Spruced up D-pad!

Créations

MechanicalPen

il y a 6 ans

I was having trouble in META Hexagon and Worlds Hardest Game, so I cut up a mechanical pencil eraser and placed it in the center of the d-pad. Now the games place much better!


Notice that I don't have the wood skin applied. It is pretty thick so I'd think placing a central rocker would make the d-pad much harder to press. If someone tries it anyways, let me know how it goes!

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mike_j503

NEW il y a 6 ans

Interesting... I might try that. I'd actually enjoy the buttons to be a little bit less clicky. (Even though I understand that the click-iness is part of the retro appeal (maybe))

Aurélien Rodot

NEW il y a 6 ans

I'm not sure, you added some soft material that pushes the d-pad up ?

We tried adding a rocker on the d-pad, but that didn't work well at all, so I'm curious about the solution you found.

MechanicalPen

il y a 6 ans

I've placed a medium-firmness square of flexible rubber in the center of the d-pad. The corners of the directional buttons hold it in place, and it is slightly less tall than the button's tabs that actually depress the contact.

For my use, it solely exists to prevent the center of the d-pad from depressing (and thus having all four directions register as pressed) while I slide my finger from left to right or up to down. It is still possible to depress all four directions if I apply a higher than natural force to the center.

MechanicalPen

NEW il y a 6 ans

Aurélien Rodot Aurélien Rodot

I've placed a medium-firmness square of flexible rubber in the center of the d-pad. The corners of the directional buttons hold it in place, and it is slightly less tall than the button's tabs that actually depress the contact.

For my use, it solely exists to prevent the center of the d-pad from depressing (and thus having all four directions register as pressed) while I slide my finger from left to right or up to down. It is still possible to depress all four directions if I apply a higher than natural force to the center.

mike_j503

NEW il y a 6 ans

I did try this too, and mine looks like this; with a cover on the inside made of paper. For me it was about giving the D-Pad a tighter fit and feel, with just the right amount of 'click-iness'


If you want here are some pointers:
1) So, gather an eraser (medium soft, of decent quality,big enough to cover your d-pad in two dimensions), also a sharp crafting knife, the sharper the better. I'd also get a needle and/or some precise tweezers to get the little parts in place easily.

2) Examine the d-pad (before or after taking it out of the case) it is hollow, and the recess in the middle is cross-shaped.

3) While you're working on it, would you like a 'cover' paper also? I chose mine to be orange. You could try something fancy like tin foil, or something ready printed like a sticker, or ribbon, or color paper like me. Use something that isn't too thin and won't degrade quickly.

4) Thus, take the D-Pad out of the case. Next, cut the cover to size first because that will affect the required thickness of the rubber piece. Once you have the cover fitted in the recess, move on to the eraser.

5) Slice of a big enough piece, a bit taller than the recess (you can see it from the side) We want it to stand out a bit once we're done. Now, carefully cut it to fit the recess. (You can always try again with a new slice if you mess up)

6) Does it fit in yet? Examine the Gamebuino board that the D-Pad will sit on. The 4 'clicky' buttons are taller than the area that's between them, so you'll need to account for that with your rubber insert; we'll leave the middle of the cross tall, but shave off some materials from the 4 points.
Do this carefully and check the fit and feel of the D-Pad by putting the unit back together. (Maybe a little test game, to see how it feels)

7) Chances are the fit is too tight at first and the pad feels heavy and unresponsive, so you'll have to go back and shave off some more material. Keep in mind though that your insert will compress/ wear in a bit more over time (guessing mostly within a week), so a little bit too tight might be just right for later on.

See how you like it. And if you don't, you can always revert back, no harm done.