arcade-style colecovision controller project

[chromesphere]

Hi all,
I used to have a colecovision when i was younger (my first console) and i recently decided to buy one off ebay to take a trip down memory lane. Well, to say i was extremely disspointed in the orginal controllers was an understatement. They are pretty old, and just uncomfortable to use.

I decicded to undertake a bit of a project and build an arcade style controller from scratch. Heres the end result:

http://www.chromesphere.com/coleco/IMGP2881a.jpg

http://www.chromesphere.com/coleco/IMGP2896a.jpg

Theres just no way i can go back to the old one now. This controller is so much fun to use and considering that a large majority of colecovision games were arcade ports, the arcade controller really fits the bill.

There's a HUGE amount of assembly involved as I've made the PCB from scratch, however that said, I'm considering MAYBE making a few of these to sell, but just don't know the demand for it. If your interested in something like this, drop me a line: Paul at chromesphere dot com.

[shock_]

Great work! Did you have to rip one of the controllers apart to build it?

[chromesphere]

Hi shock!

I orginally built it off an old CV controller board but decided that I wanted a challenge and assembled the PCB from scratch. DB9 cable is new as well, as the old, twirly "telephone" type is annoying. Everything in it is new!

[YZ250]

Totally awsome, looks better than most commercial types. WD

I remember using the original, would feel like i was about to snap the top part off, wish I had of had something like that.

[Anz]

looks great. Its good to see people revive the oldies

[YZ250]

I would be encouraging you to go ahead and manufacture, you would easily sell on Ebay, or even the Retro gaming suppliers could be interested.

All the best if you decide to get it happening

[chromesphere]

Thanks for the encouraging words YZ250. Im going to be selling the proto-type controller on ebay soon, and see how it goes. I've had a bit of interest so i think i should be able to sell it at a worth while price. Because i've used quality parts they are pretty pricey to put together. I suppose theres only one way to find out!