USB Console Adaptors - Mame Cabinet Questions...

[my58vw]

Hello all 

I am starting planing processes on my next mame project - Arcade Xtended - Focusing on Authentic Arcade and Console Emulation at native resolutions. I am running MAMEWAH as the front end though a Wells Gardner 9400 Multisync (New version of the 9200) through an Arcade VGA card.

I am working on a "multiport" console system at the front of the cabinet on the front of the cab. I am building the cab sit down vs upright mainly for console athenticity. I currently have two of the retrogamers USB conversion kits for NES and SNES and am debating converting controllers vs building "ports" on the front of the console itself. The first method requires hacking up controllers for usb, the second method finding 4 consoles, perferable dead consoles, and hacking them apart for their "ports".

I am planning a configuration like the following

Nintendo 1  Nintendo 2   SNES 1   SNES 2  USB 1  USB 2  Master System 1  Master System 2  Genesis 1  Genesis 2

All across the front of the console.

[severdhed]

i personally would add cotroller ports to the cabinet, it just seems more authentic that way.  As for where to obtain these ports, dead consoles would work, but i'd look around for controller extension cables, they are usually fairly cheap and wouldnt require ripping apart old consoles.

just a quick google search turned up this site...

http://www.ztnetstore.com/default.php/cPath/21_33?osCsid=764594acb8f5a81d2631ac833d42a468

never used them before, but they have extensions for snes and genesis(which should also work for master system)

just a thought.

[Tahnok]

I've often considered doing something similar. I have to also suggest putting actual ports on the front, not just using USB pads.

For NES ports, I suggest getting a USB FourScore from RetroZone (RetroUSB.com). You should be able to mount the ports easier than extension cables and there will be 4 on a single USB.

[my58vw]

Thank You for the sugestions...

My biggest issue with the extension cables are that they have no way of mounting in the cables, although it is possable to build a bracket. I am assuming for nintendo that it would be easier to use the four score, or to just assume only two players. I am assuming you can not plug into the "new port" with a four score due to USB issues - therefore it would be limited to only controllers, and possable quick shot and advantage.

I found a dead SNES locally for 12 dollars, a nintendo can be had for a few more, same with the genesis.

The other solution is to just convert the controllers to usb, but then I want to use them also on my real NES...

[richms]

You could cast the ends of the cables in resin to give you a panel like front. Prob would pay to put a piece of aluminium in to stop it flexing and cracking.

[Tahnok]

I am assuming for nintendo that it would be easier to use the four score, or to just assume only two players. I am assuming you can not plug into the "new port" with a four score due to USB issues - therefore it would be limited to only controllers, and possable quick shot and advantage.

I don't really understand what you're trying to say. I believe the USB fourscore allows you to plug in 4 normal controllers. According to their site, the controllers that will not work are the PowerPad, Zapper, Arkanoid controllers, and the PowerGlove (except in controller mode).