Posted by Darren Harris on 16, 2000 at 9:56 PM:
In Reply to: Re: Interface>Platform>Speed posted by Tiger-Heli on 16, 2000 at 12:56 PM:
The Hagstrom KE72 with everything I'll need to also interface one of my Millipede tracballs comes out to about $170.00 with shipping? And the I-PAC equipment I'll need that does all the same things will be about half that(if my math is correct).
It is best to get an encoder when I build my special(from the ground up) CP. I'm going to have to learn as much as I can about interfacing, soldering, ect. anyway, and therefore can use the practice for when I get around to building it.
But that is the future. What I want to do now is use the Sidewinder PCBs in a setup where I can disconnect them from the control panel I'm using and connect the assembly to a different one. For instance, I may disconnect my 2-player Mario Bros. CP so I can connect my Star Trek(spinner) CP, or my Millipede(trackball) CP.(As mentioned, these are the actual arcade control panels(which I will be building into their own boxes)). I'm hoping that I will not have to endure the eternally long reboots when I switch, and I'm really hoping that the game port and PS/2 port can be used *at the same time*. Not just for a 2-player control panel like Mario Bros., but also for my Star Trek control panel where at certain times, the spinner motion and depression of two of the three game buttons will occur at the exact same time. Nevertheless, it appears that the PS/2 port and game port are all I need for everything I want to do(for now).
I have a couple PS/2 mice lying around that I can hack. And for what it is worth, I have an unused printer port, two unused USB ports, and I see two 9 pin ports(Serial, I guess). I also have two dual serial mouse adapters(Y-mouse). Though I cannot figure out a use for those.
***I'm still looking for the site mentioned concerning how to hack a PS/2 mouse for a trackball or spinner.(If I can accomplish this, I'm assuming that I will not have to worry about getting +5V from the PC power supply?). So if there are any "how to" instructions(idiot versions)-preferrably with visuals-anywhere on the web, I'd appreciate the links. :-)
Thanks a lot.
Darren HArris
Searcher7@mail.con2.com
P.S: I'm also going to hack (4)sidewinders for (2)Nintendo vs. metal control panels for a couple of my friends.(No trackballs spinners or pricey encoders needed).