X-Arcade with Generic USB Adapter

[mrbones]

I did a search, but couldn't find an answer. So here it goes.

I'm about to buy an X-Arcade dual joystick and want to know if you can use a generic PS/2 to USB adapter with it? I want to hook this thing up to a notebook with Windows XP that doesn't have a PS/2 port. I tested the generic adapter with a standard keyboard and it works with no problems.

I know you can buy a USB adapter from X-Arcade, but it's $30. I already have one of these generic ones.

Thanks folks!

[Pacific Ripper]

I bought their PCB and according to their manual, it says that it's not possible. I don't know whether that would be true or not because in theory, if it works like a keyboard, the adapter should work.

[Tokey]

Yea they say it won't.... but who knows?  I'll try it tonight and let you know, okay?

[Lilwolf]

When testing it... check to see if you get any ghosting or max number of keys.

usb keyboard standard suck.  They specify only like 3 keys are pressed at a time.  So most/all usb keyboards only handle that.

Anyway... usb joysticks dont have the problems that usb keyboards have... and that is probably why they have two.

[mrbones]

I bought an X-Arcade joystick on eBay this morning for $100. It was a mint used one. It will kill me to have this joystick and not to be able hook it up, so if anyone can help me out, I'd appreciate it. If someone knows for sure that the generic adapter won't work, I'll put my order in for the official USB adapter at x-arcade.com so they will both arrive at the same time. I think $30 for this adapter is overpriced, though. Thanks for your time.

[mrbones]

I got the stick today and tried it with a generic connector. It kinda works but isn't playable. The stick isn't recognized until I plug in a keyboard into it. Then, you only get single keystrokes. So, for example, if you want to run in Berserk, you have to tap the joystick like crazy in the direction you want to go. Not a fun way to play a game.

So, off I go to x-arcade.com to order the USB adapter.

Thanks for getting back to me, Tokey, lol.

[Grasshopper]

Why not spend a bit more and replace the X-Arcade's encoder with an Ipac?

Just a thought.

[Tokey]

meh, forgot all about this over the weekend.  Well I'm glad you figured it out anyways.

I like the x-arcade because I can just plug my xbox into it and it works perfectly.  X2VGA means xbox games in high res on my pc monitor in my cab.  That makes the xarcade worth way more than an ipac to me.

[mrbones]

No problem. I have a PS2 I'd like to use it with someday, too. So I like the adapter idea.

At least we know the USB adapter they sell is the real deal.

[mrbones]

Oh, and if the USB adapter is just a USB to serial adapter, it's actually not a bad deal. A Belkin brand one is $75.40 at Compusa! The next decent one is $40.

[Pacific Ripper]

Why not spend a bit more and replace the X-Arcade's encoder with an Ipac?

Just a thought.

Well, to me, the X-Arcade PCB was the best option to get my CP to work with my Dreamcast. I don't see any other encoder with that option and it works well in conjunction with Happ controls.

[mrbones]

I got the USB adapter yesterday from X-Arcade. Simply put, this thing is lame. There's a noticable lag on the inputs. Certain combos in fighting games (SF2, MK1,2,3) just can't be done. I hate it.

I'll be sending it back for a refund. I just can't believe that they can't make a USB interface without lag. Come on....

So, I either have to put an Ipac USB board in there, or give up and sell it. 

I even searched for a PCMCIA PS/2 card that would interface with a notebook, but nothing like that exists. 

[SteveJ34]

Probably a long shot with the same lack luster results but would something like this work:

http://www.networktechinc.com/usb-ps2.html

[mrbones]

That's a pretty beefy adapter. But, my guess is it probably won't work. I think the reason is that the Windows USB-Keyboard interface just isn't fast enough for a game controller. It could just be a driver issue, but there's no substitute driver to use or experiment with. The x-arcade usb adapter uses a standard HID USB keyboard driver written in '01.

[mrbones]

I just called X-Arcade tech support. They are sending me another USB adapter to try. All they said was it has different electronics inside. I'll give an update when I try it out. I hope it works!

[adonis_minus_20]

When I bought my USB adaptor from Xgaming they sent me this one:

http://www.xkeys.com/ymouse/whym08.php

It works really well and is $50, although I do remember that I had to enter some code or something initially in notepad to get it to work properly.

Jim