Arcade Joystick Adapter for MAME

R

Rich Grise

Guest
MAME is Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator - with the ROMs from just
about any arcade game made, you can play that game on your PC. This
is what I do most of the time other than annoy people on USENET. :)

Well, I downloaded Robotron, and simulating 2 8-way joysticks is a
nightmare. So I looked into real joysticks, and Wico had them for
$11.50 apiece.
http://www.wicothesource.com/new2/pages/page88.htm
So I bought two.

So, time to plug them into the ol' game port, right? Wrong. It
expects pots not 1 or 2 of 4 switch closures. What to do, what
to do? So I do a little searching, and long story short:

Keyboard Hack!

I have a spare keyboard, so I opened it up, and, of course, it's
membrane switches (I think that's what they're called):
http://home.earthlink.net/~entheos_engineering/images/Keyboard1.jpg
And in this next pic, I've got the two layers kinda separated:
http://home.earthlink.net/~entheos_engineering/images/Keyboard2.jpg
And, it's just a switch closure. (the traces are just bare metal
on mylar).

So, I'm thinking, maybe just plug this into an edge connector of
some kind:
http://home.earthlink.net/~entheos_engineering/images/Keyboard3.jpg
http://home.earthlink.net/~entheos_engineering/images/Keyboard4.jpg

And Heck! I announce to myself, I could try this out by just shorting
pins together and seeing what scancodes come up (there's software
for that out there., and I realize, if I did that, I couldn't log
in. So I'm at kind of a crossroads. I could figure out a way to
run the two DIN connectors into a little Y where only one is allowed
to talk at a time, which is probably the simplest, or figure out
some way to break into that edge connector when the mylar is down
and stuff - or get another keyboard with the same board, and scrape
everything off but the edge connector, and make an extender/breakout
board;

I'm really strongly thinking "Y" adapter - there's one "data" like
from each keyboard - it's purely slave, isn't it? Or should I switch
the clock line as well?

So far, I haven't found a pinout to the level of what sees that
pin from the inside of the PC. Any url's?

Anyway, I'll keep everyone posted on progress, and if I get on just
the right sidetrack, I might turn it into a web page. I wanna do more
with that nifty digital camera too!

Cheers!
Rich

Thanks!
 
"Rich Grise" <null@example.net> wrote in message
news:lVwrc.1689$No1.292@nwrddc02.gnilink.net...
MAME is Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator - with the ROMs from just
about any arcade game made, you can play that game on your PC. This
is what I do most of the time other than annoy people on USENET. :)

Well, I downloaded Robotron, and simulating 2 8-way joysticks is a
nightmare. So I looked into real joysticks, and Wico had them for
$11.50 apiece.
http://www.wicothesource.com/new2/pages/page88.htm
So I bought two.

So, time to plug them into the ol' game port, right? Wrong. It
expects pots not 1 or 2 of 4 switch closures. What to do, what
to do? So I do a little searching, and long story short:

Keyboard Hack!
Click to expand...
Snip...

Why not just use the switches in the joysticks to short out the inputs to
GND or +5 to get the intended direction?

As for a keyboard hack...

- Buy a cheap keyboard
- Buy some jacks/plugs with enough pins for the joystick directions that you
want.
- Mount the jacks on the keyboard, shorted out to the traces to get the keys
you want pressed.
- Wire the plugs to the joysticks/buttons in an "arcade" panel

....and thinking about it, it should be easy to just pull the small circuit
board out of a keyboard and mount it into an "arcade box" jumpering the
controller chip directly to the buttons/joysticks.

....Damn! Now you got me scheming!!!!
 
I'm really strongly thinking "Y" adapter - there's one "data" like
from each keyboard - it's purely slave, isn't it? Or should I switch
the clock line as well?
Click to expand...
Using a Y adapter would allow make it easier if you ever wish to use a
different keyboard...

If you use a Y adapter you will have to switch both the data and clock lines
since the clock is generated by the device (keyboard).


So far, I haven't found a pinout to the level of what sees that
pin from the inside of the PC. Any url's?
Click to expand...

I'm not sure if this is what you are asking for but here is a link which
explains the PS/2 keyboard protocol:
http://panda.cs.ndsu.nodak.edu/%7Eachapwes/PICmicro/PS2/ps2.htm

Good luck with your project,
Zwox
 
"Noozer" <postmaster@127.0.0.1> wrote in message
news:sXCrc.559662$oR5.346826@pd7tw3no...
"Rich Grise" <null@example.net> wrote in message
news:lVwrc.1689$No1.292@nwrddc02.gnilink.net...
MAME is Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator - with the ROMs from just
about any arcade game made, you can play that game on your PC. This
is what I do most of the time other than annoy people on USENET. :)

Well, I downloaded Robotron, and simulating 2 8-way joysticks is a
nightmare. So I looked into real joysticks, and Wico had them for
$11.50 apiece.
http://www.wicothesource.com/new2/pages/page88.htm
So I bought two.

So, time to plug them into the ol' game port, right? Wrong. It
expects pots not 1 or 2 of 4 switch closures. What to do, what
to do? So I do a little searching, and long story short:

Keyboard Hack!

Snip...

Why not just use the switches in the joysticks to short out the inputs to
GND or +5 to get the intended direction?
Click to expand...
This does work - I did it years ago (but not for use with MAME). My joystick
was also mounted on the arm of an easy chair, for maximum gaming comfort. A
nearby coffee table served to support the bong, which was essential for
optimum gaming enjoyment. For a little added "spice" put mint listerine in
the bong instead of water - mmmm, menthol.

IIRC I used 2 x 4k7 in series, from Vcc to 0V, centre-tap - pot wiper.
switch across each R (up/down, or left/right). voila - pot simulator.

Cheers
Terry

"Im stoned - thats my excuse, and im sticking to it" - B.Morrison, Whitman
MA
 
"Rich Grise" <null@example.net> wrote in message
news:lVwrc.1689$No1.292@nwrddc02.gnilink.net...
Keyboard Hack!

Well, I did a little digging, and decided to go ahead and do some
Click to expand...
kind of Y-adapter for the keyboard and the kayboard controller -
I'll post the whole thing, or at least a URL - and found some
web pages, one of which indicates that all the signals are open-
collector TTL, and you have to pull the clock line low to inhibit
the keyboard sending data. Apparently, though nobody says so, it
kinda looks like either the comp. or the KB could be driving both
data and clock, so I've decided to use this circuit:
http://home.earthlink.net/~entheos_engineering/images/Keyboard-4PDT.gif

So, as soon as I get that soldered up, I'll take some pics
and post about the results. :)

Cheers!
Rich
 
"Noozer" <postmaster@127.0.0.1> wrote in message
news:sXCrc.559662$oR5.346826@pd7tw3no...
Snip...

Why not just use the switches in the joysticks to short out the inputs to
GND or +5 to get the intended direction?
Click to expand...
Oh, that's the way my new joysticks operate, which is why the "game" port
doesn't work - the port is a capacitor that charges through the variable
restance that their joystick puts between the pin and +5V. It only has
pins for two switch closures.
As for a keyboard hack...

- Buy a cheap keyboard
- Buy some jacks/plugs with enough pins for the joystick directions that
you
want.
- Mount the jacks on the keyboard, shorted out to the traces to get the
keys
you want pressed.
- Wire the plugs to the joysticks/buttons in an "arcade" panel
...and thinking about it, it should be easy to just pull the small circuit
board out of a keyboard and mount it into an "arcade box" jumpering the
controller chip directly to the buttons/joysticks.
http://home.earthlink.net/~entheos_engineering/images/Keyboard4.jpg
...Damn! Now you got me scheming!!!!
Click to expand...
Well, here's what I've got so far:
http://home.earthlink.net/~entheos_engineering/images/Keyboard1.jpg
http://home.earthlink.net/~entheos_engineering/images/Keyboard2.jpg
http://home.earthlink.net/~entheos_engineering/images/Keyboard3.jpg
http://home.earthlink.net/~entheos_engineering/images/Wye1.jpg

:)

Just taking a break before I start soldering, and maybe epoxy a couple
of DPDT slide switches to the little board:
http://home.earthlink.net/~entheos_engineering/images/Keyboard-4PDT.gif

Cheers!
Rich
 
"Terry Given" <the_domes@xtra.co.nz> wrote in message news:3iTrc.8711
This does work - I did it years ago (but not for use with MAME). My
joystick
was also mounted on the arm of an easy chair, for maximum gaming comfort.
A
nearby coffee table served to support the bong, which was essential for
optimum gaming enjoyment. For a little added "spice" put mint listerine in
the bong instead of water - mmmm, menthol.
Click to expand...
I like menthol in my smoke - I smoke Kools, for example - but will the
alcohol in Listerine boil off and get in my bloodstream? I can't take
any at all - it gives me pancreatitis. Or would just maybe mincing
a couple of fresh mint leaves and dropping them into the water work?

IIRC I used 2 x 4k7 in series, from Vcc to 0V, centre-tap - pot wiper.
switch across each R (up/down, or left/right). voila - pot simulator.
Click to expand...
There's gotta be a joke here - the only pot involved in this project
is ... %-}

Hey! Maybe I could make it a point to work on this _only_ while high,
just to prove a point? In which case, I'd better really dress it up.
I almost bought two DPDT knife switches at Rat Shack today, just
to make it look retro, but thought, nah - that's a very one-note
joke.

I also failed to find anything I was looking for except a slide
switch grab bag which luckily has the 2X DPDT. No logic chips.
(thought I'd do one of those data selector projects).

Their entire chip inventory:
uA741
LM324
LM339
TIL082
LM383 or 393 - the 8-pin DIP audio amp
7805
555
7555

And, well, at least they still have a couple of transistors.

On the way out the door, I said, "Well, you can tell your manager
that a former loyal customer found out today that Radio Shack
no longer has anything I want, so I guess I won't see you again."

I guess I plonked Radio Shack. ;-)

Cheers!
Rich
 
"Rich Grise" <null@example.net> wrote in message
news:dNbsc.6781$o97.3769@nwrddc01.gnilink.net...
"Terry Given" <the_domes@xtra.co.nz> wrote in message news:3iTrc.8711

This does work - I did it years ago (but not for use with MAME). My
joystick
was also mounted on the arm of an easy chair, for maximum gaming
comfort.
A
nearby coffee table served to support the bong, which was essential for
optimum gaming enjoyment. For a little added "spice" put mint listerine
in
the bong instead of water - mmmm, menthol.

I like menthol in my smoke - I smoke Kools, for example - but will the
alcohol in Listerine boil off and get in my bloodstream? I can't take
any at all - it gives me pancreatitis. Or would just maybe mincing
a couple of fresh mint leaves and dropping them into the water work?

IIRC I used 2 x 4k7 in series, from Vcc to 0V, centre-tap - pot wiper.
switch across each R (up/down, or left/right). voila - pot simulator.

There's gotta be a joke here - the only pot involved in this project
is ... %-}

Hey! Maybe I could make it a point to work on this _only_ while high,
just to prove a point? In which case, I'd better really dress it up.
I almost bought two DPDT knife switches at Rat Shack today, just
to make it look retro, but thought, nah - that's a very one-note
joke.

I also failed to find anything I was looking for except a slide
switch grab bag which luckily has the 2X DPDT. No logic chips.
(thought I'd do one of those data selector projects).

Their entire chip inventory:
uA741
LM324
LM339
TIL082
LM383 or 393 - the 8-pin DIP audio amp
7805
555
7555

And, well, at least they still have a couple of transistors.
Click to expand...
Hey, allow me my choice of micro, IGBT and current sensor, and I'll design
you a 1,000,000W smps using those parts!

On the way out the door, I said, "Well, you can tell your manager
that a former loyal customer found out today that Radio Shack
no longer has anything I want, so I guess I won't see you again."

I guess I plonked Radio Shack. ;-)

Cheers!
Rich
Click to expand...
 
"Rich Grise" <null@example.net> wrote in message
news:lVwrc.1689$No1.292@nwrddc02.gnilink.net...
MAME is Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator - with the ROMs from just
about any arcade game made, you can play that game on your PC. This
is what I do most of the time other than annoy people on USENET. :)

Well, I downloaded Robotron, and simulating 2 8-way joysticks is a
nightmare. So I looked into real joysticks, and Wico had them for
$11.50 apiece.
http://www.wicothesource.com/new2/pages/page88.htm
So I bought two.

So, time to plug them into the ol' game port, right? Wrong. It
expects pots not 1 or 2 of 4 switch closures. What to do, what
to do? So I do a little searching, and long story short:

Keyboard Hack!

I have a spare keyboard, so I opened it up, and, of course, it's
membrane switches (I think that's what they're called):
http://home.earthlink.net/~entheos_engineering/images/Keyboard1.jpg
And in this next pic, I've got the two layers kinda separated:
http://home.earthlink.net/~entheos_engineering/images/Keyboard2.jpg
And, it's just a switch closure. (the traces are just bare metal
on mylar).

So, I'm thinking, maybe just plug this into an edge connector of
some kind:
http://home.earthlink.net/~entheos_engineering/images/Keyboard3.jpg
http://home.earthlink.net/~entheos_engineering/images/Keyboard4.jpg

And Heck! I announce to myself, I could try this out by just shorting
pins together and seeing what scancodes come up (there's software
for that out there., and I realize, if I did that, I couldn't log
in. So I'm at kind of a crossroads. I could figure out a way to
run the two DIN connectors into a little Y where only one is allowed
to talk at a time, which is probably the simplest, or figure out
some way to break into that edge connector when the mylar is down
and stuff - or get another keyboard with the same board, and scrape
everything off but the edge connector, and make an extender/breakout
board;

I'm really strongly thinking "Y" adapter - there's one "data" like
from each keyboard - it's purely slave, isn't it? Or should I switch
the clock line as well?

So far, I haven't found a pinout to the level of what sees that
pin from the inside of the PC. Any url's?

Anyway, I'll keep everyone posted on progress, and if I get on just
the right sidetrack, I might turn it into a web page. I wanna do more
with that nifty digital camera too!

Cheers!
Rich

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I make a keyboard emulator / encoder just for that purpose, you can
connect 4 joysticks and 22 switches as well as a full keyboard. Some people
use it for simulators as well. The problem with the KB hack is that you
can't use the full KB and the joystick/switches at the same time. So unless
you like using joystick/switches to navigate the PC they are not to very
user friendly when you have to go back to the PC to do something, but they
do work. http://www.3tronics.com/MAMI4801_Info.htm

Roland DeLuca
 
"Roland" <REMOVETHISrsdeluca@shaw.ca> wrote in message news:poptc.569297>
"Rich Grise" <null@example.net> wrote in message
news:lVwrc.1689$No1.292@nwrddc02.gnilink.net...

Keyboard Hack!

I make a keyboard emulator / encoder just for that purpose, you can
connect 4 joysticks and 22 switches as well as a full keyboard. Some
people
use it for simulators as well. The problem with the KB hack is that you
can't use the full KB and the joystick/switches at the same time. So
unless
you like using joystick/switches to navigate the PC they are not to very
user friendly when you have to go back to the PC to do something, but they
do work. http://www.3tronics.com/MAMI4801_Info.htm
Click to expand...
This looks like a good product, no argument there. But I'm a hacker.
That's Original Hacker(tm), not pirate. :) So I like to build my
own stuff. A couple of the circuits I found have a (an?) R-S flip-flop
that switches from the hacked KB to the regular one, by whichever
one sends its clock pulse. i.e. it seems to accomplish what yours
does. I was too lazy to do that, (and didn't have the right parts
on hand, and RS doesn't even _have_ logic chips any more) so I just
have a couple of DPDT slide switches - I have to switch them both,
but the RS slide-switch grab bag didn't have any 4PDT switches. )-;

I figured out that I'd have to switch back and forth as soon as I
hooked up the klooge and realize I couldn't coin it or start, so
I just put another microswitch at the "1" and "5" crosspoints. :)

Thanks!
Rich
 
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