DIY Joypad for Vintage Computers

prusaprinters

<p>This is a simple joy pad that can be used with many older computers with a 9pin joystick ports for example the C64, Atari, Spectrum, Amiga etc.</p> <p>There are several designs that can be printed if you have a MMU or some other multi-material system.</p> <p>It uses 6mm tactile switches (if anyone knows of tac switches that are silent please let me know!) which are directly supported in the case. NO PCB NEEDED!! :D The wires are directly soldered to the switches and the ground is linked between them.</p> <p>3MF files are provided where multi material printing is needed.</p> <h3>Print instructions</h3><p>Each joypad needs 5 printed parts:</p> <p><strong>Base</strong> (same for all)<br/> <strong>Front</strong> (may also have other parts for logos)<br/> <strong>D Pad</strong> (most use the common)<br/> <strong>Buttons</strong> (same for all)<br/> <strong>Strain Relief</strong> (same for all)</p> <p>Also needed:<br/> <strong>6 x</strong> 6mm tactile push switches.<br/> <strong>4 x</strong> 3mmx10mm self tapping screw<br/> <strong>2 x</strong> 3mmx6mm self tapping screw<br/> 6mm outside diameter 9 core cable (probably at least 2 meters)</p> <p><strong><em>To build</em></strong><br/> -Push the tactile switches into holders in the base part.<br/> -Each switch needs to be soldered to a wire in the cable. (Remember the colours used for each position. See photo for how I soldered mine)<br/> -One wire needs to be ground and connected to the other side of each switch.<br/> -The cable is then secured using the strain relief and the 2 x 3mmx6mm screws.<br/> -Place the front case half upside-down and insert the D-Pad and buttons.<br/> -Close the base half of the case on the upside-down front half and use the 4 x 3mmx10mm screws to secure it down.<br/> -The other end of the cable solder on a 9 pin D sub with the pinout for which ever computer you are using.</p> <p><strong>-Why 9 way cable?-</strong><br/> It was what I had on hand ;) Also some computers output 5V and I have been thinking about using a 555 timer or small ATTiny to run a autofire option - spaces for switches are left for this purpose.</p>