Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: skybluestav on June 27, 2005, 10:23:26 am

Title: which wire?
Post by: skybluestav on June 27, 2005, 10:23:26 am

hey guyz, im on my last bit to do in the cab and Im kinda stuck!

I got to conenct all the buttons to the i-pac, In Craig's tutorial he says I need 22 Gauge wire, Ive been all around my town and cant find anything like that. been to hardware stores, electrical stores, computer stores and nothing no luck (people didnt even know what I was talking about)

Im no specialist at wires but will any wire do? All ive found is Bell wire, its double and I could split it (just like speaker wire). is that good enough? or will I have to search or buy of the internet some if this gauge wire?

 ???

please help

thanks in advance!

Title: Re: which wire?
Post by: SteveJ34 on June 27, 2005, 10:34:25 am

Most use something in the range of 18 - 22 guage. Stranded is probably preferred rather than solid core but my first CP I just used what I first came across.

It can be found at Radio Shack, Fry's Electronics, Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware, and a variety of electric and other hardware supply locations.

Where do you live?

Title: Re: which wire?
Post by: skybluestav on June 27, 2005, 10:42:39 am

UK, will the bell wire work? bell wire is nearly exactly the same as speaker wire

Title: Re: which wire?
Post by: SteveJ34 on June 27, 2005, 10:46:57 am

If its in the general size you are looking for I'm sure it will be fine.

You are probably going to want to use quick disconnects to attach to buttons unless you just plan to solder.

One option in the UK would be the wiring kit from Ultimarc. It includes some wire, disconnects, and a crimper.

http://www.ultimarc.com

These items are readily available in most hardware and electrical supply stores in the US.

Title: Re: which wire?
Post by: Franco on June 27, 2005, 11:24:37 am

If you are in the UK you could try B&Q. I ran out so I went there and picked up some 6-core alarm wire. Think it was only about

Title: Re: which wire?
Post by: skybluestav on June 27, 2005, 12:48:24 pm

grrrrrrrr  >:(

tried homebase and Focus and they both had identical stuff, none of the one u mentioned!  >:(

but i remembered that ive got an old control panel lying around so Im gonna use used wire, just because I know they are the right ones!  :P

Title: Re: which wire?
Post by: Q*Bert_OP on June 27, 2005, 01:46:35 pm

Try Happ

Title: Re: which wire?
Post by: SteveJ34 on June 27, 2005, 03:50:43 pm

I guess we are just plain spoiled in the US in terms of being able to source items for various hobbies, home improvement, and other activities......I mean, finding wire should not be such a chore.

Combine the multitude of retail and supply house locations with the fact that the primary distribution for Mouser Electronics is based here locally and there's not much that can't be found.

I hope you are able to source what you need so you can proceed with your project. Its frustrating when you know what you need to do but dont have the parts to do it.

Best of luck!

Title: Re: which wire?
Post by: AlanS17 on June 27, 2005, 05:33:49 pm

Lots of people use Cat 5 (ethernet) cable. It's a solild core, but it ought to work just fine. Lots of people here have used it with great success. You should be able to find that just about anywhere.

Title: Re: which wire?
Post by: Franco on June 27, 2005, 06:16:56 pm

Quote from: AlanS17 on June 27, 2005, 05:33:49 pm

Lots of people use Cat 5 (ethernet) cable. It's a solild core, but it ought to work just fine. Lots of people here have used it with great success. You should be able to find that just about anywhere.

Yeah that was my 1st choice but they only had it in 50m lenghts at B&Q. I could probably have found shorter lenghts somewhere else but I was eager to get on with my CP, thats why I opted for the alarm wire.

Title: Re: which wire?
Post by: skybluestav on June 27, 2005, 09:37:45 pm

ok done and finished, as my cab was already a fully working one, I just used the old wires that where inside the cab before i took it apart, connected everything on the IPAC and everything works!

except one of the joysticks, it wont go diagonal in any direction, player 2 joystick works fine and is exactly the same. Anyone got any suggestions on what might be the problem? i dont think its the microswitches cos it goes up, down, left and right BUT NOT diagonal.

suggestions? ???

Title: Re: which wire?
Post by: 88mph on June 28, 2005, 02:37:41 pm

Well, are you sure your player 1 joystick is an 8 way joystick?  It sounds like it might be a 4 way to me..

Check and see if your player 1 joystick is actually capable of closing both microswitches when it is pushed in a diagonal direction.  If not, then you'll need to remedy this.  If you're using a happ super, you can just flip the actuator and you'll be good to go with diagonals. 

Let us know what type of joystick it is and maybe we can help you.

Good luck,

-88mph 

Title: Re: which wire?
Post by: conseit68 on June 28, 2005, 02:42:45 pm

I don't want to hear about being spoiled in the US...lol

I just gave my right arm for shipping to Ultimarc. :)