Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: toasty on December 28, 2005, 01:30:02 pm

Title: Solder-less interface options
Post by: toasty on December 28, 2005, 01:30:02 pm

Pardon the pitiful tone of this message, but I'm new to the soldering thing, and for whatever reason, I find it kinda intimidating.  I'm interested in creating a control panel for my project that basically mirrors that used in the Project Arcade book -- two 8 way joysticks, one dedicated 4 way, a trackball, a spinner, and an assortment of buttons.

Are there any interfaces that would allow me to do all of this without requiring any soldering at all?  I suppose I ought to learn how to do this if I'm going to be going forward with this hobby anyway, but I thought I'd ask.

Title: Re: Solder-less interface options
Post by: Ghoward on December 28, 2005, 01:40:37 pm

If you use a keyboard encoder like an Ipac it ha screws on it so no soldering needed at the other end you can use quick disconects which are crimped on the wire again no soldering needed.

Gary

Title: Re: Solder-less interface options
Post by: Ed_McCarron on December 28, 2005, 01:42:07 pm

http://www.ultimarc.com/minipac.html

I haven't played with this version yet, but plan to in the near future.

Looks like if you use the USB port, its the only connection to the PC.

Handles 2 sticks (your 4 way would piggyback on one of the 8 ways, I assume), a dual-axis device (trackball) and a single axis device (spinner).

Plus, no wiring, crimping, cutting fingers, swearing...  OK, you can still swear if you really need to, but it doesn't look necessary.

Theres lots -o- satisfied Ultimarc customers out there, myself included.

Title: Re: Solder-less interface options
Post by: skippy on December 28, 2005, 02:00:16 pm

I love the Minipac.

Title: Re: Solder-less interface options
Post by: toasty on December 28, 2005, 02:05:47 pm

Quote from: skippy on December 28, 2005, 02:00:16 pm

You can build your own harness real easy, or if your really loking to wimp out buy the prewired harness which makes things a snap. 

I'm all about wimping out.   ;)  Maybe I'll nut up after I get my first machine up and running, but for the time being, I'm content to be viewed that way if it leads to me quickly getting my machine operational!

seriously, that minipac is exactly what I was looking for!!! Thanks to all who replied!!!

Title: Re: Solder-less interface options
Post by: vader on December 28, 2005, 02:11:48 pm

I use a IPAC myself, but don't forget about the keywiz from RandyT at www.groovygamegear.com     It would require you to grimp wires on one
end, but is also a excellent option.


Cheers,

Tim