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RetroAdapter: Original Controllers to USB

Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2022 9:06 am
by ArcadeTV
Since I don't read about these adapters often, I'd like to highly recommend them for using your original controllers via USB.
The project is maintained and updated regularly by rsn8887 who added a lot of features to the original firmware.
If you just want an easy way to play with your original joaypad on MiSTer or play Shredder's Revenge on Switch with SNES controllers - the adapter offers many possibilities by providing a simple update mode and special firmwares for normal HID device, switch, arcade, Android or Xbox variants.

GitHub Repository: https://github.com/rsn8887/RetroAdapterMod

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These adapters are fairly easy to build, the parts are available and affordable. It works out of the box with any DB9 (Mega Drive, Competition Pro) or DB15 (Neo Geo) controller connector and can be used for a wide range of controllers with additional DIY DB9 and DB15 cables. I have not lag-tested the adapter myself, but since I'm very sensitive to lag, I have not noticed any delay while using it.

[spoiler]
Working, fully tested game controllers:

3DO gamepad
9-Pin digital joysticks with 1 or 2 buttons including:

Atari 2600
Atari 400 / 800 / 1200XL / 600XL / 800XL / 65XE / 130XE / 800XE
Commodore VIC-20 / MAX / C64 / Amiga
Amstrad CPC464, CPC6128 and CPC6128 Plus Digital Joysticks


Atari 2600 Driving controller
Atari 2600 Paddles
BBC Micro / Master original 2x joysticks on one cable and 1x Voltmace 14B joystick (adapter box not required)
Commodore C16 / C116 / Plus4 Joystick
Commodore CD32
Dragon 32 / 64
MSX Joystick
NEC PC-Engine gamepad
Neo Geo joystick / gamepad
Nintendo Famicom / NES
Nintendo Gamecube
Nintendo N64
Nintendo Super Famicom / SNES
Nintendo Virtual Boy
PC Gameport
Sega Master System / SG 1000 / SG 1000 II / Mark III
Sega Master System Araknoid (paddle) controller
Sega MegaDrive (Genesis) (3 button and 6 button)
Sega Saturn standard 6 button pad / arcade stick
Sega Saturn Analogue (NiGHTS) Controller
Sinclair ZX Spectrum Plus3 Joystick
Sony Playstation 1 (PSX) original / Dual Shock / arcade stick / dance mat
Sony Playstation 2 (PS2) Dual Shock 2 / arcade stick / dance mat
Sony Playstation Densha de Go! (train) controller
Tandy TRS-80 CoCo (Colour Computer)
TurboGrafx-16 gamepad
X68000 Joystick

Not tested but expected to work:

Sinclair ZX Spectrum Kempston Joystick
TI-99 / 4A Joystick

Fully tested mice / trackballs:

Amiga 2/3 button mouse
Atari 2 button mouse
Nintendo Famicom trackball
Nintendo SNES mouse
[/spoiler]


HOW TO BUILD:
  • Get the Gerber files from the repository
  • Order 1.6mm thick PCBs from your favourite manufacturer (jlcpcb, pcbway etc)
  • Get the parts and solder everything according to the attached PDF guide
  • Programm the bootloader onto the ATMEGA
  • Update or change modes of the adapter any time by pressing a button upon connecting to USB on your computer to enter update-mode
  • Build additional adapter cables according to this chart http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key= ... E&hl=en_GB
For Amiga 500 Mouse use this information to build the correct cable:
viewtopic.php?p=56127#p56127

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Re: RetroAdapter: Original Controllers to USB

Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2022 3:02 pm
by Warstorck
What PC gameport controllers have you tried with the adapter?

Re: RetroAdapter: Original Controllers to USB

Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2022 7:26 pm
by ArcadeTV
Only the MS Sidewinder since it was the only one I had.