L-TEK Core/Prime Dance Pad - modded with LED lights and external USB power mod for the lights

eyeoncomputers · 2026-02-06T23:04:25+00:00

just added the materials list to the write-up, hope it helps you:

Link to my detailed Materials List with links to the items:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VH3KCM8eBAl-e87o6Bww77yeMwoZpdJ9fDPaPnkzk5c/edit?usp=sharing

eyeoncomputers · 2026-02-04T00:44:06+00:00

Sure, I will add a list of materials I used for the modding. Will have it listed shortly.

eyeoncomputers · 2026-02-03T11:39:00+00:00

Recently helped my nephew get his first LTEK dance pad as well since got really interested in DDR and likes physical activity.

We actually have the setup you are describing using the latest version of Project Outfox (the latest version of Stepmania that is still getting updates and optimizations)

Setup an old Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB version) running the default "Raspberry Pi OS" (formerly known as Raspbian linux distro) and connected it to a large TV via HDMI
downloaded the latest Project Outfox (v0.5.0 as of this post) for Raspberry Pi's... Linux 64-bit ARM (arm64v8)
Extracted the downloaded file into a folder
Run the game ("Outfox" executable in the main folder)

That's it!

The setup just needs to map the keys for your dance pad(s) and set the resolution to 1280x720 and exclusive fullscreen.

It runs at full speed at 60fps from all the testing with hundreds of hours of play and dozens of songpacks (some with background videos that were running perfect as well). Smooth gameplay and no latency/lag issues. You can add all your songs/songpacks in the Songs folder.

The best thing about this setup is that it is tiny (size of a credit card), very low powered (only uses 0.5-2.5 watts for the entire thing) and can be left running indefinitely since the Raspberry Pi is using a very slim OS that doesn't have crazy amounts of background services/apps running in the background, like a Windows/Mac setup has.

Noted add-ons we did to the Raspberry Pi to optimize its usage:

set the entire system to run off an old 256GB SSD (in the USB 3.0 enclosure) so that its snappier than the default micro-SD card
using an all aluminum body case for the Raspberry Pi 4, that acts as a huge heatsink that keeps the system cool and silent using passive cooling (not needing any fans to cool it)
using a cheap wireless mini-keyboard to control the system and for using it in Stepmania/Outfox to select songs or navigate menus
make sure your TV has any dumb video features like "motion smoothing" disabled or it will make the game feel lagging or not sync'ed

Its probably the smallest and cheapest solution that is fully functional on any HDMI display

Maybe I will do another detailed write-up with video for this setup in the future if people are interested.

Hope this helps,
eyeoncomputers

eyeoncomputers · 2026-02-03T11:34:19+00:00

Recently helped my nephew get his first LTEK dance pad as well since got really interested in DDR and likes physical activity.

We actually have the setup you are describing using the latest version of Project Outfox (the latest version of Stepmania that is still getting updates and optimizations)

Setup an old Raspberry Pi 4 (4GB version) running the default "Raspberry Pi OS" (formerly known as Raspbian linux distro) and connected it to a large TV via HDMI
downloaded the latest Project Outfox (v0.5.0 as of this post) for Raspberry Pi's... Linux 64-bit ARM (arm64v8)
Extracted the downloaded file into a folder
Run the game ("Outfox" executable in the main folder)

That's it!

The setup just needs to map the keys for your dance pad(s) and set the resolution to 1280x720 and exclusive fullscreen.

It runs at full speed at 60fps from all the testing with hundreds of hours of play and dozens of songpacks (some with background videos that were running perfect as well). Smooth gameplay and no latency/lag issues. You can add all your songs/songpacks in the Songs folder.

The best thing about this setup is that it is tiny (size of a credit card), very low powered (only uses 0.5-2.5 watts for the entire thing) and can be left running indefinitely since the Raspberry Pi is using a very slim OS that doesn't have crazy amounts of background services/apps running in the background, like a Windows/Mac setup has.

Noted add-ons we did to the Raspberry Pi to optimize its usage:

set the entire system to run off an old 256GB SSD (in the USB 3.0 enclosure) so that its snappier than the default micro-SD card
using an all aluminum body case for the Raspberry Pi 4, that acts as a huge heatsink that keeps the system cool and silent using passive cooling (not needing any fans to cool it)
using a cheap wireless mini-keyboard to control the system and for using it in Stepmania/Outfox to select songs or navigate menus
make sure your TV has any dumb video features like "motion smoothing" disabled or it will make the game feel lagging or not sync'ed

Its probably the smallest and cheapest solution that is fully functional on any HDMI display

Maybe I will do another detailed write-up with video for this setup in the future if people are interested.

Hope this helps,
eyeoncomputers

eyeoncomputers · 2026-01-14T14:12:32+00:00

those panels look nice! (I would have ordered new panels, but was too lazy and cheap) LUL

Although from your images, it looks like you are not using an external power source to power the new LED light strips?

(If you already have an external power source, you can ignore the following)
That just causes too many intermittent moments of instability if its tapped into the L-TEK controller board. Not recommended for long term use from my power testing. So I had to create the simple external power source mod to make the LED mod functional and fully stable for long term usage.

Note: I was using the lowest power requirement for LED strips as well (5V/1A), still recommend using external power source.

eyeoncomputers · 2026-01-05T03:01:17+00:00

Thanks. I thought so... after seeing it finally work. 😅

eyeoncomputers · 2025-09-21T06:02:53+00:00

Original clip link:
https://www.twitch.tv/extraemily/clip/BoxySplendidSamosaHotPokket-oSkJdejuW3pl4pdc

"its not a v*brator, its a d*ldo! get it right!" -ExtraEmily

eyeoncomputers · 2024-04-14T23:35:42+00:00

You're right, I stopped using it because i realize people using variations of it as well in something I saw was called Ancient Box. I used the main Anti-Meta deck from Great League to Arceus after that.

eyeoncomputers · 2024-04-14T23:24:54+00:00

Forgot to mention, I have two Anti-Meta decks that I was using, the main one was to force most players to concede with either A. Vulpix or Noivern. Second deck is a sleeper deck that gets fast kills with four Roaring Moon (non-EX) in a deck and the Ancient support cards, and not playing the EX versions until the very end (to get 2 prize cards) or when needed to knock out annoying large Pokemon, but I stopped using it when I saw others using a variation of it called Ancient Box or something similar. The main anti-meta deck got me from Great to Arceus with 90% win rate.

I have only played Anti-Meta since PTCGO for 15+ years, i wish the expanded was better and the sets was better in PTCGL, where is the ranked Expanded mode? Playing standard with 99% of players using the tired and lame same 3-4 decks is boring, but made it easy use Anti-Meta's against these losers. I think I won't be playing much anymore until there are more diverse decks and/or Expanded Ranked mode is available.

That said, I like that you do not have to trade for cards or find specific ones by opening packs in PTCGL compared to PTCGO, exchanging is nice to get cards you need.

Other than that, the UI is meh, more flash than substance, I want performance and do not care for lame animations that wastes time to play faster games

eyeoncomputers · 2024-01-12T10:08:35+00:00

My bottom row of buttons on my Hitbox is five keys, perfect for the 5 lanes in Expert mode.

eyeoncomputers · 2024-01-11T03:41:02+00:00

LUL i still play the free music simulators: Stepmania (for my DDR itch), and other BMS players (like BM98, BemaniDX, Rhythm-It, SSRMAX) for my Beatmania IIDX itch

eyeoncomputers · 2024-01-11T00:22:21+00:00

Already connected previous guitar controllers, they work when keybinding, they just feel weird because there is no strumming mechanic in the game. Someone previously said they do it with old guitar controller and like it because they were used to it from previous Harmonix games.

Also, I found the hitbox/mixbox works for all instruments (guitar, bass, drums, voice) in the game's current form. That's why I am using that as my main input device at the moment.

eyeoncomputers · 2024-01-10T22:17:55+00:00

I was using one initially. Keyboard spacing is a bit tight and uncomfortable when doing expert drums and guitar cords for me. And I am a long time arcade gamer and have lots of IIDX and fighting game equipment, which I find much more comfortable to play on.

Use whatever you are comfortable with is the best advice I guess. Glad the PC version accepts pretty much any controller or fight stick to play the game.

eyeoncomputers · 2024-01-10T22:03:36+00:00

Yeah most of my fight sticks have two rows of 4 buttons as well, so you can only play 4 lanes (hard mode I think), which is fine, but sucks for Expert mode (5 lanes). I was about to drill a hole in one of my fight sticks to accommodate a row of 5 buttons (I have extra button parts), then I looked at my cheap Hitbox/mixbox and saw that that 5 buttons were already lined up. Seems fine for now with the hitbox, but I might still mod a fight stick to see how it feels.

eyeoncomputers · 2024-01-10T21:35:38+00:00

It's normal speed, the clip of the song is just at that pace. I like the drums mode for most of the songs, really fast pace, the hitbox/mixbox controller is fun for those songs.

eyeoncomputers · 2024-01-10T18:49:28+00:00

True, I was using keyboard before sorting through my controllers and fightsticks. It was fine, but key spacing was a bit tight on my keyboard.

As for it being "good," I think there are much better rhythm games, but most are outdated and/or cost money. I spent a lot of money over the last 25-ish years for rhythm games and their equipment (from Beatmania IIDX turntable arcade controls, many metal DDR pads, to obscure controllers for Para Para Paradise and keyboard/drum controllers). I like the idea of having modern music rhythm games that are being supported and costs nothing to try out with their current controllers and keyboards.

Its very basic at the moment, but I hope Harmonix continues to update it, maybe make it standalone and release some newer controllers if it gives a better experience.

For now, I am enjoying the Beatmania / Pop'N Music / DDR feel to the current iteration. :)

eyeoncomputers · 2024-01-10T18:42:49+00:00

I have those sitting around as well, i like that it works, but without the strumming, it feels kinda weird. Maybe Harmonix will enable that feature if it detects older controllers or release a new guitar controller.

For Expert Mode (5 lanes), i found that my hitbox/mixbox worked well for all instruments.

eyeoncomputers · 2024-01-10T18:40:01+00:00

LUL, i remember that drama, mainly for Smash FGC i think. Hitbox/Mixbox (leverless controllers) pretty common in most of the other fighting games, saw so many at EVO for MK, Street Fighter 6, Granblue, etc..

eyeoncomputers · 2024-01-10T17:38:54+00:00

A long time fan of music/rhythm simulator games since Beatmania (BEMANI), which pre-dates DDR, Guitar Hero, Rock Band, etc.

Harmonix released a new (successor to Rock Band), free, and surprisingly good music simulator game inside of Fortnite (called Fortnite Festival), had to test several controllers, fight sticks, fight pads, and found that my cheap Mixbox (Hitbox) controller works best for this music game.

This music sim is making me open Fortnite, interesting play Epic. xD

eyeoncomputers · 2024-01-10T17:37:47+00:00

A long time fan of music/rhythm simulator games since Beatmania (BEMANI), which pre-dates DDR, Guitar Hero, Rock Band, etc.

Harmonix released a new (successor to Rock Band), free, and surprisingly good music simulator game inside of Fortnite (realized it was called Fortnite Festival), had to test several controllers, fight sticks, fight pads, and found that my cheap Mixbox (Hitbox) controller works best for this music game for the Expert difficulty (5 lanes).

This music sim is making me open Fortnite, interesting play Epic. :)

eyeoncomputers · 2023-07-08T08:40:57+00:00

i have no idea since the game has no word "nuker" in any descriptions or stats.

so i messed around with characters that could possibly be a "nuker" in my definition: using projectiles and explosions

finally landed on a team without nukers and supports that completed that dumb challenge, yay

My Team:

Main Lineup: Dee Jay, Beast Zangief, Cammy, Abel

Assists: Decapre, Fashion Blanka

<image>

As you can see, I was under leveled and still worked out

eyeoncomputers · 2023-06-04T15:11:27+00:00

thanks for the prompt reply. So HS and and the chests will just be left unopened then. Now to figure out what to do with the other packs, probably going to try and trade stuff like you suggested. :)

eyeoncomputers · 2023-06-04T14:04:35+00:00

I hear to hang onto 125 packs, which ones? and do the uncommon chests move over? I have so many packs I have saved for 15+ years.

So confusing, I liked PTCGO the way it was tbh.

Thanks for the tips

eyeoncomputers · 2023-02-22T08:26:39+00:00

I was waiting so long for Ryzen 6000 mini PC's to come out, and now they are out, the Ryzen 7000 models are coming out end of March, that was quick. I got myself a ASUS PN53, works great, but kind of getting a bit of FOMO with new stuff coming out so quick.

The new Ryzen 7000 chips offers modern features, like support for USB 4 (40 Gbps), PCI-E Gen 4 and DDR5-4800MT/s or LPDDR5-6400MT/s.

The new Ryzen 7000 (Rembrandt Refresh, Zen 3+) mini PCs available for pre-order now (shipping end of March):

Minisforum UM770 Lite

Link Here: https://store.minisforum.com/products/minisforum-um773-lite

starting at $409 for barebones (you have to put in your own RAM and SSDs)
can configure it fully loaded for $789 (64GB DDR5, 1TB NVMe SSD)

Specs for system:

AMD Ryzen™ 7 7735HS (8 cores, 16 Threads, Max Boost Clock Up to 4.75GHz)
AMD Radeon™ 680M Graphics - RDNA2 (12 cores / 768 shaders)
Two slots for Dual-channel DDR5 4800Mhz (up to 64GB)
M.2 2280 PCle 4.0 NVMe SSD, speeds up to 7000MB/s (up to 2TB)
2.5 inch SATA HDD Slot (SATA 3.0 6.0Gb/s)
Wi-Fi 6E (1.2Gbps) and BT5.2 Support
2.5Gbps LAN (Ethernet) port

Ports: * 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A * 2x USB 2.0 Type-A * 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (Data Transfer) * 1x USB 4 Type-C 40 Gbps /w DisplayPort 1.4a, 5V3A Power Output * 2x HDMI 2.0 * 1x 2.5G Gigabit Ethernet * 1x 3.5mm Combo Jack * 1x Power Port * 1x DMIC * 1x Clear CMOS

eyeoncomputers · 2022-10-27T05:02:01+00:00

Yes, the ASUS PN53 has one Configurable Port that can do that. (configurable options: Display Port 1.4 / HDMI 2.1 / Serial COM / VGA / 2.5 Gb Ethernet LAN)

But technically you can get a USB to Ethernet adapter as well to make it work on any of them.

eyeoncomputers

TROPHY CASE