vectrexworld mame joystick

Mame-stick

[nov 2015]

New project starts to unfold.

To make it easier to play a quick Mame game, I am going to make only a joystick to be attached to a laptop or pc. The first one will be as cheap as possible. If you like mame and you don't have room for a cabinet, this is a good alternative to get that arcade feel.

I have some buttons left from last cab, and bit of t-molding. I bought a cheap joystick from www.arcadewinkel.nl. The Donkey Kong blue is also left from the last cab, so I am starting with a Donkey Kong style joystick. My plan is to make a serie of classic joysticks. Next would be Galaga!

I started with a prototype in carton. To save on expensive artwork I am going to print on photo paper on A4 format. The A4 will be the footprint of the joystick. 4 actionbuttons and 2 control buttons will be used. Button layout of the prototype is not final.

[jun 2016]

Took some time to get this started. I had all material but until now not the patience to start. Lesson one, start a project when you want to. It's a hobby, not work.

So, I started to cut some MDF and the plexi glass (on picture 3 the protective layer is not removed, so it looks a bit blue). I still have to figure out how many buttons I want to use. It shouldn't be to crowded, design over functionality.

I think 4 buttons. If i know the number of buttons, I can cut them out, use the slot-cutter for the t-molding and then assembly and painting can start.

I made an error on the button holes. I thought I measured them correctly, well these things happen. I will continue with this and correct it later. Picture 4 looks good, but it's only loose panels :)

Maybe I can make some more progress next weekend. Much easier then a cab! but still a lot of fun and it's already looks great.

Everything is cut, and in layer of primer. Next week: Donkey Kong blue paint!

Stick is finished. I will do some small changes to make it even more perfect. But, it works!

Cost DK stick (sofar)

T-molding white 1m .......... 3 euro

Joystick .................... 10 euro

Keyboard hack zero delay .... 8 euro

Paint ....................... leftover from last project

Plexiglass .................. 9 euro

4 blue buttons .............. leftover from last project

1 black button .............. leftover from last project

MDF ......................... 5 euro