PS3 sixaxis controller hack - the 'better' way

[HaRuMaN]

Did this today for a member here...  I think I went a little cross-eyed in the process, lol.   



Close up:


Ruler for scale:

[atxscarface]

NICE!!! I see you use the Euro terminal strips.

[opt2not]

Woah, that's some clean looking soldering for such tiny connection points. You must have tiny hands.
Nice work indeed.

[SavannahLion]

What do you have that mounted in in the first photo?

[HaRuMaN]

Woah, that's some clean looking soldering for such tiny connection points. You must have tiny hands.
Nice work indeed.

Thank you!  Nope,  I have normal sized hands... lol.  Just lots of patience, and a tiny soldering iron tip.   

[HaRuMaN]

What do you have that mounted in in the first photo?

That is a spring loaded PCB holder that I use when working on controller hacks.  Holds the PCB nice and tight, and you can move it on three different axis.  The arms are adjustable to accommodate PCB's of different sizes.

It was given to me...  the stamp on the base says 'MATRIX ENG CO' and under that, 'LOS ANGELES'

[somunny]

What?  New and Improved, eh?  I guess this is what you get for being an "early adopter".   

[HaRuMaN]

What?  New and Improved, eh?  I guess this is what you get for being an "early adopter".   

Hey, this was only the second PS3 hack I've done...   

[Kaytrim]

There is a better way...

[HaRuMaN]

There is a better way...

Yeah, if you don't mind being wired. 

[Kaytrim]

That is true.  Personally I don't like to use wireless controllers.  Charging the batteries can be a hassle at times.  It is my biggest complaint with the Wii.

Michael

[Necroticart]

Kaytrim i have never had a problem with the PS3 controllers I can play my system all day long and it does not need charged once and if you do run low on power all you have to do is play with the usb cord attached and it charges at the same time . Now as for the Cthulhu PS3 board I've considered getting one myself and the only reason is cost no offense to HarumaN from what I've seen on the forums he knows what he is doing, but it would be cheaper to get the Cthulhu board as opposed to buying the controllers and having the cost of getting them hacked keep in mind if there was not so much of a cost difference I myself would have HarumaN do the hack because of his quality work

[HaRuMaN]

Hmm.... in light of the price of the Cthulu board, I've dropped my price $10.   

[HaRuMaN]

Also...  as for battery charging, Somunny has used a panel mount USB passthrough on his stick.  That could be used to neatly recharge the batter on a PS3 controller, or on a Xbox 360 wireless controller using the play and charge set-up.  Looks good, and you never need to open your case.   

[Kaytrim]

Also...  as for battery charging, Somunny has used a panel mount USB passthrough on his stick.  That could be used to neatly recharge the batter on a PS3 controller, or on a Xbox 360 wireless controller using the play and charge set-up.  Looks good, and you never need to open your case.   

I have used those.  In fact I have did one for stephenp1983 who is a member of this forum.

HarumaN, what soldering iron do you use?  I have a simple 15w iron and I keep burning up the tips.  It also can't handle the fine work needed to hack one of these PS3 pads.

[HaRuMaN]

Also...  as for battery charging, Somunny has used a panel mount USB passthrough on his stick.  That could be used to neatly recharge the batter on a PS3 controller, or on a Xbox 360 wireless controller using the play and charge set-up.  Looks good, and you never need to open your case.   

I have used those.  In fact I have did one for stephenp1983 who is a member of this forum.

HarumaN, what soldering iron do you use?  I have a simple 15w iron and I keep burning up the tips.  It also can't handle the fine work needed to hack one of these PS3 pads.

I use a 15w Radio Shack iron...    It doesn't burn up on me.

[SavannahLion]

I don't quite understand how one can compare Cthulhu's board to HarumaN's work. Cthulhu board isn't wireless, HarumaN is modifying controllers that are wireless. Did I miss something here?

[HaRuMaN]

I don't quite understand how one can compare Cthulhu's board to HarumaN's work. Cthulhu board isn't wireless, HarumaN is modifying controllers that are wireless. Did I miss something here?

No, you didn't miss anything...  but if you just wanted a hack just for the sake of having arcade controls, and didn't need wireless, then the Cthulhu board would be easier, and cheaper, and therefore, a "better way".

But if you do want wireless, you need a PS3 controller hack.   

[atxscarface]

Man I should have waited for the price of Haruman's hack to drop. However since this post was my hack he did for me would this discussion or mentioning of the Cthulhu board ever happen.

Darn, anyway comparing the Cthulhu board to Haruman's work doesn't compare. Quality work is all you can expect from Haruman and you wont have to worry about cables running around. I have kids so cords are not an option for me. Haruman is a great communicator aswell. Has no problems customizing a hack to the way you want it. I had a unique request in hacking the battery for a X360 controller so that I can mount the battery holster and battery on the outside of my stick.

Im waiting on some comp. pushbuttons and joystick from happ  once im done Id be happy and proud to show off my and Haruman's combined efforts for another Street Fighter IV themed stick (2 actually). Keep in mind these are my first sticks!!! Should have them posted by next week.

Thanks again Haruman