1

Need help with a weird problem.

My MC Cthulu + SparkCE +RJ45 drops connection for a split second (enough to display a “joystick disconnected” message) when I move/tap the joystick down. All other directions work… happens about 50% of the time, not all the time, and only when down is triggered.

It only happens on PS2. PS3, PC, NES and SNES all work fine… I am using a Neutrik jack RJ45 mod and cables… PC/PS3 is using the USB port in the MC Cthulu.

I tested the PSX RJ45 cable with a multimeter for continuity and all the contacts work. I gave the Spark it’s own dedicated voltage line (messy) off the spare controller port and then it works perfect. Swapping out the spark for regular microswitches gets it working fine too.

My guess is that the controller port can’t provide enough juice for the MC Cthulu and the Spark CE at the same time… but why would only pressing down cause it??? If anyone could enlighten me it would be much appreciated…

P.S. Triple checked wiring, solder joints, checked MC Cthulu and PSX RJ45 cable for shorts, tried both versions of the 2.3 firmware.

2

I would check for loose connections.

3

Maybe the resistance of the psx cable makes the spark not to work properly? i mean… not enough voltage/current

4

oh thats something I didn’t take note, the PS1/PS2 only runs on 3.5 volts not 5, so there not enough voltage.
You want a DC/DC converter to maintain 5 volts for the Spark

5

Hmmm… Realistically speaking, I doubt there is any loose connections since
a) SparkCE works with NES and SNES perfectly.
b) Controller never drops out on PS2 with TP-MA installed instead of Spark CE. That would mean that all wires are definitely making a reliable connection.

Sounds like the most likely answer so far. I really don’t want to sacrifice another PSX cable… This is one from an original Sony Playstation digital controller from 1997 which I barely used and am the original owner of. It’s in fantastic shape.

But the spark CE is designed to run on 2.5v-12v automatically. A direct 3.3v feed from the spare controller port gets it working perfectly…