2 arcade sticks for one cabinet question

[Stig-san]

I'm looking at parts to build two separate arcade controllers (each with a tear drop stick and 8 buttons for in game and 1 each for coin and start, all Sanwa parts).

My questions are:

What is the best way to go about connecting 2 complete controllers to 1 PC or game system (xbox and PS2 and eventually xbox360)?

I know that the i-pac to console controller connectors are PS/2 only, but is there a way to connect a USB i-pac to a console?

Can I use the pass through to connect both controllers to the same PC/console?

I know connecting to an xb360 requires soldering and extra xb360 controllers and I'm prepared to have to do all the work.

[HaRuMaN]

If you use Xbox 360 controllers, they can connect to your PC as well...

[Axe]

I know that X-arcade sticks have an adapter they can use for playing on xbox and sony, but i've never heard of one of the pc based units having a passthrough that allowed for both...

I am going to use an xbox wireless pc interface for using xbox controllers on my mame machine, but i am not sure how to go the other way, aside from the x-arcade stick... and even then, you have to get into your cab and swap  plugs
 

[ark_ader]

I would go the X arcade route, but take care on the direction of connecting the cables to the master PC or Console.

Your console will have a 9 pin serial or USB interface coming out of the controller housing.

You want something that will not be far away from the PC or screen.

If it is a desptop pc situation you can have the switchbox, instead of unhooking everything.

Another option would be hacking a control pad to each host controller, and like you say make them wireless. 

Madcatz are a good controller to do hacks to.

[Stig-san]

Thanks for the X-arcade suggestion, but I'm pretty dead set on building my own.

There will be 2 separate controllers mainly used on a PC (not a mame cabinet yet), but I also want them to work on the Xbox and PS2.  I know ultimarc has an i-pac that comes in both USB and PS/2.  I also know their i-pac to console converters are in PS/2 only.

Now, what I need to know is either:  Is there any way to convert USB to consoles or can 2 separate controllers with the PS/2 able to both go through the same PS/2 port on the back of the PC and the 2 controllers go through the i-pac's passthrough port OR is there a better way to do this besides going pre-built?

[Axe]

just  to clarify, you're not confusing PS/2 and PS2 are you?

I don't really know of any way to simultaniously hook up the controls of your arcade to multiple systems and have them all itnerface properly....

[Stig-san]

just  to clarify, you're not confusing PS/2 and PS2 are you?

I don't really know of any way to simultaniously hook up the controls of your arcade to multiple systems and have them all itnerface properly....

lol, i've got those straight.

what i want to do is be able to do is plug 2 controllers into my PC, XBOX, or PS2 at any time.

Sorry if any of this is confusing.

[Axe]

Hmmm, ANdy at Ultimarc seems to have pass control adapters, but not for x360...

Maybe give  him an email, but keep it simple, as he seems to be stretched thinner and thinner every day lol!