KADE miniConsole+ arcade, computer, and console I/O

[degenatrons]

This is a teaser announcement of our new product and winter kickstarter.  Stay tuned for more info.



 

[xefned]

   what does this mystery thing do   

[Slippyblade]

No, I will NOT stay tuned!  I need to know NOW!!! 

[PL1]

   what does this mystery thing do   

It's another addition to the KADE series of encoders.

If you look at the picture, you see:

    * Various retro controllers --  implying that it will accept inputs from those controllers and more since the text at the bottom of the pic mentions "arcade"

    * Various consoles, a tablet (?) and a desktop computer -- implying that it will send outputs to those devices (and probably more)

There's a good reason why the original KADE logo and the new KADE+ Logo both look like a Swiss Army Knife.   


Scott

[lettuce]

This will be a nice match up to my Gigabyte Brix system running RetroArch

[PL1]

No, I will NOT stay tuned!  I need to know NOW!!! 

Have you signed up for e-mail updates here at the KADE Forums?

I know you haven't posted there yet or logged in since June.   


Scott

[Generic Eric]

:wants analog for yoke; muchly:

:Will smuggle spice and gold pressed Latnum for a KADE with analog:

[retrogamedude]

didnt i see this on reddit or something

[Generic Eric]

didnt i see this on reddit or something

You might have.  Several of us masquerade on reddit as well.

[PL1]

:wants analog for yoke; muchly:

:Will smuggle spice and gold pressed Latnum for a KADE with analog:

Pretty sure the AVR they are using for this will be an atmega32u4 or newer = analog input pins.   

didnt i see this on reddit or something

Maybe.   

Kevin posts on reddit as sharpfork, including this related request for features to include.


Scott

[Yvan256]

Hey! I'm not seeing any Intellivision 2 controller in that image! 

 

Not that I care anyway, the Intellivision controller was probably one of the worst thing ever made with its hard-to-push buttons, but I think nothing else can give you the keypad and directional disc functions, which I think was a 12-way or 16-way input.

What we really need is a new, 21st century Intellivision controller. I'm thinking about a SNES gamepad with a resistive* LCD touch-screen in the middle to display dynamic overlays.

* capacitive would be too sensitive IMHO for this application.

[PL1]

Hey! I'm not seeing any Intellivision 2 controller in that image! 

 

Not that I care anyway, the Intellivision controller was probably one of the worst thing ever made with its hard-to-push buttons, but I think nothing else can give you the keypad and directional disc functions, which I think was a 12-way or 16-way input.

What we really need is a new, 21st century Intellivision controller. I'm thinking about a SNES gamepad with a resistive* LCD touch-screen in the middle to display dynamic overlays.

The Intellivision controller disc is 16-way as documented here.

I suggested two years ago that Jon use either an analog joystick map for functional replication or the 9-wire input matrix at the link for an original controller interface.

If he includes an Intellivision firmware, you might be able to do your dynamic overlays or at least have a small display above a keypad.   


Scott

[sharpfork]

Hey! I'm not seeing any Intellivision 2 controller in that image! 

There are WAY more inputs and outputs than are represented in the sketch.  In the case of the Intellivision 2 controller, it is NOT covered.

[Yvan256]

The Intellivision controller disc is 16-way as documented here.

I suggested two years ago that Jon use either an analog joystick map for functional replication or the 9-wire input matrix at the link for an original controller interface.

If he includes an Intellivision firmware, you might be able to do your dynamic overlays or at least have a small display above a keypad.   

Scott

You mean a small color display like this one? But those are extremely expensive! (6.63$USD with free economy international shipping)

I've also attached an overlay resized to 320 pixels vertically to see if it would be worth it with the resolution of that LCD. In my opinion it is good enough for both the icons and the text. It would be nice if someone had vectorized all the overlays with a grid system so that game logo and icons were always aligned between all overlays, etc.

[degenatrons]

   what does this mystery thing do   

It's another addition to the KADE series of encoders.

If you look at the picture, you see:

    * Various retro controllers --  implying that it will accept inputs from those controllers and more since the text at the bottom of the pic mentions "arcade"

    * Various consoles, a tablet (?) and a desktop computer -- implying that it will send outputs to those devices (and probably more)

There's a good reason why the original KADE logo and the new KADE+ Logo both look like a Swiss Army Knife.   


Scott

Thanks Scott.
Yes,  It's the next series of KADE encoder and it comes with plug and play support for a diverse set of console and arcade inputs including many popular retro controllers.  Supports output to USB, PSX, Wiimote and other interesting devices.  The software has been in development for a long time and has an impressive feature list that is constantly being add to.

:wants analog for yoke; muchly:

:Will smuggle spice and gold pressed Latnum for a KADE with analog:

KADE+ devices will use the same chip as KADESTICK which has been used in analog projects on this site – see Scott's sig.  We made our own AVR to be the modular brain behind any new products.  First up is KADE miniConsole+ which supports analog and digital controller input from a huge range of popular controllers.

Hey! I'm not seeing any Intellivision 2 controller in that image! 

There are WAY more inputs and outputs than are represented in the sketch.  In the case of the Intellivision 2 controller, it is NOT covered.

As well as plug and play support for popular controllers we could introduce fixed support for others like this by creating custom firmware if we feel that it will improve the product.  The original KADE miniArcade device was extended massively after our kickstarter based on feedback and feature requests from the community.

[Locke141]

Bookmarked

[Yvan256]

Coming winter 2014?

Updates? 

[PL1]

The first day of winter is still almost 4 weeks away.      


Scott

[AzureKnight]

The six feet of snow in my yard would disagree with you 

[Locke141]

The six feet of snow in my yard would disagree with you 

Are you in Buffalo?

[AzureKnight]

The six feet of snow in my yard would disagree with you 

Are you in Buffalo?

Yeah, I don't mean to derail this thread....I live in Cheektowaga a suburb of Buffalo and last number I saw was 75 inches of snow. 

Topic under Everything Else: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,142378.0.html

Now it is melting away quite nicely!

[opt2not]

Looking forward to hearing more info about the miniConsole. Subscribed!

[degenatrons]

We just posted an update with more info, pictures, and a video. We are super proud to have added Wii U as an additional on the fly output. We are the first 3rd party to have direct Wii U input!
Kickstarter is coming in February.

http://kadevice.com/2015/01/first-ever-direct-3rd-party-usb-wii-u-input-february-kickstarter-%EF%BB%BF/

and that's not all.  There is a ton more functionality.
Here is a sneak peak of KADE miniConsole+ with some plug and play input and output examples shown. 

miniConsole+ in a prototype case:


Inputs:


Outputs (via USB):


Outputs (via RJ45):



Outputs (via RJ45 and third party PSX converter)

[zaltec]

just read your email, still want. 

[emphatic]

Amazing work!

[opt2not]

Have you guys done any lag tests on this yet?
If so, how much lag are we dealing with here?

[degenatrons]

Have you guys done any lag tests on this yet?
If so, how much lag are we dealing with here?

There has been no noticeable lag in our beta testing across a wide range of controller inputs and system outputs.  We will do more formal testing.

[jshel65]

Thanks for posting this update, it is exciting to and see some of what it can do an action! I have really been looking forward to this, I am hoping that this will be the missing link in my multiple console emulation system. My attempt at multiple original controllers via USB adapters has been a pain to say the least. I hope you don't mind to answer a few of the questions that I have had in thinking about your device:

1. will the final device have 2 player support or would we need to purchase two devices for 2 player support?
2.will there be support for Atari paddles for games like kaboom?
3.will there be rumble support for controllers like the dual shock, GameCube, etc?
4.when can we expect a full list of the controllers that your device will support?

[bootsector]

Thanks for posting this update, it is exciting to and see some of what it can do an action! I have really been looking forward to this, I am hoping that this will be the missing link in my multiple console emulation system. My attempt at multiple original controllers via USB adapters has been a pain to say the least. I hope you don't mind to answer a few of the questions that I have had in thinking about your device:

1. will the final device have 2 player support or would we need to purchase two devices for 2 player support?

At first it will be one device per player. Alternative firmwares are planned in the future for some two player support.

2.will there be support for Atari paddles for games like kaboom?

Yes, there will be support for analog pads input via DB15 port. We've just started working on Atari paddles support! Not sure if this feature will be available at day-one though.

3.will there be rumble support for controllers like the dual shock, GameCube, etc?

GC pad rumble support when using on the WiiU via USB is now in beta-test. This is a little complicated subject since both the host and the controllers must offer support to rumble. Also, the power supplied by the host is another constraint (GC pad requires 5V and DualShock around 7V, USB sources 5V, Wiimote sources 3.3V, so there's a lot to tinker here).

4.when can we expect a full list of the controllers that your device will support?

The list will be available at the KickStarter page. So February it is!

[jshel65]

I am looking forward to it....thank you for the reply!

[yotsuya]

Maybe I missed this, but how do you guys plan to breakout cables available? I want to be able to play my NES games on a genuine controller via the Wii.

[bootsector]

Maybe I missed this, but how do you guys plan to breakout cables available? I want to be able to play my NES games on a genuine controller via the Wii.

There will always have the option to buy cables separately. Or make them yourself! Gosh! The Wiimote output cable doesn't even require soldering skills!! This is really a DIY friendly project!

[yotsuya]

Maybe I missed this, but how do you guys plan to breakout cables available? I want to be able to play my NES games on a genuine controller via the Wii.

Or make them yourself! Gosh!

My question was directed to the KADE team, not you, Napoleon. 

[bootsector]

Maybe I missed this, but how do you guys plan to breakout cables available? I want to be able to play my NES games on a genuine controller via the Wii.

Or make them yourself! Gosh!

My question was directed to the KADE team, not you, Napoleon. 

Sorry I failed to answer your question!

[yotsuya]

Just messing with you my friend. I'm just wondering what the team's plan. I have no problem rolling my own connectors.

[opt2not]

Have you guys done any lag tests on this yet?
If so, how much lag are we dealing with here?

There has been no noticeable lag in our beta testing across a wide range of controller inputs and system outputs.  We will do more formal testing.

Well, if you need more test volunteers, hook a brother up!  I've got most of the consoles you have listed this thing supports. 

[sharpfork]

My question was directed to the KADE team, not you, Napoleon. 

While he doesn't hang out here much, Bruno/ Bootsector is the driver of the console inputs and most certianly a member of the KADE team. 
The KADE miniConsole+ is the evolution & unification of Bruno's earlier work: http://www.brunofreitas.com
Degenatrons is the other brain of the KADE operation. 
I just sit around and look pretty and talk 

About converters, we will offer premade cables with the Kickstarter as well as after.  We will also provide the pinout so PBJ can go get a 15 pin d-sub at Radio Shack and solder right to the end of his old 3rd party controllers.  Folks can but extension cables and cut the ends off to make them too.  I'm not sure if we will sell DIY kits with our tiny quick solder converter PCBs or not. 

All of this will be open source in some form.

RE beta testers.  We have a few but will be getting ready for another round if I can get these guys to stop adding big features!  If you are interested, have a supply of retro controllers, and like to try emulating arcade and consoles on a variety of systems, send me a PM.

[Slippyblade]

Sharpfork:  This info makes me even more excited.  I'm dirt poor most of the time and piece my projects together over time.  Having it open means I can actually use it - just not right away.

Thanks for all the work guys, I appreciate it.

[yotsuya]

Maybe I missed this, but how do you guys plan to breakout cables available? I want to be able to play my NES games on a genuine controller via the Wii.

There will always have the option to buy cables separately. Or make them yourself! Gosh! The Wiimote output cable doesn't even require soldering skills!! This is really a DIY friendly project!

My question was directed to the KADE team, not you, Napoleon. 

While he doesn't hang out here much, Bruno/ Bootsector is the driver of the console inputs and most certianly a member of the KADE team. 
The KADE miniConsole+ is the evolution & unification of Bruno's earlier work: http://www.brunofreitas.com
Degenatrons is the other brain of the KADE operation. 
I just sit around and look pretty and talk 

About converters, we will offer premade cables with the Kickstarter as well as after.  We will also provide the pinout so PBJ can go get a 15 pin d-sub at Radio Shack and solder right to the end of his old 3rd party controllers.  Folks can but extension cables and cut the ends off to make them too.  I'm not sure if we will sell DIY kits with our tiny quick solder converter PCBs or not. 

All of this will be open source in some form.

RE beta testers.  We have a few but will be getting ready for another round if I can get these guys to stop adding big features!  If you are interested, have a supply of retro controllers, and like to try emulating arcade and consoles on a variety of systems, send me a PM.

Oh SNAP! My apologies to you, Bruno! I didn't know you were you!!!!

Thanks for the info, Sharpfork. I look forward to jumping in on this Kickstarter.

[jshel65]

One suggestion that I think would help tremendously with the response to the device would be multiplayer functionality. How sweet would it be to have a 4 player device that would allow yourself and three pals to throw down on Goldeneye 007 using the controller of your preference?!?! I am sure that this is easier said than done,but just wanted to add my 2 cents.