If you didn't see my earlier incarnation of my webpage, you'd have seen that I made an effort to build my own arcade controllers. I learned one thing that day: I suck at woodwork. To see my old Star Wars controller, click here. It worked, but it didn't have quite the same feel. I needed to find something better. (NOTE: Yes, I do realize my yoke is actually a ROTJ yoke. I just refer to it as a Star Wars yoke from habit and familiarity).
Earlier this year, Dave from West Controls contacted me asking permission to use the MAME Control Panel pics on his page as reference to what kinds of controls different games used. I had no problem with it, as I've always considered them free to use for anybody.
We got to talking some more, and he mentioned that he was planning a new type of Star Wars controller w/box from his company. Coincidentally, I was looking for a new box for my yoke. He offered to do a prototype box for me at cost. I supplied him the design I was looking for, mailed him my yoke and other parts, and he went to work.
The final product, as you can see above, came out very nice. Everything was very professionally done, right down to the T-molding. The box is solid.
I didn't take exact measurements with a protractor, but the angle of the yoke feels exactly the same as the original Star Wars. I verified this as I played a Star Wars at an arcade a few weeks after the finished box arrived. It feels great.
On the left are the buttons for Start, Coin, and Pause. The shifter is for driving games, including the button on the shifter for games that use turbo boost, etc. The two red buttons below it are there "just in case." The controller works wonderfully for games like Star Wars, Spy Hunter, Outrun, etc.
As you can see, everything is very clean inside. To the bottom left is an Aki Analog Interface from Dave's Page of Electronics (different Dave). This little interface works like a charm. It includes inputs for up to 5 axis and fourteen buttons. Plenty enough for this controller.
Unseen, there is also a DIN-connection for an external Pole Position pedal I have. Pics later for that one.
As we all know, the real test is gameplay. I fired up a few of my favorites in MAME soon after it arrived: Star Wars, S.T.U.N. Runner, Spy Hunter, Afterburner, and Outrun. All played spectacularly. The box fits just right on my desk and weighs enough so that it doesn't move around too much when I'm dodging fireballs down the trench, and I have complete control thanks to the AKI.
Overall, I'd say I'm a happy camper. As someone who excels at electronics but sucks at woodworking, buying the box was the perfect option.
Serving emulation needs since January 30, 2002
