Yet another SOCD cleaner

Tech Talk
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I built a SOCD cleaner for some folks over in the Super Mario Bros. speed running community and figured I should get feedback here. Different people have their own connector preferences and I’d like to make sure the design is reusable. Once I’ve worked out the kinks I’ll be distributing the schematics and Eagle files.

The card is just 1" x 2.5" and supports either two pairs of linked buttons or four buttons linked together. The latter configuration is for arcade games which require a 4-way stick (ex. Donkey Kong). Changing the operating mode is a matter of swapping between 2-input and 4-input NAND ICs, but otherwise it’s the same hardware. Everything is through hole and easy to solder. Unlike most of the other SOCD cleaners I’ve seen, this one emits the first-button press, rather than allowing one input to dominate or defaulting to no button press. This should prevent super human inputs. If there’s demand for going to +5v on multiple button presses, I’ll see if I can make it work with a solder jumper, but I don’t want to add more hardware.

For connectors you can either wire it up with a pair of pin headers, or Molex 2-pin micro latch receptacles for input and 0.187" quick disconnectors for output. Are there other connectors folks would be interested in? Board space is pretty tight, but there are a few tricks to cram some more optional hardware on the board.

Another configuration I’ve considered is a 2-in/2-out board that could be covered in heat shrink and installed in line.

Edit: I realized I can swap in XNOR chips to make multiple button presses cancel all inputs. That’s right, gentlemen and ladies, it does it all!

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Sounds interesting. What would this be used for. I have no knowledge really on SOCD.

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There are two applications that I know of.

The main one is homebrew button controllers. You want to make sure you can’t hit left and right, or up and down simultaneously. This really matters in Super Mario Bros. There’s a trick you can pull to reach maximum acceleration very quickly. This allows you to cut time during speed runs.

The other application is using a 4-way joystick without a limiter plate, a physical device that stops you from hitting more than one switch at a time. For ergonomic purposes a player might want to use a stick that isn’t physically limited.

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Ah very interesting :slight_smile: I would maybe have a use for this with my son to make a homebrew controller for him.