jmanDMC,
If the RJ45 interface replaces the USB connection how will the PS360+ hook up to a 360, PS3, PC? Please verify this.
I thought USB was a pretty mandatory connection method for those consoles and PC.
If a RJ45 to USB female socket converter will be required… will one be provided with the PS360+ purchase ???
The RJ45 is just an interface, and cables are available that convert the signal to USB. The RJ45 interface allows you to swap for a non-USB based cable, potentially used by older consoles. This makes it possible to control additional consoles such as the PC Engine (Turbografix 16) or SNES. Akishop hasn’t specified which older consoles are covered yet, but it will be compatible with modern consoles as well.
You say that they are available…
so your saying the RJ45 to USB converter will be provided? or its a separate purchase?
Right now, the only information I received from Per of Akishop is that it will use a RJ45 ijack. Their website adds the following in parentheses “or soldering points”. Please let me confirm more with Per about the jack. I don’t believe that his intention was to make it harder to use.
Alright! If Genesis and SNES are covered this is the best news I’ve heard all day!!! Any updates on the LEDs? I’m chomping at the bit to order some.
That’s a really bad idea, then. It just adds a layer of complication for everybody who just wants it for 360/PS3 compatibility (which I would wager is most people). If it’s RJ45 only, now I have to make or buy RJ45 to USB cables. Before, i could use USB cables that you can buy almost literally anywhere. As an alternative or additional option, it makes sense. As the only option, it’s a clear step backward.
woe woe this is in no way a bad idea and how can you say a step backwards?? alot of people still play their classic consoles. if you only want a usb connection you can get your one cable made by crimping a Rj45 jack on a USB cable or solder the four wires to the PCB and be done
I swear you can give someone the perfect PCB with a lifetime warranty then install it put a pretty bow on it and they will still find a way to complain
Yeah I still have my Genesis and SNES hooked up, and I play TMNT Tournament fighters on the SNES, and SSF2 on the genesis quite often still. If I can use my stick on them then I am all for it. All I need to do now is figure out my cable situation.
Hey all,
Recently, I’ve gotten some flak about the announcement of the RJ-45 interface that is now part of the PS360+. A few things:
I’ve gone to Per with Akishop with each of your concerns over this because despite my own commonsense explanations, I wasn’t entirely sure about the benefits of the RJ-45 interface. The reason is because I personally don’t have experience with RJ-45. The only thing I knew is that Toodles famous MC Cthulhu is capable of using it, and more controllers that feature multiple-console compatibility - including old-school ones - are using the RJ-45 interface.
What Per explained to me - and with patience, I’ll add - is actually the same explanation I’ve posted earlier. The RJ-45 interface makes it possible to access more than just the PS3, XB360 or PC. It means that consoles like the SNES or TG-16 may be compatible via interchangable cables. It opens up the possibility to include these consoles that people still occasionally play, or even include in multi-cade setups. It expands the PCBs potential to replace some of the existing solutions you currently have to buy separately.
As I mentioned, you can still get RJ-45 to USB cables on the market. I will look into getting them at Focusattack.com if at all possible. Whatever consoles the PS360+ also covers, I will look into getting those, too. Once again, Per is not yet saying which consoles are supported in order to not raise expectations on a specific console.
I know that some of you still have issues because you have to buy a different cable. I won’t quote RosserRooster’s statement about it, but I think it’s an adequate point. The PS360+ is evolving past the original PS360. You can still use the PS360+ for your current consoles, but potentially for more if you needed it. The only difference is that you’re buying a different cable. Essentially you may get more than you expected for your money, but hardly less.
I’ve gotten perhaps two dozen or fewer cancellations for the PS360+ due to the delays, and as a retail vendor, I’ve panicked more than I needed to when going to Per. Some of it’s justified, but overall I’m more confident than I was thanks to his explanations. I believe that those who cancelled will likely jump back on once the product is available, and people review it in a positive light.
I no longer desire to offer pre-orders for any product that is to appear at Focusattack.com. This includes the Qanba Q4RAF. This makes it harder to buy some of the items you want, but hopefully will ease the expectations of customers who are waiting for a product to arrive. This position is subject to change if I can create a policy that most customers accept - pre-order release dates are subject to change and are wholly dependent on the manufacturer.
Regarding the Uila LEDs - I’m happy that I haven’t yet offered the product for pre-order. Some additional testing is being performed by RoyalFlushTZ, and now potentially Nerrage. They are also offering to build video and printable installation tutorials for the Uila, so those unfamiliar with LED modding can perform it. I’m going to Paradise Arcade with their test results should any changes be necessary. I know that I’ve mentioned a potential date to release the LEDs, but will refrain from doing that going forward unless I’m absolutely clear that we will meet that date.
Thanks to those who are patiently awaiting the release of the PS360+. I think it will be a worthwhile product when it’s released.
Okay…so the main selling point of the PS360 in the first place was that it is a simple, solder-free, one-cost, one-PCB dual mod solution. The PS360 will not be that. You’ll either need to purchase extra cables that are RJ45 compatible, make them yourself, or solder a USB connection onto the PCB. That’s one clear and obvious step backwards.
Is it easier or harder to crimp an RJ45 connector (that you intend to use all of one time, ever) onto a USB cable than to just plug a USB cable into a jack? Is it easier or harder to find an RJ45-to-USB cable than a standard USB cable? Is it easier or harder to replace a damaged RJ45-to-USB cable in an emergency than a standard USB cable?
Have you ever been at a tournament where somebody’s custom RJ45 cable stops working in the middle of a match? I have. It renders the stick completely useless, whereas if there was a problem with a USB cable or connection it could be very easily remedied. This is exactly the type of scenario that made me decide against using RJ45 in my builds, including the ones with PS2 support. Why should I have to deal with custom cables and all that nonsense when the connection I was using was USB in the first place?
Now, if the plan is to sell the PS360+ in addition to the standard PS360, then it doesn’t matter, because the people who only need 360/PS3 compatibility (which I would wager is most people were interested in the PS360 in the first place) can have exactly that with the minimal hassle. But if the PS360+ is an outright replacement for the PS360, and end users are forced to deal with the RJ45 connection, then that somewhat defeats the purpose and appeal of the original board. That’s not to say it won’t be a fine product, but I know I personally would look in another direction, and I’m sure I’m not alone.
And i forgot another one of my major points. If everything has to be connected via RJ45, then it makes it a huge hassle to have multiple cables at once, leaving the end user no choice but to exchange cables or to go through some complicated splitting process. For example, in my build I was planning to use a Paewang PCB or PS360 for PS3/360 compatibility and a PS2 Dual Shock PCB for PS2 compatibility. The USB would be fed through a Neutrik connector and the PS2 cable would be a separate, permanent connection. For me, this makes more sense than having to keep up with an extra detachable wire. Even if the PS360+ supports all 3 platforms I want to use, it would not be useful for my build if all connections are going through RJ45. Why? Because I can only have one thing hooked up to the RJ45 port.
Im guessing that Per has designed the new pcb to be like toodles mcctulhu where it will have a soldered on usb jack and through holes to solder an rj45 cable to.
I agree with Warpticon, and I’m seriously debating canceling my pre-order. I think Focus Attack is a great company to work with, and I’ve been nothing less than happy with the orders I’ve placed with them. Amazingly fast turn around, and prompt, professional customer service. I will continue to buy from them over and over again.
But like Warpticon said, I ordered the PS360 for the ease of installing the product, and that sounds like it’s going out the window with PS360+. I honestly do not care about potential support for older consoles. For some people this I’m sure is fantastic news. I just want a dual mod 360/PS3 PCB for the time being.
Maybe I should cancel this and apply the credit to a Qanba stick. I have two TEs that I want to dual mod as well though, so that’s where I sit.
How hard is the Paewong PCB to solder?
I have to agree.
I’m not looking toward to the additional work involved in building sticks with this new PCB.
I preordered one months ago and am now questioning whether or not I’ll even want it.
I understand that some people still play old consoles. But that’s not the majority of people.
My guess is that at least “90%” of the people who preordered couldn’t care less if there stick works with Super Nintendo.
Yeah it’s cool and all, but not really something I’ll use probably ever use and its not worth the extra headache.
(the times where I play snes games, it’s on a PC nowadays anyways.)
There’s already a device out there that does all this complexity (Toodles) and even that board came standard with USB. If you wanted to add support for consoles that came out in the 90s you have to then make cables, solder, crimp, etc.
But if not you can just pull it right out of the box and play it on the commonly used systems of this century with no problem.
From a business standpoint I’d be more interested in addressing the masses.
Put the USB on it with the ability to add in support for older consoles if you want.
I recognize your questions and concerns here. However, we may want to wait for the final product to decide upon whether it is a step backward, or more hassle. RJ45 to USB cables are available for purchase:
The goal of the PS360+ is to eliminate soldering, so I don’t believe that Akishop would revert to soldering anything to the PCB as a requirement.
I think the interchangeability of cables is a benefit for those who want it. Though I’m not certain yet, it may be possible to flash upgrade the PS360+ to allow for more consoles, and switching the cable to PS2, SNES, TG-16 would enable you to connect those systems in a clean setup. You wouldn’t require a splitter or otherwise. Some people don’t like having additional cables permanently attached to their joystick.
If you’ve pre-ordered a PS360 from us, we can always change your order and refund if you feel that it’s not worthwhile anymore, but I think it’s worthwhile to see the final product before we jump to conclusions about its functionality.
With everybody up and about over the RJ45 issue, I’d like to point a few things out to everybody:
We don’t have any official word from Per about what may be included with the PS360+. Remember that he included a wire harness with the original PS360 for people who didn’t want or have a typical USB cable to plug straight in. He may furnish these with RJ45 to USB cables, just as he did with the harnesses, so that people who don’t have the B-type USB/RJ45 to USB cable can just as easily make it work.
I know I have the supplies to crank out about 10 RJ45 to USB cable right now with the stuff I have laying around. There won’t be any shortage of these if they aren’t furnished, and I could easily order the supplies for many more in the upcoming week if there was really a need. There have always been suppliers for MC Cthulhu cables around in Trading outlet, and many people do have the Crimpers for this project.
I am almost certain Per is aware that PS360 users WANT simple, solderless plug and play, that’s how the original PS360 was designed. The RJ45 is just a very nice multi-console touch.
Canceling your pre-order now without full information means you may lose your chance to get it if you find that everything was just as satisfactory as the PS360. I’m almost certain these won’t just ship without all the official details from Per released. If you still don’t like it when all the official details and specs are released, then cancel. Cancel now, find you like it, and the massive amount of orders that will certainly follow may cause you to have to wait longer on your PS360+ than if you had just kept your pre-order
Just take two deep breaths and relax. Jaleel isn’t going to take your money for something that you don’t want. 
That’s really a matter of subjectivity. If you haven’t ever done it before, tough. If you have a good bit of experience, not so tough.
Well, I guess this is a good example that no news is good news.
I too was looking foward to this PCB for a simple 360/PS3 solution, but this announcement only created confusion and I too am considering if it’s worth to wait.
I think what most people are wondering is if it is possible to use an USB cable outright from the PCB without converting the signal from the RJ-45.
This is a question that has not been answered, is there any possibility that there are at least soldering points for USB?
Yeah, it’s too early at this point given its just speculations.
I guess my frustration at this point comes from having just recently built a new empty case just for this new product.
(It’s been collecting some dust while we wait for it to finally release though)
It wont be too much of a real problem if it indeed does have RJ45, I’ll probably just make a short 4" RJ45 to USB cable to put on the inside of the case and use the USB Neutrik fitted to the case.
It’ll make it USB only so no worry about need of custom cables in an emergency.
Well, I’m keeping my fingers crossed, which is why I initially said that IF the plan is to go RJ45-only, I’ll be pretty disappointed. I’m hoping that’s not the case. And, yes, some people don’t like having additional cables permanently attached, but by the same token, some prefer not having to carry a bunch of extra cables around. Also, it’s noteworthy that that RJ45 to USB cable is 19 dollars and pretty much has to be ordered online or from a specialty store, whereas you can pick up a USB cable pretty much anywhere for 3 to 5 bucks at most. It helps, but it’s a pretty unideal–and expensive–solution.
One final point I’d like to make: Akishop does have a Forum thread on SRK. Though he has been absent on there for a while, he may better answer the questions you have about the PS360+ if you direct them there, and he has a moment to clear things up. Here is a link to his forum thread: