Wii Classic Controller Object works fine on PS/2 Port.

Oldbitcollector (Jeff) · 2011-02-27 10:45

Here's an idea that should have already happened...

Say goodbye to cramping NES controllers and their funky connectors...
Add a Wii Classic Controller to your Propeller without hacking in another port.

This configuration works fine with both the Demoboard and uController Game Stacker and C3. (See further in the thread for C3 info.)

I've also updated MIGS to include support for this configuration:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/7557533/shared/MIGS.zip

OBC

Cluso99 · 2011-02-27 16:16

Well done OBC.
It would be simpler to use a 1v8 zener in series to cut down the supply voltage. 2 or 3 series diodes would work too. I purchased a Wii Clasic Controller Pro on eBay (esurfstore) for ~$8 including shipping. At this price, cut the Wii connector off and replace with a PS2 (or in my case a USB) plug with the zener in the cable. No need to worry about a pcb.

Rayman · 2011-02-28 09:52

I forgot that the "Wii Classic Controller" could also work like the nunchuck (over i2c).

The classic controller could actually be pretty nice for the CNC project I'm working on...

Using the PS/2 port is not a bad idea either... I guess the Proto and demo boards all come with that connector (as well as my PropBox board

Would be fairly easy to make a little PCB with Wii on one end and a plug for the mouse port on the other...

Does code exist already for the "classic controller" ?

Never mind, I see the code in your first post...

Oldbitcollector (Jeff) · 2011-02-28 10:03

The MIGS Wii object is minimal to make it easy to switch from one controller to another with any program which uses the "MIGS standard"

The full object for the Wii Classic Controller is here: http://obex.parallax.com/objects/470/

OBC

Rayman · 2011-02-28 11:06

I just took a look for a PCB connector mini-DIN6 w/male pins, but such a thing doesn't seem to exist...
That makes it a bit harder... Now, it would have to be a cable assembly instead of a simple PCB...

Rayman · 2011-02-28 11:59

I wonder how dangerous it would be to run a wire from Vdd (+3.3VDC) to one of the unused PS/2 jack pins...

trodoss · 2011-02-28 12:24

@Rayman,

I haven't found a Mini Din 6 male connector made for a PCB, however there are cable assemblies available:
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=CP-2060-ND

http://www.pimfg.com/Product-Detail/MINI-6P-MOD

It might be possible to take just the 6 pin header and adapt that for a PCB.

--trodoss

Rayman · 2011-02-28 12:27

I like that idea! Just make a matching hole pattern in the PCB...

I'm thinking that an LED would be a nice way of dropping the voltage... I think red us usually ~2 VDC...

trodoss · 2011-02-28 12:31

Right!
I attached an image of the assembly on my previous post. I would think that if you were making a PCB, you could make one with a 6 Pin header on one end, and a Wii adapter on the other end.

There are a few WiiChuck PCB's floating around that are close (without the MiniDIN 6 connector, of course):
http://www.solarbotics.com/products/31040

http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9281

Maybe something like that? With the Wii adapter being "onboard" really the only other "hardware" required would be something to handle the voltage drop (LED or regulator) and the Mini DIN 6 male header.

Oldbitcollector (Jeff) · 2011-02-28 12:32

I'm still breadboarded so I can test that LED tonight when I get back.

The Wii Classic Controller actually ran fine for two days here at 5v. But given that the device is designed for 3v it's probably a good idea to drop the voltage.

I'm picturing a tiny PCB that has a mount for a male PS/2 jack on one side and a slide-on Wii connector on the other.

Bet we could come up with a $5.00 kit based on this...

OBC

Rayman · 2011-02-28 12:43

Jeff, if you try out the LED, could you put it in series with say 500 Ohms to ground, so that it lights up a little.
(using the junction of the LED and the resistor as the supply).
Also, maybe put a 0.1 to 1.0 uF cap across the resistor to stabilize the supply...

I just looked on Amazon and I think the "Wii Classic Controller PRO" looks better as a CNC controller... Looks easier to hold onto...

Cluso99 · 2011-02-28 16:50

You can buy a Wii cable extender cheaply on eBay. I have one. If you cut the end off and replace with a PS2 male plug and include the zener/led or a couple of diodes in the plug you have an adapter to any Will device (Nuchuck, Motion Plus (the gyro), etc). Just remember, the Wii Controller is a master and, at least for now, cannot be used (and it has the wrong connector).

Oldbitcollector (Jeff) · 2011-02-28 18:33

Simply replaced the LED across the input/output of where the voltage regulator was... LED lights at reasonable level. Voltage measured at 3.6v. Controller working fine.

OBC

Rayman · 2011-03-01 06:02

Thanks for testing that out OBC.
Ok, I think I like Cluso's idea of the Wii cable extender to PS2 plug. It's only about $2 from digikey. I'm not sure an LED would fit inside, but a zener or 2 diodes should.

Another option may be to skip the cable extender and just splice into the original cable, towards the end. Maybe we can get it so the cable has 2 connectors on the end, PS/2 and Wii... Have to stuff 2 cables and a diode or two into the connector though, might be a tight fit...

Oldbitcollector (Jeff) · 2011-03-03 10:42

I have it working on the C3 now. (I figured it out in my sleep and woke up with the answer.)

The ground connection I was using was a connection to the barrel of the PS/2 connector, there is in fact another connection to the pin itself. DUH. So apparently the demoboard, and uController stacker have a connection between the two that the C3 doesn't.

End result achieved! C3 owners can how have a modern game controller without opening the case that Parallax created for it.

OBC

Wii Classic Controller Object works fine on PS/2 Port.

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