My home built metal DDR pad (Part IV)

EvadingTheFade · Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 5:52 pm Post subject: newbie thanx.

*bows to ddrhomepad.* I plan on building a dance pad this week. I'm psyched! Thanx for all the links, and instructions.
~ETF
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ffdude1906 · Trick Member Joined: 08 Nov 2005 Location: on my butt

ok, question. do the ddr games for ps2 register the controller as not being a pad (i.e. in the records section, high scores have a pad icon if you used a pad, and there isnt an icon if you used a controller), because if they do, i'm gonna want to disect a pad instead so that my scores show up with the pad.

it does it on ddrmm, but i dont know about the ps2 versions. also, answers to my previous questions would be good too

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HitokiriX · Trick Member Joined: 27 Mar 2004 Location: Berwyn, PA

if you use a ps2 controller for the control board, then it will show itself as a regular controller in the game. If you use a control board from a softpad, then it will show itself as a DDR pad in the game. Your choice.

Punkly Daft · Trick Member Joined: 16 May 2005 Location: On a DDR Pad

I have two questions about the arrow graphics

1. Should I have Kinkos print out the graphic on copy paper, photo paper, or cardstock?

2. Should I glue the graphic to the piece of lucite below it?
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Aflac · Trick Member Joined: 28 Mar 2005

geckoinc99 · Trick Member Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Location: Chattanooga, TN

By not gluing the graphic down, you will be left with the option to replace it if something happens to it or you get tired of it and want something different. Paper choice really doesn't matter, however, I recommend getting it printed at Staples or OfficeDepot. Kinkos tends to overcharge for prints sometimes. It should only cost about $2 or less per print.
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phoenix9 · Basic Member Joined: 09 Apr 2005

Punkly Daft · Trick Member Joined: 16 May 2005 Location: On a DDR Pad

stupidbarber · Trick Member Joined: 28 Feb 2005

slvrshdw · Trick Member Joined: 05 Jan 2005

im downloading the plans now, thanks

and about the graphic, i just used tape in the 4 corners to hold it down
double sided tape should work nicely too

and i just got back from getting a pretty good 5.1 ch surround sound speakers for only $40!

ill keep people informed how the cabinet turns out, and ill try to get alot of pics for people

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kingofsmut95 · Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2005 4:21 pm Post subject: DDR home pad FAQ

Hello, I am new to this forum but I am not new to gaming.

I have read up to page 205 of this thread where someone proposed
that there should be a compiled FAQ sheet or something
to help reduce the number of repetitious questions being asked over and over againg.

I know I only have 40+ more pages left to read, but I sense no one has stepped up to do such a FAQ?

Well, since I am doing my research before I build my pad, I volunteer to compile the information from this thread into a FAQ.
I also have my own web page for hosting the files, and the pictures so that they won't disappear when the free trial, or service provider changes or what ever.

Writing FAQs is not a new thing for me. I have written detailed FAQs from forums for the Xbox game Dead Or Alive Beach Volleyball, and Magic The Gathering for the Dream Cast.
For DIY FAQs, I have an FAQ on how to build your own Drummania set of drums, and I wrote an FAQ on how to disassemble and reassemble my arcade "Para Para Paradise" dance machine. My FAQ page is below:

[url]

http://www.anikionline.com/FAQs/index.html

[/url][/url]
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slvrshdw · Trick Member Joined: 05 Jan 2005

cool!!

id help a bit if u need anything

i looked at the plans, and i like them (im planning on getting the wood this weekend)

now for a question--

anyone use weatherstripping and have it loose its responsiveness?
what about that tubing? is it any better?
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amhso · Basic Member Joined: 13 Nov 2005

i wish there was a truely cheap solution to a good pad. The homemade metal pads cost between 80-120 dollars. Then buying a good pad costs atleast 60 dollars...so I can't get any. I'm stuck with my soft pad, which is cheaply glued to an office mat to cheaply stop the sliding.
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Aflac · Trick Member Joined: 28 Mar 2005

geckoinc99 · Trick Member Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Location: Chattanooga, TN

The instructions for doing the soft pad mod (which is to place the pad on plywood then wrap it with hardwood floor covering) can be found in the Tips section on the DDR Freak home page. Here's the link:
http://www.ddrfreak.com/library/contributor-article.php?postID=7890244
This is a good way to improve your pad's performance till you can afford a better pad. Also, if you want, you can tape an extra piece of the plastic covering over the arrow areas so that you can tell where the arrows are by feel and not have to look. Just a thought.

David
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Life is very different 3000 feet above the earth with only a wing to hold you up....
Can't wait to be there again. Wanna join me? Visit http://www.hanglide.com

slvrshdw · Trick Member Joined: 05 Jan 2005

ok guys,

well i got part of the wood for the cabinet so far

its just 2x4s for now, but im going to get some paneling or plywood to cover it later

btw, the blue light is from my xbox...and thats homer on teh TV if u cant tell

(its a link)

it has...
my TV on top
a VCR so i can use it as a normal TV (the antenna jack broke off it)
my xbox in it
the 5.1 ch surround sound speakers mounted (poorly for now

)

i still have a long way to go, but i thought an update would be nice for anyone who wants to see it

plus this is good just for using it as a stand and good sound

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jjang1993 · Trick Member Joined: 05 Aug 2005

alright im gonna built my metal dance pad so my brother and sister and play too once i get my tx4000. heres the plan
-im gonna use a PSX controller
Can someone PM me a picture of the soldering points of up, left, down, right, and ground? if soldering a PSX controller is nearly impossible or very hard, which controller will work thats no over 20 bux thats easy to solder? Also can someone PM me instructions how to solder a controller? the sites i read are kinda confusing.
-instead of using 5 wooden squares and the brackets im going to use a single 33inchx33inchx3/4 inch piece of particle board and use thin 11 inchx1nchx3/4 inch pieces of wood (the square shaped spot will be empty) to make the squares where the blocks with sheet metal will go. i will also use 4 11x11x1/4 wood squares to put where the arrows will be and just put 11x11x3/4 inch wood squares in the corners and center with sheet metal hammered in on the top . i wont use a peg board but cut "trenches in the corners and maybe the center so the wires can go through to the sheet metal(i might use duct tape to reinforce the wires in the "trenches")
Anyone know if this plan will work?
-i will use polycarbonate or lexan plastic(11x11x1/4 inch squares) with sheet metal contacts for the panels. there will be 1/4 thick dense foam on the sheet metal on the BASE on the perimeter of the sheet metal, not the panels so the two pieces of sheet metal wont be making direct contact.
Will this be successful?
-the sheet metal on the bottom and top will be put on with spray on adhesive.
-wires from the controller will be soldered onto the sheet metal pieces

QUESTIONS (theres some ?s in the my plan above)
-do u have to connect wires from the controller to the sheet metal on the lexan/polycarbonate panels?
-should i use CAT5 wire for the wiring?
-what does weatherstripping material do? is it mandatory?
-how do u solder a PSX controller? if its too hard to solder a PSX one which controller will be easy to solder thats under 20 bux? can someone PM me on how to solder a controller?(this question is found on the plan above.
-is it mandatory to keep the panels screwed/drilled in? couldnt you just keep them there? it wouldnt be able to come out, right?

EDIT: would it be easier to buy a cheap 70 dollar TX-1000 off ebay and mod it a lot? Mods i would do are
-sheet metal mod
-put duct tape on exposed wires, including the wires connecting to the LED lights on the panels to protect them from being cut
-maybe make lexan panels
what would be better to do?
A-mod a 70 dollar tx1000
B-built a dance pad
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HitokiriX · Trick Member Joined: 27 Mar 2004 Location: Berwyn, PA

mindless2 · Trick Member Joined: 24 Oct 2005

I'm just making sure this is correct: :Lexan is hard to crack, right? So it would be best for this project. And also, any estimates on how much it costs?

HitokiriX · Trick Member Joined: 27 Mar 2004 Location: Berwyn, PA

Correct....but it's not really important. As long as you buy any acrylic material you'll be ok. Lexan is most expensive and probably not worth it for this kind of project. I mean it's almost bulletproof! (or so I'm told) What the hell could you be doing to your pad that could bring about a need for material as strong as that?!

The price varies depending on where you go. More expensive at home depot and lowe's, cheaper at hobby shops and fabric stores. Of course it's harder to find lexan at hobby shops and fabric stores, but if you can buy from them. Sorry but I can't give you an exact price though.