Something about a shift serializer?
SONIC the Hedgehog
Posts: 321
I remember talking about controllers, specifically an NES controller, and then something was said about a data serializer to shift data or something so less pins would be used. Could someone please elaborate and maybe send me off to where I could find one. I don't particularly want to hurt or gut any NES controllers.
Comments
He also linked to an object.
Are you looking for other alternatives?
My heads been spinning and I've been doing so much lately, plus I thought I'd get back into DirectX and C++ programming, so I forgot about this. But yes, I was actually checking the OBEX as you replied.
So do you want to make your own controller that emulates one of these other controllers you listed?
I doubt there's much to go on when it comes to making a specific controller. There's lots of code for reading the data coming out of a game controller but not much that I know of for emulating one. Usually it's easier and cheaper to buy a controller than to make your own.
I like to use Wii Nunchucks in my projects. I cringe thinking about trying to make my own. I think I could figure out how to read a joystick, buttons and accerlerometer but trying to get all the electronics it to fit nicely in a little handheld enclosure would be hard. It would also cost me several times more to make one than to buy one ready made.
Often when someone makes their own controller it's to add features ready made controllers don't have. Here's a great example of a custom controller project.
Unfortunately, then it seems you are probably going to have to reverse engineer the controllers. I'm sure that worst case scenario taking one apart, looking at the circuitry and finding your data lines, clock and latch lines(if present), and taking a voltage measurement from the power lines coming out of the system in question. From there, I imagine it would be trial and error finding the right baud rate(if needed), and output data structure when you hit whatever button. Using the PST as a debug window should be enough to get a basic idea of the workings, once you solve the connection issue... and that would not be too difficult either. You could probably go a google search for "Dreamcast controller pinout" and come up with at least a connection diagram. I did a little digging, and found this gem for you.
http://mc.pp.se/dc/controller.html
Afterthought....
I know that OldBitCollector has done a great project called the "Funtendo" that you can hook up an old school Nintendo controller, N64 controller, and a Wii classic controller up to a computer through a propeller, and use them with emulators. I'm sure his code would give you a giant chunk of what you need. Here is a quick link for ya.
http://gadgetgangster.com/news/54-new-projects/518-funtendo.html
Good luck to ya!