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Need suggestions for hooking up original console controllers to PC.
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opt2not:

--- Quote from: kronic24601 on June 03, 2010, 04:13:05 pm ---You may want to mod an SNES extension cable?

--- End quote ---
Yeah probably. SNES extension cable with USB RetroKit mod would be fine.
kronic24601:
I was thinking of hacking 2 SNES, 2 NES & 2 Sega Gen extension cords into a single ipac bypassing USB altogether ... I think since there is no analog input on them that would probably be the cheapest?? I was also thinking it would be the easiest with re-mapping issues, but I guess Joyto Key solves that (or so it was mentioned a few posts up).
EVEGames:
Opt2not, unfortunately no leads on repro SNES ports.  Extension cables, if available, would be very useful.  Otherwise pre-made USB kits are the other option.

Kronic, I'll drop another post in the next couple days with a picture of the finished retro port, as well as the various components.  This stuff all lives at a buddy's house, and I only get over there once a week to geek out on the arcade cab.  :laugh:

My 2 cents on wiring extension ports to an ipac (vs. individual dedicated USB retro kits), is I wonder if it would be as straightforward as one might think.  At first glance, given the fact you point out, that there are no analog controls on any of these joysticks, a logical assumption is that each button and D-pad direction should function just like an arcade pushbutton.  But in the case of the Sega Genesis, a look at the pinout shows that there may be some additional considerations above and beyond +5V, Ground, and individual button connections.  Take a glance at the Sega Genesis pinout on this site: http://www.msarnoff.org/projects/gen2usb/.  It talks about a "Select" line, and the need for the circuitry within the controller to take different actions based on the status of the Select line.  I may be WAY off base here, but I think it has something to do with the 9 pins of the Genesis controller not being enough to cover all the buttons, D-pad buttons, ground and +5V with dedicated pins for each, so it has to use this switching channel in some clever way.  I'm sure there are folks on this board who can clarify the issue. 

-EVE Games
kronic24601:
No you are probably right ... everything I have tried to do has been more difficult than I first thought ... it's kinda "my thing".  ;)

But seriously, while thinking about it, really, aside from the total "retro exp" ... you could still easily play Sega Gen games with an SNES controller no? I don't think my sensibilities would mind all that much. Especially considering I never owned a Sega G ...

For that matter, you wouldn't really need an nes controller either if you JUST did the SNES ... hmmm ... (or is this blasphemy?)
opt2not:

--- Quote from: kronic24601 on June 03, 2010, 06:22:22 pm ---No you are probably right ... everything I have tried to do has been more difficult than I first thought ... it's kinda "my thing".  ;)

But seriously, while thinking about it, really, aside from the total "retro exp" ... you could still easily play Sega Gen games with an SNES controller no? I don't think my sensibilities would mind all that much. Especially considering I never owned a Sega G ...

For that matter, you wouldn't really need an nes controller either if you JUST did the SNES ... hmmm ... (or is this blasphemy?)

--- End quote ---

I can't pass up the NES controller. IMO it's the best console controller ever made. I'm serious, I love that thing. the d-pad is perfect...the size is great, and only two buttons...simple, but awesome.
I never liked the feel of the Genesis controllers, I found them uncomfortable due to size and shape, and their d-pad kinda sucks. The 3 buttons are kinda cool, only if you hold onto the controller "crane style" (right hand holding the controller with thumb underneath, and index, middle and ring fingers resting on the buttons). Think crane-style kungfu!

The SNES controller is also great, but it's my second to the NES controller.

Besides, just like arcade games, the proper control interface with it's respected game release is the only way to go.  I can't play Mega Man 1 - 6 with a SNES controller, that would just feel wrong.
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