iPod Shuffle in a NES controller

sgtpepper · Post by **sgtpepper** » Sun Mar 18, 2007 10:24 pm

Yes I know it's been done before, but there's a few different changes I want to make. First of all, I want to make the project into a straightforward instructable sort of thing, so that others can benefit. Second, I'm trying to make the project cleaner than the other ones, leaving the NES controller normal looking at first glance.

So here's what I've got so far:

Here is the inside cover with headphone jack, and USB port in place.

Here is the controller circuit board chopped down, with solder points for ground, the D pad and the A button.

And here is what the finished unit should look like when I actually get a Shuffle (*Ahem*)

So a few points of interest-

1. Should I even bother using the original controller board, or opt for tact switches instead?
2. Rather than using a switch for power and hold, why not make just a hold switch? That way, when you pause the music and turn on the hold switch, the Shuffle would power off automatically after a minute.
3. Is it worth looking for a small, high capacity 3.7 volt battery to give the Shuffle really long battery life? The normal battery is something like 200 Mah and lasts for about 20 hours, so a 1000 Mah battery would last around 100 hours!

Now if only I could find a Shuffle...

Post by **Black Six** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 4:08 am

Is that a Female USB A connector in there? If so you might want to reconsider. Most USB cables are Male A to Male B or Male A to Male Mini, with the A part plugging into your comp. Might be difficult to find a Male A to Male A cable...

That aside, if you can find a battery that will last longer, go for it. It's not like you won't have any extra space in there.

gamemasterAS · Post by **gamemasterAS** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 5:15 am

Whats up with the female connector in there, your not going to be able to find a USB extension cord thing that will have 2 male sides. I guess you could make one.

sgtpepper · Post by **sgtpepper** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 7:40 am

gamemasterAS wrote:I guess you could make one.

Yeah that's what I'm doing, I'm just cheap and decided I could just as easily use a type A connector with all the spare parts I have lying around, rather than buy another connector.

Kurt_ · Post by **Kurt_** » Mon Mar 19, 2007 2:36 pm

I have a big to big usb cord.