Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: chiLLbiLLy on July 09, 2011, 02:14:46 pm

Title: Tron trigger stick graphic backplate with thumb buttons?
Post by: chiLLbiLLy on July 09, 2011, 02:14:46 pm

I've got a Happ heavy duty 8-way trigger stick, with the repro Tron handles and Tron graphic backplate from GGG.  I actually have the 2 thumb button version of the trigger stick, but currently have those thumb buttons tucked away in the head of the thing.  At first, I just wanted the stick to look just like an original Tron stick, but now I'm realizing I would prefer more functionality across a wider selection of games, so I want to reinstate those two thumb buttons.  Hell, even Discs of Tron had one thumb button.

Anyway, has anyone come up with some way of having thumb buttons AND having a good looking, Tron-themed backplate together?  Does anyone even sell pre-drilled backplates for 1 or 2 thumb buttons?

There's almost enough room below the Tron logo on GGG's Tron backplate to drill large enough holes to install the thumb buttons, but that might compromise the integrity of the entire backplate, being so close to the edge vs. smack dab in the middle.  Plus, I think the Tron logo is just some sort of label anyway, which may get completely hosed if I go to drilling the thing.  I guess the smarter option would be to use the original plain black backplate and then try and come up with my own label, but I somehow doubt a do-it-yourself label will either stay put or even look very good on that particular type of black plastic.

If I had any actual artistic talent, I'd simply try my luck at freehand painting something on there.   :P

Title: Re: Tron trigger stick graphic backplate with thumb buttons?
Post by: wp34 on July 09, 2011, 03:35:53 pm

Happ sells both the two and one hole backplates.

Item - 96-2542-01
Item - 96-2542-02

I picked up a one-hole backplate from Divemaster a few months ago but have not installed it yet.  I'm doing a Tron themed scratch-build and am struggling with the exact same issue of artwork for the backplate.

Title: Re: Tron trigger stick graphic backplate with thumb buttons?
Post by: stan2323 on July 09, 2011, 09:36:51 pm

I am struggling with the same question since I built mine.  I went ghetto until I figure out a good solution.  I do not want to drill holes in the Tron insert but I do not want to remove the buttons from the stick.

(http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u293/stan2323/DCP_3319.jpg)
(http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u293/stan2323/DCP_3317.jpg)

Title: Re: Tron trigger stick graphic backplate with thumb buttons?
Post by: Bender on July 10, 2011, 11:59:55 am

I make a replica backplate like this and put the buttons above or below the logo
also I'd try to mount the buttons so the metal rim was below the graphics so you would only see the black buttons
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=103207.0;attach=169477;image)

Title: Re: Tron trigger stick graphic backplate with thumb buttons?
Post by: chiLLbiLLy on July 10, 2011, 05:38:43 pm

Hmmmm.  That definitely gives me some ideas.   I just need to play around with things a little bit.

Question, though, as I haven't really tried to make a plastic part from scratch before, but what type of adhesive label would be able to handle the printing of the Tron logo, in all black, etc.?   A permanent, clear inkjet label, like you'd find at Office Depot, or something more durable/reliable, like some sort of a inkjet, printable, vinyl decal from a Hobby retailer, if such a thing exists?

Other than printing standard mailing addresses on clear, inkjet labels from the office supply store, that's about the extent of my expertise.   ;)