Ways to Play: Simple Controller Solutions Arcaze

Have you ever thought about creating your very own input device that fits all your special needs that doesn't cost a lot of money just because it is for physically challenged people? Have you ever dismissed the idea because you don't have to resources to make it happen?

Did you ever curse the fact that a mouse wheel is one of those devices  you would never be able to use because of your handicap? Have you ever wished for a USB link between your computer and your brain?

I have. Almost daily.

After a while I stumbled across a piece of hardware, a so-called HID controller interface (encoder) that changed everything. The Arcaze-USB from Simple-Solutions. (English, German.)

Since it might be complicated to get hold of the Arcaze-USB in the United States for Simple-Solutions doesn‘t seem to provide worldwide shipping, I searched for similar products and I am happy to have found a company that sells a variety of controller interfaces worldwide called Ultimarc based in England. Some of their controller interfaces like the u-hid, the I-PAC and others have the same purpose as the Arcaze-USB, though they vary slightly in functionality and the number of attachable buttons, etc.

The controller interfaces are USB driven devices that allow you to connect sensors, buttons, switches, potentiometers, incremental position encoders and other fancy stuff like trackballs/spinners, even some analog sticks or LEDs.

Please keep in mind that not every controller interface offers the same possibilities so please, read the specifications thoroughly.

The interfaces come with configuration software that offer tons of features like definition of which key is to be pressed by activating a pushbutton. Often it is possible to create macros and to define their execution speed, as well. You can define the input range of potentiometers and what happens at certain positions, and so on. Some even offer the possibility to distinguish between pushing and releasing a button.

Need a D-Stick (thumb stick)? Add it. Just connect what you need.

There are a bunch of vendors and different solutions, and each offers different features. The more features they combine in one device, the more it costs. I have seen prices between 30 and several hundred dollars but I think for our needs it is not necessary to spend more than 40-80 bucks for the HID-Device.

Pushbuttons and other of the aforementioned switches are available from the vendors where you bought the control interface or can be purchased separately. There are a lot of Internet shops where you can get the parts you need, in the United States for example try http://www.focusattack.com (found under Joystick Parts). In Germany you can try http://www.arcadeshop.de. It makes sense to compare prices and please remember to make sure that the pushbutton, joystick, trackball, spinner, etc. is supporting the options you are looking for.

People with severe muscle weakness in their fingers must be aware of the actuation force of the micro switches. Many pushbutton's require quite some pressure to actuate. How much pressure has to be given is measured in Newton. As a rule of thumb you can say 1 Newton equals 100 grams. So any value  from 0.4 or lower should be okay. (Editor’s Note: 10 grams is an amazingly easy to push switch even for the most severely disabled. If you need something easier try the guide to 3.5 gram switches available in our forums.)

Problem is that there are only a few micro switches with such low actuation force. The lowest I have found was 0.26 Newton. Many pushbuttons like the American Style pushbuttons utilize Cherry micro switches, which can easily be exchanged with other micro switches. Lots of different micro switches can be found at RadioShack or similar shops.

The necessary actuation force often is caused by the method of how they make their click-sound. If there is no click-sound the actuation force is significantly lower therefore it is advisable to go for pushbuttons that have no click.

I am quite happy with the Sanwa OBSN and the Seimitsu PS-14-DN series. They use a different form of micro switches that makes no click-sound and requires low little actuation force.

It is not necessary to solder anything because you can order a fitting harness for your interface controller that utilizes push-on connectors and most arcade components are built that way.

Take control of your computer, the way you need it and don't let overpriced solutions for the handicapped hinder you from playing games. If you have a good friend or relative who doesn't have two left hands, you are set. There is no need for fancy design. A shoebox might be enough to stick some pushbuttons into. How about plywood? It can easily be sawed and drilling holes is no problem either. Create crazy constructions with a hot glue gun or use boxes of plastic, sheet metal, whatever. You can put the switches anywhere. If all metal parts that stick out of the pushbutton are insulated (insulating tape) properly, which should be mandatory, you could hold the pushbutton directly in your hands. You can put it in front of your nose or elbow, under your toes, left or right of your head (for example by use of a microphone stand). Whatever fits your needs is right.

I hope this article gave you an idea of what can be done. It is not meant as an in-depth instruction but as a small guide how to get started.