VOOT/Force Replica Arcade Sticks
Posted: 18 Nov 2013, 07:00
I've been wanting a set of VOOT Twin unit Arcade Control panels to upgrade my US OMG machine but they're damn expensive and they seem to get snatched up instantly on YAJ.
I happened to find a random auction for a single VOOT joystick on eBay and snagged it for $15
I decided to take it apart to see what makes it tick and I'm thinking it might not bee too difficult to build a replica using a 3D printer.
we have standard off the shelf micro switches, there a bunch of small bolts and other fasteners that are easy to source. The spring, clip, spacers, and anti-rotation pin on the stick could all easily be sourced from hardware sellers online.
the white plastic body housing, and the black plastic gate plate and a few other small plastic pieces would need to be made by 3D printer.
The grip assembly and buttons could technically be made by 3D printer though they wouldn't look as pretty as real ones as 3D printers can't really make smooth surfaces. Though it might be cheaper to just use the grip assemblies from Saturn twin sticks.
The rod could probably have replicas machined by a small machine shop, not sure how much that would cost, these could also be customized to better fit the Saturn grips
The only major part left is the mounting plate, though it's possible a replacement could be printed out of plastic, or even molded as part of the joystick body to reduce the part count.
Has anyone else looked into this at all? Is there any interest out there in replica arcade stick housings or is everyone content with just using console stick parts or importing from Japan?
I happened to find a random auction for a single VOOT joystick on eBay and snagged it for $15
I decided to take it apart to see what makes it tick and I'm thinking it might not bee too difficult to build a replica using a 3D printer.
we have standard off the shelf micro switches, there a bunch of small bolts and other fasteners that are easy to source. The spring, clip, spacers, and anti-rotation pin on the stick could all easily be sourced from hardware sellers online.
the white plastic body housing, and the black plastic gate plate and a few other small plastic pieces would need to be made by 3D printer.
The grip assembly and buttons could technically be made by 3D printer though they wouldn't look as pretty as real ones as 3D printers can't really make smooth surfaces. Though it might be cheaper to just use the grip assemblies from Saturn twin sticks.
The rod could probably have replicas machined by a small machine shop, not sure how much that would cost, these could also be customized to better fit the Saturn grips
The only major part left is the mounting plate, though it's possible a replacement could be printed out of plastic, or even molded as part of the joystick body to reduce the part count.
Has anyone else looked into this at all? Is there any interest out there in replica arcade stick housings or is everyone content with just using console stick parts or importing from Japan?