The F.A.Q.
Yes! Finally a frequently asked question page. Well, get a going and if you have a question you would like answered, send me an email at shin-akuma@japan.com
Table of Contents
- What tools do I need?
- What about the box?
- Where can I get all this stuff?
- Well what about the pcb?
- Wait... what is a pcb?
- How do I get arcade parts?
- To solder or not?
What tools do I need?
You don't need everything listed here, but it wouldn't hurt.
Jigsaw
Tablesaw
Handsaw
Rotating Saw
Dremel
Router
Drill
Screwdriver(s) Flat and Cross tips of assorted sized
Hammer or Nail Gun if using nails
Sander
Staple Gun (who knows right?)
Exacto/Carpert knife
Soldering Iron/Gun
Glue Gun
Crimper
Wire Stripper/Cutter
Multi-Meter
Ruler
Scoring Knife (for cutting plexi/lexan) note: you can also use other cutting tools for this type of job
Clamps/Screw Down Clamps
Pencil/Marker
Chisel
Drill bits (assorted sizes, 1 1/8 spade bit)
Elmer's Wood Glue
Wood Filler
Nails/Screws
Carriage Bolts
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What about the box ?
The box can be constructed out of wood. Either particle or mdf board will work fine. Most people work with mdf and a few use sheet metal. Particle board doesn't take paint that well, angle cuts edges look awful, but very durable when in contact with water and not messy. MDF board takes paint very well, all cuts looks great, but warps easily after contact with water, make a lot of mess when cutting and drilling holes, and softer. The sizes used are usually 3/4 and 5/8.
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Where can I get all this stuff?
You can get most of this stuff (tools, wood, etc...) at a Lowe's, Home Depot, or a local True Values store.
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Well what about the pcb?
You can get a pcb from any controller of your console(s)
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Wait... what is a pcb?
A pcb is a *printed circuit board* interface used for directing the commands that you input using a console controller such as a Playstation Dualshock or SNES pad. You can use a first party pcb (SONY, Nintendo, Microsoft) or you can use 3rd party controllers like Madcatz.
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How do I get arcade parts?
You can get the arcade parts that are used in real arcades from www.happcontrols.com For the joysticks, you have 4 choices, but the two types that are used the most are the competition style and the perfect 360 joystick. The other two type are the super and ultimate style joysticks. All pretty much personal preference so get to know what makes you comfortable. Now for the buttons you have two types of pushbuttons. You have the ultimate pushbutton type which are widely used at the arcades and then the competition type that are convex at the top and rides really low to allow easy mashing.
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To solder or not?
Yes. You will be doing some soldering, but don't let that frighten you. There are plenty of tutorials on the web to teach you how to solder and not burn yourself. Some pcb's that you will work on doesn't require hardly any or no soldering what so ever. With the latter, using barrier strips are also an option