Universal Console Connector Project

[Turnarcades]

The second time I've raised the same question today - what would be the point in this?

I understand Howard's proposal as a multi-interface to this extent has not been done before. It would be both a challenge and a hell of a potential product. However I can't seem to see the point in trying to build a complicated self-build version of something that is already on the market in a nice neat box.

The other time I've asked this question of a seemingly pointless intention (in case you were wondering) is cos there is a chap who wants to try and launch PS2 and X-Box games over a network using mamewah.

Not meaning to diss anyone directly, but if you want to try your hand at building/programming something yourself, surely it would be better to attempt something that is both fresh and has a more beneficial outcome.

I may be a hypocrite as I haven't got any time or new ideas to try anything like Howard's right now, but I'd rather wait until I get an idea worth putting time and money into.

Of course I retract this statement if you have too much junk in your house, have a bit of OCD about keeping busy and way too much spare time on your hands!!!

[TheManuel]

The point is that I'm cheap.
I looked at the links you posted for adapters and they are all in the UK which would cost me more than $30 shipped.  Locally in the Us, there is hardly anything avaliable anymore and the stuff available on eBay is mostly from overseas and costs at least $20.
I was hoping to do something myselft as the GC controller would be just a throw-in on my cabinet in case I decide to play some N64 games.
However, since I posted my first question, I found this.
Howard thinks this could be used for a Gamecube controller interface on the parallel port with the right drivers.  I might build it just for the heck of it and try the PSXPad drivers to see if I can make it work.
I already made and adapter for two SNES pads following instructions from the web and I might be able to cram a connector for the GC pad on the same adapter but haven't looked that closely into it yet.

[Turnarcades]

I'm quite surprised by all that, as stuff like that is readily available and cheap enough over here in England, and we usually end up paying twice what you guys do in the 'states, so for once we get a decent deal!

Fair play on having a go yourself then!

[Howard_Casto]

The point is that I'm cheap.
I looked at the links you posted for adapters and they are all in the UK which would cost me more than $30 shipped.  Locally in the Us, there is hardly anything avaliable anymore and the stuff available on eBay is mostly from overseas and costs at least $20.
I was hoping to do something myselft as the GC controller would be just a throw-in on my cabinet in case I decide to play some N64 games.
However, since I posted my first question, I found this.
Howard thinks this could be used for a Gamecube controller interface on the parallel port with the right drivers.  I might build it just for the heck of it and try the PSXPad drivers to see if I can make it work.

I was gonna post this to you via pm, but for the sake of not spreading mis-information around.... 

These aren't going to work by just hooking them up to a random driver......  if psxpad doesn't support the gc controller specifically then it will not work, period.  The protocol is basically the same, but the poll commands and the returned bit string itself is totally different.  A n64 driver is gonna "freak out" when it gets back an extra 8 bits of data.

[TheManuel]

I thought I read in some message board I can't even find now that PSXPad supported GC controllers but when you run it it does not show it among the supported interfaces so that one probably won't do.
I've looked around quite a bit and there does not seem to be any drivers for GC controllers connected through the parallel port so I'll just wait and see if Howard decides to develop this project.

Thanks.

[ulao]

Hello all, going to rattle some chains here, but hope not to cause any trouble. Please understand I'm an open source type of guy and dont like close minded people. That being said I hope this is going to help Howard_Casto and not compete.. Also posibly to bouce ideas to and fro..I think if him and I work together we can do some good things..

Dont know why the lack of posts? Did the project continue? ( 7 months )


also I want to address this..

While on this subject, does anyone know of a good writeup on how to physically connect a Gamecube controller to a PC and any existing drivers that enable its use in Windows?

http://www.raphnet.net/electronique/gc_n64_usb/index_en.php

Its Raphael's design the basis of my project.




Ok,,,  so one month before this tread started I start this.   http://forums.emulator-zone.com/showthread.php?t=11266

Funny I searched and searched for a similar project on the web with no avail..  Amazing we started our projects at the same time.... Any how, I began my project based it on raphnet's design. USB was very simple to pick up and to add a few controllers. I also combined everything to one chip to minimize cost.  I stirred up quite the interest and one member that you can read about on that forum wanted this..




The db9 was not hooked up at the moment of the picture.

He asked  me make one for his arcade project that is just about finished.

My projected can be seen here http://spawnlinux.dyndns.org/blissbox. And all the info for a DIY is on there. I try to keep it up do date. I sell a few to revamp the costs of developing it. I dont do any sort of mass production as i can't build them that fast. Another thing I'm accomplishing is a all in one no effort design.  No wiring or cutting extension cables. I get in to detail on how to cast the plugs.. And the chip can be removed and send in for burning upgrades. Or via ISP, DIY..

So time goes on...


The other day I found this, http://joystick.world3.net/ and now this page here. So i guess a few projects are out there. I like the parallel idea its a way to keep the programing down a bit, but the usb is IMO easy to control. I'm working on Dream Cast now and may have found a way to just cast it over to USB, I know the maple bus and usb are very different but I found something interesting (pending a reply email).

Just to clarify, Howard_Casto, I know we both chose different dirrections, but the reading of sticks would be algorithmically the same. If you feel this post threatening ill delete it and  move it. Though you seem like a down to earth guy and perhaps we can work together via your thread.

For anyone interested in my project feel free to stop by my page , thread or PM me.

[Cakemeister]

Your project looks very promising.

FYI, Howard is on a semi-permanent sabbatical, meaning I doubt he is still working on his project.

[headkaze]

I talked to him recently about using the U-HID for this project and he still seems to have some interest. Your probably better off trying him on e-mail though.

[ulao]

FYI, Howard is on a semi-permanent sabbatical, meaning I doubt he is still working on his project.

- Hmm, no indication in the forum, at all?

Ok I'll try his profile for an email thx..