how would i do this?

[mo1e]

hello all ive made a game on my pc that uses the keyboard buttons N, C,A,S,D,M,K, and the arrow keys. and i was wondering if it is possible could i make a controller with a joystick and buttons and hack a kyboard to the correct inputs? or create a arcadecontroll and program the game to use them controls? if so what will i need and how is this achievable. ps i have made a dreamcast controller in the past so im not completely new to this

also if i was to do this using a laptop would it be possible to add a credit feature?

thanks all

[SithMaster]

using mame right?

just press tab and find the player one coin input and choose a button.

if your going to hack a keyboard your going to need to find which buttons do not block or ghost each other.  to find an indepth guide look here http://www.mameworld.net/emuadvice/keyhack2.html

but most likely youd have to change the inputs (not 100% sure but a possibility of it).  or you can use an encoder from keywiz.

i never opened a laptop but im guessing it also uses a similar encoder for the keyboard.

[mo1e]

ok well in that case would it be possible to create a control panel for the laptops usb?. and no i wont be using mame. just running the .exe for the game i made on my laptop. although i mite add a few emulators later on

[SithMaster]

yes but you cant use a keyboard hack with a usb.  usb has i think a hardware limit preventing more than 4? keypresses.  im not 100% but i think its along these lines.

best bet for usb would be to use a keywiz or similiar.  they will let you use your current input config(s) and work with usb if you get the model for them.

[NickG]

You could probably code the controls using direct input api or something similar to joytokey, then use a usb controller/hack.

[yalborap]

You could probably code the controls using direct input api or something similar to joytokey, then use a usb controller/hack.

Joytokey and a USB gamepad would be the best option.

If I were you, I'd get a good dual analogue pad. Wire the buttons and dpad up to the joystick and arcade buttons, then keep the analog sticks and install them somewhere in the panel for things like mouse emulation or flight stick emulation. That way you keep your options open.

[mo1e]

ok i have a pc usb dual analogue controller. would i be able to just rewire the control buttons to my control panel and use it instead of the controller? like i did with the dreamcast

[NickG]

Yes, that should do it.