The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls

Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: lokesen on February 26, 2011, 02:12:25 pm

Title: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Now with pictures of the construction (01.03.11)
Post by: lokesen on February 26, 2011, 02:12:25 pm
Well, this is going to be a backwards post, starting with the final product :)

The reason why it's backwards, is that it only took 2 hours to completely finish the build, including installing the controls and doing the wiring. So the finished product is done long before getting the pictures of the process described.

Hope you wan't to follow this project anyway  :lol

Background: I wanted to make a DIY arcade control cabinet KIT that was fast and easy to make and is looking and playing better than the one you can buy finished. But that's pretty much up to you to decide if I succeeded. I do however like my design very much and I think it plays very very well.

There is room for 6 x 30 mm Sanwa / Seimitsu and 2 x 24 mm Sanwa / Seimitsu
The joystick must have a maximum installations depth of 51 mm.
The bottom panel is transparent because it looks awesome (atleast I think so).

This one is configured with the new smoke colored Seimitsu 24 and 30 mm buttons and a Ultimarc UltraStik 360.

The ArcadeStik will be sold as a kit, and I have only made very few changes to the final design, only concerning tolerences. The bottom panel was supposed to be black on the final kit, but I liked the transparent one so much I kept it.

I hope you like it.

Receiving the ArcadeStik prototype kit:
(http://www.koenigs.dk/mame/eng/arcadestik%20(1).JPG)

The parts
(http://www.koenigs.dk/mame/eng/arcadestik%20(3).JPG)

The first parts put together
(http://www.koenigs.dk/mame/eng/arcadestik%20(4).JPG)

The box in made
(http://www.koenigs.dk/mame/eng/arcadestik%20(6).JPG)

Moldings for the bottom panel with reinforcements
(http://www.koenigs.dk/mame/eng/arcadestik%20(8).JPG)

Invisible Joystick Bracket planted in epoxy glue
(http://www.koenigs.dk/mame/eng/arcadestik%20(13).JPG)

Six Seimitsu 30 mm Gun Gmoke + two 24 mm Seimitsu Gun Smoke + UltraStik 360
(http://www.koenigs.dk/mame/eng/arcadestik%20(18).JPG)

Wiring it all up. Neat and tight
(http://www.koenigs.dk/mame/eng/arcadestik%20(19).JPG)

Bottom panel with rubber feet mounted...
(http://www.koenigs.dk/mame/eng/arcadestik%20(20).JPG)

And finally the finished ArcadeStik

(http://www.nanocade.com/arcadestik2.JPG)

(http://www.nanocade.com/arcadestik3.JPG)

(http://www.nanocade.com/arcadestik4.JPG)

(http://www.nanocade.com/arcadestik6.JPG)

(http://www.nanocade.com/arcadestik7.JPG)

Read more about the project here:
http://www.koenigs.dk/mame/eng/steparcadestik.htm (http://www.koenigs.dk/mame/eng/steparcadestik.htm)

Buy the KIT here:
http://www.nanocade.com/ (http://www.nanocade.com/)

Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Acrylic Arcade Joystick Project
Post by: mgb on February 26, 2011, 02:15:13 pm
That is one sweet looking controller.
Very nice job.
Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Acrylic Arcade Joystick Project
Post by: Termin8tor on February 26, 2011, 02:50:59 pm
My first impression was I want one, but I don't really need one, but I want one....................These are going to sell well me thinks ;D
Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Acrylic Arcade Joystick Project
Post by: lokesen on February 26, 2011, 02:59:56 pm
My first impression was I want one, but I don't really need one, but I want one....................These are going to sell well me thinks ;D

Just the reply I was looking for  :applaud:

Unfornunately laser cut acrylics is not very cheap to cut, but it just looks awesome. The kit is for sale now at 69.95 + shipping, not the cheapest one, but I think the looks is worth the dough. :)
Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Acrylic Arcade Joystick Project
Post by: mgb on February 26, 2011, 03:09:15 pm
I think that is a pretty fair price.
Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Acrylic Arcade Joystick Project
Post by: emphatic on February 26, 2011, 05:28:32 pm
Sweet case!  :applaud:
Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Acrylic Arcade Joystick Project
Post by: opt2not on February 26, 2011, 09:39:15 pm
Beauty! Nicely done.
Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Acrylic Arcade Joystick Project
Post by: crashwg on February 26, 2011, 09:45:48 pm
How is the joystick mounted?
Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Acrylic Arcade Joystick Project
Post by: robertsig on February 26, 2011, 09:46:07 pm
Can you show the side with the cable (USB I presume?) coming out for attachment to a PC?  Will the kit be sold with a hole for that purpose, perhaps for a rubber grommet or something similar?

Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Acrylic Arcade Joystick Project
Post by: Savannan on February 26, 2011, 11:26:09 pm
very nice controller!!!

but I see 1 problem.  those screws.  if you loose a rubber foot that screw might scratch a surface.  See if you can get a rubber foot that would allow a screw thru the middle of it and secure both the foot and the bottom plate.  I just know from experience that the self adhesive feet come off after awhile.

other than that little problem...great job!!!!
Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Acrylic Arcade Joystick Project
Post by: Bender on February 27, 2011, 12:32:13 am
That lettering looks amazing!
How was that done?
Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Acrylic Arcade Joystick Project
Post by: lokesen on February 27, 2011, 02:01:39 am
Can you show the side with the cable (USB I presume?) coming out for attachment to a PC?  Will the kit be sold with a hole for that purpose, perhaps for a rubber grommet or something similar?



There is a hole in the back panel where you just slide the USB cable up in and then it will be closed when the bottom is mounted. Before sliding it up, you have to make a knot on it and place that on the inside.

Very simple, but works really well and looks good. I will try to take a picture of it.
Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Acrylic Arcade Joystick Project
Post by: lokesen on February 27, 2011, 02:06:09 am
very nice controller!!!

but I see 1 problem.  those screws.  if you loose a rubber foot that screw might scratch a surface.  See if you can get a rubber foot that would allow a screw thru the middle of it and secure both the foot and the bottom plate.  I just know from experience that the self adhesive feet come off after awhile.

other than that little problem...great job!!!!


You're right, but you can place the bottom panel as deep as you like, so the screw heads actually don't touch the surface. It all depends on how the installations depth is on your joystick.

But a good idea with the rubber feet.
Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Acrylic Arcade Joystick Project
Post by: lokesen on February 27, 2011, 02:07:07 am
That lettering looks amazing!
How was that done?

Vector laser engraving. Most places they laser cut, they also engrave. Looks sweet though :)
Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Acrylic Arcade Joystick Project
Post by: LeedsFan on February 27, 2011, 02:08:47 am
That looks awesome! Regarding the screws I probably would have them set down in a hole and then have the self adhesive feet go over the hole. Then you don't see any screws at all.
Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Acrylic Arcade Joystick Project
Post by: lokesen on February 27, 2011, 02:48:43 am
How is the joystick mounted?

With the Invisible joystick bracket - here: http://www.nanocade.com (http://www.nanocade.com)

Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Acrylic Arcade Joystick Project
Post by: lokesen on February 27, 2011, 02:49:22 am
That looks awesome! Regarding the screws I probably would have them set down in a hole and then have the self adhesive feet go over the hole. Then you don't see any screws at all.

Yes, but that's $10 more on the price ;)
Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Acrylic Arcade Joystick Project
Post by: Jigenjuke on February 27, 2011, 06:33:31 pm
Lokesen,

What can I say but awesome!! :applaud:
Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Now with pictures of the construction (01.03.11)
Post by: lokesen on March 01, 2011, 05:33:17 am
Thanks

Updated with new pictures  :applaud:
Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Now with pictures of the construction (01.03.11)
Post by: SNAAKE on March 01, 2011, 01:33:55 pm
whats with the weird buttons layout ??? shouldn't it be standard Japanese layout and optional American straight buttons layout?? Id probably order one depending on the price :cheers:
Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Acrylic Arcade Joystick Project
Post by: robertsig on March 01, 2011, 01:46:04 pm
I'd still like to see a picture of the USB cable hole if you could please.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Acrylic Arcade Joystick Project
Post by: lokesen on March 01, 2011, 03:37:01 pm
I'd still like to see a picture of the USB cable hole if you could please.  Thanks.

(http://www.nanocade.com/IMG_0256[1].JPG)

Not the best picture quality... Sorry about that
Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Now with pictures of the construction (01.03.11)
Post by: robertsig on March 01, 2011, 03:58:35 pm
OK, thanks.  So it looks like it would only be a problem if you used something other than the U360 joystick.  I don't plan on doing that, but if I added a spinner it might be a problem to get two USB cables through there.
Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Now with pictures of the construction (01.03.11)
Post by: dextercf on March 01, 2011, 04:47:12 pm
Thumbs up for another great piece of work!
Specially I love the brand new smoked buttons and balltop (I just ordered those last week my self).

But I would like to give you some constructive criticism still...
What about doing a all black harness with black heatshrinks (to get rid of all the colors..)?

also, I sent you an email with another question..
Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Now with pictures of the construction (01.03.11)
Post by: Epyx on March 01, 2011, 05:35:41 pm
I think provided they are wired neatly, the colours through the see through panel actually add to the aesthetic value of the finished product.  I also think the price is more than fair!  :cheers:
Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Now with pictures of the construction (01.03.11)
Post by: lokesen on March 02, 2011, 12:57:58 am
OK, thanks.  So it looks like it would only be a problem if you used something other than the U360 joystick.  I don't plan on doing that, but if I added a spinner it might be a problem to get two USB cables through there.


I tried it with both a minipac and the UltraStik. If you put more USB devices in there, just make the hole deeper or install a USB hub in there. No problem :)
Title: Re: Nanocade ArcadeStik - Now with pictures of the construction (01.03.11)
Post by: lokesen on March 02, 2011, 01:00:31 am
Thumbs up for another great piece of work!
Specially I love the brand new smoked buttons and balltop (I just ordered those last week my self).

But I would like to give you some constructive criticism still...
What about doing a all black harness with black heatshrinks (to get rid of all the colors..)?

also, I sent you an email with another question..

That would look cool, but I don't make the harnesses myself :/