Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: javeryh on November 04, 2005, 02:34:03 pm

Title: How long did it take to just wire the controls?
Post by: javeryh on November 04, 2005, 02:34:03 pm
This is the only thing I have left to do but it scares the crap out of me because I've never done something like this before.  Does it take a long time to do?  I am going to be wiring up a cocktail cabinet and I guess I have to install the computer, coin door and all the controls.  Can it be done an hour at a time or should I try and block out a weekend to finish it in one shot?
Title: Re: How long did it take to just wire the controls?
Post by: ArcadEd on November 04, 2005, 02:48:26 pm
Are you putting those little quick connects at the end of each wire?  If so, it migth take a little while longer.

Just soldering, you can bust out the button, joystick wiring in under an hour I would think :).  Especially if you are using an ipac or other keyboard interface.  They make it pretty easy.
Title: Re: How long did it take to just wire the controls?
Post by: javeryh on November 04, 2005, 03:19:26 pm
I'm planning on using the quick disconnects so I have to strip the ends of each wire and then crimp on the connection, right?
Title: Re: How long did it take to just wire the controls?
Post by: PetitMorte on November 04, 2005, 03:24:51 pm
I have 2 joys, 3 buttons each, and 2 start buttons.  crimping, trimming, stripping and assembling took 2-3 hours, sitting in front of the TV.

It's not hard.  Just make sure you have enough wire.
Title: Re: How long did it take to just wire the controls?
Post by: ArcadEd on November 04, 2005, 03:29:10 pm
I'm planning on using the quick disconnects so I have to strip the ends of each wire and then crimp on the connection, right?

You are correct.   Your fingers/hands might get sore after a while.  If I use quick discconects I also like to strip enough wire so I can fold it in half before putting it into the hole.  Seems to help it hold a bit better.
Title: Re: How long did it take to just wire the controls?
Post by: Havok on November 04, 2005, 03:34:07 pm
Pick up an automatic stripper. (The wire kind..  ;D )

Put the wire in, squeeze the trigger, and voila! Perfectly stripped end. It will cut your wiring time in half if you want to use quick connects. you can pick them up at Radio Shack, or I think even Lowes\Home Depot.
Title: Re: How long did it take to just wire the controls?
Post by: javeryh on November 04, 2005, 04:31:27 pm
Pick up an automatic stripper. (The wire kind..
Title: Re: How long did it take to just wire the controls?
Post by: ArcadEd on November 04, 2005, 04:40:44 pm
Yeah, you could make the time pass by really quickly if you worked on your wires with an automatic stripper :).  You probably wouldn't even notice the time ticking away.
Title: Re: How long did it take to just wire the controls?
Post by: Jabba on November 04, 2005, 04:44:15 pm
Are you guys referring to a crimper when you say automatic stripper?
Title: Re: How long did it take to just wire the controls?
Post by: ArcadEd on November 04, 2005, 04:50:33 pm
No, they make strippers that grab the wire and strip it at the same time.  The one I have is older as you squeeze together the handles, this little clamp comes down and holds the wire while the other part of it strips the wire.  Man, it's kind of hard to explain.

Title: Re: How long did it take to just wire the controls?
Post by: Havok on November 04, 2005, 04:58:57 pm
Check this out:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062786&cp=2032058&pg=1&f=Taxonomy%2FRSK%2F2032058&y=7&categoryId=2032058&x=14&kw=wire+stripper&kwCatId=2032058&numProdsPerPage=20&parentPage=search
Title: Re: How long did it take to just wire the controls?
Post by: Cutty on November 04, 2005, 05:11:54 pm
I used all quick connects and did the stripping by hand, still only took a couple hours. When you're measuring the wire from where the pac is to the switch, make sure to leave some excess.
Title: Re: How long did it take to just wire the controls?
Post by: Jabba on November 04, 2005, 05:35:20 pm
Check this out:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062786&cp=2032058&pg=1&f=Taxonomy%2FRSK%2F2032058&y=7&categoryId=2032058&x=14&kw=wire+stripper&kwCatId=2032058&numProdsPerPage=20&parentPage=search

Cool, thanks. Looks like I'll be making a trip to RS.
Title: Re: How long did it take to just wire the controls?
Post by: SOAPboy on November 05, 2005, 07:46:06 pm
Check this out:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062786&cp=2032058&pg=1&f=Taxonomy%2FRSK%2F2032058&y=7&categoryId=2032058&x=14&kw=wire+stripper&kwCatId=2032058&numProdsPerPage=20&parentPage=search

Cool, thanks. Looks like I'll be making a trip to RS.

Yeah me too, im amazed that i have a reasion to goto verizon now.. erm i mean, radio shack