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First project - desktop controls

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n3rrd:

Hey guys,

New to the entire byoac scene, but heavily into older video games, I've been wanting a project bringing that retro-feel to my room.  I've decided to start out simple, and start making a desktop control panel.  I've decided just to hack an existing gamepad, but am very partial to USB right now (besides, my soldering skills aren't up to par to hack a keyboard).  I happened to find an older Microsoft USB Sidewinder with it's digital d-pad, six buttons, two more which would traditionally be used for start/select and two shoulders.  The hack has proved to be fairly simple, so far.

Now, my question is:  which would most of you guys go with (assuming this cp was going to be expanded beyond the scope of just one player)?  A gamepad hack, or a keyboard hack?  I've done a search and read what I could find.  Really just looking for opinions and/or personal experiences.

Consider things such as ease, cost, and compatibility.  How bad is USB support in MAME (not all familiar with MAME yet, myself)?  I mean, I can pick up these controllers for $8.95 in retail boxes, or I can pick up a single basic keyboard for anywhere from $12-19.99, aswell as a project box (I'm a sucker for making things look decent).  I don't really have the cash to throw at an I-PAC at the moment, but have plenty of spare time.  Besides, my soldering could use the practice!

Anyways, I am dragging on.  Please just share your opinions/experiences with either method.

Thanks in advance,
  n3rrd.

HaRuMaN:

I would go for the gamepad hack.  The keyboard hack has been known to be a pain...  first you have to figure out the matrix, and then deal with ghosting/blocking issues if and when they arise.  The first two control panels I made were USB gamepad hacks, and they worked GREAT!  :)  I have had no issues with using the with MAME, either.

n3rrd:

Awesome.  I have some familiarity with electronics and basics in soldering, and it's something that interests me.  I've been looking for something to play around with, and I've finally found something.  The hack is much less painful than I was expecting, too!  I'll take pictures, and such.  I know it's been done to death, but we have to follow protocol, right?  :P

I believe I am going to wire both and play with them, see which I prefer.  I may as well become familiar with both methods if I plan to eventually go "full out".

By the by, thanks for the quick response!
  n3rrd.

HaRuMaN:

No problem.  Happy hacking...   ;D

Stobe:

Personally, I would only hack a keyboard if you wanted to be able to say that you hacked one.

Groovygamegear now has a very inexpensive solution costing about the same, or less than your keyboard hack.  For under $20, you can't beat it.  Check this link:

http://www.groovygamegear.com/Page2.html

All the functionality of their Keywiz 1.5, plus you get to practice soldering.

I've had plenty of practice soldering already (what I do for a living), so I went with the Keywiz 1.5 with screw terminals.  I've had a good experience so far with this encoder.

Hope this helps.
-Stobe

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