Managed to get the proper measurements for the start back and the same as before for the guide button, the start and back need the MDF routed down to 2mm as before and the guide needed about 5 mm off the top, so out with the router again!!
Finished the woodworking now!
Ok so out with the madcatz 3rd party controller, HarumaN from the Arcade Controls forum did my last controller hack, but i cant afford to import another this time, so i'll have to do the soldering and hack work myself, still its a skill I havent used in a while and shouldnt be too hard!! famous last words anyone..
Controller opened up..
Crap removed!
The only bit I want to keep beyond the PCB!
So heres the PCB stripped down and ready to get the controller hack wires soldered onto it..
First I need to sort out the tools i'll need for this, the 12way connector blocks i bought for the last stick and didnt need, some medium gauge wire I used for the common ground on my last stick, a box cutter knife to cut any solder away that bleeds, and my circuit tester..
Ok so i now need the soldering iron, i should really get a better kit as the tip on this is massive, but it will have to do for now, at least its nice and hot..
My circuit tester only tests voltages, so off to Lidl for a 9v battery and back to fire up the old multimeter instead..
Ok so first I label up the connector blocks so i know what is coming out the PCB and where it goes, and then i can plug my buttons into the other side to match..
I've done the D-pad on a separate block so i can stick this nearer the stick and the harness, should help keep the wiring a bit tidier this time..
First I soldered the common ground, and used the UP ground for this.. Also soldered the links to the D-Pad at the same time.. Not to bad, the contacts are quite big.. Then moved onto the A,B,X,Y, then the shoulder buttons and finally the guide, start and back.. All wires are now soldered onto the right contacts, and attached to the connector block..
Had to do a few bits again mostly as the face buttons contact points are so small its very easy for the solder to bleed across and bridge the connection... Said Fuck many times, tested many times, finally got it down to this..
After the points all tested properly plugged into the PC, i got the glue gun out to get them stuck down nicely and stop any weak solder from coming away from the PCB.. should hold everything nicely in place now..!
The PCB is now ready to glue so one last pic of it naked and on the bed....
And a after the "glue gun money shot" picture, its not too neat and tidy but its only my first controller hack and it took 2 hours as it was.. I know now why HarumaN charges for this.. What a pain in the arse..
Finally a home made completed hacked PCB, soldered and glued.
The buttons have been ordered from Arcadeshop.de in Germany and although the postage was a little steep, the price wasnt too bad...
Hopefully the perspex will arrive soon too so i can then make a start on the final polish up before i paint the box.. Which reminds me I need some black paint.. Arghhh!!
Back with more soon..
