is this a good alternative to keyboard encoder?

[RayB]

I already have a JPAC so this is more of an idea i had to share than something I'm pursuing, but here's the idea:

Buy a used Playstation controller.
Buy a USB Playstation controller adaptor for PC.

The PS controller should be about $5 in junk shops, and the adapter I see selling for about $12 on average.

So there you go. Solder your controls to the PS circuit board, and plug it to a PC with the adaptor. All told, costs about $17 and way less of a pain than hacking a keyboard.

~Ray B.

[Bgnome]

someone mentioned finding digital psx pads for $1 at the dollar general store..

[paigeoliver]

Um, why use a Playstation controller. You can do the exact same thing with a PC controller, without the extra step, or cost of the adaptor.

This is similar to my friend Isaac whose engine blew in his old V8 Jeep. He bought a used Ford V6 engine for it, I have no idea why. Sure, with extra effort and extra expense it would work, but why not just get the engine made for the vehicle you have?

What is with the Playstation obsession around here. I have played the darn thing, and I have seen little other than garbage sports and long load times (many of those same titles you can get on the PC without the long load times).

[RayB]

Yeah I realized this only AFTER posting. I can be quite a dumb-ass sometimes.

As for the PS2 games... *ahem*. There are plenty of great games, PS2 only, if you're willing to give them a chance.

[IceCold]

What is with the Playstation obsession around here. I have played the darn thing, and I have seen little other than garbage sports and long load times (many of those same titles you can get on the PC without the long load times).

One reason is because there are adapters to use playstation controllers on other systems.   Your arcade controller will work on several systems(with adapters) instead of just dreamcast, or xbox, etc.

[Bgnome]

well, when i first approached it, usb wasnt really an option.  i really liked the DIY aspect of the parallel port adapters, (up to 8 pads).  plus, you get 14 inputs per digital pad and none of the funkyness of a gravis gamepad hack.  you also open up possibilities for console connections instead of emulation.
unfortunately, on the computer i wanted to use, the interface sucks up too many cpu cycles for me to enjoy my games.  but breaking it down costwise, it was about $20 for 4 digital psx pads and parts to make the 4-way adapter.  for 56 individual, simultaneous inputs that aint bad at all..