sotie
New member
- Aug 30, 2012
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iCade Core modded with side buttons
A few weeks ago I purchased an iCade Core from amazon.com when Farsight announced they would be implementing support for it. I couldn’t wait to break it open to see if it would be possible to install buttons on the side for a more proper way to play my favorite iPad app! I added 3 buttons on each side: Flipper, Nudge and ‘Special’. All of the original buttons still work. I also added a Power Switch to the back of the unit. It was an easy project.
Several people have asked in the original thread and messaged me for more specific instructions. I’ve never attempted to document anything like this before so hopefully it will be easy enough to follow. Let me know if there are additional questions!
Button Mapping
6= Left Flipper
8= Left Nudge
0= Right Nudge
E2= Right Flipper
5= Left Special
E1= Right Special
*2= Plunger/Ball Launch
*7= Start/Table Enter
*9= Pause/Unpause/Table Exit
* I didn’t emulate the 2, 7 and 9 buttons.
The Special buttons (5/E1) are currently only supported in two tables:
Black Knight Magna-Saves (5/E1)
Harley-Davidson Pop-Up Post/Bumper (E1)
Here is a quick gameplay video of my 9-year with the modded iCade Core. Before she starts playing she demonstrates table navigation with the iCade's buttons. During play she demonstrates nudging and Harley's Pop-Up Post/Bumper using the ‘special’ side button.
I used 30mm Sanwa buttons (OBSF-30) for the Flippers and Nudge; 24mm Sanwa buttons (OBSF-24) were used for the Specials. It was necessary to use smaller 24mm’s because the mounting area on the side of the unit slopes towards the front and 30mm would be too large. It’s fine for my purposes because I will very rarely use the special buttons.
I originally installed 30mm Silent Sanwa buttons (OBSFS-30) but they were actually too quiet for my taste so I switched to the normal Sanwa buttons.
A Power Switch was also added to the back of the unit. This isn’t necessary for playing Pinball Arcade but it’s very helpful for other games where text input is required. Normally the iCade turns off on its own after a period of inactivity. When text input is needed the only way to do so is to open the Settings app and toggle off Bluetooth. With the power switch all you need to do is flip the switch to enter keyboard mode immediately without having to go into settings. Flip the switch back on again and you’re back in Bluetooth/iCade mode. I purchased the switch at my local Radio Shack (SPST Rocker Switch Model 275-693). I’ve seen many similar power switches available online also.
Tools required
Phillips screwdriver
T8 Torx Security bit
Pliers
Wire Cutter
Crimp-on connectors or Solder
Spade drill bit
Dremel tool with Sanding Accessory or File
Opening the iCade
Besides the 6 visible screws on the bottom there are 4 more underneath the 4 rubber feet. These can be easily removed with your fingers. After removal be sure to place the feet on a clean and dust-free surface so the adhesive is retained for re-installation when you are done. I used wax paper.
2 of the 10 screws on my unit were Torx security screws. To remove them a Torx T8 security bit is required. Once removed they can be thrown away as they won’t be used again.
Creating the Button/Power holes
Remove the iCade circuit board so the bottom of the unit will be completely free of any existing wiring while cutting the new holes. There is a small screw holding the circuit board in place.
First I measured the hole placement and marked the center of all 7 holes. I began by drilling a pilot hole with a small drill bit. The 30mm buttons require a circular opening of 29.5mm. I used a 1” Spade drill bit in the pilot hole. To widen the remainder of the circular opening I used a Dremel with a sanding accessory. If a Dremel is not available a File will also work. I read in another forum that someone wrapped sandpaper around a circular object to widen their iCade’s holes. For the 24mm buttons I used a ¾” Spade bit (these buttons require a circular opening of 23.5mm). I can’t remember the exact size of the bit used for the Power switch’s hole but it’s the same process.
After inserting the side buttons re-install the iCade's circuit board.
***The forum will only allow a maximum of 4 images in a post so see the 2nd post below this one for Part 2.***
A few weeks ago I purchased an iCade Core from amazon.com when Farsight announced they would be implementing support for it. I couldn’t wait to break it open to see if it would be possible to install buttons on the side for a more proper way to play my favorite iPad app! I added 3 buttons on each side: Flipper, Nudge and ‘Special’. All of the original buttons still work. I also added a Power Switch to the back of the unit. It was an easy project.
Several people have asked in the original thread and messaged me for more specific instructions. I’ve never attempted to document anything like this before so hopefully it will be easy enough to follow. Let me know if there are additional questions!
Button Mapping
6= Left Flipper
8= Left Nudge
0= Right Nudge
E2= Right Flipper
5= Left Special
E1= Right Special
*2= Plunger/Ball Launch
*7= Start/Table Enter
*9= Pause/Unpause/Table Exit
* I didn’t emulate the 2, 7 and 9 buttons.
The Special buttons (5/E1) are currently only supported in two tables:
Black Knight Magna-Saves (5/E1)
Harley-Davidson Pop-Up Post/Bumper (E1)
Here is a quick gameplay video of my 9-year with the modded iCade Core. Before she starts playing she demonstrates table navigation with the iCade's buttons. During play she demonstrates nudging and Harley's Pop-Up Post/Bumper using the ‘special’ side button.
I used 30mm Sanwa buttons (OBSF-30) for the Flippers and Nudge; 24mm Sanwa buttons (OBSF-24) were used for the Specials. It was necessary to use smaller 24mm’s because the mounting area on the side of the unit slopes towards the front and 30mm would be too large. It’s fine for my purposes because I will very rarely use the special buttons.
I originally installed 30mm Silent Sanwa buttons (OBSFS-30) but they were actually too quiet for my taste so I switched to the normal Sanwa buttons.
A Power Switch was also added to the back of the unit. This isn’t necessary for playing Pinball Arcade but it’s very helpful for other games where text input is required. Normally the iCade turns off on its own after a period of inactivity. When text input is needed the only way to do so is to open the Settings app and toggle off Bluetooth. With the power switch all you need to do is flip the switch to enter keyboard mode immediately without having to go into settings. Flip the switch back on again and you’re back in Bluetooth/iCade mode. I purchased the switch at my local Radio Shack (SPST Rocker Switch Model 275-693). I’ve seen many similar power switches available online also.
Tools required
Phillips screwdriver
T8 Torx Security bit
Pliers
Wire Cutter
Crimp-on connectors or Solder
Spade drill bit
Dremel tool with Sanding Accessory or File
Opening the iCade
Besides the 6 visible screws on the bottom there are 4 more underneath the 4 rubber feet. These can be easily removed with your fingers. After removal be sure to place the feet on a clean and dust-free surface so the adhesive is retained for re-installation when you are done. I used wax paper.
2 of the 10 screws on my unit were Torx security screws. To remove them a Torx T8 security bit is required. Once removed they can be thrown away as they won’t be used again.
Creating the Button/Power holes
Remove the iCade circuit board so the bottom of the unit will be completely free of any existing wiring while cutting the new holes. There is a small screw holding the circuit board in place.
First I measured the hole placement and marked the center of all 7 holes. I began by drilling a pilot hole with a small drill bit. The 30mm buttons require a circular opening of 29.5mm. I used a 1” Spade drill bit in the pilot hole. To widen the remainder of the circular opening I used a Dremel with a sanding accessory. If a Dremel is not available a File will also work. I read in another forum that someone wrapped sandpaper around a circular object to widen their iCade’s holes. For the 24mm buttons I used a ¾” Spade bit (these buttons require a circular opening of 23.5mm). I can’t remember the exact size of the bit used for the Power switch’s hole but it’s the same process.
After inserting the side buttons re-install the iCade's circuit board.
***The forum will only allow a maximum of 4 images in a post so see the 2nd post below this one for Part 2.***
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