DIY Joypad for Vintage Computers

This is a simple joy pad that can be used with many older computers with a 9pin joystick ports for example the C64, Atari, Spectrum, Amiga etc.

There are several designs that can be printed if you have a MMU or some other multi-material system.

It uses 6mm tactile switches (if anyone knows of tac switches that are silent please let me know!) which are directly supported in the case. NO PCB NEEDED!! :D The wires are directly soldered to the switches and the ground is linked between them.

3MF files are provided where multi material printing is needed.

Print instructions

Each joypad needs 5 printed parts:

Base (same for all)
Front (may also have other parts for logos)
D Pad (most use the common)
Buttons (same for all)
Strain Relief (same for all)

Also needed:
6 x 6mm tactile push switches.
4 x 3mmx10mm self tapping screw
2 x 3mmx6mm self tapping screw
6mm outside diameter 9 core cable (probably at least 2 meters)

To build
-Push the tactile switches into holders in the base part.
-Each switch needs to be soldered to a wire in the cable. (Remember the colours used for each position. See photo for how I soldered mine)
-One wire needs to be ground and connected to the other side of each switch.
-The cable is then secured using the strain relief and the 2 x 3mmx6mm screws.
-Place the front case half upside-down and insert the D-Pad and buttons.
-Close the base half of the case on the upside-down front half and use the 4 x 3mmx10mm screws to secure it down.
-The other end of the cable solder on a 9 pin D sub with the pinout for which ever computer you are using.

-Why 9 way cable?-
It was what I had on hand ;) Also some computers output 5V and I have been thinking about using a 555 timer or small ATTiny to run a autofire option - spaces for switches are left for this purpose.