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Voltage from parallel port
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IncrdblHulk7:
I have completed a similar setup - which I plan on incorporating into my CAB (when I get around to building it).

I followed the plans for the JUMP interface:
http://www.dreamcliff.com/personal/daniel/jump/

I chopped off the connectors to a bunch of SNES and NES controllers and attached DB9 connectors to the ends.  That way I can plug in SNES or NES into same port (requires some driver manipulation).  The parallel port can support enough power for SNES pads - but not for power hungry NES pads.  Therefore you need to supply a better power source than Parallel Port.  They go over a couple options on the JUMP page.  I simply took a PS adapter from an old fan and use that to connect the PSU's 5V and GND in place of the Power pins from Parallel port.

Hope this helps.

 
StephenH:
You may want to use +5V from an unused Disk Drive connector and route it to one of the pins.
cbmeeks:

--- Quote ---Remember, you need to to more than just hook a controller to a parallel port.  There needs to be some sort of drivers installed to allow windows to see the device and either translate the input into keyboard presses, or interface into the DirectInput API.
--- End quote ---

Yeah, I know.  I use NTPad and I am a programmer so I could probably write other drivers if needed.


--- Quote ---That parallel port business is a lot of work, you might want to have a look at this instead...
Classic controllers converted to USB for use on your computer:
--- End quote ---

There is a reason why I didn't want to use the USB versions of the controllers.   That USB NES controller is like $25.00.  I can buy an NES controller for $2.00.  I wanted to be able to have two players ($5.00 instead of $50) and I wanted to easily replace the NES controller if needed.

I am just going to use the 5V and ground from my PSU.  I have already soldered some extension wires from a molex connector so I think that should work out well.

Thanks guys

cb
MisterB:
I've built several parallel port controller interfaces for my cab.  As mentioned earlier, attaching diodes from the data line pins to the NES +5 should give you all the power you need.

My preferred driver software is PPJoy, which supports numerous interfaces.  You can also find interface schematics for all the supported interfaces on it's website.
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