Can I connect the P360 GND to the IPAC/2 GND?

[sofakng]

I'm trying to wire up my Dreamcast controllers to my arcade controls but I'm a bit confused on how to connect the P360 joystick.  (this is more of a wiring question than a Dreamcast question I think, which is why I posted in this forum)

So, can I connect the P360 GND to my IPAC/2 (and have it shared amongst the other Player 1 button GNDs)?

What I'm thinking is that I'll leave my arcade PC on (even if I want to play Dreamcast games) and then get the +5V through the OptiPac to power the P360s.   I don't think I can't get a +5V through a Dreamcast controller to power the P360s...

[TalkingOctopus]

You actually do get the +5v and GND for the P360 from the dc controller.

[sofakng]

Thanks for your reply...

I actually asked that question the wrong way... what I meant to ask was this:

Can I connect the P360 GND to the same GND as the buttons?

(it's too late to use the DC +5V, so what I plan to do is use the Opti-PAC +5V [always connected] and the GND will be connected either to the DC or the IPAC/2, depending on which device is switched to on my LPT switch)

[Lilwolf]

you should NOT take a ground from a location OTHER THEN WHERE YOU GET YOUR POWER.

Its known to blow your DC (and possibly your IPac).

rewire it.  If you dont' need your mame machine turned on at the time... hook it up to the DC.  Or otherway... If they both need it... buy a 5 dollar 5volt power plugin adapter (or search through the drawers and you will probably find one)

But you don't want to power from one device going into another...

[sofakng]

Is there a soldering point on the Dreamcast controller itself where I can get the +5V?  (original Dreamcast controller, not a 3rd party one)

Also, if I understand this correctly then ALL buttons will be connected to either the DC or the IPAC/2.

I was going to just leave Button 7 and Button 8 only connected to the IPAC/2 since they are never used on the DC...

*sigh*

[rdagger]

you should NOT take a ground from a location OTHER THEN WHERE YOU GET YOUR POWER.

Its known to blow your DC (and possibly your IPac).

rewire it.

[sofakng]

Ok, I will put a +5V on my DB25 cable, so the +5V will come from the IPAC *OR* the DC controller.

Can I share the P360 GND with the buttons though?  (so the P360 GND would connect to Button 1 GND, for example).