Looking for a way to simply hookup a joystick to USB.

[NssOne]

So, here's my deal and why I came looking for an answer at a place like this: For a non-arcade-related project, I happen to be interested in using a durable arcade joystick (just the stick, no buttons) as a kind of actuator/lever. Now, it's really cheap and easy to find the joystick itself just simply searching for replacement parts, but what I need is a way to connect it to the PC via USB (at least preferably USB). I know of a USB arcade joystick, but it's too fancy and expensive for my project.

I was hoping somebody here may have knowledge or experience in looking for a PCB I can hook up to an ordinary arcade stick. I really hope someone here has some kind of answer for me.

Thanks in advance.

[BobA]

An ipac or keywiz will allow a joystick to connect via usb.    Don't know of any simpler way.   A usb game controller can be hacked to connect a real joystick but the commercial interfaces are easier.

[mwong168]

An ipac or keywiz will allow a joystick to connect via usb.

I think you mean GPWiz because Keywiz is Ps2 only.  Here is the link to the GPWiz of GGG's website:
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76_81&products_id=235

Ipac link from Ultimarc's website:
http://www.ultimarc.com/ipac1.html

Another alternative as well, my friend used one of these for his fight stick and works great for PS3 and PC:
http://www.gtarcade.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=16&zenid=0f6bd8b8ccc63c8d142aeacf20990c34

Only reason he tried it was because he didn't want to wait or pay shipping and arranged a local same day pick up from the guy who runs gtarcade.com  It comes with wiring and quick disconnects already crimped but won't work on American parts or joysticks only Japanese so you would have to either widen the existing quick disconnects or cut them and put the proper size (0.187) to fit American HAPP or IL micro switches.

[BobA]

mwong168 thanks for the correction.