Hacking Xbox controller for Mame, using an Xbox mod

[jukingeo]

Hello all,

I am in the midst of converting an Xbox for use as a computer to run Mame.  Given the nice compact architecture of the Xbox, I figured this would be an excellent platform for a small bartop cabinet.

However, the question has come up in regards to hacking the controller for arcade controls.  I have searched on this site and parts of Xbox-scene, but I really haven't found a clear document (with pictures) that would describe how to do this.

So I have a few questions:

For one, I don't know how Xbox mame handles the analog controllers so my concern lies in if I am able to use the two analog sticks and the two analog triggers.   In addition, the analog sticks have a button when the stick is pressed down...so I am wondering if those are accessible as well.  I figure that the AB,XY, Black/White, Start, Back buttons are all accessible and that would give me 12 buttons, it falls two buttons shy of what I need (I would like 14, but prefer 16 inputs).

Since the Xbox has 4 controller support, I know I could hack two controllers, but again, why do it if I don't have to.

So any links, pointers or advice on doing this would be appreciated.

Just as a reminder, I am doing this on a modded Xbox with an Xbox controller.  The mame program I would like to use is CoinOPs Ignite.

Thanx,

Geo

[BobA]

See this link
and this link

Check out the consoles forum for lots more xbox info.

[jukingeo]

See this link
and this link

Check out the consoles forum for lots more xbox info.

Hi Bob,

Yeah, I came across those links myself and really they only tell you how to hack the 12 buttons I mentioned.  What I am interested on is hacking into the analog controls.  If that isn't possible then at least somehow access the switches that are under the analog sticks and convert the analog triggers to digital.

However, to do this all I was wondering how the version of Xbox mame handles the controls as outside of those 12 buttons, I am not even sure if it is supported or not.

Thanx,

Geo

[HaRuMaN]

I offer hacked Xbox-S controllers...

You get the D-Pad, X,B,A,Y, White, Black, Start, Back, LT & RT (converted to digital), and I can do the switches under the analog sticks (Left Click and Right Click).

Hacking the analog sticks themselves really isn't an option.

[DJ_Izumi]

My understanding is that MAME on Xbox supports USB keyboards if you have the adaptor for it.  It'd give you more options.

[jukingeo]

I offer hacked Xbox-S controllers...

You get the D-Pad, X,B,A,Y, White, Black, Start, Back, LT & RT (converted to digital), and I can do the switches under the analog sticks (Left Click and Right Click).

I know I can do the hack myself and I all I would need to know how to do are the buttons for the analog sticks and converting the triggers.  That would give me 16 inputs which is what I am looking for.

Hacking the analog sticks themselves really isn't an option.

Understood, I know that ran into similar issues with hacking a PS2 controller for a PC, in the end I ended up using a Sidewinder Dual Strike for analog controls.

My understanding is that MAME on Xbox supports USB keyboards if you have the adaptor for it.  It'd give you more options.

Probably as the Xbox is USB.  But keyboard hacks are not without their problems in terms of ghosting and key dropouts.  The nice thing about the Xbox controller is two fold, one you have a nice harness that plugs right into the Xbox and it could be interchanged very easily.  Another thing is that the Xbox uses a common ground system for the keys...thus, no ghosting.   Given that I can get Xbox pads for around $10 or $12 bucks, you can't really loose there.   However, I could see your point in getting a number pad only keypad to handle the 'housekeeping' functions of the Mame system.

Now I have another question for all.

While I have not turned up too much on the original Xbox, I have found quite a bit of information on hacking the Xbox 360 controller.  How much does this controller differ from the original Xbox?  Could an Xbox 360 controller be used on an original Xbox?  Could the hacking procedures for a 360 also apply to the original Xbox controller (as the controllers do look very similar)?

Thanx,

Geo

[HaRuMaN]

You can find the pcb diagrams at slagcoin, and the method to hack them is very similar to the method for hacking the 360 controllers.

[jukingeo]

You can find the pcb diagrams at slagcoin, and the method to hack them is very similar to the method for hacking the 360 controllers.

Wow! That is some website!  I did quickly see something about using resistors for the analog triggers and sticks.  I have not gone through it completely yet, but I really like what I see.  When did that site come up?  I am surprised I have not heard of it before, it is a DIY controller's DREAM!

Thanx for the tip off.

Geo