Joysticks...probably asked a thousand times

[Screamindemon]

Hi all,

Just a question about settingh up joysticks for mame!

I recently aquired a "Battlestation II' control deck (released in Australia, and new Zealand (not too sure about elsewhere) This unit is made using "MCA" arcade joysticks, and buttons.

It was released as a multi-platform device which incorperated the following systems:NES, SNES,Sega Master System, Sega Mega-drive (Genesis), Amiga Computers, Commodore 64 computers, and Atari Computers.

there is also a 25 Pin (D) Female connector on the back which can be used for use in Arcade Amusement Machine connections!!!

What I'm wanting to know is, what would be the easiest way to turn this into a PC device for use with mame.....

Note: this is a two-player setup, with 2 joysticks, 6 buttons for each player, a select button, a start button, and two turbo toggle swithes.

Thanks for any help,
Screamindemon

[cdbrown]

Got any links?  Does it actually say the 25 pin connector is for arcade connection?  Based on your description it sounds like this has some encoders and electronics built into the box.

[Screamindemon]

Sorry no links! Been looking for some of those myself!  

The control panel is made by Multicoin Australia Pty. Ltd. if thats any help to you at all.....

manual says that the 25 pin connector is wired directly through to the joysticks, and pushbuttons.....

Can try to post some pics if you think it would help....

Screamindemon

[cdbrown]

If they are wired directly to the microswitches on the controls, then to connect it for mame you would need an encoder like from Ultimarc.  I have no idea about directly connecting to an actual arcade machine.  Good to see another Aussie getting into this great hobby - welcome.

Cheers
-cdbrown

PS - pics are always helpful

[Tiger-Heli]

Hi all,

Just a question about settingh up joysticks for mame!

I recently aquired a "Battlestation II' control deck (released in Australia, and new Zealand (not too sure about elsewhere) This unit is made using "MCA" arcade joysticks, and buttons.

It was released as a multi-platform device which incorperated the following systems:NES, SNES,Sega Master System, Sega Mega-drive (Genesis), Amiga Computers, Commodore 64 computers, and Atari Computers.

there is also a 25 Pin (D) Female connector on the back which can be used for use in Arcade Amusement Machine connections!!!

What I'm wanting to know is, what would be the easiest way to turn this into a PC device for use with mame.....

Note: this is a two-player setup, with 2 joysticks, 6 buttons for each player, a select button, a start button, and two turbo toggle swithes.

Thanks for any help,
Screamindemon

Quick questions -

1)  Are you wanting to use this only for MAME or also with console systems (NES, SNES) as well as MAME?

2)  Is this going to be the only desktop controller you plan to use with MAME (maybe in conjunction with a trackball or spinner)?  I.e. would you eventually want to use this and a swappable CP with trigger Joysticks or rotary joysticks or a different button layout.

Either way, the easiest way to interface is with a commercial encoder such as the KeyWiz from www.groovygamegear.com, or one of the I-PAC's from www.ultimarc.com.  (In australia, I think you can buy I-PAC's from OzStick at http://home.iprimus.com.au/IP-PWP03/41/ozstick/parts.html )

The answers above determine how to proceed next.  If both answers are "YES", (i.e. only MAME and only this panel) you can just cut off the DB25 connector, trace the bare wires back to the button or joystick switches (preferably with a multi-meter), wire these to the encoder and mount the encoder inside the box.

If either answer above is "NO", then your best bet is to buy a DB25 M-F extension cable (RS-232 serial extension cable (but not a null modem cable).  Trace the pins on the existing DB25 back to the buttons that are used (with a multi-meter), then cut one end off the extension cable and wire it to the encoder.

Now you can plug your control deck into the encoder or into the console systems, and you can plug other control panels into the encoder using more DB25 cables.

[Minwah]

I *think* someone posted some pics of one of these a while back (6-12 months ago?).  I don't recall much about it, except that it looked pretty cool  Try looking back through the main board...

[Tiger-Heli]

I *think* someone posted some pics of one of these a while back (6-12 months ago?).  I don't recall much about it, except that it looked pretty cool  Try looking back through the main board...

Good memory Minwah.

Here's the thread: http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=4024;start=msg24447#msg24447

The pics are gone now, but I kinda remember it.

Based on the thread, if there is circuitry connected to the DB25 connector (which there probably is for the turbo mode, etc.) you are probably better off just re-wiring it.

[Stingray]

Based on the thread, if there is circuitry connected to the DB25 connector (which there probably is for the turbo mode, etc.) you are probably better off just re-wiring it.

Agreed. Open it up and remove everything but the joysticks & buttons. Get yourself an encoder and start slinging wire.

I'd like to see a picture of this thing if anyone can dig one up.

-S


Edit: fixed quotation

[Minwah]

Good memory Minwah.

Here's the thread: http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=4024;start=msg24447#msg24447

Well found - sheesh was that really 2002!!??  Time flies....