Gee-k.net

I bought my 3d printer recently, as can be seen in a previous post, to make my controller cases.
Over the last couple of days I have been making bits here and there to try out. Then last night I printed all the buttons (a few times), the d-pad and then the back of the case. It's looking okay, but not excellent. I think the buttons need to be larger, the d-pad needs to be a bit better thought out and slightly re-designed. The way the two halves of the case go together will also need to be changed slightly, as currently you could press a button and the case will split. BUT! this is the whole point in prototyping. Test, test and test again until you get it correct!
Anyway, I've att... Read More!

It's been a while since I last posted, yet again. I've been paying a fair bit of attention to the website code itself and not had much in the way of tinkering with the Amstrads and such.
The good news is that the website code is almost done. Although I doubt it'll ever be totally finished as I'll think of more and more things to add into it.
ANYWAY! I few weeks back I made my prototype controller and I then learned how to use some PCB designing software. Once the schematics were made I then designed up some PCB's and ordered them. I only ordered a small amount as they themselves are the next step in prototyping. There are already a couple of changes I'd like to make.
So today the PCB's arrived and I set about adding the... Read More!

My Megadrive extension cable arrived in the post yesterday, so today I set about wiring up the last bits of the prototype controller.

I'm new to soldering, so there was a few screw ups on the way. I had to remove the original header pins that I soldered on as I had removed the plastic that holds them together and in place. I then had to re-solder them and the pins moved a lot as nothing was holding them there except the solder that I was now re-flowing. I thought that the best idea would be to remove them and put a new one on. I had to place it in new holes as I removed some copper pads accidentally.

After the new header pins were on, I soldered in all the wires to the buttons with purple wire as I only have bl... Read More!

I have tried playing some of the games that I have for the CPC 464 using the joystick that I got with the first one that I bought.
The problem with this joystick is that the buttons sometimes don't register and the directions sometimes don't work very well. You can't blame it when it's over 30 years old!
So I thought I'd make a joypad for the CPC myself. I don't see any for sale that are specific for the CPC and new.
The Joypad is going to be similar to an old NES or MasterSytem control pad. Rectangle and simple. What else do you need for retro gaming?!

I ordered a few prototyping boards and a few other items to make the start to my Joypad. They arrived a couple of days ago and I got to work making the st... Read More!