Thanks Very much for your help.
I downloaded the ‘Gerber’ files from the link http://www.marcuspost.com/downloads/upcb/Rev2.1.zip
I want to do some editing such as rerouting, would someone tell me what software can I use to open the ‘Gerber’ files for editing.
I’ve managed to create [most] of the console cables that i need, but I’m stuck on making the output cable. According to the schematic, the pins are numbered from least to greatest, and from top to bottom.
What I can’t figure out is how to determine which pins are #1 and #2. The schematic also shows that pins #1 and #2 are in reversed order on the 16-pin output connector vs. the 20-pin piggybank connectors.
Also, on what side does the “clamp” piece of the pin connector have to be on to determine the pin #s?
Are you referring to the 16 pin to DB-15 cable? It is infinitely simpler to just buy or scavenge a premade one from an old computer. Sometimes it is called a midi connector.
That’s what I did so I can’t really offer any advice on how to make your own. If you can’t find a premade one in your area, I can look around the store where I bought mine and see if they have any more for sale.
Well, there’s always a ground and a vcc which you can use to test orientation, I think that’s what I did in the end. Multimeter the hell out of everything until you are absolutely sure.
Those bloody IDC headers were the most annoying thing by far imo.
Call me one frustrated modder!
I find it simple to work with and mod the Hori Tekken 5 PCB since it has huge contact areas for soldering but am being frustrated by older PCB boards with tiny contacts that need to be tinned like the Sega Saturn control pad PCBs!
I’ve already ruined one Hori Joystick PCB from way back then (1997) and one Mark 1 American Saturn pad PCB.
Is there a Universal PCB that’s as easy to mod as the Hori Tekken 5 PCB (soldering) or a PCB with minimal or no soldering that would allow me to use a stick one the PS2/PS3 and Sega Saturn/Dreamcast?
I have PS2-PS3 converters and Saturn-Dreamcast so I only need full functionality with PS2 and Sega Saturn…
For me, the IDC headers weren’t too bad. Well, with the exception of the 360 piggyback, that wasn’t too hot. After it was all said and done, I found out that 2 of my joystick directions didn’t work and I had to do some improvisation since it wasn’t like I could undo my header connection to fix it.
Like Swamp, the thing that gave me the most trouble was figuring out the pins on the DB-15 Output connector. I kid you not, I must have rewired it 7 times or so before figuring it all out.
Swamp, I used one of those multi-colored ribbon connectors like in Toodles’ Instructible, so I will see if I can take any halfway decent pictures of the solder cup end of the D-Sub and the other end of the IDC header. Maybe the colors will help you make sense as to how it needs to be soldered.
Honestly, forget about the pin numbers on the IDC end. Just get a 15 or 16 pin ribbon crimped cleanly on an IDC connector. (if you are using a 15 pin ribbon instead of 16, make sure the IDC pin that isn’t used is the one FURTHEST from the GND_TEST point. If you’re using a 16 pin ribbon, get it crimped on and then cut short the very last wire, the one furthest from the GND_TEST point. You only need the 15 wires going to the d-sub). Once you have that, it’s simple.
The wire on the ribbon cable end closest to the GND_TEST point gets soldered to d-sub pin 1. The next gets soldered below it at d-sub pin 9. Next is d-sub pin 2, then d-sub pin 10, 3, 11, 4, 12, 5, 13, etc.
That’s it. Forget about the IDC numbers entirely. Just get a ribbon on a crimp connector, and work from the ribbon.
Toodles,
Does the MC Cthulu work with the Sega Saturn?
I happen to have a spare Saturn extension plug-in cable lying around IF you need one to test with the system… (I clipped off the power/plug in cables from 3 Saturn PCBs. 2 joysticks + 1 American Saturn control pad/Mark 1 control pad. They should all be the same. I figured they were salvageable for something.)
The Cthulu looks like it would be way easier to solder than any of the control pad PCBs.
Like I said before, I can solder on a Tekken 5 PCB fine. It’s these control pads with these teeny tiny contacts that are a pain!
Is the pin that I colored in “grey” on the pic the one that I should cut the wire from? Also, are the “pink” pins designated as pin #1?
and thanks for the suggestions/help.
hmmm… so from what i have read i could theoretically make joystick
that can work with PS2, PS3 and Xbox360 with the UPCB and to make sure
theirs a switch that can go between them?
also do i have to make cords for all three or could i make it wireless?
From what I understand, for each system that you want compatibility w/, you’ll have to make a dedicated console cable for [w/ the exception of PS3/PC/X360, since they share; as well as PS1/2].
For X360 and/or Dreamcast compatibility, you’ll need to piggybank that system’s controller [that has common ground, preferably] onto the PCB.
Hope that helps.
From what I’ve read, I would need a PIC programmer. What type/brand would you recommend that i buy? I was googling and found a few: here and here
shift button
Hello anyone and, of course, to Toodles!
Great work!
One question about this very interesting interface:
It is possible to designe one button as a “shift” button so we can double buttons combinations?
It is very useful for emulators.
Many commercial keyboard encoders uses this approach (for example i-pac, j-pac, interfAsd).
Thanks in advance.
I’d love to know if the MCUmall one works, it’s much cheaper than the kits that I can get a the local store here.
Ok dudes and dudettes, I thought I’d best get this kick-started. I’ve got what I think is a pretty finalised design (pics below) and would like to start registering interest for PCBs. I think they’ll be around 6 or 7 per board, delivered to a UK address. Extra postage will apply for non-UK postage.:razz:
If you’d like to get some boards (or even just 1) then email me: carllivitt at yahoo dot com. Let me know how many you’d like and we’ll take it from there. For those wanting to catch up on the evolution and design of the board, check out this thread
Uh,
Where are the pics? I don’t see any and I followed a link to a blog about financial matters? :wtf:
Anyhow, does this UPCB support the Saturn as well as the PS2?
PS2 I know works but the whole Sega situation seems to have been dropped since Page 1.
Most Sega fans discuss Dreamcast but that seems to be a more difficult proposition to find support for because of some issues with the PCB design. I’d be happy with Saturn-support only and deal with conversions to Dreamcast with my stand-by adaptor.
I know the (Saturn) system isn’t as popular but my understanding is that it should be doable within the existing UPCB design Toodles came up with.
This is some of the weirdest spam to get people to look at a financial blog I’ve ever seen. I gotta admit, it’s good fishing. I totally expected there to be something there.
I see you’re excited about the idea of using a UPCB. That’s awesome. I also see you just don’t want to read the first post. Weird, but okay. What I’m really confused about is how you’ve come to be so interested in a UPCB if you haven’t read all or any of the information about it. Is there someplace else other than the first post of this thread that sold you on the idea?
Your first post says, “Yes V2.5 supports Saturn” but I’m wondering if anybody has actually bothered using a UPCB for that… or if the latest revision (has it gotten past V2.5 yet?) still supports 32-bit other than PS1.
The reason I ask for the UPCB is because it looks like it will solve my huge soldering problem ==> I can’t solder points the size of tiny nail heads to save my life. I’m seem to do okay on the Tekken 5 PCB but I think that PCB is built like a tank!
If the answer’s yes about UPCB and it has the directions (I’ve seen only the online directions for the PS1/PS2-style extension cord soldering) for dual-system use, I’d definitely be on board for two of these UPCBs. That’s how many I’ll need for the sticks I’m modding right now.
Going back to the previous post,
I was annoyed at B.A. for that financial phishing.
I really kind of expected to see something related to gaming.
I already delete enough junkmail as it is on my main e-mail account!
Here’s a testimonial for you, I played SFTMTG on Saturn and even landed a Gief 360 with my upcb stick. And yes, it’s easy to solder on—although there is a lot of it required with this project. Just warning ya.