2 layers134 × 76.2 mm
BreakoutBoard
MattisLind/SPACEWAR
Classic SPACE WAR game for PDP-11 transcribed from original source
26 parts31
2 layers60 × 55.1 mm
Controller
MattisLind/SPACEWAR31Classic SPACE WAR game for PDP-11 transcribed from original source
- Size
- 60 × 55.1 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 11
- Nets
- 10
- Pads
- 28
- Tracks, vias
- 32, 3
- Pours
- 2
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 10.0 (file 20260206)
- Created
- 2 Jan 2019
- Updated
- 27 Apr 2026
Overview
Controller is an open-source printed circuit board by MattisLind, from the MattisLind/SPACEWAR repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 60 × 55.1 mm with 11 parts on 10 nets, routed with 32 tracks and 3 vias.
Its parts include 2 resistors, 2 connectors and 1 switch.
README
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
11| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | SolderJumper_3_Bridged12 | Jumper:SolderJumper-3_P1.3mm_Bridged12_RoundedPad1.0x1.5mm | JP1, JP2, JP3, JP4 |
| 2 | 2.2k | Resistor_THT:R_Axial_DIN0204_L3.6mm_D1.6mm_P7.62mm_Horizontal | R1, R2 |
| 2 | Conn_01x02_Socket | Connector_Wire:SolderWire-0.5sqmm_1x02_P4.8mm_D0.9mm_OD2.3mm | J1, J2 |
| 1 | Acceleration | Potentiometer_THT:Potentiometer_Piher_PC-16_Single_Horizontal | RV1 |
| 1 | Angle | Potentiometer_THT:Potentiometer_Piher_PC-16_Single_Horizontal | RV2 |
| 1 | Fire | Connector_Wire:SolderWire-0.5sqmm_1x02_P4.8mm_D0.9mm_OD2.3mm | SW1 |
Questions
How big is the Controller PCB?
It measures 60 × 55.1 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the Controller use?
11 parts. 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 Controller KiCad files?
From the MattisLind/SPACEWAR repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is joystick/controller.kicad_pcb and its schematic joystick/controller.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the Controller design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask MattisLind before reusing the design.
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