How to make a PS2 Guitar Hero controller out of scratch

Step 3 The StrumBar

This was the most interesting part of the whole process. I've tried a lot of things as the strum bar, but nothing succeeded. So I had to make one... I took apart a small switch, put a broken drill-bit into the upper part of the switch (not the electric, but the mechanical), because it is hard, so it won't break (it will be pushing the buttons). After that i cut the trigger-pad in half, soldered it (common GND!!) glued the button gums to the trigger pad, placed it to the switch as seen on the pic and glued the whole thing. It works perfectly!!!!!

Comments

[TheMadScientist]

I also found that cd tray sensors work wonderfully. you need to tear up a few old cd trays to get the sensor switches that spring back into place though

[sIDsleeper]

The same as I was thinking about!

[crisicla]

I use a car electric window switch, from an 87 VW

[455H013]

You said earlier that the up and down of the D-pad was the strum mechanism. Did you just solder the wires from the switch to the d-pad contact points? Which wire goes to the GND, i see 3 in the pic so i assume 1 goes there, i dont have a ps1 controller.

[theryan]

i decided to build a controller for frets on fire and the switch is indeed the hardest part.
I found this switch on radio shacks website. I plan on getting one tomorrow to see how it does.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062530&cp=2032058.2032230.2032278&parentPage=family

[TheMadScientist]

hey, you know, now that I think about it, you could just do what you did for the whammy bar, only put a rod through like, two of em, and attach a true whammy bar to that. that way you'd get a long style whammy bar.

[Zarcom]

what type of switch did you use and where can I get it at?

[TheMadScientist]

think the switches from some cheap-o small mp3 player that tilt both ways, and push in for select. just don't use the push in function

[psychofish25]

you can get any type of switch you want at radio shack, I was suprised to see how many they had

[teebee918]

I dunno exactly, I have found it at home, but It is a 2-position toggle switch with a big handle. I guess you can get it at any electric parts shop. Also, you may find out an even better solution than mine if you can't get that switch (use your imagination, just like I did), but i guess it shouldn't be be a problem to find one, 'cuz it's a pretty regular switch.

[super_genius]

so.. when you strum the strum bar it pushes the broken drill bit back and forth and it presses the buttons back and forth as you strum?? i think i know how i'll do this.. by the way awesome instructable but im just gonna take apart an old toy guitar and use that for the case.

[teebee918]

That was my original intention, too, but I did not have one. Good luck.