The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Zeepblok on December 22, 2023, 04:51:38 am

Title: X-arcade tanlstick OLD version
Post by: Zeepblok on December 22, 2023, 04:51:38 am

Hi,

I have a question. I recently got an x-arcade tankstick but I dont have any cables. I got the one that uses a serial port. I know that I have to connect it to ps2 but I dont know which cable to use.  Can I use a serial cable with a serial to ps2 adapter. Or maybe even serial to USB?
Does anyone know the type of cable I need?

Title: Re: X-arcade tanlstick OLD version
Post by: jeremymtc on December 22, 2023, 07:32:36 pm

I think you can indeed just use a serial-usb adapter. See attachment.

Title: Re: X-arcade tanlstick OLD version
Post by: Zeepblok on December 23, 2023, 01:11:47 pm

Great. Will buy one than. Was afraid they might have changed the pin order becouse the official cables consists of 2 pieces

Title: Re: X-arcade tanlstick OLD version
Post by: pbj on December 23, 2023, 01:45:18 pm

Do you not have a short ps/2 and serial cable dangling off the back of it?  A PS/2 extension cable will be a direct feed as a keyboard into the rare computer that can still accept it.  Otherwise you’ll likely need an active PS/2 -> USB adapter.

Other option is to replace the internal encoder with one of their newer tri mode PCBs.  I know some are still bitter they didn’t live up to that lifetime guarantee but it is what it is.

Title: Re: X-arcade tanlstick OLD version
Post by: Zeepblok on December 23, 2023, 04:26:33 pm

Im afraid I even got an older version

Title: Re: X-arcade tankstick OLD version
Post by: offset on December 23, 2023, 09:49:15 pm

one side of mine has a ps2 and serial connection.  The other side has a long ps2/usb cable.

A long time ago I ordered an adapter from x-arcade to go from serial to usb.  Not sure if they still sell that adapter or if you have to replace the controller inside now.

Maybe contact x-arcade support and ask them what is available to purchase currently.

Title: Re: X-arcade tanlstick OLD version
Post by: Zeepblok on December 23, 2023, 11:38:14 pm

Good idea. Will contact them and update the post. Also I dont even have usb. Only the plugs on the photo. I have the stick without the trackball even haha. Really old version

Title: Re: X-arcade tanlstick OLD version
Post by: GeoMan on December 25, 2023, 03:31:17 pm

What i did with my equally old Tankstick was to order a U-HID control interface from: https://www.ultimarc.com/control-interfaces/ (https://www.ultimarc.com/control-interfaces/)

That allowed me to replace the old interface. Later i added a spinner, replaced the trackball with a better one and also replaced the joysticks with programmable Ultrasticks (from the same site).

Title: Re: X-arcade tanlstick OLD version
Post by: Zeepblok on December 27, 2023, 01:32:10 pm

I contacted them and got this answer:

You need a DB9 to USB and PS2 cable. We don't have it in our US warehouse, but we can ship it directly from our manufacturer internationally. It will cost about $20, including shipping.

Due to shipping costs (I live in the Netherlands) Ive first ordered a generic cable from a local store. I'll let you guys know if it works

Title: Re: X-arcade tanlstick OLD version
Post by: Zeepblok on January 16, 2024, 02:08:28 am

Generic cables didnt work so I ended up ordering with x-arcade. The cable was 10 euros and shipping also 10.

Title: Re: X-arcade tanlstick OLD version
Post by: Blidge on February 26, 2024, 01:47:08 pm

Hi there,  I wonder if you can help me, I have a very similar issue. I've also got a tankstick with a ps2 and female 9pin hanging out the back. I too need to connect to my console. Was the cable the answer that you got? What console was you connecting your tankstick to?
Thought you'd have to use an x arcade adapter? Is it now working?