Gamepad ports in 5.25" drive space

[Ziggy]

I got this idea a while back, but I was thinking about it more just now. I'm not actually geared to do this, at least not any time soon. Just thought I'd post the idea and see if people could add to it.

So I use my Super Smart Joy a lot, and I thought it'd be cool and more convenient to just plug my SNES controller directly into my computer. I thought it'd be easy to mount my Smart Joy in an empty drive space, and most people usually have at least one empty bay (I have four 5¼" spaces on my main rig right now). Then I got the idea to mount two Smart Joy's in a 5¼ bay, which gave me an even better idea. It'd be kinda like a multi card reader, only for gamepads, multiple gamepad ports in a single 5¼" drive space.

Is this idea original? I've never heard or seen it done before. I would go with a SNES (obviously), PS1/2, N64, and maybe a NES (would consider some thing else instead of the NES though) on mine.

Here's what I would do (right off the top of my head)... Get all my USB adapters, open them up and see what they look like inside to get a better idea of how much space I'd have to work with. Then I would take a busted CD drive and gut it so I can get a nice 5¼" case to mount in my PC. Not sure exactly what I would use for the face, some kind of plastic I guess. Mounting all the adapters inside the case, I would just wing it using whatever materials I have available at the time (I think I work better this way lol). Then to tie it all together, I'd get a small USB hub to also fit (hopefully) inside the drive case, and wire it to plug into my motherboard's internal USB pins.

Good idea? Just talking about it is getting me a little pumped to do it.

[jfe2]

This sounds interesting. If you can pull it off, I want pics! I wish I had the know how to do this type of stuff

[fastbilly1]

Ive seen Xbox and PS2 ports on a pc before - 3.5 slot. The guy said it was a pretty easy mod, he took a floppy drive, a broken PS2, and two usb adapters and made it. It wasnt that pretty though, I remember gaps on both sides.

[Ziggy]

Yeah, my original idea was to just shove my Smart Joy into an old floppy case. But I figure, if you're gonna do it, go all out. I would try and make it as pretty as possible, more like something you would buy rather than some Frankenstein thing some one made in their basement.

I might get this guy and another SmartJoy and try it out. I guess I'd also have to pick up a USB hub, but I should have everything else I need.

[bacteria]

I think you will find this site rather interesting for your project:

http://www.raphnet.net/electronique/electronique_en.php

[Ziggy]

The multiuse PCB looks awesome, thanks for the link!

[fastbilly1]

I am curious of how you are going to progress on this Ziggy. But Ill second Bacteria - Raphnet is a very brilliant site. Might aswell stick two DB9 ports on there.

[Ziggy]

Yeah, I actually didn't realize until now, I have browsed that site many times. I would find one of the projects in a google search, never realized it was the same site.

I found this, it would be easier to fit something like that inside the case. Though I might go with this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817182168

[GSZX1337]

I think this has been done, before. I know that the RetroUSB RetroKits allow you to do this.

Can be put inside the controller, or build real NES/SNES ports onto your computer.

I've also heard bad things about the N64 converter you picked out. Try one of these:

http://www.retrousb.com/product_info.ph ... ucts_id=82

http://www.raphnet-tech.com/products/gc ... ?category=

[Dylan]

I might get this guy

Don't. I picked one of these up cheap a while back, and it didn't work with any of my 6 N64 controllers.

I'm using one I purchased at raphnet (like GSZX said) and it works flawlessly, so I'd recommend one of those.