Help wanted' custom joystick builder

[Shawn]

5 hours ago, doubledown said:

So what is a "Paradise Cthulhu"...

 

and can you provide pics of the items you already have finished?

 

I asked him about the same previously and he wouldn't post anything. I assume he has nothing. Maybe a few parts sitting in a pile at best.

[tripletopper]

5 hours ago, PlaysWithWolves said:

 

I guess he means this:  https://paradisearcadeshop.com/home/electrical/pcbs-lighting/pcbs-for-controllers/godlike-controls-pcbs/1828_mc-cthulhu-multi-console-pcb-by-toodles

 

 

I said a Paradise Cthulhu to mean it is not built by shoryuken.com user name Toodles himself. But licensed to Paradise Arcade Shop for them to build according to his plans.

 

I haven't heard my previous stick maker, Stan, lie to me.  So if he says it works in both left and right handed mode for all the Paradise Cthulhu-compatible systems he could test ( all except NES and TG16) and all worked, i'll believe him until I see affirmative (or contrary) proof when i receive the stick itself.  Eiyher way, I'll know in a week 

 

If this works, then this proves my design, and hopefully show it by next friday on twitch.

[tripletopper]

Sorry forgot to press post at 12 am eastern, was drawn from smartphone.

 

Most are parts, but by next friday. I'll have a stick working for all systems that cthulhu and possibly direct adapters can support.  It just takes a week to ship to me cheaply.

 

You'll find out when i find out.

 

I'll have to get my data working better.  Sprint is currently worse than my awful dsl.     It's great everyehere EXCEPT my house. Where i need it most.

 

 

[+x=usr(1536)]

Have you considered doing this in software?  It seems like a much cleaner (and more flexible) way of accomplishing all of this.

 

A RasPi or similar between your stick and the device you want to control, a couple of USB-to-whatever-controller adapters, and some, oh, say...  Python.  Much better than dealing with the physical solution you're describing.

[tripletopper]

A non-computerized system has 2 advantages over a computerized one using RaspberryPi

 

1) It causes less ping.  And ever since we swapped from CRT TVs to digiital displays, there have been 10x as many virtual lives lost than the whole CRT era.  (A Public Service Message for the Cathoide Ray Tube Preservaiton Society)   And likewise digital manipulation, if not done right, can delay inputs.  Plus it requires someone with programing knowledge.

 

2)  If I win some sort of video game competition and people inspect my stick and see a "non-standard computer chip" in the wiring scheme they can run tests on it, and programing is so open ended may find a way I could possibly cheat.

 

The reason for number 2, and the inspiration for my flippable design, was the InterAct Alloy Dreamcast Stick.  I noticed it was programable, so I did a few things, (obviously not when competing against someone) I could "flip my stick" and make it right handed.  That’s how I discovered both the general theory of doing that as well as the "smiling contour problem."   But also I could flip my stick and make every initial leftward and rightward movement start with a "Dragon Punch motion" upon initial activation, automatically, every time, even when attempting to not do dragon punch motion upon first movement.

 

Those are the 2 main reasons why I want it done analoguely.  Peace of mind in both no ping time, and not open myself on cheating accusations.

 

By the way it’s also both cheaper and easier to replace with existing cheap equipment ( just find 3.5 mm Male-Male cable) than a custom program, and Pi machine

 

Plus you have to deal with USB translation into proprietary joystick code.   Coding (going from an uncoded format, like one wire=one control method to a coded controller language)  is the easiest of the 3 methods, with the other 2 being decoding (taking a coded signal  and breaking it into its discrete elements) and the worst is transcoding (going from PS2 to Dreamcast for example.)   The reason why the Cthulhu works so well on so many systems is becase all it is is a joystick coder, no decoding, no transcoding.

Edited October 18, 2019 by tripletopper

[+x=usr(1536)]

1 hour ago, tripletopper said:

A non-computerized system has 2 advantages over a computerized one using RaspberryPi

 

1) It causes less ping.  And ever since we swapped from CRT TVs to digiital displays, there have been 10x as many virtual lives lost than the whole CRT era.  (A Public Service Message for the Cathoide Ray Tube Preservaiton Society)   And likewise digital manipulation, if not done right, can delay inputs.  Plus it requires someone with programing knowledge.

 

One video frame takes 1/60th of a second to display (in North America, at least).  1/60th of a second is is 16.67 milliseconds in duration.  The amount of time it would take for the joystick input to be read, translated, and output would be substantially less than that.  The delay is not appreciable in this case; human response times to on-screen events can't even happen at 16.67ms.  It's a moot point.

 

1 hour ago, tripletopper said:

 

2)  If I win some sort of video game competition and people inspect my stick and see a "non-standard computer chip" in the wiring scheme they can run tests on it, and programing is so open ended may find a way I could possibly cheat.

 

OK, but if you're using any kind of modified controller (such as the one you've described here) in competition, how is that not the same thing?  It doesn't matter if the changes are analogue or digital; it's still modified.

 

1 hour ago, tripletopper said:

 

The reason for number 2, and the inspiration for my flippable design, was the InterAct Alloy Dreamcast Stick.  I noticed it was programable, so I did a few things, (obviously not when competing against someone) I could "flip my stick" and make it right handed.  That’s how I discovered both the general theory of doing that as well as the "smiling contour problem."   But also I could flip my stick and make every initial leftward and rightward movement start with a "Dragon Punch motion" upon initial activation, automatically, every time, even when attempting to not do dragon punch motion upon first movement.

 

Those are the 2 main reasons why I want it done analoguely.  Peace of mind in both no ping time, and not open myself on cheating accusations.

 

I'm increasingly of the opinion that your motivation is not getting caught as opposed to solving an actual problem.

 

1 hour ago, tripletopper said:

By the way it’s also both cheaper and easier to replace with existing cheap equipment ( just find 3.5 mm Male-Male cable) than a custom program, and Pi machine

 

If it's that cheap and easy, why aren't you doing it yourself?

 

1 hour ago, tripletopper said:

 

Plus you have to deal with USB translation into proprietary joystick code.   Coding (going from an uncoded format, like one wire=one control method to a coded controller language)  is the easiest of the 3 methods, with the other 2 being decoding (taking a coded signal  and breaking it into its discrete elements) and the worst is transcoding (going from PS2 to Dreamcast for example.)   The reason why the Cthulhu works so well on so many systems is becase all it is is a joystick coder, no decoding, no transcoding.

 

Now I know that you have absolutely no idea how any of this actually works.

 

The next time I hear the voice in the back of my head telling me that the thread is best avoided, I'm going to give it more credence.

[tripletopper]

1 hour ago, x=usr(1536) said:

 

 

OK, but if you're using any kind of modified controller (such as the one you've described here) in competition, how is that not the same thing?  It doesn't matter if the changes are analogue or digital; it's still modified.

 

The controller i described is NOT what I'm using.  I showing if I WOULD have done that during a tourment, the model, once it's known it has Macros would he suspicious, if not automatically disqualified.

 

The hit box is legal, if it corrects the issue if simultaneous opposite cardinal directions.  But a right handed arrangenent is legal.  Also in a game where any game can possibly be used, butoon remapping helps a right hander.  (Think Tutenkham, Side Arms, and Pac-Land)  I can show the button swapping is legal if they see no computerized equipment other than a paradise cthulhu, because it conforms to standards   They could test my cthulhu to see it it's electronically equal to a real one.   Once they did that, they can look at the other equipment, basic 3.5 mm connectors, and y-ed wires connected only on one end.  And they'd pass me.

 

 

 

Quote

 

I'm increasingly of the opinion that your motivation is not getting caught as opposed to solving an actual problem.

This is not Polo.  Horses won't crash into each other (or some other greater good won't be prevented) in Street Fighter if lefties face righties. 

 

You have a problem with a right handed stick?  Are you a medievalist, forcing a right handed way in all children? Is process > results?  There's probably ADA protection I could have for discriminating against righties.

If it's that cheap and easy, why aren't you doing it yourself?

 

Quote

Now I know that you have absolutely no idea how any of this actually works.

I know the theory.  Unfortunatelty, i don't have the tools or physical talent to make a passable, let alone somewhat professional job.

 

This is too specidic and narrow of a skill to get training on.

 

I lnow that usb to other device coding is harder to find than a cthulhu.  Plus there are problems right handers have in games the left handers don't.

 

A predefined USB adapter and a Pi remapper box requires programming knowledge.  $programmers > $woodworkers/electricians.

 

Plus it gets improves the resume of whoever i hire and my friends list gets bigger.

Quote

The next time I hear the voice in the back of my head telling me that the thread is best avoided, I'm going to give it more credence.

Next friday, you may be a believer if my cell phone speed can actually speed beyond my dsl.  I show it, and open it and show the internal wiring, and show it works left and right handed.

Edited October 18, 2019 by tripletopper

[+x=usr(1536)]

19 minutes ago, tripletopper said:

 

The controller i described is NOT what I'm using.  I showing if I WOULD have done that during a tourment, the model, once it's known it has Macros would he suspicious, if not automatically disqualified.

 

The hit box is legal, if it corrects the issue if simultaneous opposite cardinal directions.  But a right handed arrangenent is legal.  Also in a game where any game can possibly be used, butoon remapping helps a right hander.  (Think Tutenkham, Side Arms, and Pac-Land)  I can show the button swapping is legal if they see no computerized equipment other than a paradise cthulhu, because it conforms to standards   They could test my cthulhu to see it it's electronically equal to a real one.   Once they did that, they can look at the other equipment, basic 3.5 mm connectors, and y-ed wires connected only on one end.  And they'd pass me.

 

 

 

This is not Polo.  Horses won't crash into each other (or some other greater good won't be prevented) in Street Fighter if lefties face righties. 

 

You're right.  And I totally get it now, because Street Fighter is SERIOUS BUSINESS.

 

19 minutes ago, tripletopper said:

You have a problem with a right handed stick?  Are you a medievalist, forcing a right handed way in all children? Is process > results?  There's probably ADA protection I could have for discriminating against righties.

 

Damn and blast!  You've discovered that I am a part of the Vast Right-Hand Conspiracy!

 

We bind left-handed children's wrists to the belt loop on the back of their trousers, then force them to write out the dictionary right-handed; any complaints and we beat them with a (right-handed) switch.  We also wear monocles and twirl the ends of our moustaches with our right hands while doing so.  Sometimes we even laugh cruelly at their misfortune.  It's a good life, really: flexible hours, nice benefits and a 401(k), and the sobs of childhood misery echoing throughout the office.  Can't really ask for much more than that.

 

19 minutes ago, tripletopper said:

If it's that cheap and easy, why aren't you doing it yourself?

 

I know the theory.  Unfortunatelty, i don't have the tools or physical talent to make a passable, let alone somewhat professional job.

 

This is too specidic and narrow of a skill to get training on.

 

I lnow that usb to other device coding is harder to find than a cthulhu.  Plus there are problems right handers have in games the left handers don't.

 

A predefined USB adapter and a Pi remapper box requires programming knowledge.  $programmers > $woodworkers/electricians.

 

Plus it gets improves the resume of whoever i hire and my friends list gets bigger.

Next friday, you may be a believer if my cell phone speed can actually speed beyond my dsl.  I show it, and open it and show the internal wiring, and show it works left and right handed.

 

All I know is that I've built around two dozen arcade game control panels in my lifetime in addition to having rebuilt many, many controllers.  I've also run my own consulting business for a few years.  While that may not make me the world's leading authority on the subject of controls or consulting, it does give me enough experience in both areas to be able to say that you're going to have a difficult time finding anyone who wants to work with you on this.

 

"I'm going to buy some parts, now you go make them work," is essentially the approach you're taking.  Hint: if a client ever tries to pull that one on me, I'm out the door because I know the client will never be satisfied with what ends up being delivered to them, even though they received exactly what it was that they asked for.  You need to figure out how to actually collaborate with your consultant in order to come up with a workable solution.

 

Oh, and if you think anyone who is experienced and capable enough of actually pulling off this project is going to build their resumé on the back of your work...  You're way, way off-base.

[PlaysWithWolves]

7 minutes ago, x=usr(1536) said:

Damn and blast!  You've discovered that I am a part of the Vast Right-Hand Conspiracy!

 

[tripletopper]

1 hour ago, x=usr(1536) said:

 

You're right.  And I totally get it now, because Street Fighter is SERIOUS BUSINESS.

 

 

Damn and blast!  You've discovered that I am a part of the Vast Right-Hand Conspiracy!

 

We bind left-handed children's wrists to the belt loop on the back of their trousers, then force them to write out the dictionary right-handed; any complaints and we beat them with a (right-handed) switch.  We also wear monocles and twirl the ends of our moustaches with our right hands while doing so.  Sometimes we even laugh cruelly at their misfortune.  It's a good life, really: flexible hours, nice benefits and a 401(k), and the sobs of childhood misery echoing throughout the office.  Can't really ask for much more than that.

 

 

All I know is that I've built around two dozen arcade game control panels in my lifetime in addition to having rebuilt many, many controllers.  I've also run my own consulting business for a few years.  While that may not make me the world's leading authority on the subject of controls or consulting, it does give me enough experience in both areas to be able to say that you're going to have a difficult time finding anyone who wants to work with you on this.

 

"I'm going to buy some parts, now you go make them work," is essentially the approach you're taking.  Hint: if a client ever tries to pull that one on me, I'm out the door because I know the client will never be satisfied with what ends up being delivered to them, even though they received exactly what it was that they asked for.  You need to figure out how to actually collaborate with your consultant in order to come up with a workable solution.

 

Oh, and if you think anyone who is experienced and capable enough of actually pulling off this project is going to build their resumé on the back of your work...  You're way, way off-base.

By the way, i did not get this knowledge infused in me at birth.  I looked atound. I did it yhe old fashoinef way, askef people who knee.  I also ibdependentlybl observed the rules of y-conbector power with my Hauppauge rocket, for it to y,  the s video nerds to be powered.  It's too weak if unpowered snd y connected. But if one end of the y is unconnected, but i still use a y connector,  it's not too weak.

 

 

Each design choice was asked about individually, and each part was confirmed by more than one person on shoryuken.com They said TECHNICALLLY it could be done that way but it's not what I'd choose.  

 

It's just hard to propose all 3 or 4 together,  let alone make people understand why i want that particular combination,  and make it complete.

 

That'a why i am only proposing one of the 2 hardest parts.   The  other part i  believe is done.  It with shipped to me by next friday.

 

Let me go ask some shoryuken.com member who competes for xbox points, the right to smack talk, and possibly money if good enough, "What would draw more red flags from refs, your design or mine?"

 

If personal emjoyment is the goal, or technology advancenent, then your design is better.

 

However, I'm going to do as twitch stream "Jukebox and Jackpots". where people pay to request games to be played and some of that  money can be made back by a winner if they beat me in said game.   If I'm giving away bits, and it's based on video game performance, i don't want anyone accusing me of cheating unless I actually am, which I'm trying to show actively i'm not.  That's why a lack of specialized computer programming and chips is probably the easiest and safest way of showing it was fair.

[CPUWIZ]

Dude, seek help, from a medical professional, instead of AA.

[+stupus]

3 hours ago, tripletopper said:

I looked atound. I did it yhe old fashoinef way, askef people who knee.  I also ibdependentlybl observed the rules of y-conbector power with my Hauppauge rocket, for it to y,  the s video nerds to be powered.

Diagnosis....

[doubledown]

It's like shaking hands with a bunch of bananas!

[CPUWIZ]

@trippletopper

 

I would really like to see pics of all your custom controllers.  May give some other people inspiration.

[tripletopper]

Adsuming my guy quits and sends it monday, and my cellular internet problem is fixed, I'll show it live on twitch., And save the video on you tube.

 

If he doesn't quit, then we patched it up.  But if he does, you'll see it.  One of 2 universal enhancements are used.  There are 2 other enhancenents  that are system-specific, one involves all keypad systems, the other involves Coleco Super Action roller games.

[+x=usr(1536)]

1 hour ago, tripletopper said:

Adsuming my guy quits and sends it monday, and my cellular internet problem is fixed, I'll show it live on twitch., And save the video on you tube.

 

If he doesn't quit, then we patched it up.  But if he does, you'll see it.  One of 2 universal enhancements are used.  There are 2 other enhancenents  that are system-specific, one involves all keypad systems, the other involves Coleco Super Action roller games.

 

Why don't you just put the pictures up on your website?

[tripletopper]

Yes, i can put up both static pictures too.  That's plan b if my outbound cellular net isn't fixed.

 

Still photos.  

 

By the way. The externals of the exact same stick ate at sinistersticks.com .  Look on the right hand colunn.  It's the exact same joysticj rotated 180 degrees.

 

May not be exact to what a specific person would want.   but a good arrangement for an off-the shelf stick for many.

Edited October 20, 2019 by tripletopper

[Shawn]

9 hours ago, tripletopper said:

Yes, i can put up both static pictures too.  That's plan b if my outbound cellular net isn't fixed.

 

Still photos.  

 

By the way. The externals of the exact same stick ate at sinistersticks.com .  Look on the right hand colunn.  It's the exact same joysticj rotated 180 degrees.

 

May not be exact to what a specific person would want.   but a good arrangement for an off-the shelf stick for many.

 

Why are you still posting these walls of useless non-sense?  

This fantasy joystick isn't getting built for you, not at any price and not from any member of this forum.

If you are so sure of yourself and this design you will have to build it on your own. Full stop.

 

[CPUWIZ]

What does cellular internet have to do with anything?  I want to see pics of ALL your custom controllers, I mean you post about controllers in every nook and cranny of this forum, it is all you ever make walls of text for.  Show some.

[tripletopper]

I hsve picturrs of the button layout as an ambidextetous-contoured arngement.  In a few minutes and post specific links.

 

In the meantimez visit my new website (websites...so zeroes) sinistersticks.com

 

Pictures are in right hand column of 

[tripletopper]

... of the website mentioned. 

 

Power totally died on my Android.  let me continue.

 

I looked up my ftp.  I'll link pictures directly now....

 

 

[+x=usr(1536)]

29 minutes ago, tripletopper said:

I hsve picturrs of the button layout as an ambidextetous-contoured arngement.  In a few minutes and post specific links.

 

In the meantimez visit my new website (websites...so zeroes) sinistersticks.com

 

Pictures are in right hand column of 

Those are the exact same pictures you pointed everyone at earlier.

 

SHOW US YOUR OTHER CUSTOM CONTROLLERS.  That's what's been asked for, twice, yet you keep posting the same crap we've already seen.

 

Also, is your webhost's server farm tethered to your phone's Internet connection?  Response times for your site are sub-56Kbps-slow.

Edited October 21, 2019 by x=usr(1536)

[OldSchoolRetroGamer]

Edited October 21, 2019 by OldSchoolRetroGamer

[tripletopper]

Hopefully coming by a week from tomorrow.  Shipping tomorrow hopefully.

[+x=usr(1536)]

Do you ever give your controllers names?  'Julay' would be a good name for a controller.