Newb – how to build a custom stick?

[theonlyjonto]

After discovering the Retropie project my desire to build a custom arcade cabinet wasn’t suddenly ignited again. I got my Pi 2 Model B a couple days ago and I have Retropie and EmulationStation running perfectly, now I just need to get my display set up and put together my controls.

I am totally new to this sort of thing so please assume I have no idea what I’m doing.

So that’s why I’m here. I think what I want is a two stick setup with six buttons each along with the typical 1 player, 2 player, start, and coin insert button along with a couple two or three more for save state purposes. I found the ControlBlock via this site and that seems like the best option for a PCB (is that the correct term?).

Also, I’d like to use a coin door like this one from Xarcade to act as my coin insert button. Should that work with the ControlBlock?

I’ve been trying to find a good resource for buttons and joysticks. What would you guys recommend? I want stuff that looks retro, not new.

How are buttons and joysticks connected to the PCB? It seems as though there is only one “pin” for each player input. Will it require soldering? I have a woodburner that I believe came with a soldering tip but I don’t think I have an solder so is there a specific kind I will need?

Any tips will be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[theonlyjonto]

Also, the one concern that immediately comes to mind when looking at the ControlBlock is the fact that it sits right on top of the CPU. I would think this wouldn’t be ideal for airflow, but I’m guessing it could simply be wired separately instead of the default stacking configuration. Is this even a valid concern though?

[lilbud]

If you want to, use the minipac from ultimarc, https://www.ultimarc.com/minipac.html, plug and play via usb for 2 players, plus spinner and trackball, and go to focus attack for the buttons and joystick. http://www.focusattack.com, this is how mine ended up

[theonlyjonto]

[quote=107286]If you want to, use the minipac from ultimarc, https://www.ultimarc.com/minipac.html, plug and play via usb for 2 players, plus spinner and trackball, and go to focus attack for the buttons and joystick. http://www.focusattack.com, this is how mine ended up

[/quote]
Interesting! So I’m assuming the way that works is I would program what key each pin corresponds to using their software on my PC then when I plug it into the Pi via USB it will simply function like a keyboard, correct?

[lilbud]

You plug each female disconnect onto the pin of the microswitch of that arcade button. with the software you program each microswitch with a gamepad button number.

[theonlyjonto]

[quote=107290]You plug each female disconnect onto the pin of the microswitch of that arcade button. with the software you program each microswitch with a gamepad button number.

[/quote]
Nice! I think I’ll pick one of those up. I guess I’ll need to get a power button separately though, correct?

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