Desktop Arcade Controller Project

After seeing examples of custom arcade gaming controllers made by others, we (a trio of coworkers) decided to try our hand at the task. We previewed many designs found on the Internet and concluded that ours would be superior. Over the two week construction span, our design changed very little from what we had initially planned. This is a project we would highly recommend to anyone into classic games, and the gaming rewards are well worth reaping.

Materials Used

Material	Cost
I-Pac Encoder	$47.00
(2)Happ Super 8 Way Joysticks	$25.00
(16)Happ Competition Pushbuttons	$23.20
(2)Happ Player Buttons	$3.30
Medium Density Fiberboard(MDF)	$9.28
Plexiglass	$0.00
Accessories (paint,clear acrylic, markers,bottom pads,etc.)	$11.30
Hardware(screws,hinges,drill bits)	$9.64
Other expenses	$7.51
Total	$136.23

As far as construction goes we put in an estimated 10 hours over a two week period.

	We decided to construct our basic box out of medium density fiberboard (MDF). MDF is an inexpensive wood product normally used for trim & shelving work in houses. It is very durable and paints up like a champ.
We thought it would be a good idea to protect the top surface of our controller with a piece of 1/8" plexiglass cut identical to the top piece of MDF.
	We sprayed the finished box with 2 coats of flat black spray paint. After the paint was dry we sprayed on 2 coats of clear acrylic, which matched the texture of the box with the texture on the joysticks.
We hinged the top along the back for easy access to the "guts" of the controller, as well as labeling the ports for connecting the cable.
All in all we are very satisfied with our final product. We are probably enjoying the JOBSTICK and our favorite arcade games at this very moment. The Trio of Builders •Aaron Williams •Jonathan Burke •Brian Matthews Questions for the designers should be directed here

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