Questions about making controller adapter modules and generic-mod controllers..

[o-o]

I have some questions related to making controller adapter modules and generic-mod controllers, and controllers availabel to use..  If there are faqs for any of these Id like to check them out but I havent been able to find sufficient information.. thanks


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cable types

What options are there of cable types that could be used?

(basic '25pin D-plug')
but those dont seem like they would stay plugged in very well/sturdy/solidly without screw-tightening them, which would be kindof a huge hassle doing over and over..

Im also wary of the cables being too stiff/bulky
(effecting the authentic feel effect of an NES/SNES etc.. controllers)

Are there more/other practical options?



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boxes to use

what is a good type/source of small black boxes to used for controller modules..?



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How can (controller encoder IC) chips best be removed without damaging the chip (or PCB)?



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How can analog direction pad(signal) be converted to (send) digital..?
And would it be simple to add 'sensitivity' control? (using a dual-head potentiometer??)



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What is the common/best cable pinout arrangement to use? (is there a standard info page about this?)
[might as well be compatible with other peoples configurations..]



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I need to find cheap PSX (and Saturn) controllers having selectable rapidfire which functions like a Mad Catz Saturn pad I have: press rapidfire-assign button, then press button(s) to assign rapidfire to, then press the rapidfire-assign button again. This allows for some buttons to be rapidfire and the rest to not be rapidfire, and it only takes one assign button to do rather than a bunch of individual switches... works really great (it would be *perfect*/even-better if there was a controller/pcb that can do the above AND button re-assign function also like the Dreamcast Madcatz Dreampad does..) 

Does anyone know of any like that or these (or have one for trade :-)?)?:
"Universal Game Controller"  for Xbox+PS2+GC
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8172614315&category=21188



If anyone (has or) is interested in doing any related mod work (or supplying materials) for trade, heres my trade/want list:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=41710.0