Hooking up Multiple game system hacks. Is it safe?

[Craig Pilecky]

Ok ive got a simple question.

My cabinet is a system hack. Ive only got Dreamcast hooked up to the conrol panel. Its hooked up through a barrier strip.

Today I hacked a PS2 pad and im all set to hook it up. I planned on just hooking it into the same barrier strip. But im a little concerned since the PS2 controller and Dreamcast controller are 'connected' in this way, is there any chance one of the controllers will damage the other one?

Thanks.

[Dave_K.]

There have been many posts on this in the past.  The concensus is you want to isolate each hack via some type of connector (like db25 or molex connector).  This way you only have one hack connected to the control panel at any one time.  Otherwise, yes there is the potential to damage one or more of your systems.

[Craig Pilecky]

Darn. Well, ive looked at those 25 pin connectors, and I would rather not have to go through all that fuss.

Has anyone used those controller adaptors for DC/Xbox/GC? Then all I would need is the PS2 hack. I had heard that those adaptors sometimes cause lag though. Do they work pretty good?

[BobA]

Those adapters have been available for quite a while but I have never seen a review on them.  Makes one wonder how well they actually function.  Anyone got one?  Does it work as advertised?

BobA

[armad1ll0]

Most of these adaptors work really well. I've based some controllers on them and built other controllers with a flip up lid.

Playstation dualshock to USB, X-box, Gamecube and Dreamcast work really well. Dreamcasts are only tricky cause it doesn't use the L2, R2 and Select buttons. They just go dead. Make sure you get the type of X-box and Dreamcast with the memory card slots.

I built my Stealth stick (examples page) with a Dualshock and included the mode button. My client went nuts on how well it works for him on Xbox etc....

The controls were connected to 1 pin serial female. The pads were hacked into 15 pin male.