I just got Ben's book for Christmas, and am putting together my first ever portable. I am really excited, and was able to buy all of the radioshack parts right at the store. However, when I went to digikey, per the book's instructions, I was not able to purchase:

A tact switch, part # CKN9018-ND
A 28mm Speaker, part # P10174-ND

They both seemed to be out of stock, and I really have no idea what to get, or where to go to get these parts. If anyone could offer advice on similar parts, or alternate locations where I can buy these particular parts, that would be awesome.

http://benheck.com/help-troubleshooting

should be covered in there

thanks for the suggestion, but that doesn't really help. Maybe I'm not understanding correctly, but the troubleshooting section doesn't seem to cover my particular problem. Sorry if i sound rude, I'm just completely clueless

I'm still quite clueless, I simply need some advice on tact switches. I have no idea where to go or what to buy. The book recommends 4.5mm, which are unavailable, but I have found 6mm. Will these work? If not, can someone please post a link to where I can get (4.5mm)switches? Thanks in advance for your help.

Thank you SOOOO much. That was just what I was looking for!

Sorry, but scratch that, the seller only accepts paypal, which i don't use. I have access to original controllers, are there any guides on the forums for wiring pieces of an original controller, instead of building your own out of tact switches?

You don't need a guide of you're using the original.
Just cut it up and connect the dots.

allright, I'm gonna give it a shot, I'll post if I have any trouble...