Best way to convert a HotRod SE to USB?

[Guywiththegun]

I love the portability of the HotRod, but I'm sick of having to plug a crappy old keyboard into it when I want to play. I'm looking for the best (cheapest) option to open it up, and connect all the wiring to another encoder (something like I-PAC) to allow easy plug-and-play USB connection. No converters I have to plug in first or anything like that, and preferably no hacking or soldering.

Is there a way? Its only 2 joysticks, 7 buttons per player, 2 buttons on the side, and 2 buttons on top (player 1 and 2 start) . . so no need for trackball connection or anything beyond that. Surely there must be a cheap way to make all the input into a big USB controller?

[Donkbaca]

Does the encoder have a harness like the x-arcade?  I thought it did, if it does, this will work

http://www.xgaming.com/store/x-arcade-adapters/product/x-arcade-usb-adapter/

[Donkbaca]

Does the encoder have a harness like the x-arcade?  I thought it did, if it does, this will work

http://www.xgaming.com/store/x-arcade-adapters/product/x-arcade-usb-adapter/

there is also this:
http://www.xgaming.com/store/arcade-parts-and-accessories/product/hanaho-hotrod-joystick-upgrade-kit/

but its an extra 20 bucks just for a harness.

[BobA]

I replaced the encoder in my Hotrod with an encoder from GGG.   You could also use an ipac or any other usb based controller.

[Guywiththegun]

Does the encoder have a harness like the x-arcade?  I thought it did, if it does, this will work

http://www.xgaming.com/store/x-arcade-adapters/product/x-arcade-usb-adapter/

there is also this:
http://www.xgaming.com/store/arcade-parts-and-accessories/product/hanaho-hotrod-joystick-upgrade-kit/

but its an extra 20 bucks just for a harness.

I considered that (would be awesome to connect to game consoles too), but . .  Is that a VGA connection!? Looks like a VGA and a PS2? How does that turn into USB? Forgive the ignorance.

I replaced the encoder in my Hotrod with an encoder from GGG.   You could also use an ipac or any other usb based controller.

Did the Hotrod have the harness already inside of it? I discovered the I-Pac Value Edition, which would be perfect if the HotRod wiring can just go right into that.

[Donkbaca]

Its a serial connection. It plugs into a USB cable that is included.  THe other PS2 is for connecting a keyboard to program the different modes.  you can just ignore it...

[BobA]

Stripped off the connectors on the Hotrod wires and connected directly to the controller terminal board.  You just have to refer to the attached documentation and connect your buttons accordingly. 

[Guywiththegun]

Its a serial connection. It plugs into a USB cable that is included.  THe other PS2 is for connecting a keyboard to program the different modes.  you can just ignore it...

Thanks, looks great then.

Stripped off the connectors on the Hotrod wires and connected directly to the controller terminal board.  You just have to refer to the attached documentation and connect your buttons accordingly. 

Maybe a dumber question than the VGA thing, but what would I need to strip the connectors off?

[BobA]

Just cut the wires at the connector with a side cutter and strip the wire to use it with the screw connector on the ipac.

[mark shaker]

http://www.xgaming.com/store/arcade-parts-and-accessories/product/hanaho-hotrod-joystick-upgrade-kit/

   - Mark