Author Topic: Help with X-arcade controller... (Read 9565 times)

Ichabod15 · « **on:** May 01, 2003, 10:37:13 am »

Hi everyone... I've just started to build an arcade cab, an i found an x-arcade for sale at a very low price, but one of the cables is missing... since I'm in france, i don't want to order a 5$ cable, that should be too long... and we can't bought such cable in france... so i need something:

as you may know, the x-arcade use a 9 pins cable, then a 9 pins/ps2 adaptator... Can someone give me the wiring of the 9pins/ps2 adaptator ? I only need to solder 4 pins, and it will cost me 60 bucks if i buy the usb adaptor down there...

as you see, it will only take you 10 minutes, with a multimeters if some of you have an x-arcade...
pleeeeaaaase... thanks.

AX · « **Reply #1 on:** May 01, 2003, 12:57:49 pm »

prob should have not mentioned you were from france.

Ichabod15 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 01, 2003, 01:26:14 pm »

I don't get the point... what's all of this as to do with my country ?

Kane · « **Reply #3 on:** May 01, 2003, 01:32:23 pm »

Quote from: AX on May 01, 2003, 12:57:49 pm

prob should have not mentioned you were from france.

Ichabod15 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 01, 2003, 01:42:20 pm »

hmmmm.... I see...

That's really a very clever reaction...

So, answer me: Are you going to ignore my question 'cause i'm french ?

AX · « **Reply #5 on:** May 01, 2003, 01:50:03 pm »

dood chill im kidding. well actually im not but, i am at work so i can't get you that info. maybe later.

Ichabod15 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 01, 2003, 01:53:19 pm »

ok... you see, i've been kicked from chat n' stuff at the really time i've said i were french, so i'm beginning to get mad when i see such reactions...

ok, so i'm waiting... maybe i'm not the only one who got an x-arcade pcb...

AX · « **Reply #7 on:** May 01, 2003, 02:13:01 pm »

Grasshopper · « **Reply #8 on:** May 01, 2003, 02:57:41 pm »

Quote from: AX on May 01, 2003, 01:50:03 pm

dood chill im kidding. well actually im not but, i am at work so i can't get you that info. maybe later.

I have to say my sympathies are with Ichabod. I think we should keep politics off this site.

I hope you're not one of those sad people who now eat "freedom" fries.

With regards to the original query, you might find some useful info on www.hardwarebook.net.

AX · « **Reply #9 on:** May 01, 2003, 03:03:12 pm »

actually i am.

Birdtales · « **Reply #10 on:** May 01, 2003, 03:17:07 pm »

Ichabod15 I wish I knew the answer to your question. I would imagine Ax's views are not the norm on this board. If we were all judged by what our leaders do where would the USA have fallen out during the Clinton "scandal".

Hey Ax smoked any cigars lately? Give the guy a break, it's just not funny.

BT

AX · « **Reply #11 on:** May 01, 2003, 03:27:13 pm »

im not trying to be funny. anyway, I said i might be able to get the pinouts for him.

CitznFish · « **Reply #12 on:** May 01, 2003, 03:44:44 pm »

there are just as many anti-US people in France as there are anti-french here in the USA. I agree it shouldn't be brought up on this board. Most of it is utterly ridiculous and misplaced resentment anyway.

on a side note....

My female freedom-canadian friend is agast at whats going on. The other day we enjoyed freedom fries and freedom toast while we were on a date. I later freedom-kissed her then used a freedom-tickler for the fun stuff. I sent her freedom-canadian butt back home afterwards.

(see how utterly ridiculous this has all gotten?)

Now Ichabod15, did you try the search function? Dead center at the top of this page. I bet someone may have posted the info you need earlier.

search

SirPoonga · « **Reply #13 on:** May 01, 2003, 05:34:31 pm »

9 pins almost sounds serial portish. I don't have x-arcade. If that is the case then it wouldn't be hard to find a converter.

Ichabod15 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 01, 2003, 05:57:26 pm »

I do have search, i dont like annoying people with stuff which has been said lotta time...

I've just checked the serial->Ps2 cable wiring... Thats not seem to be the right cable, given that theres are pin which aren't soldered on this wiring which are used by the x-arcade...

I will keep to search... thanks to everyone who answered me...

And i don't want to annoy anyone with political discuss... i've only mentionned my country to explain the delivery problems I should encounter... But excuse my english, i don't speak fluenty at all as you can see...

Ichabod15 · « **Reply #15 on:** May 02, 2003, 07:19:42 am »

So, i've searched the web all night long... I don't think i'm blind nor stupid... so if someone can help me fill the wiring...

RandyT · « **Reply #16 on:** May 02, 2003, 10:33:02 am »

Have you by any chance asked X-Arcade what the pinout is? Or won't they tell you?

Seems like a good place to start if haven't, and you'll know that it's correct.

Just a thought.

RandyT

Ichabod15 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 02, 2003, 12:49:16 pm »

after 3 e-mails sent to textorm (the local dealer in france), and no replys, i'm beginning to wonder if my x-arcade will ever work...

RandyT · « **Reply #18 on:** May 02, 2003, 01:01:45 pm »

Quote from: Ichabod15 on May 02, 2003, 12:49:16 pm

after 3 e-mails sent to textorm (the local dealer in france), and no replys, i'm beginning to wonder if my x-arcade will ever work...

I would try the main contacts in the U.S. The "distributors" might not have any of that information and could just be functioning as sales outlets.

RandyT

Tiger-Heli · « **Reply #19 on:** May 02, 2003, 02:46:32 pm »

Quote from: Ichabod15 on May 01, 2003, 05:57:26 pm

And i don't want to annoy anyone with political discuss... i've only mentionned my country to explain the delivery problems I should encounter... But excuse my english, i don't speak fluenty at all as you can see...

Your English language seems fine to me. I am American. I would love to help you, but I don't own an X-arcade. Ciro of EmuLoader has one and I think KC or Roc at MAMEWorld does also. You might try posting on the EmuLoader forum and the EmuAdvice forums at www.mameworld.net. They are both "Freedom"-friendly.

I don't think you will get the data you need other than someone who has one spending 5 minutes with a multitester.

I am pretty appalled by AX's reaction in particular. I know plenty of Americans who didn't agree with the war, some for valid reasons, some for invalid reasons. Personally, I think we did the right thing. I'm sorry the French government did not support us, but that's beside the point. I am not going to ask Ichabod's views on the conflict, b/c he has said he doesn't want to debate this, it's none of my business, and it wouldn't keep me from sharing my views on arcade controls either way.

I am sorry (surprised and saddenned) that all the other members of this forum don't share my sentiments.

Ichabod15 · « **Reply #20 on:** May 02, 2003, 05:41:14 pm »

Tiger-Heli>> thanks, i've posted my request here... if i got the correct wiring, i think i will post it here so it can help someone later...

AX · « **Reply #21 on:** May 02, 2003, 05:42:30 pm »

hippies seesh. anyway the pinouts you described are the standard serial ps2 pinouts. I tried asking xarcade they said not flat out. and the standard pinout will NOT work. even wiht the ipca the ps2 pinouts are diferent. I can't multi test the wires right now but i will so be patient. I have the wire right here. just chill.

be appalled all you want don't care.

Tiger-Heli · « **Reply #22 on:** May 03, 2003, 12:15:01 am »

Quote from: AX on May 02, 2003, 05:42:30 pm

be appalled all you want don't care.

Well, that's one thing I do agree with you about the USA. You have the right to dislike France, whether it makes logical sense to or not, I have the right to disagree with you and so state, and you have the right to not care. Freedom of thought, gotta love it!!!

AX · « **Reply #23 on:** May 03, 2003, 01:23:22 am »

EXACTLY.

JoyMonkey · « **Reply #24 on:** May 03, 2003, 03:33:29 am »

I'm from Ireland. Do you think I live half my life drunk, while chasing little green leprechauns for their pots of gold.
And at the same time, do you think that everyone in France has been supplying arms to Iraq?

I live in America, just like a lot of people of French background do.

Do you think they are responsible for what their government has been doing?
I don't agree with anything the French government has done in the last 20 years, but I'm not holding it against anyone that isn't benefiting from it. Just like I don't hold anything against the British people, whose government has tried to hold my people for themselves since they realized what power was.

JamesMolloy · « **Reply #25 on:** May 03, 2003, 06:18:06 am »

Christ, have a sense of humour about these things. He didn't say anything really nasty. He was just taking the piss.

Where you from joymonkey? I'm from Clare myself. Damned operators around here won't sell me a machine cheaply. I'm of to try and get an Astro City from Supermacs in Galway today.

Ichabod15 · « **Reply #26 on:** May 03, 2003, 07:43:20 pm »

damn, it seems that noone have an x-arcade nor a multimeter...

Quote

I can't multi test the wires right now but i will so be patient. I have the wire right here. just chill.

If you can help me, that should be wonderful...

I was wondering... if I can't get the cable i want, can I order a I-pac and plug in instead of the original x-arcade pcb ?

Tiger-Heli · « **Reply #27 on:** May 03, 2003, 11:33:27 pm »

Quote from: Ichabod15 on May 03, 2003, 07:43:20 pm

I was wondering... if I can't get the cable i want, can I order a I-pac and plug in instead of the original x-arcade pcb ?

Sure you can! I think the wiring might be different, I-PAC uses a common ground and X-Arcade might use a matrix, but Andy has wiring instructions on his site. You also might have to change MAME to use the I-PAC defaults rather than the X-Arcade settings, or reprogram the I-PAC to match the X-Arcade defaults. Either way is pretty simple. (But . . . you will probably lose the ability to use the X-Arcade with console systems, if it matters to you . . . )

AX · « **Reply #28 on:** May 04, 2003, 12:09:52 am »

been a rough weekend i havent forgotten about you. just busy. anyway the ipac is a much better product in my opinion. Musch easier to setup with excellent support. Andy usually answer back your emails quickly. BUT the xarcade works fine. it isn't as easy to wire up nor is it written right on the pcb (at least not mine) what wires do what. If you already spent the money give it a shot first. you might be happy.

Ichabod15 · « **Reply #29 on:** May 04, 2003, 04:13:11 am »

I'm gonna wait a few before ordering an I-pac... You see, it cost 39$... I don't have 39 bucks to spend in gaming right now...
That's right that I'm gonna loose the ability to plug console systems too...

So, let's wait...

[edit] I'm gonna say something incredibly stupid... will I burn my pcb if I try to guess wiring ?

Magnet_Eye · « **Reply #30 on:** May 04, 2003, 07:05:33 am »

freedom vanilla is a good flavor.

NOT!

PS- Whomeever the moron was that cam up with "FREEDOM FRIES" should be the one we hate, and/or talk ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- to.

MY GOD! We are all Humans on the same block (planet)...wake up.

M-80 · « **Reply #31 on:** May 04, 2003, 12:52:33 pm »

Quote from: Ichabod15 on May 03, 2003, 07:43:20 pm

damn, it seems that noone have an x-arcade nor a multimeter...

Do you have a French branch RadioShack near you or something? They sell multimeters for like 35 USD here. That's pretty good.

And damn, guys. I know the French government has been a real pain in the ass for us yanks, but the French citizens aren't the ones to be run through the wringer. Same as how the U.S. citizens shouldn't be the ambassadors of their government. For every Freedom Fry eating American, there's a Meca Cola drinking European. It is all just real silly. Let's leave those kinds of people to themselves and assume that not everybody is like that. There are such people as moderates... And for the people just joking around and the people getting bent out of shape over it, there are worse things to call people...

"Cheese eating surrender monkeys" is lame next to something like... oh, I dunno... "Those Franconazis".

See? It's also a two way street. So laugh and shrug it off. Everytime someone calls us "cowboys", I have to laugh my butt off because it's so stupid.

BobA · « **Reply #32 on:** May 04, 2003, 01:30:01 pm »

Back to topic.

Don't just guess. You stand a chance of destroying your interface as well as whatever you are connecting to.

I would try to help but don't have access to an x arcade. Could not find any docs on the wiring of the specific cable you need.

Good Luck

BobA

Ichabod15 · « **Reply #33 on:** May 06, 2003, 03:56:12 pm »

Raaaaah, this x-arcade thing is driving me mad !!!!
I've checked the website to order the cable, even if the delivering charges were equal to the price of the cable... They don't sell parts to country where there are local ressellers...
I can't change buttons or sticks, i can't order cables...

But i want to use it on my dreamcast to, so that worry me to use an I-pac...

Tiger-Heli · « **Reply #34 on:** May 06, 2003, 04:04:24 pm »

Quote from: Ichabod15 on May 06, 2003, 03:56:12 pm

Raaaaah, this x-arcade thing is driving me mad !!!!
I've checked the website to order the cable, even if the delivering charges were equal to the price of the cable... They don't sell parts to country where there are local ressellers...
I can't change buttons or sticks, i can't order cables...

But i want to use it on my dreamcast to, so that worry me to use an I-pac...

If you're good at soldering, another option would be to get a pair of Playstation gamepads, hack the circuit boards, and then use PSX to USB adapters and PSX to DC adapters to make it work. But I'm getting pretty involved here.

Grasshopper · « **Reply #35 on:** May 06, 2003, 04:14:14 pm »

Have you tried emailing the UK distributor? I emailed them some questions a few months ago and their response was very quick. They may even be able to sell you a cable.

Also have you tried opening up the X-Arcade. If you're lucky the pins may be labelled on the circuit board.

The important thing is to connect the +5V and Ground pins correctly. You probably won't do any damage if you get the data and clock lines the wrong way round.

Ichabod15 · « **Reply #36 on:** May 06, 2003, 04:45:01 pm »

of course i've opened it... i may post photo if someones can help me, cuz I don't understand nothing i must tell (i actually draw... so i can draw my x-arcade, but i can't do anything to fix it... damn me !

)

they're huge, so i put links...

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/i-k-bod.roms/pcb01.jpg

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/i-k-bod.roms/pcb02.jpg

I'm gonna try emailing the uk distributor right now...

RandyT · « **Reply #37 on:** May 06, 2003, 06:13:06 pm »

Quote from: Ichabod15 on May 06, 2003, 04:45:01 pm

of course i've opened it... i may post photo if someones can help me, cuz I don't understand nothing i must tell (i actually draw... so i can draw my x-arcade, but i can't do anything to fix it... damn me ! )

they're huge, so i put links...

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/i-k-bod.roms/pcb01.jpg

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/i-k-bod.roms/pcb02.jpg

I'm gonna try emailing the uk distributor right now...

Sorry to tell you this, but three of the lines go directly to pins on the microcontroller. Without knowing what kind of microcontroller that is or the code used inside of it, there is absolutely no way to tell what goes where by looking at it.

Have you tried posting on a newsgroup? You can't be the only person to have bought one of these.

RandyT

Ichabod15 · « **Reply #38 on:** May 06, 2003, 07:10:59 pm »

I can't wait anymore, I' ve orderer an I-pac... It will help me wait until I find the wire... (I still want to find theses wire !!!) an I may build another controller later with...

so, If someone can find this wiring, I hope he will nice enough to let me know... thx by advance...

Tiger-Heli · « **Reply #39 on:** May 07, 2003, 07:03:57 am »

Quote from: Ichabod15 on May 06, 2003, 07:10:59 pm

I can't wait anymore, I' ve orderer an I-pac... It will help me wait until I find the wire... (I still want to find theses wire !!!) an I may build another controller later with...

so, If someone can find this wiring, I hope he will nice enough to let me know... thx by advance...

You're not gonna try E-mailing Ciro or Roc or KC (see my previous post). . .

Three E-mails vs. the cost of an I-PAC and re-wiring the whole control panel . . .

Ichabod15 · « **Reply #40 on:** May 08, 2003, 06:38:10 am »

Ciro told me that he don't know much about electronic...
He told me that the i-pac have a lot more of ghosting problems than the x-arcade's pcb... is it real ?

If the I-pac don't suit me, I'm gonna store it somewhere until I can find an old arcade cab to plug into

Tiger-Heli · « **Reply #41 on:** May 08, 2003, 06:45:46 am »

Quote from: Ichabod15 on May 08, 2003, 06:38:10 am

Ciro told me that he don't know much about electronic...
He told me that the i-pac have a lot more of ghosting problems than the x-arcade's pcb... is it real ?

Check you Private Messages!

Ichabod15 · « **Reply #42 on:** May 08, 2003, 07:02:57 am »

hmmmm....
"

"

Tiger-Heli · « **Reply #43 on:** May 08, 2003, 07:12:29 am »

Quote from: Ichabod15 on May 08, 2003, 07:02:57 am

hmmmm....

I don't type that fast and it was a long PM, should be there now

Ichabod15 · « **Reply #44 on:** May 08, 2003, 07:20:24 am »

thanks, i don't check the time on the post... though you wrote it before posting...

Tiger-Heli · « **Reply #45 on:** May 08, 2003, 07:25:38 am »

Quote from: Ichabod15 on May 08, 2003, 07:20:24 am

thanks, i don't check the time on the post... though you wrote it before posting...

No problem, that would have been the logical thing to do. (When have I ever been logical?

)

rampy · « **Reply #46 on:** May 08, 2003, 11:08:21 am »

Quote from: Ichabod15 on May 08, 2003, 06:38:10 am

Ciro told me that he don't know much about electronic...
He told me that the i-pac have a lot more of ghosting problems than the x-arcade's pcb... is it real ?

that *Can't* be right on several levels... sounds like FUD to me.

I'm wondering why'll you'll spring for the ipac, but the cable/x-arcade adapaters would be too much of an investment (although I understand the shipping/tax rivals the cost of the actual item(s)))

*shrug*

rampy

ONE note to the wiring of the "serial" connection cable thingie... I'm NOT positive (i don't even own a x-arcade) but i'm pretty sure MOST of the "adapters" have some sort of logic and chip in them (i.e. they aren't just ways of connecting to different plug styles -- something else goes on in the translation. I know its that way for the console adapters, but have no idea if that's the case for the PC/ps/2 or usb connectors.

Tiger-Heli · « **Reply #47 on:** May 08, 2003, 11:11:42 am »

Quote from: rampy on May 08, 2003, 11:08:21 am

that *Can't* be right on several levels... sounds like FUD to me.

FUD??? I can guess what the first two letter mean . . .

Ichabod15 · « **Reply #48 on:** May 08, 2003, 12:24:36 pm »

Quote

I'm wondering why'll you'll spring for the ipac, but the cable/x-arcade adapaters would be too much of an investment (although I understand the shipping/tax rivals the cost of the actual item(s)))

There are actually no way to get the replacement cable shipped to france... and I don't have anymore usb port free... I don't want to buy an hub (cause the usb cable+the hub should cost more than the i-pac and a few wires...)

[/quote]

rampy · « **Reply #49 on:** May 08, 2003, 02:38:46 pm »

Quote from: Tiger-Heli on May 08, 2003, 11:11:42 am

Quote from: rampy on May 08, 2003, 11:08:21 am
that *Can't* be right on several levels... sounds like FUD to me.
FUD??? I can guess what the first two letter mean . . .

Fear Uncertainty Doubt (i picked it up from slashdot... usually used in a sentence describing M$ tactics to make linux look back by using FUD...

*shrug*

rampy


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