Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: somunny on May 22, 2007, 08:28:06 pm

Title: My XBOX Live Arcade controller
Post by: somunny on May 22, 2007, 08:28:06 pm
Using the XBOX 360 controller for most retro games sucks, IMO.  This unit has an Ultimarc Magstick Plus and Happ buttons in it.  Here's some pics of the process:

Here's the pieces of the kit.  I laminated everything with black Wilsonart.

(http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/8493/dsc00004jt4.th.jpg) (http://img404.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00004jt4.jpg)

All glue, no screw!

(http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/8104/dsc00005jg0.th.jpg) (http://img404.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00005jg0.jpg)

The unused hole is hidden beneath the laminate.

(http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/1246/dsc00006au7.th.jpg) (http://img404.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00006au7.jpg)

I glued some corner blocks in to mount the control panel deck and bottom cover to.

(http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/6016/dsc00007lb9.th.jpg) (http://img404.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00007lb9.jpg)

Here's a close up of the t-nut installation.  I later Bondo'd over the top of the t-nuts.

(http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/9171/dsc00008wd2.th.jpg) (http://img79.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00008wd2.jpg)

I didn't like the idea of drilling a hole through the box for the cord, so I used a usb pass-through I had.   The hacked 360 controller plugs into it on the inside of the unit and an extension plugs in on the outside.

(http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/7828/dsc00040gq9.th.jpg) (http://img404.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00040gq9.jpg)

Here's the finished project!

(http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/9026/dsc00039ei1.th.jpg) (http://img79.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00039ei1.jpg)

(http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/9393/dsc00038uh3.th.jpg) (http://img404.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00038uh3.jpg)

Title: Re: My XBOX Live Arcade controller
Post by: Apollo on May 22, 2007, 08:41:22 pm
god job that's pretty cool
Title: Re: My XBOX Live Arcade controller
Post by: theCoder on May 23, 2007, 01:49:19 am
That looks great.  How did you do the the CP top/artwork?
Title: Re: My XBOX Live Arcade controller
Post by: Apollo on May 24, 2007, 09:43:29 pm
i agree very cool art work
Title: Re: My XBOX Live Arcade controller
Post by: somunny on May 24, 2007, 10:28:51 pm
I did the XBLA logo in photoshop and the sprites in Illustrator.  Thanks for the compliments.  :)
Title: Re: My XBOX Live Arcade controller
Post by: Malenko on May 25, 2007, 09:49:54 am
sooooooo
wanna make me one?  I need 2 sticks though, already bought smash TV ages ago on XBL
Title: Re: My XBOX Live Arcade controller
Post by: polaris on May 27, 2007, 08:06:32 pm
10 out of 10 mate.
im constantly amazed at the artwork and finished products around here :cheers:
Title: Re: My XBOX Live Arcade controller
Post by: NiteWalker on May 28, 2007, 09:19:01 am
From the other thread in consoles:

Beautiful.  :cheers:
I'm a huge fan of formica myself. I like the usb pass thru very much. I wish there was a way to do that for playstation controllers...
The art is awesome. Nice and simple but colorful at the same time.

My suggestions for your (inevitable Wink) next stick:
Add a slant to the box. It's more comfortable to play with a sloped surface because of ergonomics. Most arcade machines have slanted surfaces right?  ;)

For the hole you're not using, I'd cover it with a scrap from a 1 1/8" holesaw (it'll be undersized so you'll have to use some bondo). Although the formica is super strong and durable when used on a substrate, it's prone to cracking if left unsupported. It wouldn't take much to crack it where the unused hole is.

Can we have some more pics please?  ;D
I'd like to see the insides and some more details of the usb pass thru port.

Fantastic job. One of the nicer single player panels I've seen.  :cheers: ;D
Title: Re: My XBOX Live Arcade controller
Post by: somunny on May 28, 2007, 07:06:04 pm
The MDF was a kit that I got from northerngames.  I have a plan drawn up for my next box (and possibly run of boxes).  It's shorter with a slant and a rectangular top.  I try to keep the buttons on the deck down to a minimum so you can see more artwork.

I got a chance to test it out this weekend (as you can see by my XBLA sig  ;)).  I'll get some pics of the guts for you Nite.
Title: Re: My XBOX Live Arcade controller
Post by: beardawg252002 on May 29, 2007, 12:42:05 pm
nice work.  i really like the artwork.

now, my suggestion is to make your next one wireless.  look at my avatar.  also, there is a thread on the first page called "my first arcade controller(s)."  there, i have links to my wired and wireless versions.

its not that much different to make a wireless one.  and so much cleaner with no wires!!!  you just need a 2AA battery holder from radio shack ($3).  message me if you got any questions on a wireless version.

very good job and i understand the feeling of not wanting to play xbla on a regular controller.  so much better with a joystick and buttons.  enjoy.
Title: Re: My XBOX Live Arcade controller
Post by: nyprimus4 on September 01, 2007, 12:35:30 pm
I'm considering making one for my PS3. I have PS3 and 360 but don't really play any XBLA titles. I play Tekken Online though, Super Puzzle Fighter, Virtua Tennis would work too.

How much did all the supplies cost you?
Title: Re: My XBOX Live Arcade controller
Post by: superbigjay on September 01, 2007, 12:54:42 pm
nice work!

that usb passthrough gives it a professional touch  :cheers:

Jay
Title: Re: My XBOX Live Arcade controller
Post by: somunny on September 01, 2007, 10:02:45 pm
Thanks guys.

I think I have about $100 into it.  The thing I like about the usb controller as opposed to a wireless on is there's no need for batteries.
Title: Re: My XBOX Live Arcade controller
Post by: Zeosstud on November 17, 2008, 03:26:23 pm
Looks good.
Title: Re: My XBOX Live Arcade controller
Post by: Martijn on November 19, 2008, 03:53:06 am
he! i have seen that usb extender somewhere else  ;)

nice work. i am also considering to build one for my ps3 for sf2 hd remix
Title: Re: My XBOX Live Arcade controller
Post by: somunny on November 19, 2008, 12:51:17 pm
he! i have seen that usb extender somewhere else  ;)

nice work. i am also considering to build one for my ps3 for sf2 hd remix

Thanks.  :)  This thread is a year and a half old so it's funny to see it brought up again.  I have plans to make a couple of new SF themed ones, too.

I don't remember who originally posted the usb pass-throughs but I know it was on this board.  I have a dozen of them waiting for projects.
Title: Re: My XBOX Live Arcade controller
Post by: Martijn on November 19, 2008, 02:45:53 pm
lol did not see that it was old :) because i fount the usb units by browsing the net. i thought you got the idea from my cab :)