Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: IMMark on January 06, 2005, 02:18:26 pm
-
I wanted to know what would be the best way to split a 2 player control panel. By this I mean, I have a Ipac2, hooked up with joystick and 6 player buttons (1 player); hooked up to PC via USB. I would like to be able to "plug in" another joystick + 6 player buttons, for when the second player is needed. What would be the best type of plug to use? I guess it would have to support 11 wires, 4 for the joystick + 6 for the buttons + 1 ground. Also would this cause any problems for the Ipac? It would have the Player 2 wires attached to it all the time, attached to the "plug" on the side of the Player 1 control panel. I hope that this makes sense; and any help is appreciated.
Mark
-
I'd use either a db-15 (looks like a monitor plug, but has all the pins), or hack the cord off a gameport joystick and salvage a gameport jack out of something for it.
You won't have any problem with leaving the wires hooked to the port.
I'm using Cat-5 cable/jacks for my modular panels (only has 8 conductors/cable), and it works great.
-
Thanks,
I never even thought of the game port...and yes have a few of those laying around. I wish the Cat-5 would handle all the wires, I could use 2 Cat-5's? Is there a step up from Cat-5 (12 wire, 16 wire)?
But thanks, I figured that a few people had already done something like this.
Mark
-
You could use two Cat-5 cables, if you want.
I am using the Cat-5 because none of my modules need more than 7 inputs.
The joysticks and buttons are all on separate modules.
I would definitely recommend using a system where the port is held securely to the inside wall of the CP.
That lets you insert/remove the cable with only one hand.
I used 9-pin plugs on my swappable panels, with pigtail cables run off the I-pac.
Using that system, I needed two hands to connect/disconnect the cables--which didn't leave me any hands to hold the CP with, while I was digging around under it.
-
IMMark,
I too would recommend CAT5 cable and wall plugs.
I have some wiring diagrams modular panels usingr CAT5 on my web page along with lots of pictures (see link in signature).
The CAT5 with the modular wall plugs is very quick and easy to change, as you can insert or remove the plug with one hand while holding the panel in the other. I also secured my USB hub for the same reason - you can add or remove an analog USB plugs with one hand.
Doc-
-
I also secured my USB hub for the same reason - you can add or remove an analog USB plugs with one hand.
Ditto.
I just used foam tape to hold it to the front wall of my CP area.