Help out this complete newb (console controls hacking question)

[dmoore076]

Hey guys. I just discovered this site a week ago and was very excited. It has always been my dream to build up an arcade cabinet and it looks like, with the information here, I will be able to realize that dream.

However, I have decided to start with a small(er) project to begin with -- creating my own fighting stick for the Playstation 2.

I have an old Dual Shock with a broken trigger (contacts still look ok though). I would like to use the Happs Perfect 360 with Ultimate Pushbuttons and hack it to the Dual Shock so that I have an arcade style PS2 controller. I don't care about the analog buttons at all.

I have looked all over the web for hacking Playstation controllers. I found a tutorial right here on this site that seemed pretty good:

http://www.arcadecontrols.com/arcade_matt(v).html

and have read through it. I can solder a little but am not really that familiar with electronics, so please forgive me if these are stupid, stupid questions that anyone should know.

1) Does the tutorial I found work for optical joysticks? I don't think it does, since there is a specific mention of the fact that the Happs optical contains a single pin for the U/D/L/R directions, plus a pin for +5V and a ground pin. So I'm thinking it's not as easy as the guide says. How would I find the common ground on the control pad, and a 5V connection? Is it even possible to hook the Happs optical to a PS2 Dual Shock? Or should I try a microswitched joystick (yuck, I don't like these but I need the experience) as my first project?

2) Are there any tutorials out there for hooking joysticks to multiple devices, such as to both a PS2 and PC? If I were to actually build my stand-up cabinet, I would want both a PC and PS2 in it and wouldn't want to have any cumbersome switching problems.

That's it. Again, if I missed the answer to these somewhere on the site or in a FAQ, I apologize.

--Dave

[Dave_K.]

Not sure how "old" your dual shock is, but if its from the PSX erra (has digital buttons), then its definatly doable (assuming you are talking about the d-pad and not the analog stick.  Hooking up to the 360 stick isn't much different than microswitch (4 connections for the 4 directions, one ground, and one +5v).  I believe you can just use +5 already present on the dual shock.

As far as multiple devices, is easier/cheaper to just buy a Playstation2 converter (there are plenty out there that convert to USB or other game consoles).  Otherwise, you will have to hack a PC gamepad to your arcade controls, and use a ground switch to switch between your hacked PS2 pad and the game pad.

[SNAAAKE]

First you dont hack "dual shock 2" because it will be a pain in the arch (every single button is analog ).

Second you go get a cheapo $5 psx digital game pad.They all usually works with ps2 so no worry.

go here for help.
http://www.darkravenwind.com/cdvision/superpad.htm

This pad is Really easy to hack(I bought for $2).
And I am giving you confirmation that this pad works 100% with ps2(minus games that requires analog).
If you can locate this EXACTt same pad in cd_visions site the PM me and and i will tell you exactly where to 5+ is on that pad.Forget multi system for now and get an PSX to USB converter to make your hacked psx/ps2 joystick to work with PC..avoid hacking analog pad(I already know its more complicated then it sounds).
How i find the 5+?
it clearly says on some game pads that which contact is 5+ so do more reserch about this p360.You COULD blow out the optical hub if wrong voltage is sent the p360 sensor.Not that i ever blew anything out but one of my friend did and had no clue what was goin on.
Digital pads pretty much works with all the games that needs your joystick..
tekken 4,cvs2,mvsc2,tekken tag,etc etc.