Tron Stick Replacement Grip

[RetroRik]

For some time now i have been threatening a Mame arcade console build.

Over time i have been getting the parts together and will be starting the build in the new year.

I want to have a Discs Of Tron stick on the console but as we all know the stick is like hens teeth to find on the cheap if at all.

Here is my solution to wet your appetite. I will start a thread for the entire build.

I got a Mag-Stick Plus which is magnetically centred and is 4-8 way switchable from the top which is good for Tron and Discs of Tron.



Now from GroovyGameGear in the US i got delivered for £30 a replica Tron grip.





Basically i will adapt the Mag-Stick Plus joystick to fit into the replica Tron grip.
I will add a DOT backplate on the grip and add a centre button for the sheild in DOT.

My Mame console will be illuminated with a hidden UV light.

The Tron grip looks great under UV.





RIK

[FatTrucker]

You'll be needing a push/pull spinner for discs of Tron, afaik nowhere makes replicas anymore but you can DIY one using plans from BYOAC.

If its your first cab, plan the CP layout carefully, too different types of controls on one panel can end up making all of them less then ideal. Having a couple of switchable panels is the best way to go really.

[RetroRik]

Cheers FT.

You can buy a Push/Pull spinner but very pricey.

I love designing and building stuff so i will be building one using the bits from inside a mouse...

Got some designs already. The build of that will be in the main thread i will start in the New Year..

I already have the main console designed and partly built. Will all be in the main thread.

Should be a long and interesting thread i hope..

RIK

[fuzzyvision]

I'm thinking of making a tron stick - does the replacement tron stick cover fit straight onto the Mag-Stick Plus or does it require some work (drilling etc)

cheers

Mat

[RetroRik]

Hi Mat.

You have to cut the Blue plastic grip off the magstick.

This leaves you with a shaft of 10mm wide.

However the shaft that will be screwed into the grip has to be 20mm wide so you need to find a spacer.

I will be using a peice of tube that is 60mm long and 20mm wide. The grip screws need to be screwed through the grip using the supplied holes into the 20mm tube.

If the tube is steel you may need to use a tapper bit to create a hole with screw threads in it.
If the tube is strong plastic then a hole might be enough as the screw will make its own thread in the plastic.

It will be trial and error. It will need to be a strong connection though.

I am still working on how the 10mm shaft will connect into the 20mm tube as my stick is a Pull and Twist stick that can shift from 4-way to 8-way. ( Magstick Plus )

So my grip needs to be able to twist left and right but not pull off when being pulled up.

However this connection can be fused tight if you use the normal Magstick that is switched 4-way/8-way under the control panel. ( white lever ).

I have gotten further with this build and have many pictures to post when i get the chance. I have built a Discs of Tron illuminated deflect button as well. Looks nice.

I have however created this control panel graphic. First attempt. Any input/suggestions/hates/likes welcome.

It looks good on Photo paper and the light colours glow under UV light as does the Tron grip.

The Spinner will be top left and the Tron stick top right in the disc graphic. Track ball in the centre.

( if the image is cut off to the right in your browser then Right click image and View..)



Regards

RIK

[fuzzyvision]

Mm, im tempted to just go for the happ trigger joystick & replacement cover.. Its so expensive though. The stick and push/pull spinner costs about £300 quid. Though that said I REALLY wanna play discs of tron properly!

Im making a bartop, so space is at a premium. I had planned to have this layout from the left: spinner - standard joystick - 6 buttons - tron stick on the far right. I wanted a trackball too but it would just be too tight.

Is this the spinner you are going for?

http://www.apachecontrols.com/products.html

[RetroRik]

Hi Mat.

Yeh i agree the Happs is a bit steap price wise. Thats why im attempting to build one first. I always do this.

So as far as the spinner goes i have an idea on how to build one before i buy one.

The push/pull mechanism will be centred with magnets so should feel really nice. I have an Optipac which i will connect the spinner too. Thye optics from an old mouse i will use with a home made optical disc made from a tin jar lid...

I reckon i can do it..

As i said i will always try to make something before i buy it..

RIK

[fuzzyvision]

The joystick mod is certainly possible. Is the joystick shaft hollow so the cable can run down the inside? Also is it possible to solder it? If so it really would be too hard to alter.

[RetroRik]

The joystick mod is certainly possible. Is the joystick shaft hollow so the cable can run down the inside? Also is it possible to solder it? If so it really would be too hard to alter.

The crome looking shaft in my first image is infact a plastic surround that slips onto the real steel shaft under it. The steal shaft is not hollow but the wires could run between the shaft and the plastic surround if you file a gloove inside the surround. If you mean could the 10mm shaft be soldered to the 20mm tube then i suspect it would't hold.. Some strong epoxy might do the trick though.. Or get a fine steel drill bit and drill a small hole through both then just bolt them together.

RIK

[fuzzyvision]

Shall have to think about that then.. I'll get the rest of my cabinet together first.. order the spinner.

[RetroRik]

Any suggestions on the control panel design i posted earlier welcome.

Good, bad or just new suggestions.?

Im off work from tomorrow so can crack on with it.

RIK

[fuzzyvision]

I've started cracking on with mine - check it out here:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.p ... c=119108.0

[RetroRik]

I've started cracking on with mine - check it out here:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.p ... c=119108.0

Nice to hear from you again fuzzy. Might post mine on there also. I will take a look at your build later. Cheers.

Don't know if you spotted my other thread.? My first video is on it. The DOT stick build..

http://www.retrogamer.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=33526

RIK

[fuzzyvision]

Your thumb button looks great, very good