Need help choosing "encoder" for multiple consoles (1@atime) & occasional PC use

[Crazy Cooter]

I've searched through and only found examples of people that want to hook up to multiple consoles at the same time.  I'm just looking to make a console friendly portable panel.  It would only be plugged into one system  at a time.

I'm not opposed to using converters, but I would like the "total package" to be as inexpensive as possible.  I can fumble through any soldering (or make my Dad do it  ).

Should I:
a) start with a PSX based controller & use adaptoids?
b) start with a PC controller & use adaptoids?
c) start with a GP-Wiz (I sent Randy an email)
d) start with a keyboard based encoder & use lik-sang adaptors?
e) other?

Any drawbacks to the proposed solution would be greatly appreciated.  It won't be in a cabinet, so I'd prefer if there wasn't a series of 10 cords & pcb boxes for the proper conversions... but I'd still like to hear about it in case that works best for me.  Price is a consideration, but whatever the price, I'm sure I've spent more trying to accomplish less.  If someone has plugged anything into their 360 & it worked, I'm looking in your direction  .

[stellarola]

X-Arcade BYO kit is great, go googlt it up. It's pretty cheap too. 

[Crazy Cooter]

Isn't that the most expensive way?

http://www.x-arcade.com/byoarcade.shtml
Encoder = $60 USB

http://www.xgaming.com/adapters.shtml
X-box adaptor = $20
Playstation adaptor = $20
Gamecube = $20
Dreamcast = $20

--- edit ---
The console to PC adaptors run from $10-$20 (from what I can find)

I should add:

f) start with a X-Box 360 (depending on what the insides look like) and use PC to console adaptors?  It looks like you can get one for $40 if you can find them in stock.

[TalkingOctopus]

I would go with ps1 pads.  They have the most adaptors available and are easy to hack,  You can get 2 ps1 pads w/o analog sticks cheaply at a used videogame store.  The ps1->whatever adapters are about $10 a piece on ebay.  Although if you want to connect it to all those systems, you will need a lot of adaptors.  What games use arcade controls on a gamecube?  I guess ikaruga and sc2...

[dennis808]

I'd hack a PS1 dualshock or regular PS1 pad; they're really compatible, and converters are easy and cheap to find. For some advice on PSX encoders check this thread:
http://www.shoryuken.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63662

I just bought this secondhand PS1 stick:

It cost me $10,- and I'm going to use the encoder on the inside to make a better standalone Playstation stick with Sanwa & Happs parts.

[Goz]

I wouldn't skip over the X-Arcade BYOA kit too fast. While yes it would cost you more in the long run it is incredibly easy to set up, since it uses DB9 connections building a switch to go between consoles is easy, and it supports both analog and digital controls on all consoles (Dreamcast, PS2, XBOX, Gamecube, PC and MAC). It comes with harnesses and quick disconnects already attached and you can wire a CP in as quickly as 5 minutes. Oh an it comes with the MAC/PC interfaces.

-Goz

[Crazy Cooter]

How does the X-arcade support analog?  I was under the impression it was just an 8-way stick and only the quasicade was analog?  Analog would be a huge plus...

I don't know what consoles I'll be plugging the thing into, that's why I'd like to keep my options open as much as I can.  I have a GameCube right now, my brother has a PS2, and God only knows what my friends all have this week  .  I'd like to have a small case/controller with a handfull of adaptors.  That way I'd be "used" to the controller no matter what platform.

[versapak]

How does the X-arcade support analog? I was under the impression it was just an 8-way stick and only the quasicade was analog? Analog would be a huge plus...

I don't know what consoles I'll be plugging the thing into, that's why I'd like to keep my options open as much as I can. I have a GameCube right now, my brother has a PS2, and God only knows what my friends all have this week . I'd like to have a small case/controller with a handfull of adaptors. That way I'd be "used" to the controller no matter what platform.

It doesn't really support analog.

It essentially allows you to map the analog stick to the 8-way, so you will be able to perform some stuff that is analog stick only, but it will be at the digital extreme.

[Goz]

True there is no pressure sensitivity it is wide open or closed. But it will allow you to play more games than just ones that use D-PAD only.

With the press of a button it toggles the joy between digital and analog modes. This isn;t a great solution for games that use both DPAD and analog at the same time, but it does work pretty well.

-Goz

[Crazy Cooter]

Couldn't I do that myself by tapping both the analog & digital contacts on a psx pad and throwing a switch on the grounds?  Or are the analog contacts difficult?

[spiffyshoes]

The analog stick function really isn't a big enough perk in my opinion to justify the price.  The only games that you are likely to want to play with a joystick that require analog sticks are some of the Namco/Midway retro game compilations which are games that you could play on your PC with MAME.  I'd probably recommend putting in both a Playstation and a Xbox PCB in the box and switch between them since there aren't very good Playstation to Xbox converters.  Then just use Playstation converters for everything else.

[Crazy Cooter]

Is there a source that shows the dimensions for the PCB's?  I may use db connectors & a project box for "testing".

I pulled a bunch of notes from the shoryuken site, but I'm still in 2004 in the 10,000 page FAQ  .

I'm assuming for the Playstation I'd look for:

PS1 DualShock 1
- "A" series = spiffyshoes no solder hack
- "H" series = solder

PS2?
I thought I caught something abour "H" series as well & a ribbon tap hack?

X-box?

I'll be able to find the specifics of hacking each PCB once I know what to start with.

[spiffyshoes]

Are you thinking about useing Project Boxes?  They are pretty expensive.  Personally I would just put some hinges in so you can open the top of your stick pretty easy and swap out the PCBs.  Here is an example.

Either that or I've seen a guy just put the DB conector into the origonal controller case.  That way he could still use them as controllers and it would save money on project boxes.

[Crazy Cooter]

$4 - 5x2.5x2" project box.  I'm guessing that would fit a PCB?  I'm going to do it like the example you linked to, but I'll need boxes for the PCB's so I don't ruin them.  I thought about doing the multiple encoders with diodes, but I'd rather spend a couple bucks extra so I don't have to stand on the project box to close it.  I'll also be looking at making an x-box 360 setup once I can find one...

Did the guy that used the full controllers use velcro or something to hold them down inside the box?

[Crazy Cooter]

What about the I-PAC adaptors for the x-box & PS?  Does anyone know if there is lag on x-box live?

[Crazy Cooter]

Anyone try adaptors with the GP-Wiz?  I noticed that Ultimarc's adaptors fill both P1 & P2 on the console.  I'd imagine that's the "standard" for keyboard encoders.