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Another modified controller for a Quadraplegic thread
mthomson:
I'm a quad of 20+ years with a serious passion for video gaming.
I've read everything I could find on this board regarding custom controllers for the disabled, and unfortunately found no real solution.
My current console is the Xbox360 that I use primarily for playing Project Gotham Racing 3 on Xbox live. Due to nonexistent fine motor control of my fingers I use the Hori DOA4 fighting stick instead of the standard 360 controller. It's a great starting place for anyone who has limited fine motor control of their digits. It has a robust 4 way stick and large buttons. However it does have short comings when used as a controller in anything other than fighting games. As I mentioned most of my gaming time is spent on PGR3 and while the Hori stick allows me to play I'm to the point that I need a controller with analog input instead on the on-off microswith control of the 4 way stick. Driving the faster cars with on-off throttle control and full lock steering only is difficult at best.
I've recently purchased a Mad Catz arcade stick thinking I could use the analog stick from it in the Hori housing...but now have the feeling I'll be left wanting even more. So now I'm hoping to build, or have built more accurately, a full blown custom controller. I'm thinking of using the The Ultimarc UltraStik 360 Joystick in a custom base with components stolen from either the Hori, Mad Catz, or original 360 controller. After reading a lot of the great posts on this board, and learning so much about controllers that my head hurts :dizzy: I'm left wondering if anyone here can help me regarding interfacing purchased components like the The Ultimarc UltraStik 360 Joystick, a quality 4 way stick, and arcade quality buttons to the 360.
If anyone here is interested in helping me tackle this project I will gladly pay what it takes, and as important is to hopefully create a platform that could be adapted to others with disabilities.
My thoughts so far are an aluminum base @ 8" x 18" (to rest on one's lap) with stand-offs supporting a carbon fiber upper deck - the guts would be contained between the two plates. I own a small tool shop so finding the materials and doing the machinework would be no problem. But since I know next to nothing about how the individual components would 'talk' to the Xbox360 and can't solder to save my own life I was hoping someone here could help with that part of the project.
thanks for any interest and I welcome all input.
mark
mthomson:
Thanks for the sticky mr. moderator :applaud:
bfauska:
It sounds like a really cool project, because of both the reason for it and the challenges that it presents, but I don't know anything about interfacing with the xbox. I imagine that it would basically involve a joystick hack, but with the analog joy it could be difficult. I wish you luck, and will follow the progress if it gets posted here.
Later,
Brian
mthomson:
Thanks bfauska, I think so too....for both reasons.
I also have the new Microsoft force feedback steering wheel for the 360 if anyone here thinks any useful info could be gleaned by dismemberring it.....I'd really rather not have to do that as the thing cost me $150, but if it would be helpful it can be sacrificed.
As my simple thought process goes....all of the components are readily available....the layout of the controls could easily be tailored to individual needs, with adaptations to the sticks if necessary (I use a 35mm film canister taped on the ball of my Hori DOA4 stick for instance).....the only real stumbling block is interfacing the controls to the Xbox 360.
If anyone here knows how to figure this out please help. I could get some output readings from the analog stick in the Mad Catz stick if that would help....and if someone could guide me in what leads to check and ohm meter settings etc.
thanks again,
mark
Dudeman:
Where are you located?
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