Author Topic: RAM Controls USB Interface (Read 5428 times)

Daviea · « **on:** March 17, 2010, 01:36:32 pm »

I just wanted to let everyone know that the Star Wars yoke controller USB interface is now complete.

I've assembled just over 100 units - they've been tested and they're ready to ship.

If you've already ordered one, they're shipping out this week as planned.

Check it out here: http://www.ram-controls.com/USB001-Interface.html

Enjoy!!

Dave

P.S. Keep watching for more releases. Since the Star Wars yoke project has come to a close, I can focus my attention on other projects which aren't nearly as complicated. It's going to be a great year for reproduction items!

Edit: there is also a version of this available for use with Paperboy controllers!

Havok · « **Reply #1 on:** March 22, 2010, 12:26:00 am »

Just out of curiosity, what's J3 for?

Daviea · « **Reply #2 on:** March 22, 2010, 01:15:04 am »

J3 is for adding a header to flash program the PIC.

Dave

Quote from: Havok on March 22, 2010, 12:26:00 am

Just out of curiosity, what's J3 for?

Breaker · « **Reply #3 on:** March 22, 2010, 01:28:14 am »

Hi Dave,

Just out of curiosity, are new orders for the interface being shipped now?

Breaker.

HoopstarsGarage · « **Reply #4 on:** March 22, 2010, 05:49:56 am »

I like the "plug n play" ability but I personally think $60USD is a little steep when you look at the competitions (ie. Ultimarc, Groovy etc) arcade interfaces.

I would of also liked to have seen some extra inputs on the board (seperate from the main yoke connector) as there are some great games that lend themselves to a yoke controller, but require a few more inputs (ie. Spy Hunter)

Hoops

unclet · « **Reply #5 on:** March 22, 2010, 07:19:13 am »

Also, having a molex plug directly on the board is not the best thing as I would imagine some people would like to solder their own wires to the board themselves.

Cananas · « **Reply #6 on:** March 22, 2010, 04:35:16 pm »

Quote from: unclet on March 22, 2010, 07:19:13 am

Also, having a molex plug directly on the board is not the best thing as I would imagine some people would like to solder their own wires to the board themselves.

Well, more than a generic usb interface, it is a dedicated one for the star wars and paperboy controller that used this kind of connector.

TheShanMan · « **Reply #7 on:** March 22, 2010, 06:59:07 pm »

Yeah, I don't think he has any intention of competing with Andy and Randy. Though I'm not sure I understand the benefit of this over using another interface. Why not just sell the mating molex connector with unterminated wires coming out of it so people could hook into one of the other interfaces?

TPB · « **Reply #8 on:** March 23, 2010, 06:41:38 am »

Quote from: TheShanMan on March 22, 2010, 06:59:07 pm

I'm not sure I understand the benefit of this over using another interface. Why not just sell the mating molex connector with unterminated wires coming out of it so people could hook into one of the other interfaces?

That's a good suggestion.

Howard_Casto · « **Reply #9 on:** March 23, 2010, 09:09:02 am »

I second it. Great suggestion, although at this point it might be too late.

Those molex connectors can be really stiff, I would be fearful of cracking the pcb every time I disconnected the thing.

Havok · « **Reply #10 on:** March 23, 2010, 10:34:56 am »

They come off nice and clean - I wouldn't worry about it for a number of years. I've already plugged and unplugged my yoke a number of times and it hasn't been a problem. Just squeeze the two locking pieces to release and pull straight out...

Level42 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 23, 2010, 11:01:44 am »

That molex connector is NOT intended for constant plugging-unplugging !
These kind of connectors were used in cabs and they are meant to be plugged in at the factory, and in principle, never be disconnected again. Of course you CAN disconnect them for the occasional service, but that's about it. They were not designed for plugging/unplugging it every day...

So if you need that (f.i. for a swapable control panel) use something that was designed for that....the USB connector !

Havok · « **Reply #12 on:** March 23, 2010, 12:51:53 pm »

That is true, however in a home setting it should be fine. It's not like I'l going to be swapping the panel out constantly. In fact, since many people here are fans of the Frankenpanel, this really is a non issue.

MonMotha · « **Reply #13 on:** March 23, 2010, 01:02:12 pm »

FWIW, that connector is actually an AMP Universal Mate-n-Lok (Molex MAY cross it under another name, but I'm not sure that they do). They are MUCH better than the old school 0.093" pin and socket connectors (made by both Molex and AMP as well as others) that you may be used to. Rather than friction lock, these employ a set of latches that you squeeze to disconnect. The contact design also isn't subject to as much spreading upon mate/unmate and tends to last longer. They're still not designed for repeated cycling, but if all you've got to go on are those cheap 0.93" things that Rat Shack sells (and that were so popular on older games), I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how good this particular connector is. I'm a fan of them and like to use them whenever my application allows a connector of such large size.

If you're swapping things around constantly, then yeah, use the USB connector. It *is* designed for repeated cycling. However, I'd anticipate several years of lifetime from that other connector even if you cycle it every few weeks.

Havok · « **Reply #14 on:** March 24, 2010, 11:43:03 am »

Has anyone received theirs yet? It will be interesting to compare this to my Dual Strike Hack when I get it...

MameMaster! · « **Reply #15 on:** March 24, 2010, 02:35:53 pm »

I have one, but haven't tried it yet.

Havok · « **Reply #16 on:** March 24, 2010, 02:46:39 pm »

Well I got the yoke first, and I can already play it, (and have!) so nyah!

Quote from: MameMaster! on March 24, 2010, 02:35:53 pm

I have one, but haven't tried it yet.

Daviea · « **Reply #17 on:** March 26, 2010, 08:14:13 pm »

Hey Guys,

I shipped out a crud load of the USB adapters today. Can you let me know how they work out for you when you receive yours?

Thanks

Dave

Daviea · « **Reply #18 on:** March 27, 2010, 10:59:53 pm »

Hello? You can't tell me that ALL of you have LIVES! :-)

I need feedback from you guys on these USB adapters.

Thanks

Dave

Delgar · « **Reply #19 on:** March 27, 2010, 11:23:47 pm »

Quote from: Daviea on March 27, 2010, 10:59:53 pm

Hello? You can't tell me that ALL of you have LIVES! :-)

I need feedback from you guys on these USB adapters.

Thanks

Dave

Love the irony

I too am curious to hear the reviews on the yoke and the USB adapter as I'm about to order both... but its a luxury item and I'm still trying to figure how I'm going to mount it over top my old school SlikStik CO2. From the pictures it would seem Ram Controls has a winner, well done Dave.

HoopstarsGarage · « **Reply #20 on:** March 28, 2010, 06:59:46 am »

Quote from: Delgar on March 27, 2010, 11:23:47 pm

Love the irony

Baaaahaaahaahaa..

agpage · « **Reply #21 on:** March 29, 2010, 04:48:27 pm »

Quote from: Daviea on March 27, 2010, 10:59:53 pm

I need feedback from you guys on these USB adapters.
Thanks

Dave

I recieved mine early Satuday. (Thanks for paying for Saturday delivery)
It was well packaged and looks well built.

When I receive my pre-ordered yoke (Dave has said mine is in the next batch) I will be happy to comment on its functionality.

Hint Hint

Andy


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