Arcade Game Project

Madman88 said:
Wow R3k for two joysticks! And I thought over a grand for the two Utrastiks was hectic! What joysticks is he using? eg, Analogue, 4 way or 8 way?

Had a quick look at the ultimark site, they have xbox adapters for their i-pac and all the hardware you would need for a two player panel with 8 way sticks comes in at just over a grand..
They also have a ps3 adapter tho if I where to do this I would just bang my utrastiks onto the i-pac.

So I recon if I where to build this thing with analogue sticks it would probably come close to R2k, tho I wouldn't sell it for that.
R3k sounds reasonable. <edit> IF they're analogue.
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Most arcade joysticks are not analog, most of them are 4 way. Those very popular Sanwa joysticks are 4 way - they have 4 microswitches. In fact, someone even replaced the joystick itself with 4 buttons, works fine.

It will be an XBox 1 adapter, not an XBox360 adapter.

As I said, they are 4 way joysticks, but the Sanwa kind which are very popular in arcades. High quality japanese make. When I was sourcing parts, to get the parts needed to build 2 sticks, not counting wood, but including an Xbox 360 compatible PCB came to just under R3k including shipping. Plus, this guy can probably do a much better job than me, since he has done it before. So I think its a very reasonable price for 2 custom joysticks.
 
Ancalagon said:
Most arcade joysticks are not analog, most of them are 4 way. Those very popular Sanwa joysticks are 4 way - they have 4 microswitches. In fact, someone even replaced the joystick itself with 4 buttons, works fine.

It will be an XBox 1 adapter, not an XBox360 adapter.

As I said, they are 4 way joysticks, but the Sanwa kind which are very popular in arcades. High quality japanese make. When I was sourcing parts, to get the parts needed to build 2 sticks, not counting wood, but including an Xbox 360 compatible PCB came to just under R3k including shipping. Plus, this guy can probably do a much better job than me, since he has done it before. So I think its a very reasonable price for 2 custom joysticks.
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ok, but I thought even the original xbox came with analogue controllers? Surely gameplay will suffer there with only a 4 way stick?
Anyway, post pics when you get em. :)

<edit> it just occurred to me that you would not get an analogue signal thru a i-pac anyway :p
 
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Madman88 said:
ok, but I thought even the original xbox came with analogue controllers? Surely gameplay will suffer there with only a 4 way stick?
Anyway, post pics when you get em. :)

<edit> it just occurred to me that you would not get an analogue signal thru a i-pac anyway :p
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It probably did, but analog controllers are still unusual in arcades. Have a look at wiring diagrams for joysticks. They look analog but really arent.

When used with consoles, they typically emulate the DPad. I dont even know if something more sophisticated is possible.

gregmcc said:
No fun in that. :)
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It was mostly about the money for me. I just couldnt build two arcade sticks for that price, not if I wanted Xbox 360 support. Besides, to be honest I lack woodworking skills, as well as suitable tools for woodworking.
 
Ancalagon said:
Besides, to be honest I lack woodworking skills, as well as suitable tools for woodworking.
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Good point - you need a few minimum tools: you will need is a sander, router, drill and a jigsaw (a table saw would be even better - I struggled with the jigsaw but you can fixup the scew lines with a electric planer)
 
gregmcc said:
Good point - you need a few minimum tools: you will need is a sander, router, drill and a jigsaw (a table saw would be even better - I struggled with the jigsaw but you can fixup the scew lines with a electric planer)
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I saw some forum posts about a guy who made a stick in his apartment (obviously doesnt even have a garage!) using a drill, a circular saw and some regular furniture (for clamping etc). So, where there is a will there is a way, but I dont think I would have a use for most of these tools after creating two arcade sticks. Its not like I want to make and sell them. I mean, creating something like that would be cool, but I only want 2.
 
Ancalagon said:
I saw some forum posts about a guy who made a stick in his apartment (obviously doesnt even have a garage!) using a drill, a circular saw and some regular furniture (for clamping etc). So, where there is a will there is a way, but I dont think I would have a use for most of these tools after creating two arcade sticks. Its not like I want to make and sell them. I mean, creating something like that would be cool, but I only want 2.
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Well I have a cnc router, I could always just cut the blank parts for you, then you would have to assemble, sand and paint (or vinyl) it and add the hardware.
 
Madman88 said:
Well I have a cnc router, I could always just cut the blank parts for you, then you would have to assemble, sand and paint (or vinyl) it and add the hardware.
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Thanks, but its kinda too late. I've commissioned the new sticks and paid a deposit on them, very excited to get them now.
 
Madman88 said:
Well I have a cnc router, I could always just cut the blank parts for you, then you would have to assemble, sand and paint (or vinyl) it and add the hardware.
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That's my next purchase, how much for an entry level cnc router?
 
RVZ said:
That's my next purchase, how much for an entry level cnc router?
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You can have mine for R50k :p jk

I have heard of some basic 2 axis machines that go for around 20k, but personally I wouldn't touch them.

Mine is a 3 axis that was left over from a profile cutting business I had. I was desperately trying to sell it at one stage but the need has passed and I have decided that I'm going to keep it for hobby use. It cost me about R65k when I first bought it and has served me well. I just need to get the time to play with it. Its only 600mm x 900mm so it cant cut large things, but for components and small pieces its perfect.
 
Madman88 said:
You can have mine for R50k :p jk

I have heard of some basic 2 axis machines that go for around 20k, but personally I wouldn't touch them.

Mine is a 3 axis that was left over from a profile cutting business I had. I was desperately trying to sell it at one stage but the need has passed and I have decided that I'm going to keep it for hobby use. It cost me about R65k when I first bought it and has served me well. I just need to get the time to play with it. Its only 600mm x 900mm so it cant cut large things, but for components and small pieces its perfect.
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I think you accidentally put a k at the end of the price there, think you meant R50. Right?
 
Madman88 said:
I have heard of some basic 2 axis machines that go for around 20k, but personally I wouldn't touch them.

Mine is a 3 axis that was left over from a profile cutting business I had. I was desperately trying to sell it at one stage but the need has passed and I have decided that I'm going to keep it for hobby use. It cost me about R65k when I first bought it and has served me well. I just need to get the time to play with it. Its only 600mm x 900mm so it cant cut large things, but for components and small pieces its perfect.
Click to expand...

Ok, so much for that idea. Guess I'll continue using my jigsaw and tablesaw...
 
Here is a link to a photo of the arcade sticks I got. They work fine on PS3, 360 and PC.
 
Not to rain on your parade but that really does not look like a proper job.
 
The finish is very rough, I can see nail/screw heads sticking out, rough woodwork.

Sorry it's probably just me, I'm anal about things like this. My dad always said if you gonna do something do it right and it kinda stuck with me for life.
 
ponder said:
The finish is very rough, I can see nail/screw heads sticking out, rough woodwork.

Sorry it's probably just me, I'm anal about things like this. My dad always said if you gonna do something do it right and it kinda stuck with me for life.
Click to expand...

Strange that you mention that: I've come across a few people whose parents told them that. They settled for not bothering to try at all :p
 
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