How can I use my arcade stick in any console?

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DiegoPonga
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How can I use my arcade stick in any console?

Post by DiegoPonga »

Hi!

I'm aiming to craft my own arcade stick. The “problem” is that I see many PCBs only tolerate USB, which means it could fit PC, PS3 and probably PS4.

However, there are lots of fighting games and shmups I want to play in my good ol' Saturn as well as some other Dreamcast and Xbox games that do the thing. Some SNES titles too. Nonetheless, f I recall correct, a USB connection cannot be (easily) converted into a console-pad signal, can it? Is there any solution for this? I've seen people using RJ15 and D-Sub 15 connectors...

Additionally, I would like to ask something about buttons. In order to build a versatile stick, I would like it to include all buttons that may be used. Zero Delay PCB includes 12 buttons: 8 for classical ones, 2 for Select & Start and other 2. Which are those 2 additional ones? Furthermore, I've seen many people using buttons for adding credits, changing from 1P to 2P mode, etc. And of course, there are these special buttons like Turbo, Clear, etc. I'm kind of confused here... :?

Thank you very much!
neorichieb1971
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Re: How can I use my arcade stick in any console?

Post by neorichieb1971 »

Someone made one for me where it connects via a DB15 socket. I have lots of PCB boxes which house the joystick PCB's. The DB15 connector connects to to whatever box converts to what console I want. The convertor box has the cable respective of the console.

So effectively

Joystick > DB15 > Convertor box of choice > Console.
This industry has become 2 dimensional as it transcended into a 3D world.
DiegoPonga
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Re: How can I use my arcade stick in any console?

Post by DiegoPonga »

neorichieb1971 wrote:Someone made one for me where it connects via a DB15 socket. I have lots of PCB boxes which house the joystick PCB's. The DB15 connector connects to to whatever box converts to what console I want. The convertor box has the cable respective of the console.

So effectively

Joystick > DB15 > Convertor box of choice > Console.
Thank you very much for your answer.

Do you know where can I find a PCB compatible with DB15? What about those converters?
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brokenhalo
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Re: How can I use my arcade stick in any console?

Post by brokenhalo »

Db-15 is just a type of connector. You'll need to do whats refered to as a padhack for each console you need a pcb for, or find convertors to go from your base pcb to other consoles. You'll solder the padhack leads to the db-15. Then mount that into a project box enclosure.

What consoles specifically are you trying to get compatibility with?
gray117
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Re: How can I use my arcade stick in any console?

Post by gray117 »

Depends which consoles...

Neo richie's is the simpliest: Have a plain wired stick to db15 and then db15 pad hacks for every single console ... any extra buttons can just be modded into the pad hack box (share buttons / touchpads whatever).

It's probably the only way to possibly future proof your single solution too.

The downside is you're buying and soldering up a controller every time you want one of these. Not a problem for a couple of consoles but shit gets trying if you get a lot of them + want a second player stick too.

...
What I do:

You can probably shortcut some of this by using a ps4 pad hack and using cronus max or similar for current usb consoles. And pad hacking a ps2 and using tototek converter for (most) old consoles off that ps2:

http://www.tototek.com/store/index.php? ... x&cPath=23

(^ very low or no lag converters - like 1-3ms from what I've heard - i.e. technical but basically not noticeable to even superplayers.)... if not in stock, check back - they build some now and again...

...

if you want to start using a zero lag pcb for current consoles you can usb -> db15 using undamned's decoder:

https://paradisearcadeshop.com/undamned ... &results=5

^ you can try pm-ing him here or elsewhere on a few forums for new stock - often sell out.
DiegoPonga
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Re: How can I use my arcade stick in any console?

Post by DiegoPonga »

brokenhalo wrote:Db-15 is just a type of connector. You'll need to do whats refered to as a padhack for each console you need a pcb for, or find convertors to go from your base pcb to other consoles. You'll solder the padhack leads to the db-15. Then mount that into a project box enclosure.

What consoles specifically are you trying to get compatibility with?
So, I need a small box with a PCB inside and two sides: DB-15 input and pad output. For each console. It sounds as good and elegant as expensive :mrgreen:
gray117 wrote:Depends which consoles...

Neo richie's is the simpliest: Have a plain wired stick to db15 and then db15 pad hacks for every single console ... any extra buttons can just be modded into the pad hack box (share buttons / touchpads whatever).

It's probably the only way to possibly future proof your single solution too.

The downside is you're buying and soldering up a controller every time you want one of these. Not a problem for a couple of consoles but shit gets trying if you get a lot of them + want a second player stick too.

...
What I do:

You can probably shortcut some of this by using a ps4 pad hack and using cronus max or similar for current usb consoles. And pad hacking a ps2 and using tototek converter for (most) old consoles off that ps2:

http://www.tototek.com/store/index.php? ... x&cPath=23

(^ very low or no lag converters - like 1-3ms from what I've heard - i.e. technical but basically not noticeable to even superplayers.)... if not in stock, check back - they build some now and again...

...

if you want to start using a zero lag pcb for current consoles you can usb -> db15 using undamned's decoder:

https://paradisearcadeshop.com/undamned ... &results=5

^ you can try pm-ing him here or elsewhere on a few forums for new stock - often sell out.
Actually, you helped me a lot. I knew about those Tototek converters, so maybe that is a good option.

So this is what I could use: USB to DB-15 > DB-15 to PlayStation 2 pad PCB box > Tototek converters.

The consoles I want for this stick are undetermined. However, SNES, DreamCast, Saturn, GameCube/Wii and both PS1 and PS2 are obvious choices, since their catalogue is full of both fighting games and/or shmups. I already own a PS2 to GameCube Mayflash converter, so that would be already covered.
headlesshobbs
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Re: How can I use my arcade stick in any console?

Post by headlesshobbs »

I would imagine that you can get 3rd party controllers which would be cheaper, but I don't know about the lag inputs if there are any. I'd just like to put an end to this $150-200 bull**** that the fight club believes in because I'm getting far too sick of having to get new controllers every cycle.

I think we need to figure out what other connectors can do better then Dsub15 as we need all the inputs that can be afforded. There are at least a standard of 12 or 13 buttons, but it varies per console and we still have to figure analog if we want to keep that supported. I still have plans for making my Dragon's Crown controller setup for 4 players and that's gonna need every input I can give it.

I just want to add in a silly question. Are "Universal" sticks frowned upon over at the SRK boards?
"Don't HD my SD!!"
gray117
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Re: How can I use my arcade stick in any console?

Post by gray117 »

headlesshobbs wrote:I would imagine that you can get 3rd party controllers which would be cheaper, but I don't know about the lag inputs if there are any. I'd just like to put an end to this $150-200 bull**** that the fight club believes in because I'm getting far too sick of having to get new controllers every cycle.

I think we need to figure out what other connectors can do better then Dsub15 as we need all the inputs that can be afforded. There are at least a standard of 12 or 13 buttons, but it varies per console and we still have to figure analog if we want to keep that supported. I still have plans for making my Dragon's Crown controller setup for 4 players and that's gonna need every input I can give it.

I just want to add in a silly question. Are "Universal" sticks frowned upon over at the SRK boards?
You do you :)

... db15 is just a neo geo/supergun legacy thing. Remains very practical size wise for most users to physically get in there and test. 4 directions + ground + 10 buttons. Some people prefer smaller vga 15 pin plugs (often easier to acquire cables too). If you're going to start encoding the signals into more than 1 signal per wire then you enter into less easy to diagnose particulars.

Doing the the padhack is more time consuming than buying a controller in the first place. Its also a shame to sacrifice older 'out of print' controllers. Input lag varies on anything with an encoder doesn't matter if 1st or 3rd party - just have to choose carefully and, generally, only since usb.

Analogue is a pain - most people won't need/want it - but there's no reason you can't hook up analogue over db15 or whatever connector/cable you choose as long as you can tap this signal and make use of the relative signal strengths. But they'll be no universal solution - you'll still be doing this up per system/controller.

If required for menus you could still have special controls mounted on your pad hack box and not on your controller. I tend to have the sony/microsoft home button on my pad hack boxes for example.

As ever if you've got your own hack there's no you can't add in harnesses, extra connections or whatever for all kinds of button options. I actually use an inbetween adapter to link my six stick buttons to

234
123

for when playing neo geo games (4 buttons vs. 3 button games)


Car driving types generally will be interested in analogue I guess, but I'd presume their setups are a lot more specialized.

Universal sticks are generally fine over at SRK, but you may bump into competition rules to either prevent (or easily/quickly minimise possibility of) cheating, wierd health+safety liability conditions, minimise setup time, and/or be respectful of various partners in those events. After all a lot of the lesser events get away on grey area/slight infringements because on balance to pursue them would not be within the public interest, nor the interest of the rights holder. Bootleg software or hardware, no matter how well meaning, could tip that balance.
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Guardians Knight
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Re: How can I use my arcade stick in any console?

Post by Guardians Knight »

I just posted in the wanted section but here seems a good place also ask......

I have a very sexy custom joystick for pc/x360 and would love a converter to be able to use it on my saturn/ps2/dc. Does such a thing exist or could someone make me one perhaps?

I have a magic box for dc to use a ps2/saturn pad and also a playstation converter to use my konami hyperstick on my saturn so i wonder - in theory could I get away with chaining a couple of converters and so my custom usb stick would only need to convert to playstation input to allow use on all three older consoles?
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neorichieb1971
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Re: How can I use my arcade stick in any console?

Post by neorichieb1971 »

For the record I did mine Neo Geo configuration. That way I used DB15's extensions from the neo geo community and I can plug standard Neo geo sticks for most purposes of which I have 2, although they look worn and dated now. The main stick is a LS32 modded Dreamcast stick.

I have Arcade Supergun (straight through), PS1/2, DC, Saturn, Megadrive, SNES converters I think. They sit in tranparent project boxes.

I did this project around 2003 and haven't used any of it in years. But its there if I want to play. Got a small house now and getting all this stuff out is just too time consuming for what amounts to an hour or 2 of playing. Need a man cave.
This industry has become 2 dimensional as it transcended into a 3D world.
gray117
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Re: How can I use my arcade stick in any console?

Post by gray117 »

Guardians Knight wrote:I just posted in the wanted section but here seems a good place also ask......

I have a very sexy custom joystick for pc/x360 and would love a converter to be able to use it on my saturn/ps2/dc. Does such a thing exist or could someone make me one perhaps?

I have a magic box for dc to use a ps2/saturn pad and also a playstation converter to use my konami hyperstick on my saturn so i wonder - in theory could I get away with chaining a couple of converters and so my custom usb stick would only need to convert to playstation input to allow use on all three older consoles?
I think the probelm is usb creates too many variables it puts off the one-stop converter types (plus usually legacy to new console not the other way around). So unless you want to dual wire/mod your controller I guess your best bet would be an undamned usb decoder (which is the only device that I know that does this for any usb device... though might be others about?...) > wired to ps padhack > totek converters ...
HalfCent
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Re: How can I use my arcade stick in any console?

Post by HalfCent »

I use a ps360+ board inside my stick, and out of the consoles I have (it supports more), that gives me

- Xbox 360
- PS3
- PC
- NES / SNES
- Dreamcast
- PSX / PS2

And then I use a Brook PS3 -> PS4 adapter to get PS4 support, a PS2 -> Classic Controller adapter for Wii, and a PS2 -> Gamecube adapter for Gamecube.

It's relatively cheap, and never uses more than 1 adapter at a time.
bigbadboaz
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Re: How can I use my arcade stick in any console?

Post by bigbadboaz »

Nothing that hasn't more or less been said already, but I think PS2 -> adapters is easily the cheapest and easiest solution for almost any console you're going to want to use. Someone already linked to the Tototek adapters, and for whatever they don't cover someone else has a product. Brook even has PS2 converters for XO and PS4.

Are you dead set on building your own stick? If not, you could just buy a legacy PS2 stick, whatever needed converters, and be done. Personally, I have the original Hori RAPs with a slew of adapters and am pretty much done.
DiegoPonga
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Re: How can I use my arcade stick in any console?

Post by DiegoPonga »

bigbadboaz wrote:Nothing that hasn't more or less been said already, but I think PS2 -> adapters is easily the cheapest and easiest solution for almost any console you're going to want to use. Someone already linked to the Tototek adapters, and for whatever they don't cover someone else has a product. Brook even has PS2 converters for XO and PS4.

Are you dead set on building your own stick? If not, you could just buy a legacy PS2 stick, whatever needed converters, and be done. Personally, I have the original Hori RAPs with a slew of adapters and am pretty much done.
Oh, thank you very much! Is there any problem with chaining pad adapters? I mean, would it be any relevant input lag if I connect my USB stick to a PS2 converter and then to a PS2-SNES adapter?

No, I'm not dead yet with my own stick. In fact I've being preparing a 3D model in order to build it up using laser cut over wood and some 3D printing. That would give me a pretty good (and cheap) stick case.
bigbadboaz
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Re: How can I use my arcade stick in any console?

Post by bigbadboaz »

You don't want to chain adapters - if it works at all, the lag progressively builds. You're not going to notice lag with one good adapter, but any more than that = no good.

Again, if you go with a PS2 board, there is a single adapter for just about anything. If you go USB, you won't have anywhere near the number of options - not now, anyway. Adapter makers have been using the PS2 standard for close to 15 years (!).
moltomolto
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Re: How can I use my arcade stick in any console?

Post by moltomolto »

I say a dual modded stick with the following boards will do the trick: Brooks universal fighting board and a Toodles MC Cthulhu. With that you have access to PS1, PS2, PS3, PS4, X360, Xbone, OG Xbox, Saturn, Dreamcast, Gamecube/Wii, SNES, TG16/PCE, NES. Not too shabby..
DiegoPonga
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Re: How can I use my arcade stick in any console?

Post by DiegoPonga »

bigbadboaz wrote:You don't want to chain adapters - if it works at all, the lag progressively builds. You're not going to notice lag with one good adapter, but any more than that = no good.

Again, if you go with a PS2 board, there is a single adapter for just about anything. If you go USB, you won't have anywhere near the number of options - not now, anyway. Adapter makers have been using the PS2 standard for close to 15 years (!).
So a cheap PS2 board should be the answer. Or a DualShock 2 PCB.
bigbadboaz
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Re: How can I use my arcade stick in any console?

Post by bigbadboaz »

Back in the day a regular PSOne DualShock was the go-to. They seemed to have the same compatibility as a DS2 but were easier to work with.

If you go with a third-party board you're probably taking more chances with compatibility.

Cheapest route would be to go with a PS-based stick which is moddable for the parts you want. Of course, compatibility questions vs. actual DualShock boards apply as above. I know from experience that my Hori RAPs are very compatible, but can't vouch for any other stick or PCB.
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powerfuran
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Re: How can I use my arcade stick in any console?

Post by powerfuran »

Just wanted to mention that my go-to MAME setup since 2008ish has been a Dualshock 1 PCB through an Atomic USB adapter working flawlessly with Win XP, Win7, MacOS10.1 through 10.5. Have been experiencing dropped inputs since moving to OS10.9 which was a bummer.
DiegoPonga
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Re: How can I use my arcade stick in any console?

Post by DiegoPonga »

I have been looking for a cheap and easy to sold PS2 PCB, but couldn't find anything. Can anyone help me?
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