Bacteria's project: "Project Unity"

[bacteria]

DIscovered two more interesting factoids, one about the PS2's needs and other more to do with working with multiple systems.

The PS2 needs not only a different ground for the buttons than normal ground (!) as mentioned before, but also, if you want to get rid of the video interference lines from ground, then you can't use the ground to the video ground from the power supply ground, like you can with other systems; no, that would be too easy - you have to ground directly from the PS2 ground to the video ground and the wire can't be too long either, just a few inches. That meant a bit of a redesign but nothing major.

The other factoid, regards working with multiple systems - when I used the PS2 and turned off it's power but kept the mains running into the main system, and then tried turning on different console system (GameCube), the light came on but the system refused to boot. Turns out I have to turn off the power at the main input, turn back on again, then all works fine. Not sure why that's the case, however not an issue.

I've now tested on the PS2 and GameCube independently and the Alpha Omega works great; just a couple of minor adjustments and the CD32 and CDi will also work too.

Made the last video clip of the PS2 now, need to compile the video, may well upload it tomorrow!

[bacteria]

PS2 video is uploaded for this project now - enjoy!

[bacteria]

Before can leave the project for a bit, need to tidy up some loose ends on the project, so going to make the holding section for the buttons and switches, that way also I can at least get the existing wiring a bit neater!

Made a start on the cut outs - 17 in total. I've not allowed much space for the dual buttons of the 8PDT switches and 2PDT switches (on/off), so will be tight; also regards positioning in the casing.

The idea is to have a large button pressing down on both 8PDT switches to signify a console selected (one 8PDT switch is for the audio and RGB, other one for the controller, as detailed before in the project). The large button will be made from...get this...Jenga blocks, cut down in size! The holes made so far are for these. The 2PDT on/off switches will be stacked one directly on top of the other and alongside. I've tried to illustrate crudely the idea in the bottom pic (with limited illustrative success!)

[bacteria]

Here's a better illustration:



The wood will look different of course when painted and done.

[bacteria]

Got my 20 x 2PDT switches today, in good timing as i'm ready for them!



Cutting Jenga blocks was hard, nearly cut my fingers on my electric saw twice when the blade slipped; tried to cut with a normal saw and that was hard, so used the Dremel and a sanding disc, the Dremel was strugging but did it ok. Hot guled the pieces of wood into place, in the pic it shows the buttons in "out" position. I'm going to make a front plate for the wood buttons with the logo/name of the console system and glue them into place.

[CRTGAMER]

Wild bank of switches.

I noticed you mentioned the Dremel struggling. You can get a Rotozip or an off the wall brand "Drywall Cutter". Even though they are normally ¼" shank bits, there are ⅛" collets to fit the Dremel bits.

[bacteria]

Been a great modding day, lol!

Another update!

Mounted all 17 of the on/off switches, after reducing their size a bit, from 22mm down to 20mm as otherwise they wouldn't look right or fit. Screwed the assembly into place, so it is removable if needed. The lip on the edge of the switch is sufficient to position a 2mm thick styrene flat piece for the final case front decor.

[CRTGAMER]

Deserves a repeat.

Wild bank of switches!

Very clean! A great approach having the front switches become mechanical pushing on the plunger 8PDT switches. It didn't seem like the front switches would have enough throw to push and hold the plunger all the way in, but looks like you made it work. One wouldn't know what is behind the power switches.

Anyone ever tell you you are a Mad Scientist?

[bacteria]

The two sets of 8PDT switches are taken up by the audio, video and controller wirings; however I did try a while back to run the GameCube power through the switch, and as expected, the switch wasn't able to pass through enough amperage; hence the reason for using separate switches. I had bought single pole single throw switches before, however the PS2 had to have the grounding done differently, and in order to use the same on/off switches for all systems, had to get a new bank of single throw double pole switches instead (as per the photo in my last post). There will also need to be a separate main on/off switch too, as otherwise after using one system another doesn't work immediately.

Yes, I think over the months that's the third reference to "mad scientist", to which I reply:



lol

[bacteria]

I thought it prudent to hot glue the cables going to the 8PDT switches as the chance of wires breaking free is far greater if the wires are not secured; good thing I did, as I was doing it, two wires came off their solder joints and had to be resoldered.

Struggling to keep the overall width an absolute maximum of 44cms across, or it won't fit into the space reserved for it in the lounge; can just manage it; the wooden buttons will need to be up against the on/off switches however, but will be fine.

Will need to check after this moving around tonight of the switches, the wires are still maintaining their contacts as required.

Rewired the connectors to the controller plug to the master controller, there will be no space at all for it by the switches, as originally planned for it, so will have to have it located elsewhere, so wired the controller up again to longer wires in a proper cable; hopefully everything still works ok when I get around to testing (have a few hours of work to do before get to that stage).

A few pics to give an idea: