User:Statikeffeck
In progress:
Homebrew Pads
Not satisfied with the cost and/or reliability of factory assembled metal dance pads, many players construct their own dance pad. Using common materials (such as plywood, sheet metal, and plexiglass or lexan) found at local hardware stores, do-it-yourselfers are able to construct a pad that is often much more durable than factory built hard pads. Furthermore, the homebrew pads are easy to repair because they use common parts. Homebrew pads must be wired up to an standard controller for the system it is being used for (Playstation, Xbox, or Computer).
One of the pioneers of homebrew pads is Dennis Gee, known on the internet as ddrhomepad. In about 2002, Gee created a free website that included simple and complete instructions with pictures on constructing your own Arcade style DDR dance pad. It is believed that hundreds if not thousands of people have used his website to bring the arcade experience into their homes. Another notable pioneer pad builder with a different design is Marcus Wu.
There is an ongoing forum topic in which thousands of do-it-yourselfers discuss homebrew pad design and share plans and pictures.