On this page, you'll find various arcade control projects that I've finished (and gotten to work). For as many as possible, I'll include a PDF "how-to" guide that shows step-by-step how to build them.

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Cheeperoids logo cheeproids pic

The Cheeperoids controller is an Asteroids controller for the Atari 2600/7800. But it's also useful for games like Gravitar, Thrust+, Space Invaders, Demon Attack, Phoenix, MegaMania, Suicide Mission... and on and on. If you have a Stelladaptor, it works great with MAME, too.

The Cheep Hackball is parts from a Happ trackball, a cheap cue-ball, and USB mouse guts. An alternative is to hack up an Atari 2600 trackball to the mouse instead. It's cheaper, but flimsier.

Update 12/18/01 - The final prototype is done! I don't have much of a write-up yet, but I do have a picture posted.

CheepCheep Spinner logo

The Cheep Spinner is my solution to the question: "Just how am I supposed to play Tempest* without real arcade controls?" (*or any other games using spinners)

After looking into the different options - from buying a real arcade spinner to the various online build-it-yourself plans - I decided to design and build my own spinner control.

The project had several goals: 1) it had to work well 2) it had to be relatively easy to build 3) it had to be sturdy 4) it had to be made out of commonly available parts, and 5) it had to be dirt cheap. Good dirt, but dirt nonetheless.

Anyway, the PDF guide available below goes through the process step-by-step. It may not be the easiest spinner to build, but it's certainly one of the cheapest, and it works great! I hope you get as much satisfaction out of building one as I did.

Update 12/18/01 - The Cheep Spinner is now shipping as a Control Freak-Compatible product. Check it out.

Download the Cheep Spinner "how-to" guide (1.9 MB)

Note: New guide coming soon

spinner.pdf
(Cheep Technology website)
spinner.pdf
(mirror site 1)
spinner.pdf
(mirror file offline)