Oak & Android, a handheld arcade

[Dafu]

Hi all,

I've just made my 3rd arcade "cabinet". This one is something a little different, inspired by the WiiU.





Video of the handheld in action:


Full album with progress shots:
http://imgur.com/gallery/539KO

[Slippyblade]

Interesting build.  Looks nice!

[scoodidabop]

Sometimes you don't realize you need a thing until you see it.  Now I need this. Such a neat little build!  Any chance you might share the UI/frontend that you wrote?

Great work! 

[pixelObsession]

When you loaded Galaga I was hoping you were going to rotate the pad 90 degrees counter clockwise and use the analogue and buttons that way . Really slick build, Love these handheld arcades!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Dafu]

Any chance you might share the UI/frontend that you wrote?

I've shared the source code for the Launcher, but not the UI overlay that shows volume/exit timer. Its all hard-coded and not very flexible at all. You can find the link to the source code and a lengthy explanation into what the software worked involved at:
https://www.reddit.com/r/MAME/comments/3nh9db/oak_android_handheld_gaming_system/

[Dafu]

I'm not entirely happy with the buttons and joystick on this built, maybe you guys have some alternatives you could share?

The buttons used here are from:
http://www.adafruit.com/products/1505

and the 4way (semi 8way if you get it right in the corner) joystick is:
http://www.digikey.ca/product-detail/en/04A/GH7453-ND/2138040

Both of these are functional but not great.

The buttons have low quality switches, if you can even call them that. They're essentially a washer on a spring that when pressed down makes a contact when you bottom out the button completely, any release on pressure opens up the switch. The buttons also take considerable force to press down.

The joystick also takes quite a bit of force, has long throw, and the shaft presses down into the joystick assembly pointlessly without actually being a switch. It also feels rough and "grindy".

What are some alternatives? The buttons must be 16mm and the joystick should be about the size of a Playstation analog thumb stick.

[Slippyblade]

...and the joystick should be about the size of a Playstation analog thumb stick.

Have you thought of just using a PS thumb stick?

[Dafu]

Have you thought of just using a PS thumb stick?

I have, but I'm currently using a keyboard bluetooth controller. An analog stick would require a gamepad bluetooth controller, I don't have one to sacrifice at the moment, but it might have to come down to that. There isn't much to pick from for controls of this size:(

[Slippyblade]

Got it, encoder limitations...

Unfortunately, that Grayhill stick is the go-to for micro builds.  There really isn't a lot available in that realm.  If you manage to find/hack/cobble something please post it!

[Dafu]

Grayhill stick is the go-to for micro builds

That's unfortunate. Any suggestions for buttons?

[Dafu]

Whoa, check out this MadCatz DPad "module":

http://www.ebay.com/itm/D-Pad-Pro-Module-for-the-Mad-Catz-Major-League-MLG-Pro-Controller-XBOX-360-/131608682240?hash=item1ea47d1f00

That looks great, anyone try those?

[Slippyblade]

Hell, for $5 it'd be worth an experiment.

[PL1]

Has anyone tried this thumbstick from arcadeshop.de?




Scott