Universal Interface box Using Dual Strike Ctrl (Multiple Ground to Single) Idea « on: February 18, 2005, 12:18:09 AM »

I've been looking for an all in one solution to connect additional control panels and authentic console controllers to my existing cab (nes, snes, sega, atari).  I wanted it to be portable and I didn't want the expense of purchasing separate converter boxes for each joystick type.  I was partly inspired by the USB to NES Project in the announcement forum. 

Initially I wanted to find a way to decode the input by building a serial-parallel interface.  While feasible, it wouldn't work for all types of controllers.  So I figured maybe I should "gut" the controllers and wire them directly to a keyboard encoder.  But what about analog...

I really want to hook up some atari paddles and play some warlords and then eventually add a flightstick, etc.  So I looked into the dual strike controllers.  They have two pots and 13 additional inputs.  Sounded perfect. 

Well yes and no.  I didn't realize at the time but the inputs don't share a common ground (most everyone probably knew this but me).  I certainly don't want to have a wire with 25-30 conductors to connect a snes controller. So I got to thinking and read up some more.

I think I may have a possible way to workaround this limitation. 

I would have to provide the controller with 5v for each switch and a common ground.  I would get these from the USB connector.  When an input is made, a transistor is activated closing circuit of Dual strike input to its corresponding ground.

I have a small, if zero, knowledge on electronics.  The last week or so has been a crash course. 

So I need some help.  I'm unclear as to what types of transistors, resistors, etc I would need?  I'll post a crude functional diagram of the circuit.   So if anyone has any comments, suggestions, etc please post.  Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Here's a diagram I made.  Hopefully it will explain more.

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Re: Universal Interface box Using Dual Strike Ctrl (Multiple Ground to Single) Idea « Reply #2 on: February 18, 2005, 12:19:29 AM »

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Re: Universal Interface box Using Dual Strike Ctrl (Multiple Ground to Single) Idea « Reply #4 on: February 18, 2005, 08:44:19 AM »

I can't really help you, but I'd love to do the same thing.  I hope someone has some suggestions.  Let us know how it turns out.