were enough interest I could offer some up for sale... I probably would also offer a choice of black or red buttons.
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Now, how to keep the wires from twisting up? :lol
Have you seen this thread (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=111486.msg1182232#msg1182232)?
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More thoughts: Lighted buttons, and recessed buttons so they don't get in the way of normal gameplay.
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I think someone tapped a Magstick for lighted tops....