Hi everyone, I have a working Arduino project that turns a Nintendo 64 controller into a Bluetooth HID game pad. You can check out a video and the code here:
I've checked eBay, and I can't seem to find the Bluetooth N64 controllers they used to sell. So I'm having a look into making a few of these devices and selling them myself. I want to build these devices as easily and cheaply as possible.
The current project requires:
Arduino Uno ($22.95 on SparkFun)
SparkFun Proto Shield ($10.95 on SparkFun)
Silver Blueooth Module ($27.95 on SparkFun)
As you can see, this is pretty expensive. I'm trying to get it down to the following:
Arduino Pro Mini ($2.52 on AliExpress)
HC-05 Bluetooth Module ($2.52 on AliExpress, can be flashed with HID firmware, see Turn your HC-05 into a HID Bluetooth device (No Parallel Port Method) - YouTube )
So that leaves me with these problems:
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I need to connect the the Arduino to the N64 controller. I don't want to mangle the controller, so I've tried a couple of things: I bought a N64 extension cable and cut it open, but this didn't work. The actual copper in the wire is very fine and breaks easily. It's too small for scotch locks. I have a 3D printer and could make a connector, but is there a known solution for mating to what is essentially just 3 female contacts? My current solution is to jam in hook-up wire, but this isn't good enough.
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The Pro Mini doesn't have a regulated 3.3V output (at least I think it doesn't) which is what the controller needs to operate. How can I supply 3.3V to the controller? Would a voltage divider on one of the 5V output pins work?
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Supposing I can get all of this working, where can I order cheap custom PCBs?
Any advice appreciated 