2 layers60 × 55.1 mm
Controller
MattisLind/SPACEWAR
Classic SPACE WAR game for PDP-11 transcribed from original source
11 parts31
2 layers134 × 76.2 mm
BreakoutBoard
MattisLind/SPACEWAR31Classic SPACE WAR game for PDP-11 transcribed from original source
- Size
- 134 × 76.2 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 26
- Nets
- 36
- Pads
- 137
- Tracks, vias
- 289, 29
- Pours
- 6
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 5 (file 20171130)
- Created
- 2 Jan 2019
- Updated
- 27 Apr 2026
Overview
BreakoutBoard is an open-source printed circuit board by MattisLind, from the MattisLind/SPACEWAR repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 134 × 76.2 mm with 26 parts on 36 nets, routed with 289 tracks and 29 vias.
It is built around the 74HC14. Its parts include 7 connectors, 4 capacitors, 2 inductors, 1 resistor and 1 IC. It belongs with the microcontroller boards boards of this library.
Main components
1README
joystick/README.mdJoystick Controller
Here is the needed information to build a basic joystick.
Bill of Materials
- Project Box (115 x 90 x 55mm) - Aliexpress Link
- Cable Strain Relief (4.5mm-7.8mm Dia) - Aliexpress Link
- Arcade Push Button - Aliexpress Link
- Joystick (JH-D202X-R2 5K 50°)
- 2x Resistor - 2.2K
- 4 Core Wire (I used 5 core)
- DB9 Connector and Housing
Selection of a Joystick
There are quite a few options to choose from, and sometimes the specifications are difficult to find. This set up has been tested with a joystick that uses potentiometers with the range of 0 to 5kOhm and a range of 50°.
Searching JH-D202X on Aliexpress should provide you with several options to pick from.
Assembly
Case
The case is a little tight, so spend some time to work out where you want to place things. Take care to allow space for the nut that holds the button. I have included some KiCad files I used to laser cut holes into the project box (see cut_template_files). You should be able to print them in paper and use them as a template or just for some dimensions. Mount the cable, strain relief and push button.
Wiring
In my case I have use the following assignments:
- Red - 5v
- Green - Acceleration
- Brown - Angle
- White - Ground
On the DB9 Connector I have used the following:
- Pin 4 - Red - 5v
- Pin 1 - Green - Acceleration
- Pin 7 - Brown - Angle
- Pin 8 - White - Ground
If you build the controller and find that Acceleration and Angle are swapped you CAN"T just swap the Acceleration and Angle wires. This is because the the fire button is connected to the Acceleration signal. Instead you must rotate the joystick.
Joystick
Take note of the orientation of the joystick relative to the case, otherwise you may find your controls are backwards!
Before you start make sure you joystick and button fit in the case. Also make sure you have feed cable through the project box before soldering it to the PCB.
- Add the two resistors to the PCB.
- Glue the PCB to the bottom of the joystick (I used super glue)
- Solder in the potentiometers using loops of wire, allow slack so the potentiometer can be adjusted
- Solder in the "Fire" button (the polarity doesn't matter)
- Solder in the 4 cables (allow plenty of slack)
- Mount the Joystick to the lid
Parts
26| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Jumper_NC_Small | Connector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_1x02_P2.54mm_Vertical | JP1, JP2, JP3, JP4 |
| 4 | MountingHole | MountingHole:MountingHole_3.2mm_M3 | H2, H5, H6, H7 |
| 3 | Conn_Coaxial | Connector_Coaxial:BNC_TEConnectivity_1478204_Vertical | J5, J6, J7 |
| 3 | MountingHole | MountingHole:MountingHole_6.4mm_M6 | H1, H3, H4 |
| 2 | CP_Small | Capacitor_THT:CP_Radial_D5.0mm_P2.50mm | C2, C4 |
| 2 | C_Small | Capacitor_THT:C_Disc_D4.3mm_W1.9mm_P5.00mm | C1, C3 |
| 2 | DB9_Female_MountingHoles | Connector_Dsub:DSUB-9_Female_Vertical_P2.77x2.84mm_MountingHoles | J2, J3 |
| 2 | L | Inductor_THT:L_Radial_D7.2mm_P3.00mm_MuRATA_1700 | L1, L2 |
| 1 | 74HC14 | Package_DIP:DIP-14_W7.62mm | U1 |
| 1 | Conn_02x20_Odd_Even | Connector_PinHeader_2.54mm:PinHeader_2x20_P2.54mm_Horizontal | J1 |
| 1 | DB15_Female_MountingHoles | Connector_Dsub:DSUB-15_Female_Vertical_P2.77x2.84mm_MountingHoles | J4 |
| 1 | R_Small | Resistor_THT:R_Axial_DIN0207_L6.3mm_D2.5mm_P10.16mm_Horizontal | R1 |
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Questions
How big is the BreakoutBoard PCB?
It measures 134 × 76.2 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the BreakoutBoard use?
26 parts, built around the 74HC14. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.
Where can I download the BreakoutBoard KiCad files?
From the MattisLind/SPACEWAR repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is breakoutBoard/breakoutBoard.kicad_pcb and its schematic joystick/controller.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the BreakoutBoard design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask MattisLind before reusing the design.