Hmm, it’s an odd one. What controller are you using, an official one?
I find that there can be variation between controllers and even between revisions of the same console, but not usually by that much. Variations in timing, variations in tolerance. 750ns seems a long way off spec but since the protocol includes a clock I guess the Dreamcast would still be able to read it.
Thanks, the worst of it is over now. Hopefully things will move a bit quicker. I have put up a basic web page for the project:
Thanks, looks interesting. I implemented it on an ATmega8 too as an extension of the Arcade Joystick project. What approach did you take? I kept track of the last position so that whenever the stick is moved it snaps to a new position, even if the old one is still valid. For example, if you have the stick pushed right and then move to the up/right corner, in 4-way mode the data sent to the PC will be “up” as presumably you moved to the stick to make a turn.
My friend who plays a lot more PacMan than myself says it works even better than some 4-way restrictor plates.
I have an original PacMan PCB and have noticed that it plays a bit differently to MAME. In particular, even using a normal 8 way joystick you don’t get stuck in corners nearly as often.
MAME using DirectX is terrible. If you watch PacMan moving along the motion is not smooth. It’s a lot better in Direct Draw mode, but still not quite as good as an actual PacMan PCB.
I have a feeling it might be related to using Windows to poll the joystick. The PCB reads the stick directly via Z80 ports so the reading is instantaneous, but in MAME it is at least a few ms old and may be doing other strange things.
Just to clear up some confuse here. but first, yes I have originals, 2 of them. – what do you mean, the screen shot above is your Logic file read out? I’m reading this correctly right? This is in fact 750, is it not?
All I’m saying here is I was attempting to read at 500 interval, until you gave me the logic file, and at that time I realized it was 750 not 500, and the magic begun.
You are right. The patent giving the timing as 500ns is misleading, or maybe they changed it at some point. I have other sources of information which give the correct timing of 750ns.
Anyway, a little update. Things are progressing. The serial protocol I am going to use has been nailed down. The idea is that by using a standard RS232 interface (at 5V) it will be possible to make your own hardware interface with it. I am planning to do an LED controller and one or two LCD controllers (probably 1 character and 1 graphic), but hopefully other people will do their own too.
No, you don’t need to. Its quite easy when you only transmit the button and stick state, receive this data and put this into the console protocols. Using this way Ive made a wireless UPCB addon.
Well, the Retro Adapter is not available in kit and ready made form: http://retro.world3.net
I am hoping to do updates for even more controllers soon. Getting connectors and original pads is a major pain in the arse though.
The controller, now called SUPERPLAY is coming along. I have the design pretty much sorted now, I’m just working on the code. The plan is to get it ready to go ASAP and then work on the add-on boards.
XBOX 360 is still annoying me. It is doable, but I’m not sure if it’s worth it. Might just be easier to offer pre-made pad-hacks in a box. I mean, if I’m going to kill a pad by removing the chip anyway, might as well just use the pad PCB.
My initially success with USB pass-through has proven to be unworkable on the 360 without an expensive microcontroller, which is why the only PS2/keyboard adapter on the market is 60 I think… I even looked in to emulating the chatpad, but unfortunately it can’t send controller button presses.
God damn it Microsoft. Why do you hate us?
I keep thinking there has to be some solution somewhere, but the fact that no-one else has managed to do it does not bode well I think.
Here’s a threadabout a Ps2 to xbox360 converter. First you`ve to connect xbox360 controller and then you can plug any ps2 controller to this converter.
Here’s the description
Connect the controller port of xBox360 console with USB type A plug (Converter side)
Connect xBox360 controller with USB type A receptacle (converter side)
Connect PS2 joypads, dancing mats and other PS2 compatible controller with PS2
Switch the converter from xBox360 controller mode to PS2 controller mode
Now you can use PS2 controller to play xBox360 games
It seems that this little friend is using the usb pass through. And it’s very cheap.
Did you`ve success in emulating the dreamcast protocol for arcade sticks?
I hadn’t connected the dots that you were already posting here. I was harassing you at Shmups about a Saturn to PS2 converter. If you really are down for making these sign me up for a few. I’d be even more enthusiastic if I could have my own button layout. Just let me know.
Apologies for the lack of updates, I have been busy as ever.
Thirteen: Yes, Dreamcast support is included.
bencao74: I working on something like that. Some AVRs have suitable hardware built in but are hard to get hold of, however you can get a separate IC to do it too. I need to spend some time reading the datasheet but at least in theory some kind of pass-though with on-the-fly data modification should be possible.
However, with the availability of these cheep converters I’m not sure it’s worth bothering with. It would be easier to simply use one of those. I am going to order one to ensure compatibility with it. Button mapping is the only issue I can see. Lag should be about the same as a standard 360 pad, i.e. around 3 frames.
mojochan, this is a very interesting project you have going on. Despite the fact that I voted the minute this thread was out, I haven’t posted yet.
I’d just like to drop by and say that I’ll give my blessings to this project, especially if it’s as easy to use as a Cthulu board and doesn’t have issues using PlayStation X to [insert gaming console here] converters. As for anything else I’d like to see, I’m certain it was discussed earlier in the thread, but if you could somehow add support for VMUs (which I doubt will happen since the VMU connectors are probably costly and the data read/write protocols might be difficult), that’d seal the deal for me at least.
Mojochan, I’ve been following your progress, and still wish you could get Xbox 360 emulated and added to your Retro Adaptor firmware. There’s gotta be another way. If the licensed Mad Catz can make official Xbox 360 joysticks, why can’t it be reverse engineered or someone from Mad Catz reveal the SDK for Xbox 360 joypads? I currently use a Ultimarc mini ipac. I’ve emailed Andy about Xbox 360 adaptors and he said its not possible at this time. I wish for a better option than using multiple adaptors just to get a custom made joystick to work on an Xbox 360.
