Controller switch

[andycam82]

Hi there!

First of all just wanted to say thanks to the community for all the info I have gained when researching and returning to playing the N64 again. Now have a good little set up with a modified N64 modified with the Tim Worthington RGB board and a Sony Trinitron 32” CRT. I have a Retrotink Scart on order and looking forward to seeing the results with the flat screen. I have the flat screen connected to a Denon AB receiver which has two HDMi outputs which I am looking to make use of.

After some research today I’ve drawn a blank when it comes to making a controller switch. I am ideally looking to play the N64 in two rooms. The video/audio is not an issue but I am looking to have a neat solution when it comes to the controller.

I am looking to split each N64 controller via some form of switch so that it can be toggled between one room and another. I was looking at an Arduino as potentially this could be done via software rather than a physical push button switch? If anyone has done anything similar or could push me in the right direction as what I need to look at that would be greatly appreciated.

Andy

[andycam82]

Is this a non-starter?

[ldeveraux]

Is this a non-starter?

Your question doesn't make any sense. You want a switch for the controller so you can play in 2 different rooms? Are you talking about the controller with buttons? Like you use to play the game? Do you have multiple N64s? Are they wireless controllers (wavebird)? How do you plan on playing an N64 in multiple rooms?

[Guspaz]

A wavebird with a Raphnet adapter, maybe?

[andycam82]

Apologies for the lack of clarity.

I have the N64 set up in the TV room hooked into a Denon AV receiver via a retrotink. I can view this the video output in both the TV room and the bedroom (I can control this via an app on my phone).

You may have used the controller extensions (they’re about 6 feet) to lengthen the controller cable. I’ve experimented and I’ve replaced that cable with a 20m long cable to the bedroom. I can play the n64 in the bedroom with no noticeable lag as long as I plug it manually into the N64. There are only three cables (earth, data and 3.3V power) so it’s simple enough to do.

Let’s consider controller port 1. What I’m trying to achieve is to have a controller in the TV room and a controller in the bedroom connected to the n64 at the same time with the ability to switch the output to each room. I’m aware they can’t both draw power at the same time so would be looking to switch the power and data. The earth would probably be ok not to.

[Syntax]

Never seen a DPDT switch?

[ldeveraux]

This is one of the silliest "mod for the sake of mod" projects I've ever seen. Why would you need to switch controllers when Wavebirds exist? If the distance is too great for the wavebird to reach, take your 89734324 ft controller cable with you when you change rooms.

[Bratwurst]

This is one of the silliest "mod for the sake of mod" projects I've ever seen. Why would you need to switch controllers when Wavebirds exist? If the distance is too great for the wavebird to reach, take your 89734324 ft controller cable with you when you change rooms.

I wouldn't call it silly, andycam82 just phrased it a little obtusely at first. A Wavebird wouldn't work with the N64 unless a Raphnet adapter was used anyway. I don't like playing with wireless stuff myself. Reliance on batteries and signal interruption gets annoying.

Find yourself a rotary switch with enough terminals to switch between the three conductors. You'll need two extension cords, one male end to plug into the N64 and the two female ends for you to connect the controller in the respective room you want to play in. You can use a length of ethernet cable as the intermediary to cover the distance between the two rooms.

[Syntax]

Something like this.

https://www.tvps.com/rj11-2-way-manual- ... rj11atbds/

You can find all types of old manual rotary boxes for a fraction of the cost of a bare rotary.

[ldeveraux]

This is one of the silliest "mod for the sake of mod" projects I've ever seen. Why would you need to switch controllers when Wavebirds exist? If the distance is too great for the wavebird to reach, take your 89734324 ft controller cable with you when you change rooms.

I wouldn't call it silly, andycam82 just phrased it a little obtusely at first. A Wavebird wouldn't work with the N64 unless a Raphnet adapter was used anyway. I don't like playing with wireless stuff myself. Reliance on batteries and signal interruption gets annoying.

OK clearly I'm misunderstanding something. He has an N64 with 2 controllers. Disregarding the AV part (which he seems to have solved already) he's looking to have a switch that will allow Controller A to be used in Room A. Then when he wants to play in Room B, flip the switch and use Controller B. Why? What's the point? You still need to flip a switch, why can't you eliminate Controller B and carry Controller A into Room B with an extension cable?

And why would a wavebird not work? You don't need multiple controllers, just take the wavebird into the room where you want to play the game. All this switching isn't accomplishing anything beneficial.

[andycam82]

Perfect many thanks for pointing me in the direction of a rotary switch. I’ll investigate doing this and see where I get to.

There is of course the solution to move the N64. On the same token, you can always move any of your equipment room to room. But no one does. Modern consoles like the PS4 or Xbox one you can access and run over the internet if you have a Pc/Mac.

I’ve the opportunity whilst renovating the house to put a few extra cables through the walls so I can play in another room on the other side of the house. The cable is cheap and with some assistance (thanks for the help guys!) I could potentially do the same with my other retro consoles.

Many thanks again

Andy

[Syntax]

Might want to grab something like this to turn the consoles on and off.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Wifi-Plug-S ... 4825009634

[Kez]

OK clearly I'm misunderstanding something. He has an N64 with 2 controllers. Disregarding the AV part (which he seems to have solved already) he's looking to have a switch that will allow Controller A to be used in Room A. Then when he wants to play in Room B, flip the switch and use Controller B. Why? What's the point? You still need to flip a switch, why can't you eliminate Controller B and carry Controller A into Room B with an extension cable?

And why would a wavebird not work? You don't need multiple controllers, just take the wavebird into the room where you want to play the game. All this switching isn't accomplishing anything beneficial.

If that's what he wants, I don't see the issue? If he plays N64 a lot, and would like to play it in 2 different rooms with minimal fuss this solution seems very neat and clean to me. Say you're in the lounge playing N64, someone else wants to use the lounge, you pause your game and put the controller away in its place, flip your switch, walk to the other room, pick up the controller there and carry on playing. Easy, quick and tidy. A wavebird might be nice but the wireless could get patchy over such long distances, not to mention that GC controller is hardly a universal replacement for the N64 pad. I play Goldeneye 64 with the d-pad and the analogue stick, for example.

[Syntax]

Yeah but it's just as easy to unplug the controller and plug in the extension that leads to the other room.

It is a silly mod, you can tell OP is new to all this and just wants to cut something up.

I remember my first time...

[korpse413]

I think this project is kind of awesome. Pictures of final product welcome. He mentions he has the luxury of doing some wire work while his walls are being renovated so I say take the opportunity. I am envisioning a wall plate mount with several different console female ports close / near to the couch of the closest TV in the room and boom, stationary console, but flexibility. Its a pretty practical use case for utilizing multiple outputs you may not be taking advantage of such as an Extron Crosspoint or similar.