Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: crashwg on January 24, 2004, 10:56:07 pm
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I like the fact that you can just switch a wire and be able to use consoles with the xarcade, but I'd rather not spend $150 for just an encoder because I intend to use a p360 and diff. colored buttons.
I messageged them to see if I can just buy the encoder but havn't recieved a response yet.
Anyway, the reason I'm posting is to see what everyone thinks of this.
It appears to have 28 inputs, my original choice was ipac with the same amount of inputs.
I am unsure if it has any type of shifted inputs, which is kinda important.
It also seems to be able to be reprogrammed, but i've read on the boards of people having problems with it saving.
The conecter looks like a gameport one, is it? Is there some kind of switch I could use so I don't have to unplug/plugin the different adapters?
I can't think of anything else to ask, so If you have some information that might be helpfull to me feel free to ad it.
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X-arcade USED to sell the encoder board separate for about $60, but last I heard (4-5 months ago), they weren't anymore.
They have an 800 number - 1-866-942-6464
M-F 9-5 Eastern, which might get you faster answers.
In a worst case, it's likely the X-arcade solo uses the same encoder as the standard one, so only $100 instead of $150 (Ask first, though).
Beyond what you mentioned, I'm pretty sure the X-arcade is positive ground, for lack of a better term. In other words, while virtually all other encoders supply +5V on the input terminal, through the microswitch and back to a common gnd; X-arcade supplies a common +5V to all microswithches, through the switch, to an individual GND at the input terminal. Works the same in practice, but you will not be able to hook up Perfect 360 joysticks to it, if that would be a concern.
No shifted inputs, AFAIK.
Reprogramming - yes and no - it's stores four codesets, (3 user-selectable) selected by a rotary or slide switch and programmed as shown here
http://www.x-arcade.com/htm/programming.shtml. Note that there is no software for programing, no way to load different codesets from software, and no way to keep more than 4 codesets.
I thought the connector was 9-pin serial, but don't have one, so don't know.
If so, you might be able to get a serial switchbox and use it to switch between the different adapters.
If not, it could still be done, maybe with a switchbox and either adapters or modifying the cables so they're compatible with the switchbox, but I don't know if it would be worth it.
Best solution is probably to hack a PSX gamepad and then use -
PSX-USB adapter for MAME
PSX-X-box adapter for X-box
PSX for PSX
etc.
Might be a way to hook this up with a switch to select. Search the threads, others have done this.
Next best solution is probably to use a commercial encoder (I-Pac, KeyWiz, MK64) and a hacked console gamepad, with some switch to select between the two. That's been discussed before as well.
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I wouldnt bother with any encoder.I would just hack 2 psx pads and get a dual ps to USB converter and thats it.
You have opition for everything.
HOWEVER,I would hack dualshock pads because those are compatible with ps to xbox converter(ps digital pads dont work with xbox adaptor).If you are going this route,make sure you buy "series H" dualshock pad.
Those have a PCB inside,others dont.Most dualshock pads have a film instead of a PCB.
Just look at back of pad,it should say A,M,H,etc.
you get "H" :)
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Message sent to xarcade:
"I'm planning on building my own full-sized arcade cabinet and I wanted to know if you sold the electronics from the controler seperately so I can use the joystick and buttons of my choosing."
Response from xarcade:
"We don't currently, but I can sell you a refurbished 2-player for $129, or a Solo (same 2-player PCB) for $85 if that helps."
In case anyone cares...
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Hell, you might as well just buy a whole new 2 player unit then lol. Sheesh that wasn't much of a break was it?
Just get a keywiz or ipac :D You wont regret it.
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Ultimarc has a new encoder, planned to be released in March, I believe, that will interface arcade sticks with the Xbox. I presume that you could use adapters with this to make it compatible with PS2.
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If you do go x-arcade you can get serial switcher.
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I've decided to go with the I-PAC (my original plan) and maybe someday something that suits my needs will come along at a cheaper price...