Pc control panel to Dreamcast?

[Negativecreep0]

Is there a converter that will properly convert my IPAC4 interface pc mame control panel and turn it into workable dreamcast controllers? for player one and two? or do i have to build a seperate control panel and switch it everytime i wanna play dreamcast on my cab
?

[Dave_K.]

Short answer is "no".

What you would do is install a set of molex connectors (or db25 or whatever connector preference you have) between your control panel and ipac.  Then hack 2 dreamcast controllers to the same type of connectors.  

Then you just unplug the ipac from your control panel, and plug in the hacked controllers whenever you want to switch between systems.

[TalkingOctopus]

Go here for more information about attaching a Dreamcast to arcade controls:

http://members.cox.net/joysticks/

[Negativecreep0]

Thanks guys I have found a solution This might help you all, who don't want to make two seperate panels and switch them every time.

http://www.agoranet.es/~ddv/cabinet/controles2.htm


I am going to do that, and have the knob to switch between dc and mame extended to the outside of the control panel some how. that way no opening up or switching cables. What do you guys think any info or words of wisdom? By the way the page was in spanish i translated it in american using altavista translator.

[Dave_K.]

Sure, a switchbox would work fine (if you use db25's as your common connectors)...make sure you get the correct ribbon cable that has wires which go straight through (or build your own cable with connectors) as most DB25 cables has wires that cross.

But to tell you the truth, you will have to open your cab and reach inside anyway to turn on the Dreamcast and/or put in a game CD...so I don't think its going to buy you much more than a couple seconds in turn around time.  Also how are you going to switch the audio and video/monitor connections?    See you will have to reach inside anyway!  You also don't want to leave your Dreamcast powered on with the PC at the same time for extended periods of time inside the cab as it can overheat.

[Sephroth57]

maybe dreamcast emulator on PC would be better? would just require some software work instead of hardware which is probably easier. i never used a DC emu though im not sure if you need to put the CD in the PC or what, might be something you should look into

[Reverend_Ken]

what if...

i use connectors and a splitter, then send signals to the ipac AND the hacked controller all the time?

or should i use a switch between the connectors to send signals to only one at a time?

-k

[TalkingOctopus]

maybe dreamcast emulator on PC would be better? would just require some software work instead of hardware which is probably easier. i never used a DC emu though im not sure if you need to put the CD in the PC or what, might be something you should look into

There is no dreamcast emulator that does a good job playing commericial games.  

[Sephroth57]

i understand the controller hack, how would you get the video to go to the DC if youre using a arcade monitor with arcade VGA?

[Luxury]

buy a DC vga box, and hack it so it outputs 15khz.  VERY EASY to do.  many of these have a switch for switching between a PC and the DC.  That takes care of both the video and audio for you.  

[Serpent]

I've built my control panels using PSX pad hacks, and I don't have and I wont have a PSX or a PS2 hehe. I have two PSX-PC usb adaptors and two PSX-Dreamcast adaptors. This way I can use my control panels with my PC and my Dreamcast. These adaptors work flawlessly! Actually, if you plan and wire the buttons correctly, you will have the same button layout as with the Dreamcast Arcade Stick, and it will work with all games with no need to remap or configure anything.

[Dave_K.]

what if...

i use connectors and a splitter, then send signals to the ipac AND the hacked controller all the time?

or should i use a switch between the connectors to send signals to only one at a time?

You don't want to have both connected at the same time or you will short out one or both system inputs.  A switfch box or only one plugged in at a time is your only option.

[Negativecreep0]

my setups will be a dreamcast in the cab connected to vga box hacked to output 15hz tv mode!. VGA mode looks like ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- for 2d fighting games that is why im doing that. It hooks up easy to my D9200 wells gardner monitor, then i will have the pc speakers split to go into the vga box so i can hear it. finally the only thing i will have to do is yes, go to the back of the cabinet and switch games and turn on the dc everytime i wanna play dc games. Not to big a problem. I plan on playing M vs Capcom 2 most of the time anyway so i wont be switching games that often.

[Sephroth57]

are there any pages with DC hacking walkthroughs? I plan on doing what serpent did, with 2 hacked PSX pads with DC adapters. is there info out there on the VGA hacking?

[Luxury]

are there any pages with DC hacking walkthroughs? I plan on doing what serpent did, with 2 hacked PSX pads with DC adapters. is there info out there on the VGA hacking?

Click on Game Consoles on the left