Homebrew not-so-ghetto pad

ceraf · Last edited by ceraf on Mon Sep 18, 2006 3:11 pm, edited 1 time in total

after my previous pad (http://www.ddrfreak.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=117452), i decided to take on something that looks better and feels more like the arcade. I stumbled on a few metal pad designs, one of which was Riptide's. I took some ideas and cut a few corners to come up with this:

underside of the hardboard panels. used some steel from an old computer case

a little close-up of a switch

And the semi-finished product....panels aren't secured yet.

So far, i still need to work on the sensitivity by adjusting the screws. i'm also feeling the slight lag from using a USB controller, but i'd like this to work on a laptop with only usb ports.

comments and suggestions welcome...especially suggestions on adjusting the sensitivity.

EDIT: Replaced the hardboard panels with plywood panels, and secured the metal plates with screws. I also changed the wiring a bit so that it'll register if the metal plate touches any of the four screws.

I don't have any pics right now, but the buttons are now sticking out above the stationary panels by a bit. Sensitivity is much better, but i still need to get used to applying a little more force with each step. I blame it all on my first ultra-sensitive ghetto pad for making me develop bad habits =)

I must add that the metal is rusting a little. Guess it's time for some sandpaper and Bitron lubricant i have lying around. pretty good stuff. http://www.bitronglobal.com/penetratinglubricant.html

ceraf · Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 2:37 pm Post subject:

okay, after some light playing....the pad is downright terrible. i gotta do something about the wiring design and the panels.

and of course, the usb laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaag... X(

it's so sad how my ghetto pad is performing much better.

cph05a · Trick Member Joined: 06 Jul 2006 Location: Grapevine, TX

I'm not sure if this will work all the time, but it's an idea...
I tried hooking up my pad to the computer for stepmania and I had both a huge lag and a problem with the buffer. I found an old computer joystick that didn't lag when I pressed the buttons on it and wired it to my pad. It was no different than wireing a pad to a ps2 and it solved my problem.

ceraf · Posted: Mon Sep 18, 2006 3:12 pm Post subject:

updated! now a better pad...but now i'm in university and i don't have time for ddr.