Project AmpStick: Jumping in balls first

Vertical room isn’t quite what I’m talking about, but I’ll keep that in mind.

http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/57/pcboq7.th.jpg

I’m hoping that the 360 PCB is smaller than I’m guessing it is once I crack that shell. If not, maybe I can mount one of them to the bottom panel and the other to the top.

Also, as of yesterday the project is currently on hold for a few reasons:

-I’ll have to do a LOT of filing or routing to get my LS-32 to fit in that recess at all, and I don’t really have the means or time to do that right now.

-A few of the components from my uPCB are broken, so I’m waiting for replacements from Digikey.

-I realized I don’t have a screwdriver small enough to crack open that Madcatz shell, so I’ll have to track one down.

-Finally, classes start soon, so I have to make preparations for that.

So, checklist for completion of this project stands at:

[list]
[]Route hole and mounting for DB-15 topside of the stick.
[
]File down space in joystick mounting for LS-32.
[]Secure artwork for control panel.
[
]Paint case
[]Piggyback 360 PCB onto uPCB.
[
]Mount and wire all components.
[*]Make Button Select and PS2 cables for uPCB.
[/list]

Damn, first time I’ve ever felt daunted by this project, mostly the extra case work.

Don’t bother filing down the hole for the joystick. Use a razor sharp knife and it will cut like butter. The screw driver you need can be found at Radio Shack, or a Hardware store. Take the controller with you so they know what you are talking about for the screw driver.

From the looks of things you might be able to mount the UPCB under the joystick and the 360 pcb under the buttons.

Keep your chin up,
Michael

As an FYI: The PCA in that 360 stick is huge. There are photos of it somewhere around here, presumably in the hacking thread.

UPDATE:

My best friend’s dad (a carpenter) today let me use his shop & tools, and even pitched in a hand himself.

I got the joystick mounting recess enlarged to what I need, the mounting plate now sits perfectly flush with the top control panel.

We also cut the mounting hole for the DB-15 Out. It fits pretty snug right now but I’ll definitely need to buy some nuts and bolts to mount the thing.

After that we put on two coats of primer, and the first coat of finish paint.

Pictures will be incoming as soon as I can find out why my computer doesn’t want to recognize my camera when I plug it in.

EDIT: PICTURES

<DB-15 Mounting>
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/9347/boxproject003wt7.th.jpg
http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/2484/boxproject002na7.th.jpg
</DB-15 Mounting>

<Joystick Mounting>
http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/5156/boxproject001op7.th.jpg
</Joystick Mounting>

<First Coat>
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/4506/boxproject008tj0.th.jpg
http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/5891/boxproject007ds8.th.jpg
http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/1571/boxproject004lv0.th.jpg
</First Coat>

UPDATE:

Painting: DONE
Button & Joystick Assembly: DONE

Now it’s at a stage where I can consider it displayable to the internet.

I still have to mount the DB-15 and wire&mount the electonic components, but hey, it looks done if I don’t open the thing! :sweat:

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/5985/boxproject011oa9.th.jpg
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/3648/boxproject010yx9.th.jpg
http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/3339/boxproject009bek5.th.jpg

Nice job so far. Glad you could find some help getting the modifications done that you needed to the case.

Michael