Gutted X-Arcade Controller with a db25 lpt1 cable? Whats going on here?

[getslideways]

So i picked up an X-Gaming X-Arcade dual joystick 16 button controller from a local thrift shop on a whim, not really knowing anything about it, but with plans of a mame system down the line.  When i got it home and started researching it i realized that the DB25 cable coming out the the back, wasn't factory!!

After opening it up i realized that someone had gutted the original X-Arcade gaming hardware internals (but the buttons, joysticks, microswitches and frame where still there), but someone had tried hooking up a db25 cable up directly to the buttons and joysticks' microswitches (only hooking up half of the buttons!)

So what i am wondering is this, is there any software that i could use (driver etc) where i could just plug the db-25 cable into my computer's parallel lpt1 printer port and use it? Or a wiring diagram for this kind of setup? Or am i better off buying something like the I-PAC interface and re-wiring that into the unit, and ditching the db25 end all together?

Thanks for your input, i am very new to the whole MAME thing, an old co-worker of mine built is own cabinet a long time ago and i thought it was so cool, so i'd love to get my own rolling.

[Kevin Mullins]

Or am i better off buying something like the I-PAC interface and re-wiring that into the unit, and ditching the db25 end all together?

My best guess would be they had intended to use the DB25 as a quick disconnect from a keyboard encoder such as an IPAC, JPAC, KeyWiz, etc.

[Havok]

Absolutely, that's how I have setup my control panels. Makes it easy to just plug in a DB25 cable no matter which panel I plug in. Also, Groovy Game Gear used to sell a controller with the connector right on it:

[getslideways]

ok cool thanks, i do beileve you guys are right, that the db25 was made to be a quick disconnect setup!  There is no way to use it the way its currently setup though through the lpt1 port is there? Using software or a driver or something? I kind of doubt it but thought i would ask anyway

I was looking at going with the USB version of the I-PAC, the one without the eprom for $35 shipped via airmail, and wiring that up inside the unit, since the person who tried to wire up the db25 cable did a pretty poor job IMHO since only about 6 of the 20 buttons are wired up, and i dont really have a need to switch controllers at this time. So i thought it might just be best to start fresh with the wiring and a new IPAC interface.  Does anyone have any other budget suggestions?

For the time being i would like to just use the controller to play some classic games on my computer to give the gameplay a classic arcade feel, then hopefully build a dedicated cabinet when available time and funds are on hand.

Thanks!

[saurian333]

Erm, I don't think you could use it as-is.  LPT ports don't provide any power, as USB, gameport, PS/2 and such do.  You can't just jump pin-to-ground on an LPT  port and send a signal, which is all you'd be doing.  There would have to be some kind of controller board in the stick that got power from somewhere else.

Best bet would be to get an interface board, as you're currently looking at.  The GP-Wiz40 Eco (requires soldering) from GGG looks like a nice low-cost option as well.  I haven't owned an interface yet, so I can't actually recommend one over another.  (Soon though; almost done with the build, but no cash for the hardware! )