Keyboard encoder idea

[shmokes]

You'all will have to forgive me as I really have no idea whether this would be possible, but I had what would be an incredible idea if it will work.

Could you make a keyboard encoder with attachments or multiple outputs so that rather than having it be PS2 or USB only you could plug it into, say, a playstation, dreamcast, gamecube, playstation 2, xbox, etc.?  Ideally there could be multiple cables so that multiple systems could be hooked up at once, but it would make it so easy to have more than just a PC in a cab.

One keyboard encoder that supported (or potentially supported with simple adapters) multiple game systems would cause a lot of the less technically minded (or those who could hack but can't be bothered) to upgrade their perfectly good current encoders.  (Listen up Randy and Andy and others who I don't know the names of)

Just a thought, and like I said I really don't know how feasible this would be.  I'd buy it, though.  And so would the rest of you  

[AlanS17]

Well the X-Arcade uses some sort of attatchments to switch between PC and consoles, but I don't know how it works since I don't have one. I think you can buy their encoder on their website, though.

Is that what you're looking for?

It's designed for a control panel that can be used with multiple systems, but it may be inconvinient to be re-wiring all the inside of a machine every time you want to play something else.

I imagine would also have to re-wire your video and sound inputs every time, too.

But from what you said, this seems like something close.

[Druin]

If someone knew the specs on those controllers and could obtain the adapters to plug into those joystick inputs on those consoles, then it would be feasible to make an adapter for a keyboard encoder.

The adapter would allow the keyboard encoder's output to pass to it, and it would read the scan codes from keystrokes and reproduce the required directional/button signals for whatever console pad it's emulating....for example the old 8 bit nintendo has a 4021 chip inside it, I can't remember but I think it's a parallel in, serial out shift register that reads in the buttons and sends the data serially to NES.

So the adapter would queue required keyboard keystrokes and when needed, serially clock them out on one line if plugged into a NES console.

The other consoles would have their own unique communication for the gamepads but the theory is the same.

It can be done but unless someone is enthusiastic about it, ir may prove tedious to get the specs on those consoles and game pads, and figure out how to get connectors to plug into them (I have no idea how I'd get an 8 bit nES 7pin weird plug for example...)

[AndyWarne]

I have had several requests for I-PAC versions for the Playstation and X-Box. I will probably produce an I-PAC chip for the X-BOX first.
There are two reasons why I am not really very enthusiastic about it though:
First, I am not very interested in consoles, and
Second, it will be a limited solution, as X-Arcade mention on their site. The problem is that the X-Box uses analog controls for most games and they cannot be played properly with switch controls. So the usefulness is limited to mainly fighting games. There does appear to be some interest so I will be doing it.

[shmokes]

I will probably produce an I-PAC chip for the X-BOX first.

Wouldn't you know...the system I don't own, LOL.  Do you have any kind of time frame going on...and will it be something that will can be added to existing I-PAC's or a new board altogether?  I ask cos I'll be putting in an Ultimarc order for your two flagship PAC products within the next month/month-and-a-half.

[tom61]

The adapter would allow the keyboard encoder's output to pass to it, and it would read the scan codes from keystrokes and reproduce the required directional/button signals for whatever console pad it's emulating....

There are actually two adapters (I think they're clones of each other though) for dreamcast that do this. The Total Control 2, and the Smart Joy 2. I have the Smart Joy 2, and in keyboard=game controller mode I was able to fully control Skies of Arcadia, which has no keyboard support. (there is also a keyboard=keyboard mode that works with stuff designed for the DC keyboard, such as the web browser.) I made mention of this a long time ago in the Dreamcast section (inside the game console section).

[anthony691]

I have had several requests for I-PAC versions for the Playstation and X-Box. I will probably produce an I-PAC chip for the X-BOX first.
There are two reasons why I am not really very enthusiastic about it though:
First, I am not very interested in consoles, and
Second, it will be a limited solution, as X-Arcade mention on their site. The problem is that the X-Box uses analog controls for most games and they cannot be played properly with switch controls. So the usefulness is limited to mainly fighting games. There does appear to be some interest so I will be doing it.

On DC probably over 50% would work fine with no analog and just d pad. Also Dreamcast only needs 6 buttons + Start! I think A DC I-Pac would be NICE!! I WOULD BUY ONE!!!!!!

[rampy]

I have had several requests for I-PAC versions for the Playstation and X-Box. I will probably produce an I-PAC chip for the X-BOX first.
There are two reasons why I am not really very enthusiastic about it though:
First, I am not very interested in consoles, and
Second, it will be a limited solution, as X-Arcade mention on their site. The problem is that the X-Box uses analog controls for most games and they cannot be played properly with switch controls. So the usefulness is limited to mainly fighting games. There does appear to be some interest so I will be doing it.

On DC probably over 50% would work fine with no analog and just d pad. Also Dreamcast only needs 6 buttons + Start! I think A DC I-Pac would be NICE!! I WOULD BUY ONE!!!!!!

But kimosabe, IIRC, you'd need TWO to get two players working correctly which would create some new issues (split an ipac's "output" cable?  use 2 ipacs?   *shrug*)

If i had more energy i'd look for the old post where Tom61 first suggested this product.

rampy