DB-15 alternative for stick mod (I need 16 pins)

[bobrocks95]

Long story short I need a commonly available connector with 16 pins on it, for a Genesis padhack, Neo Geo cable, and connection to a microcontroller project I've done for PC controller input.

I need 16 pins for K1-4, P1-4, Up, Down, Left, Right, Select, Start, Ground, and 5V. Yes, I am aware that both a Neo Geo cable and a Genesis padhack do not need that many wires connected, but the microcontroller needs 15 pins without 5V, and the other two will need a 5V line. So 16 pins are a requirement.

Is DB-25 my best option? It's a bit overkill, so I was hoping there would be a less bulky option, but it might be the best one I can get.

[Fudoh]

Can't you run GND through connector shell ?

[kitty666cats]

Could put two 8-pin miniDIN connectors right next to one another, like in the shape on an infinity symbol (sorta)

Could also use an old DVI-A connector or something... probably even cheaper

[Bratwurst]

Use the Wii audio/video connector, it has 16 pins. Should be able to rob the socket from a dead system board for cheap these days.

I'm presuming you'd able to buy third party cords in bulk, pop open the plug end and transplant all of the contacts into one to fully populate it for your application, I've done this with Nintendo SNES/64/Gamecube multi connectors before.

Can't you run GND through connector shell ?

I don't see why he couldn't use a DSUB15 (the longer, non-VGA type) either, it would have 15 individual pins and the exterior shield to function as ground, the 16th connection.

[Konsolkongen]

You could use the same connectors as I do. I believe they are commonly referred to as SCSI connectors. Plenty of pins for my use. I use the bottom row for Neo Geo and the top is MC Cthulhu, Mega Drive and Dreamcast. I run USB separately, but if I remember correctly there should be pins left for that.

It’s a massive connector, but it feels sturdy enough and can even fit inside the Vewlix sticks cable compartment for a clean look.

I hope these links work for others:
https://share.icloud.com/photos/067fcuD ... t5khW7etMQ
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0fabXUn ... RySJBaNskQ

Edit: They are available in smaller sizes too with fewer pins.

[bobrocks95]

Can't you run GND through connector shell ?

I don't see why he couldn't use a DSUB15 (the longer, non-VGA type) either, it would have 15 individual pins and the exterior shield to function as ground, the 16th connection.

Huh, hadn't thought of that at all, that could really be what I'm looking for. HD-15/VGA would be even more compact, I was kinda lumping it together with db-15.

Dang I actually see that the breakout boards I was looking at have 16 pins, using the connector shield as ground. That's perfect then.

Say I take a VGA cable and cut one end to save room inside the stick though (DB-15 might be better to ensure it's fully wired, RGB lines won't be thicker with return grounds surrounding them), then have the other end going into a project box with a nice mounted connector and all my other stuff in it... What would I solder to on the cut cable side that actually connects to the connector shield? I could use another connector if I had to of course.

Neo Geo needs a specific pin as ground so I don't think I'll be able to use it as a straight-through cable for it.

You could use the same connectors as I do. I believe they are commonly referred to as SCSI connectors. Plenty of pins for my use. I use the bottom row for Neo Geo and the top is MC Cthulhu, Mega Drive and Dreamcast. I run USB separately, but if I remember correctly there should be pins left for that.

It’s a massive connector, but it feels sturdy enough and can even fit inside the Vewlix sticks cable compartment for a clean look.

I hope these links work for others:
https://share.icloud.com/photos/067fcuD ... t5khW7etMQ
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0fabXUn ... RySJBaNskQ

Edit: They are available in smaller sizes too with fewer pins.

HD-50 looks appealing and is slightly smaller than a db-25, though I'm not seeing a lot of readily-available options. Appealing if someone needs even more pins than a DB-25 I'd say. I did find this sizing chart for SCSI connectors:

[Unseen]

Is DB-25 my best option? It's a bit overkill, so I was hoping there would be a less bulky option, but it might be the best one I can get.

How about DA-26? Same size as DA-15, but with three rows of pins.