Posted by Matthew C. Waterman on 28, 2000 at 1:53 AM:
In Reply to: Dreamcast cabinet: a complete mess posted by Jason on 20, 2000 at 4:28 AM:
It's interesting that you ask about the DC controller hack. I've made my very own arcade control panel using a third-party controller, A MadCatz Dream Pad. I chose it because it had six buttons on the face, and I wanted a fighting game layout. Well anyways, it's very easy to do if you can solder a little. go over to www.wrongcrowd.com and you can get some great controller hack directions for Playstation and Dreamcast, however, DO NOT use the quantum fighterpad, it doesn't have true six button digital control. I was the one who provided the pictures for him on that. Make sure that when you choose a controller to hack that it is cheap and supports the correct number of buttons. In this case the cheaper controllers work much better because the circuitry is not as complex.
Also, so you know, with the DreamPad there are two separate grounds for each three buttons because it is programmable, so don't daisy chain every ground or it won't work properly. In fact, try to find a non-programmable type. Otherwise, Just build a cabinet to fit it and use a S-VHS connector to a good TV you like. Even without S-VHS it should still look pretty good though.
The one that I built was almost exactly like the one on the page. I also mounted it on an old speaker box but I used a street fighter layout instead. I am planning on building a more professional looking control panel soon based on some of the designs I've seen here.