where can one buy controller ports?

[ultramagnus]

where can you buy buy controller ports for the NES, SNES, master system, megadrive, Saturn, playstation (1&2 if there is a difference), Xbox and dreamcast Dreamcast? not nessicerilly in the same place of course.  preferably in the uk but im sure it wouldnt cost too much to import a few ports!

note: i know that atleast the megadrive uses a rather standard 9 pin D connector, but standard types of them with a metal hood damage the plug on the controller.

[Tahnok]

If you want the mounted type like on the actual systems, you will need to buy old systems. If you just want the connector and don't care, buy extension cables.

[ultramagnus]

not too hard to mount extension cables, but i was wondering if there was anything easier or cheaper (especiall for old consoles)

[Setabs]

I would just find a broken console and use that.

[Adeptus]

Unless you can find some console repair place that will sell you their spare parts (probably at more cost than your other options...)
1. Extension cords
2. Dead consoles
3. Multitaps (for NES/SNES/PS1+2)

[Silverwind]

Check yard sales.  I have already bought two consoles like that.

I got a NES console for .50 cents.  No power or controllers though but hey I can use it for the parts.  Also bought a genesis unit (she said they were having problems with it) along with some games and 6 button controllers for $1.

It might pain me to hack up a working console.. but if I know it is damaged it's not too bad hehe.  Also for some controllers, like genesis/Atari, they use a serial compatible port so you can use a PC serial header.

The extension cable might work out well also.  You could mount just the connector part on your cab and have the rest of the cable inside your cab and already hacked how you need it.  May not be exactly the same as an original connector but could be close.

[Adeptus]

Oh yeah... you mentioned not wanting to use a 9-pin with a metal hood.
I have seen ones that attach to ribbon cables, that are all plastic. Check your local electronics stores.
(I wouldn't worry, many systems used metal anyway - ie C64, Amiga, Atari ST?...)

[ultramagnus]

hmm, ok, thanks, i will look into that.

i have tried using metal hood style plugs, they scrape corners off the plastic connector if your not incredibly carefull, perhaps if i file the sharp parts down? hmm