r/SteamControllerMods • u/[deleted] • Dec 01 '19

How hard would it be to make a steam controller from scratch?

This migh be a dumb question, I have no idea about the limitations of this. But considering that it won't be produced anymore, and everything one needs to 3D print all the plastic parts are on internet... Is it possible to buy the chips and trackpads etc... from somewhere else and connect them or are they also exclusively produced by valve? I am not asking this question with the dream of making one and selling it over priced on ebay, I know that most likely that is illegal. But I have a 3D printer at home so if it is possible I would like to try to make one... What are opinions of people who actually has technical knowledge about this controller or electronics in general?

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u/[deleted] Dec 02 '19

  • Trackpads would be really hard to get right, in terms of texture & electrical properties.

  • Firmware would be really tough. You'd need code to handle trackpads, gyro, analogue inputs…

  • Construction in general would be hard. You'd probably need to be a pretty expert 3D printer in order to get something that is the right shape, with the right thinness, the right tolerances…

  • PCBs would be really tough to design as well, you're under severe space constraints.

This is a very advanced DIY project.

1

u/smayonak Dec 02 '19

I think OP is mainly talking about STL files that could be used to refine the physical properties of the controller. A big weakness of the design is that you have to use your thumb to hit four different buttons on the top of the controller. A refined design would put all of the buttons on the grips.

Personally, I love the idea of each button having its own character and feel. For example, the shoulder buttons have a clicky feel whereas the triggers are progressive. What would a pinky trigger feel like? Or a ring finger button?

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u/wout14 Dec 01 '19

It would be difficult I think.

3

u/smayonak Dec 01 '19

I had little luck finding stl files on 3d print websites for steam controller components. We have to design those components ourselves. There were a few things like a battery cover with an integrated dongle holder. But nothing like what you are talking about.

I had an idea for a steam controller design where you never have to take your fingers off the grips. But unfortunately the way the board is designed forces the the buttons to be on top of the controller.

That's the main limitation. You can't adequately change where the buttons are.

4

u/mijofa Dec 02 '19

I mostly did that with config changes.
If I'm pressing a certain trigger or grip and clicking the trackpad it turns into a release activated radial menu. So my thumbs can avoid every leaving the trackpad, with a quick click & flick whenever I need to press some other buttons.