Who Successfully Runs MAME + PSX or DC??

[Demon-Seed]

Guys, just an addion to my post I have the PSX hack done, just do not understand how to hook it up. Email me and maybe someone could walk me through it? Currently run IPAC with MAME and now adding the PSX hack.,. any help, tips, links would be very much appreciated!

[eightbit]

Guys, just an addion to my post I have the PSX hack done, just do not understand how to hook it up. Email me and maybe someone could walk me through it? Currently run IPAC with MAME and now adding the PSX hack.,. any help, tips, links would be very much appreciated!

I think the general consensus is you can't do both at the same time. I think Snaaack was trying to explain that. What you need to do is come up with a way to easily switch. Wire a plug between your CP and your ipac, then wire a plug on the psx pad. when you want to switch you have to physically unplug the CP from the Ipac and plug the CP into the psx hack. Heres a picture of my control panel wired for swappable control panels.  When I received my keywhiz I just wired a plug to it and plugged into my control panel and started playing.


There have been any theorys posted about just switching the ground but I think they were just theorys I don't remember any one confirming the results.

[rhoelsch]

Let me see if I understand; you want the same cp controls for both MAME and psx?  If that's the case, I had wanted to do the same thing a while ago, and couldn't find out exactly how to do it, so in the interest of not driving myself crazy, I decided to just have a seperate set of controls on my cp dedicated just to the psx (hacked psx pad wired directly to those seperate cp buttons, then just plug the pad into the psx) of course, it makes for a larger cp... hope I'm on the right page with you here, if not, my bad...

[Dave_K.]

Demon-seed, there have been many threads on this in the past (but I can understand that its sometimes difficult to use the search function correctly).

Anyway, eightbit is right on the mark.  How the "rest of us" do this, is we isolate the pc and dc interface from the control panel by using some sort of connector (db2 or molex).  So it looks like this:

Control Panel -> Connector
Connector -> to ipac
Connector -> dc pads

Obviously the connectors on the ipac and dc pad are the opposite type (male/female) in order to connect to the control panel.  The idea being you can only have one interface plugged into your control panel at a time.  You shouldn't be trying to hookup both the ipac and dc to the same controls, or you will most certainly cause some damage to either or both systems.

You have to open up your cabinet to turn on the DC and put in a CD anyway, so while you are doing that, you unplug the ipac, and plug in the DC pads.

[Cilrider]

So im stuck...


I hacked two psx pad and used a db25 connector.  My second player works fine.  but the first coontroller acts as though there is something like start button or circle being continously pressed down.....

The only problem I can think of is....the ground which grounds the shoulder buttons came off of the shoulders and its just free floating...could that be the problem..

Anyone have any ideas?

[eightbit]

So im stuck...

I hacked two psx pad and used a db25 connector.  My second player works fine.  but the first coontroller acts as though there is something like start button or circle being continously pressed down.....

The only problem I can think of is....the ground which grounds the shoulder buttons came off of the shoulders and its just free floating...could that be the problem..

Anyone have any ideas?

We need more info. Does the hacked pad thats giving you trouble work with out controls hooked to it? Perhaps you have a blob of solder bridging a connection or something.

[toilet]

I know they don't work hooked up simultaneously, but was there ever a verdict on using a switch box? I don't see why an A/B box would fail but for some reason I remember someone (SNAAAKE?) saying it wasn't possible.

[MinerAl]

I haven't done this, but...

Couldn't you use an old fashioned parallel printer A/B switch here?

If you're using the D-sub 25-pin connector anyway, connect the control panel to the switch output (common), the iPAC to the A input, and the gamepad hack to the B input.

The switches are usually chicken-head knobs, which you could mount right on your CP.  There are A/B/C/D switches, so you could have one control panel with PC, DC, PS2, GC (or whatever) at the turn of a switch.

The only potential problem that I can see, (which is certainly not the only potential problem) would be a switch that didn't fully populate its parallel ports.

Would that work?

[Demon-Seed]

Would this be easier?

Leave the 2 controls I have set up now for mame and ipac.

then add s 3rd set of buttons which wire directly into the dc convertor?

[Dave_K.]

Would this be easier?

Leave the 2 controls I have set up now for mame and ipac.

then add s 3rd set of buttons which wire directly into the dc convertor?

No offense, but are you even reading any of these posts?  Its bad enough you have two threads discussing the same thing, but asking a question like this after all the advice you have gotten leads me to believe you aren't paying any attention to whats being said.

[tom61]

I don't see why an A/B box would fail but for some reason I remember someone (SNAAAKE?) saying it wasn't possible.

Snaaake had a cheaply made box that had the ground wires inside of it connected to each connector, instead of to the switch. This is of course caused troubles (delayed key presses etc.)
Most switches don't have this trouble, but it's always best to open it up and see what's inside.

[SirPoonga]

You can hook up controls to botha  psx and a pc, just advise that only one should be on t anyt point in time for safety.  But witha  switch box that isn;t a "big" problem.

Also, a switch box works great.  When I was in college the dudes across the street turned a cabinet into a nes/snes/genesis/atari system.  They use a switch box to route the controls.

[AGarv]

If you've already got the PSX pads hacked and wired up and are using windows, just buy a $15 USB adapter to convert both your PSX pads to computer joysticks.  Then use Joy2Key to make sure MAME can accept the input.

Works perfectly, and only 1 set of wiring required.  No insult intended but it also sounds much more in line with your current skill level, I don't think you'd get very far trying to wire all this up to a switch.

[Gopherboy]

Hi!

Couldn't help over hearing this thread.... I am a little confused as I thought my idea for my panel was going to work, but this has turned it on its head!

(oh - firstly, this is a stand alone panel - that may make a difference!)

My idea was to connect all the buttons' connections to a barrier strip/terminal block and all the grounds to another. Then, put 2 wires into each pole of the strip/block - one to the I-PAC and the other to a hacked Dreamcast controller.

There would be 2 cables coming out the back of the panel, but only one would be plugged in. I had thought this would work as the circuit(s) to the dreamcast pad would be complete regardless of the IPAC. As, of course, would the circuit(s) to the IPAC, regardless of the DC. Would this work, and if so - couldn't something like this be done?

Of course, Demon-Seed would want the controller plugged into the various boxes  (PC, DC, etc...) continuously but would this be a problem. The only problem I could see would be too much resistance from all the various paths that the circuit was taking. If that was the case, would a few simple on/off switches connected to the ground help?

I can't figure out how to add an image so the circuit path would look like this..... (bare with me       )


               Button NO                        GND
                      |                              |
                      |                              |
                Barrier strip                Barrier Strip
                    |     |                         |    |
                    |     |                         |    |
                   DC    IPAC-------------/     /
                    |                                 []-  (switch)
                     |__________________|


You will have to excuse my first attempt at ascii drawing - I hope the original idea did not get too convoluted    

Well - there it is - I have this funny feeling that it wouldn't actually work in practice, but can anyone actually tell me why?


thanks,

gb

[SNAAAKE]

I know they don't work hooked up simultaneously, but was there ever a verdict on using a switch box? I don't see why an A/B box would fail but for some reason I remember someone (SNAAAKE?) saying it wasn't possible.

It worked..but it was slow..like i press a button and after 2 sec it works..I WAS PI$$ED after all the wiring .

SO,i am confirming that printer swich wont do with db 25 pin cable.
And switching just ground wont do either(no way you can because i tried using a toggle switch just to switch to ground and it wont work).

so basiclly Dave_k understood how i did and explains clealy in the post above..THATS how ya do it..i usually use converters but this time i had 2 madcatz pads laying around so i figure hack those instead of spending more money on converters.I use 15pin molex connecters from Radioshack.

No offense, but are you even reading any of these posts?  Its bad enough you have two threads discussing the same thing, but asking a question like this after all the advice you have gotten leads me to believe you aren't paying any attention to whats being said.

LIKE I said,no offence to demonseed but its really hard to explain in words(atleast for demonseed)..but dave_k did explain clearly and I dont think I myself can explain any better ...IF all the hopes are gone then just rewire your CP with psx hack then get USB,DC converters and sell your I-pac(i am sure someone will buy overhere).Also,eightbits picture shows how its done too..ya have to actually plug/unplug your interfaces.

If I run a second set of buttons how do i ground it? just ground to a steel bolt?

I got this one from another post you just made..C'mon ..
HOW CAN YOU GROUND ANYTHING TO THE STEEL BOLTS .
If you wanna ground your buttons to a dreamcast or psx pad then you use the ground from your gamepad(unless I didnt understand what you meant by the quote).

[Demon-Seed]

Ok Guys,
I feel that this is just too much for me to take on. I think I am going to cancel the idea completely. Now I have a Dreamcast + controller, brand new VGA Box, and PSX to DC adapter and working PSX pad hack. I would like to dump, sell them or even better trade to someone here who could use it. [Tom61's edit: no piracy!] Make me an offer fokes? trades are ok too, I need DDR RAM, DVD Drive, and CDRs.

Email me direct!

[Luxury]

sorry if this is off-topic....but it isnt really...

what is the most common way of connecting a dreamcast?  psx hack with converters (dc, ect...), or just going strait for the madcatz?  I am leaning towards the madcatz because it i dont really know if i will ever play anything other than DC and mame, and ive heard that psx converters can sometimes "miss" button presses (when really mashing on the controls).  is this true?  

but on the other-hand, i would be interested in the psx hack though just for a "down the road" approach if I ever want to have more than a DC.  Im only putting in 6 butons on the CP, so the psx hack seems like sort of overkill.  but again..."down the road", this may change.  

your thoughts/experiences?  

[Dave_K.]

sorry if this is off-topic....but it isnt really...

what is the most common way of connecting a dreamcast?  psx hack with converters (dc, ect...), or just going strait for the madcatz?  I am leaning towards the madcatz because it i dont really know if i will ever play anything other than DC and mame, and ive heard that psx converters can sometimes "miss" button presses (when really mashing on the controls).  is this true?  

but on the other-hand, i would be interested in the psx hack though just for a "down the road" approach if I ever want to have more than a DC.  Im only putting in 6 butons on the CP, so the psx hack seems like sort of overkill.  but again..."down the road", this may change.  

your thoughts/experiences?  

I hacked both the dc madcatz and psx pads.  If I want to play DC games, I use the hacked DC pads, and connect them to my control panel via molex connectors.  If I want to play PS2 games, I use my hacked PSX pads and connect them to my control panel via the molex connectors.  If I want to play mame games, I use the PSX pads pluged into the control panel, and then use the PSX->USB connector to my PC.  If I had an ipac, I'd just hack some molex connectors to the ipac, and plug that into the control panel.  It takes 2 seconds to unplug the control panel from one interface, and plug in another.  I have to open up the door anyway to turn on the console, or put in a cd, or whatever.

Come on people, this is not rocket science, nor is hacking console pads expensive.  Why is everyone so freaking bent on finding ONE solution that does it all.  If you are to lazy to do the work, then post a request in the buy/sell forum, there are plenty of hard working people that will take your money.  Sorry Luxury, this is not directed at you.

[rampy]

  If I want to play DC games, I use the hacked DC pads, and connect them to my control panel via molex connectors.  If I want to play PS2 games, I use my hacked PSX pads and connect them to my control panel via the molex connectors.  If I want to play mame games, I use the PSX pads pluged into the control panel, and then use the PSX->USB connector to my PC.  If I had an ipac, I'd just hack some molex connectors to the ipac, and plug that into the control panel.  It takes 2 seconds to unplug the control panel from one interface, and plug in another.  I have to open up the door anyway to turn on the console, or put in a cd, or whatever.

Hey Dave_K I respect your opinion and will be picking your brain in the future re: console hacking -> arcade controls but I beg to differ on this point slightly.. (or at least give an alternate reasoning)

It's bad enough to open the coin door and insert the game and powerup the DC (for those who want more than one console or console + PC)... to not want to be futzing with molex connector(s).  It just doesn't seem as polished that way... I have no problem plugging and unplugging molex (hell I'll twist and untwist a wire if that's what works in my prototyping stage) but that's wouldn't be an ideal solution for my wife, for example... on the userfriendlyness front.  Although how she's going to do the VGA/tv switch trick is probably right out of plausibility as well... =) (not that she couldn't, but rather she wouldn't want to)

I'm willing to hack a DC/madcatz what have you pad... but would probably have to try a true "printer" port switchbox (i.e. not just ground) or some fancy switching IC circuit... or ?  whatever works I guess...

I dunno...  in another thread I was looking for a holy grail to conveniently run PC and DC controls to the same arcade sticks with a minimum of hassles. But maybe I just have to earn my DC hacking stripes and start operation rats nest part deux =)

rampy

[SNAAAKE]

Come on people, this is not rocket science, nor is hacking console pads expensive.  Why is everyone so freaking bent on finding ONE solution that does it all.  

EXACTLY...Thats the only way you can have so called "EVERYTHING" in one panel...it really is nothing if you try .

[Luxury]

Rampy's right.  Im not worried about disconnecting/connecting the stuff myself, but more so for my girlfriend and other guests who might come over when i am not home.  She will more than likely not play very many mame games, but she has a real love for pop 'n music for DC.  

but that wasnt the question i asked.  thats a whole new topic.  i just asked for the advantages/disadvantages of using either a madcatz DC, or a psx pad with converter.  
Dave k. - why do you use both hacked psx pads AND dc pads?  have you had a bad experience with psx converters in the past, or is it for totally different reasoning?  (like maybe you did the dreamcast first?)  my guess is that its so you only have to unplug/plug one cable instead of many for the controllers? (2 for psx - or up to 4 for dc)
im just curious, thats all.  

[eightbit]

Theres nothing wrong with looking for the ultimate compatable interface. Think what will happen if you find it and market it. You could be rich and famous.  

I knew there had to be power strips out there that could autoswitch on with the PC. I kept looking till I found one. If you guys keep  trying you may find a easy/inexpensive way to autoswitch the interfaces.

If you post it can't be done, someday somebody will make you eat your words...  

[Dave_K.]

I have no problem plugging and unplugging molex (hell I'll twist and untwist a wire if that's what works in my prototyping stage) but that's wouldn't be an ideal solution for my wife, for example... on the userfriendlyness front.  Although how she's going to do the VGA/tv switch trick is probably right out of plausibility as well... =) (not that she couldn't, but rather she wouldn't want to)

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to figure out a solution to make switching interfaces easier.  But that shouldn't be something that prevents someone from even attempting to hack a console into their cabinet.  On the topic of girlfriends/wives switching interfaces, so where do you find such rare females that are interested in arcade games?  

[SNAAAKE]

[so where do you find such rare females that are interested in arcade games?  

I would be interested in 1 too...my girl(maybe we should break up) dont seem to care a lot about what I do(i get the quote "WHATEVER") and she doesnt freak out when she sees "MY OWN ARCADE" while other friends are like shocked ...

Then the bad part...where they ask 2000 question .
as for the dude who wanted to know why people would choose molex connecters over DC converter,
VERY simple,I had dc pads laying around so i figure... ::)Never EVER had any problem with PSX to DC converter(i dont even think there is any kind of problem exist).

[Dave_K.]

why do you use both hacked psx pads AND dc pads?  have you had a bad experience with psx converters in the past, or is it for totally different reasoning?  (like maybe you did the dreamcast first?)  my guess is that its so you only have to unplug/plug one cable instead of many for the controllers? (2 for psx - or up to 4 for dc)
im just curious, thats all.  

I did the psx pad hack first, and I did have a problem with one of the early psx->dc converters (I think it was the "total control").  It just plain didn't work half the time (it wouldn't recognize the pad was even plugged in).  Could have just been defective.  Anyway, I decided to just hack a set of madcatz controllers.   I use 2 molex connectors for my control panel (which is 2 player).  One pad plugs into one side..just seemed easiest.   I use ports 3 and 4 on the DC for lightguns.

[hyiu]

my friend has that one too ??...

I hacked an original psx 1 pad (no rumble... old one...)

it was playing ps1 and ps2 games fine... (of course.. digital only...) but works fine for fighting games...

then he also has the total control crab.... you plug psx into it (and it also needs like a dc power also...)

I plugged everything in... and tried all combination...
no detection whatsoever.... sucks....

[Minwah]

I think I am going to try and lob my DC into my cab when it's build...my monitor has 2 auto-selecting inputs which is handy.  I'm going to wire up a molex for each player and disconnect/connect manually.  As said before that doesn't really take much longer than loading the disc...

Perhaps it would be possible to butcher an old car cd-player and have a slot on the cab for loading DC discs  

btw Anyone know where I can get molex connectors in the UK?

[brandon]

I know this would be a pain but couldnt you use diodes to isolate the two controls from each other..  like of you used PSX and DC controllers?  they would both be connected to the same switch but would not interact with each other.. I would think you could even run them both at the same time not that you;d want to..  oh well.. I could be wrong.. just a thought...

[tom61]

I know this would be a pain but couldnt you use diodes to isolate the two controls from each other..  like of you used PSX and DC controllers?  they would both be connected to the same switch but would not interact with each other.. I would think you could even run them both at the same time not that you;d want to..  oh well.. I could be wrong.. just a thought...

Hmm... That might actually work, the whole problem is current getting to the wrong spots, diodes might solve that.

Anybody want to try? Keep in mind that you'll need diodes going to every line going to the pad and encoder. For every button you'll need two diodes if you have two interfaces connected to it.

Button switch      diodes        interface/hack
---------/ --|---------->|---------------------O  1
                |---------->|---------------------O  2

[Luxury]

I know this would be a pain but couldnt you use diodes to isolate the two controls from each other..  like of you used PSX and DC controllers?  they would both be connected to the same switch but would not interact with each other.. I would think you could even run them both at the same time not that you;d want to..  oh well.. I could be wrong.. just a thought...

Hmm... That might actually work, the whole problem is current getting to the wrong spots, diodes might solve that.

Anybody want to try? Keep in mind that you'll need diodes going to every line going to the pad and encoder. For every button you'll need two diodes if you have two interfaces connected to it.

Button switch      diodes        interface/hack
---------/ --|---------->|---------------------O  1
                |---------->|---------------------O  2

this might help answer your question.  i don't know for myself, but it seems that it has been done before.  

http://eewww.eng.ohio-state.edu/~faticaj/arcade/panel.html