Single Arcade Controller [FINISHED]

[GeoMan]

After finishing my other projects...

Dual Arcade Controller: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,132544.0.html
Pinball Controller: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,133067.0.html

... i started working on my Single Arcade Controller.

This controller consists of a single Ultrastick 360, 7 buttons on the right and 6 buttons on the left. The 6 buttons on the right are mirrored on the left, because i am used to play some games holding the joystick with my right hand.

The Ultrastick supports up to 8 buttons, so i placed an 8th red button on the back side of the controller. I use it to pause the game, but it is also used as a "shift" button allowing the other buttons to perform a double function (insert coin, start, e.t.c.)

I setup the Ultrastick in Analog mode, so MAME maps it automatically depending on the game loaded (2-way, 4-way, 8-way, analog, e.t.c.)

Initially i ordered a TEKO box from my local electronics shop and i designed the layout using Illustrator. I sent the finished design to a friend to make the plexi for the top. He also made the matching holes on the metal plate.



I made the artwork, printed it on a Xerox at the office and laminated it. In the meantime i ordered the Ultrastick + buttons from Ultimarc.

When i had everything in front of me, it took me about 4 hours to make the required holes on the box (for 8th button & USB cable), assemble the top & install the cabling.

[monkeychunkuk]

Nice finish have you got a break down in cost?

[GeoMan]

Nice finish have you got a break down in cost?

Box = 17€
U360 + restrictor plate + hard spring = about 65€
Buttons = 25€

I didn't pay anything for the plexi, so the final cost is about 110-120€

[monkeychunkuk]

Not bad at all

[sabreerbasAlpha]

Some nice looking Controller's there my friend. Any thoughts on selling (mass producing them.)?

They look good enough for the market place in my opinion. Maybe you should make some contacts and send some samples off for testing. You never know mate unless you try.

Once again they look great..

[GeoMan]

Some nice looking Controller's there my friend. Any thoughts on selling (mass producing them.)?

Mass production is not an option due to my limited spare time and resources. Custom orders should be possible, but the cost will be high:

For example an Ulrastick 360 + hard spring + circular restrictor costs about €70. If you add the cost of the box, buttons, plexiglass, e.t.c and shipping costs to get these from Ultimarc, the final cost will be around €150.

Add to that the time required to design the layout, custom artwork, construction & testing it and i should be selling these at least €200 to make sense to do it in the first place.

Also these controllers are heavy - the shipping costs to send it to someone outside Greece were i am located, will be equally high.

Still, if anyone is interested for a custom made controller can contact me here and we can discuss about it.

[rmikes213]

How much does this weigh/did you have to add any weight in order to keep it in place while playing? I'm looking to make a single controller similar to this (with less buttons, though) and I'm wondering how it's going to hold up using my HAPP™ Competition Arcade Joystick - whether I am going to have to hold down the box with my hands while using the joystick. I'm thinking about just building the case out of wood, not metal like you did, but would like to see if maybe there is a benefit to using the metal. I'm also trying to make it as small as possible to increase portability.

Thanks.

[GeoMan]

The box i use is made of thick plastic. Only the top cover is made of thin metal (1mm). And no, i didn't have to add any extra weight.

If you place anti-slip feet underneath, you will have no problem. It is important to use ones with a larger footprint. I use 6 of these at the bottom of my controllers:



But if you still feel that you need extra weight, you can just glue a piece of lead inside your box using epoxy glue.

Regarding the controller size, you have to take into account that your hands need to be resting on the top cover to be able to play comfortably. My controller is 32x18cm and that size JUST allows for your hands to rest comfortably on it. Any smaller and you will not be able to play for more than 15 mins non-stop.

[rmikes213]

Awesome info. Thanks!