Author Topic: how are y'all hooking up DC with IPAC? (Read 3447 times)

Frostillicus · « **on:** July 20, 2003, 02:13:46 am »

Apparently there are issues when you use the same set of controls with an IPAC and a Dreamcast gamepad hack. I have problems with first the DC working, then the IPAC doesn't work, but then the DC doesn't work, etc....

Does anyone have a solution to this? Or how about a success story with a different keyboard encoder? Like the keywhiz or the MK64?

I saw this thread on the newer ultimarc board...but didn't understand how to implement their suggestions for two sets of controls (for 2 players)...

Thanks...

SNAAAKE · « **Reply #1 on:** July 20, 2003, 02:22:13 am »

Quote from: Frostillicus on July 20, 2003, 02:13:46 am

Apparently there are issues when you use the same set of controls with an IPAC and a Dreamcast gamepad hack. I have problems with first the DC working, then the IPAC doesn't work, but then the DC doesn't work, etc....

Does anyone have a solution to this? Or how about a success story with a different keyboard encoder? Like the keywhiz or the MK64?

I saw this thread on the newer ultimarc board...but didn't understand how to implement their suggestions for two sets of controls (for 2 players)...

Thanks...

get some molex connector.
gotta switch manually.takes only a second.
I got my molex connector from bobroberts.
Get the picture ?

I-pac=male molex connector.
>>> Joystick,buttons=female molex connector.

dc interface=male molex connector.

Frostillicus · « **Reply #2 on:** July 20, 2003, 02:25:40 am »

Quote from: SNAAAKE on July 20, 2003, 02:22:13 am

Quote from: Frostillicus on July 20, 2003, 02:13:46 am
Apparently there are issues when you use the same set of controls with an IPAC and a Dreamcast gamepad hack. I have problems with first the DC working, then the IPAC doesn't work, but then the DC doesn't work, etc....

Does anyone have a solution to this? Or how about a success story with a different keyboard encoder? Like the keywhiz or the MK64?

I saw this thread on the newer ultimarc board...but didn't understand how to implement their suggestions for two sets of controls (for 2 players)...

Thanks...

get some molex connector.
gotta switch manually.takes only a second.
I got my molex connector from bobroberts.
good luck !

molex? you mean like on a PC power supply?

SNAAAKE · « **Reply #3 on:** July 20, 2003, 02:30:48 am »

something like this would do.

http://www.dameon.net/BBBB/conectas.html
I dont use i-pac so I am not sure how many inputs but you can always use 2x24 pin connectors(if 24 isn't enough).

I use these though.

SirPoonga · « **Reply #4 on:** July 20, 2003, 02:46:53 am »

are printer switchbox would work if that is enough pins.

crashdmj · « **Reply #5 on:** July 20, 2003, 02:56:20 am »

Or you can use the diode method, works good from what I hear.

Heres the thread: http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=8562;start=msg64520#msg64520

Derek

armad1ll0 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 20, 2003, 05:30:40 am »

I find that 15 pin serial connectors work just as good. I'm fine w/ 15 pins
Some can use a 25 pin serial connector if thats not enough.

RedSquirrel · « **Reply #7 on:** July 20, 2003, 08:07:47 am »

Yeah i plan to do this too, I was hoping I could just connect to the ipac.. maybe not then

Frostillicus · « **Reply #8 on:** July 20, 2003, 10:54:37 am »

thanks everyone for the help so far - crashdmj: good thread - thanks

So the diode method works? And it's automatic (no switches or anything)? Use one diode per wire coming from the DC into IPAC? I count 12 wires total: 4/directions, 4/colored buttons, 2/triggers, 1/start, 1/ground.

I'm really excited if this method works!

crashdmj · « **Reply #9 on:** July 20, 2003, 12:02:29 pm »

Yes from my understanding you just hook the diodes up to the wire like the thread said, I got my diodes off of ebay for dirt cheap, howvere I forget the guys name who sells them.

Yes its one diode for each connection, up has one, down has one, left has one etc...
To be sure I would PM the guy on the thread who initially did this, just cause I dont want to give bad information.

Use this site if you need help soldering:
http://members.cox.net/joysticks/

Derek

radiator · « **Reply #10 on:** July 20, 2003, 01:25:31 pm »

Tom, just got yer email

it works perfectly, mine is wired as follows:

Controls ~ IPAC ~ Diode ~ DC Pad
(~ = wire)

just make sure you have the positive end of the diode facing AWAY from the pad (ie, negative goes to pad)

one diode per input

i've not tried having both the PC and the DC on at the same time, but who'd do this anyway?!
you don't need switches or anything, just turn on whichever system you want to play, and Bob's yer uncle

if you still require any more help, then don't hesistate to email me!

EDIT:

ooh, and ground doesn't need a diode, you only need 11 diodes per pad (up, down, left, right, start, a, b, x, y, l, r)

Frostillicus · « **Reply #11 on:** July 20, 2003, 02:41:49 pm »

Excellent! Thanks radiator and crashdmj for your help!

Grasshopper · « **Reply #12 on:** July 20, 2003, 03:06:58 pm »

It's not clear to me why the cheaper Lik-Sang convertors are not suitable. Can someone explain?

Thanks

radiator · « **Reply #13 on:** July 20, 2003, 03:48:40 pm »

Quote from: Grasshopper on July 20, 2003, 03:06:58 pm

It's not clear to me why the cheaper Lik-Sang convertors are not suitable. Can someone explain?

Thanks

We're trying to connect arcade controls to both an IPAC (which interfaces with the PC) and a hacked Dreamcast controller (so we can also play Dreamcast games)

I think you're thinking we're simply trying to interface a DC pad with a PC, which isn't what we're doing...

Jedi Master Matt · « **Reply #14 on:** July 22, 2003, 01:52:24 pm »

I think I'm up for taking the diode challenge; but, I've got a question.

I'm using P360s, so I need to get power to them. Right now, I've got the +5v coming from the USB Opti-pac instead of the USB Ipac. (I was anticipating this senario). So, turning off the PC will cause me to lose power to the joysticks.

So here's the question...

If I leave the power coming off the Opti to the joysticks AND leave the PC on and simply unplug the IPAC, then turn on the Dreamcast, should this work? Do you think there will be a voltage/ground problem?

(b.t.w. thanks to everyone here... I've got my CP working and have spent the last week playing games like crazy.)

Lilwolf · « **Reply #15 on:** July 22, 2003, 02:10:57 pm »

Get a 5volt powersupply and have the p360s get juice from that. Then you can have that in a seperate switch... (one switch for the monitor/p360s... One for the computer... One for the dreamcast...

Luxury · « **Reply #16 on:** August 01, 2003, 12:41:23 pm »

Can anybody please post some pics of your diodes? right now i have swappable db25 cables for my DC, but if this works as good as everybody says it does, then i might have to switch over. thanks!

Frostillicus · « **Reply #17 on:** August 02, 2003, 03:01:41 pm »

Well here's a highly technical

diagram that illustrates how I used the diode method. The grounds all got hooked together with no diodes. Also, the IPAC needs to be on for this to work, which is probably just the way I have the grounds wired. That is no big deal since everything comes on with one power switch anyways and I use a vga box and audio box to switch between the PC and DC.

meta87 · « **Reply #18 on:** August 03, 2003, 01:12:47 am »

Frosty I'm confused by your drawing (if thats possible)

So you solder a wire onto a dreamcast button. That wire connects to a diode. Then you run 2 wires from the other end? One to the ipac and one to the arcade button? Or just one to the Ipac?

Also, I'm confused about the ground. Where is the ground on the dreamcast controller?

Thanks

Frostillicus · « **Reply #19 on:** August 03, 2003, 09:25:10 am »

Quote from: meta87 on August 03, 2003, 01:12:47 am

Frosty I'm confused by your drawing (if thats possible)

So you solder a wire onto a dreamcast button. That wire connects to a diode. Then you run 2 wires from the other end? One to the ipac and one to the arcade button? Or just one to the Ipac?

Well you will have a wire from the arcade button, and one from the dreamcast. So you solder them so the diode only affects the dreamcast buttons.

I'm actually using the metal end from the diode to go straight into the ipac, and wire the 'NO' contact on the arcade button to that part. I only like 1 wire going into the terminal - it would look waaaay too cluttered with all of my wires from say, player1_joy_up (there's 4 of them with DC) going into one terminal.

Quote

Also, I'm confused about the ground. Where is the ground on the dreamcast controller?

The ground is some just some part of the PCB where scrape off and can solder to. Look for a large area of real estate on the upper 2 corners. There's a link on the Game Consoles area of this site (on the left) to a pic of how to do it on a madcatz controller.

daveg2000 · « **Reply #20 on:** April 20, 2005, 12:17:49 am »

Has anyone tried this since this thread kind of died out in 2003?

I'd like to hear some more success stories before I blow up
my IPac...

Lilwolf · « **Reply #21 on:** April 20, 2005, 08:26:55 am »

I built a seperate cab for my dreamcast so I can't help with 1st hand knowledge.

but I was under the impression if you !@# up... you blow up the dreamcast not the ipac.

Anyone???

greven grevs · « **Reply #22 on:** April 20, 2005, 03:16:44 pm »

I hooked my controls to an IPAC and a dreamcast using a A/B printer switching box. I will try to get some pictures of it tonight for ya.

countchocula8 · « **Reply #23 on:** April 20, 2005, 03:49:46 pm »

similar to this?
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jdpyle1/controls_dreamcast.htm

<edit> found a few more relevants posts:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,4661.0.html
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,2146.0.html

seems to be 2 camps on this issue: those who favor the printer switchbox idea and those who went with the diodes. maybe i will go with the switchbox idea as it will leave room for future expansions...
i kind of like what these guys did http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jdpyle1/index.htm so i might try to copy them (with the additional support for an ipac)

daveg2000 · « **Reply #24 on:** April 20, 2005, 04:29:47 pm »

Quote from: countchocula8 on April 20, 2005, 03:49:46 pm

similar to this?
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jdpyle1/controls_dreamcast.htm

<edit> found a few more relevants posts:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,4661.0.html
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,2146.0.html

Beautiful... I cant wait to look through these a little more...
it looks like a parallel cable is the way to go here.....

Greven... I would LOVE to see some pics of what you did!!!
I'll check back later!

greven grevs · « **Reply #25 on:** April 22, 2005, 12:49:24 am »

Ok , here are some quick pics I took of my cab that has a dreamcast set into the control panel.

*Disclaimer - my machine is not always this dirty looking , just havent had time to dust. And yes I know thats a rats nest in there but that was a quick rewire after replacing my IPAC.

daveg2000 · « **Reply #26 on:** April 22, 2005, 09:41:37 am »

Quote from: greven grevs on April 22, 2005, 12:49:24 am

Ok , here are some quick pics I took of my cab that has a dreamcast set into the control panel.

*Disclaimer - my machine is not always this dirty looking , just havent had time to dust. And yes I know thats a rats nest in there but that was a quick rewire after replacing my IPAC.

Thanks for pics... Links to the .jpgs dont seem to be working...

greven grevs · « **Reply #27 on:** April 22, 2005, 11:20:19 pm »

well poop!

go here [ http://www.pbase.com/ggrevs/inbox ] and you can see the pics

countchocula8 · « **Reply #28 on:** April 22, 2005, 11:31:31 pm »

thanks for the pics grevs. is that big green thing a switch? i'm planning to start building my cp in about 2 wks once school is out...do you mind if i keep on bothering you with my many basic-level questions? pls bear w/ me...this is the first time for me to mess with electronics(i'm a bio major

)

greven grevs · « **Reply #29 on:** April 22, 2005, 11:47:30 pm »

yep . that big green board is the a/b print switcher.

just shoot me a PM or email whenever you got a question.


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