arcade joystick to cpu question

[joshua]

i've a arcade coin op i would like to wire the current joysticks and buttons to interface with my cpu to be used with mame, is there any info out there on how to do this straight form the controls to the cpu? or is there any other way other than x-arcade to use arcade controls with a cpu?

[PhoenixSoft]

By CPU, I assume you are talking about your computer's system unit. A CPU is a tiny chip inside your computer, not the computer itself.

 

Anyway, enough ranting, the cheapest way to hook controls up to your computer is via an old keyboard. Basically, you get an old keyboard and rip it open, then solder the controls onto the keyboard's board so that when you press the controls it shorts the points on the board just like a key press would. This lets emulators pick up the button presses as key strokes.

[Stingray]

Keyboard hacks are very time consuming and tricky to get working correctly. If you want to do it correctly get yourself a keyboard encoder. I use the iPac from Ultimarc ( http://www.ultimarc.com ). Very quick and easy to set up and it works like a charm.

 

If you're really interested in building arcade controls you should have a look at the Build Your Own Arcade Controls site ( http://www.arcadecontrols.com ). That site has a wealth of information on the subject and the forums there have a large user base of very knowlgable people.

 

-S