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Ideas: DIY

Step by step guides on how to adapt low voltage electronic gadgets and computer controllers for use with external switches. The inexpensive way to get powerful 'assistive technology'.

SAFETY: Adapting equipment voids the manufacturer's guarantee, and the attempt may cause irreparable damage. Always use adapted equipment under supervision, and disconnect any batteries when not in use. These adaptations are at your own risk. Good luck!

I highly recommend using insulated 3.5mm switch sockets (code 126-7396) from Farnell Electronics if there is room for them in your adaptation.

OneSwitch.org.uk switch equipment guides

• D.I.Y. - Switches.
• D.I.Y. - Switches (sip/puff).

• D.I.Y. - Digital Camera - NEW!
• D.I.Y. - Electronic Dice.
• D.I.Y. - OOglies (electronic toy).
• D.I.Y. - Scalectrix.
• D.I.Y. - Radio Controlled Car 'Hitari Tumbler'.
• D.I.Y. - Radio Controlled Plane 'Air Surfer'.
• D.I.Y. - Remote Control Power Socket (UK only).
• D.I.Y. - Speech Device 'Talking Tins' - Good starting point for beginners.
• D.I.Y. - Talking Clock.
• D.I.Y. - Virtual Betting System.
• D.I.Y. - Water Blaster.

Switch adaptations for games machines

• D.I.Y. - Console Switch Interface Deluxe - PS2, PS3, PC, Xbox 360 & more.
• D.I.Y. - Playstation Joypad - Simple switch adaptation suiting many consoles.
• D.I.Y. - PC & Mac - Simple adaptation for up to 3 switches.

• D.I.Y. - ROCK BAND Drums
• D.I.Y. - ROCK BAND Guitar

• D.I.Y. - Atari VCS.
• D.I.Y. - JAMMA arcade
• D.I.Y. - Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
• D.I.Y. - Sony Playstation One and PC
• D.I.Y. - SEGA Saturn Joypad
• D.I.Y. - Vectrex.

Other accessibility adaptations for games machines

• D.I.Y. - PS3 Build Your own Analogue Controls - FOR PS3 SAP. NEW!
• D.I.Y. - Xbox 360 Arcade Stick - Limited to certain games.
• D.I.Y. - Wii Adaptations - Broad list of adapted Wii-motes.

Other web-site's switch accessible D.I.Y. guides

• D.I.Y. - Battery Operated Toys - Simple adaptations from ACE.
• D.I.Y. - Digital Camera.
• D.I.Y. - Mouse - Superb easy to follow guide from MERU.
• D.I.Y. - Playmobil Trainset.
• D.I.Y. - Tape Player - YouTube video guide.
• D.I.Y. - Various D.I.Y. Ideas. - New ideas from around the globe.

DIY electronic dice (www.oneswitch.org.uk)

You can purchase most of the electronic components used in these guides from Maplin Electronics (UK) and RSWWW (International). For an interesting array of joysticks and push buttons try Gremlin Solutions (UK), Happ Controls (US), Arcade Shop (Germany) and Akihabara Shop (Japan).

As for switches to use with these adaptations, if you live in the UK, I recommend QED Ltd, who have a huge range to choose from.

For further D.I.Y. help, please e-mail. If you would like me to try to adapt something for you, please see my adaptation page.

ROMPA booklet of ideas

• Using Switches and Switching systems - Practical ideas for the uses of switches, and a very simple method of adapting basic battery devices.

Various Links

• MERU - A UK charity which concentrates on designing and manufacturing a variety of bespoke equipment and devices to meet the individual needs of disabled children.

• REMAP - Charity that make free of charge one off technical aids which help disabled people of all ages to enjoy a better lifestyle.

• Able Data - Huge number of D.I.Y. ideas and guides.

• BenHeck.com - Very impressive game controller adaptations, with an active forum.

• Build Your Own Arcade Controls - Very useful lively forum.

• Guillaume De Mattéo Ergothérapeute - Organisation that adapts equipment for switch use. Fantastic ideas and help (French).

• Circuit Bending - Reed Gazala's very useful electronics information for creating amazing cheap musical instruments.

• Circuit Benders - UK Circuit Bending outfit with a very good D.I.Y. page.

• Controller Theory! - A basic break-down of how modern controllers work.

• Hirai Potter Net - Great enabling hack-projects, switches and software (Japanese).

• Japanese Assistive Technology - Some fantastic D.I.Y. projects and help (Japanese).

• LED centre - Help around adding Light Emitting Diodes to circuits.

• MakeZine - Massive resource of electonics and mechanical projects.Their Blog of Gaming adaptations may be useful especially.

• Science Share Ware - Brad Whaley's great project ideas and assistance, including switch adapted sit-in electrical vehicles for small kids.

• Suck and Puff Games machines - Mark Bosanquet-Bryant's inspirational page for adapting Nintendo 64, Playstation and XBOX controllers, Radio Control car adaptions, and much more.

• Web-Rings - Other people making their own video game controllers for Arcade Games.