Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: The cranky hermit on September 17, 2003, 03:37:42 pm

Title: Creating a self-contained CP, a few questions:
Post by: The cranky hermit on September 17, 2003, 03:37:42 pm

I want to create a CP with absolutely no wires coming out of it. For this, I will need a battery-powered USB hub, and a wireless USB transmitter and reciever, similar to what they use with those bluetooth mice/keyboards, except that you can plug any USB device into them. I want to know:

1: Do both of these devices exist?
2: If so, what are they called?
3: Do you have any better ideas?

Title: Re:Creating a self-contained CP, a few questions:
Post by: CthulhuLuke on September 17, 2003, 03:58:30 pm

You know what would be WAYYYYY easier than figuring out a usb interface and making it wireless, is going this route:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3047301967&category=21188
hacking these wireless controllers, you can find cheaper I'm sure, but this is just an example, then connecting the plug in part to one of these
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3047316733&category=21184
 that way you've got it going into your USB device, AND its wireless, plus you just saved yourself A LOT of hassle trying to do a lot more complicated things, plus you probably saved some money buying cheap controllers off ebay.  Even better you could extend the wires of the battery packs on each controller out to the side of your CP, so incase you need to change batteries its right there, and you dont have to open it up.
   -Good Luck
        -Luke

Title: Re:Creating a self-contained CP, a few questions:
Post by: The cranky hermit on September 17, 2003, 05:08:25 pm

I'm afraid that won't do. First of all, I'm already using an Ipac. Secondly, I intend to add a trackball, spinner, and flight stick to the panel eventually. A powered USB hub will be absolutely necessary.

Title: Re:Creating a self-contained CP, a few questions:
Post by: Lilwolf on September 17, 2003, 05:34:41 pm

To do this, expect to have to work 100% around any acceptable system you can find.

1) You will WANT to get a gaming solution.  Why?  All others wont care about latency.

2) Bluetooth is good There is the other better one... (whats the name of it)...

3) hack a wireless joystick

4) hack a wireless mouse.

and be as happy as you can with the end results.


but don't think you will find a good generic usb wireless connection.. you will be converting the values left and right... then slowing them down inbetween.

btw, I've heard there is one good bluetooth mouse.  I can't remember if it was the microsoft one or the logitec one.

As for the joystick.  You might find some pc bluetooth items.  You might get better results with a console controller and convert it since they have been doing it for a lot longer

I would love to hear what you come up with :)  I would LOVE to see this working on a little handheld type small system.  I want to take one of those small via motherboards and put a screen on it... and the only connection to it is a wireless thumb pad (for traveling... and you can hand the screen on the seat infront of you)...

Title: Re:Creating a self-contained CP, a few questions:
Post by: Lilwolf on September 17, 2003, 05:35:52 pm

oh yeah... read every review you can find...   I've heard of good and bad controllers that have the same specs.

Title: Re:Creating a self-contained CP, a few questions:
Post by: Scott84 on September 17, 2003, 06:52:01 pm

Why not just hack a wireless keyboard, and hack a wireless mouse?

Title: Re:Creating a self-contained CP, a few questions:
Post by: The cranky hermit on September 17, 2003, 11:01:39 pm

Because I'm not that hardcore. Plus, I understand that hacking a keyboard gives you a bunch of problems, like not being able to press more than six (for a USB keyboard) buttons at a time, and ghosting.

Title: Re:Creating a self-contained CP, a few questions:
Post by: RandyT on September 17, 2003, 11:37:23 pm

How about stuffing a laptop or Battery operated "bookPC" in there, and use the video out to a battery operated 2.4ghz AV transmitter and hook the reciever to your TV/AV Monitor.

No wires :)

RandyT

Title: Re:Creating a self-contained CP, a few questions:
Post by: The cranky hermit on September 18, 2003, 07:19:54 pm

Hmmm. I like that idea! I like it a lot. In fact, I might even try that with my current laptop, as soon as I figure out how to get it to stay on after I close it.

Title: Re:Creating a self-contained CP, a few questions:
Post by: Lilwolf on September 18, 2003, 09:44:40 pm

The wireless keyboard will have more then ghosting and 6 button issues.

The lag will be the #1 problem.  Any device that can handle having a 1/3 of a second wait will.  Mice will be better... but not all of them.  

That is why hacking a wireless joystick or something that is already designed for it all keys... and low lag time.

I'm curious about the video.  Can the output be good enought.  It seems like a LOT of information to be sending throught non-regulated frequency.  

I'd love to hear how well it works!

Title: Re:Creating a self-contained CP, a few questions:
Post by: RandyT on September 18, 2003, 10:06:38 pm

The 2.4ghz AV transmitters work great, but can only give you composite quality.


Oh, and one more thing.....be careful with the microwave when using them.  

Bzerrripzorchhhipbzer...Heh.  No harm, just lots of noise.   :)

As a side note, these also work great for getting music from your cab to your stereo system.

RandyT