Modding a PSx Controller For Parallel Port

[ChazZTheSpazZ]

I found this really awesome tutorial for creating an adaptor for your PS1 or PS2 controller to plug into your PC's parallel port. Here's the link:

http://www.emulatronia.com/reportajes/directpad/psxeng/

I have two questions though. I don't know if anyone here has any knowledge of electrical components but this is the only place I know of where I'll get some answer one way or another. First, are the diodes necessary? I don't feel like buying them and I don't know where (if at all) around the house I could pull them out of something. Second, are there drivers for Linux, more specifically Puppy? I Googled all over and found drivers for Windows, but not Linux.

Oh yeah, one more question. Does this thread belong here (Truly off-topic conversations)?

[fluxit]

This may or may not be helpful. I came across it while installing my MS Sidewinder gamepads on Puppy.

http://linuxgazette.net/122/tag/1.html

I'm running 1.09CE so I'm not sure if it is applicable on Puppy 2.
I did build the test programs, which built and ran fine.

--Lee

-[edit]- README-parport as mentioned on the referenced page does describe the function of those diodes as well. Also 2.4,2.6 kernels are discussed.

[ChazZTheSpazZ]

So the diodes protect my parallel port from being destroyed by the controller drawing too much power, right? Do I have to use certain diodes or can I just rip out any I find in some device (like an old radio I have in my junk pile)? Also, does running the PS2 controller via parallel port without diodes really run the risk of harming my computer?

[jason.b.c]

So the diodes protect my parallel port from being destroyed by the controller drawing too much power, right? Do I have to use certain diodes or can I just rip out any I find in some device (like an old radio I have in my junk pile)? Also, does running the PS2 controller via parallel port without diodes really run the risk of harming my computer?

First, are the diodes necessary?

No probably not, But you will need Resistors..
Here read through this..
http://www.epanorama.net/circuits/paral ... rogramming
and this..
http://www.epanorama.net/documents/joys ... stick.html

But why interface a playstation controller with the parallel port when you could do it through a USB port..
Sort of like this.. http://www.i-hacked.com/content/view/78/62/ only not X-Box
Or you could just buy one of these things..
http://www.lik-sang.com/list.php?category=161&

What do you think..????

[jason.b.c]

Oh i almost forgot, Here's that other thing i was looking for..
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/149

But instead of doing that with the parallel port why not try this..??
http://ewal.net/led-meter/ Cool stuff..!!

[fluxit]

So the diodes protect my parallel port from being destroyed by the controller drawing too much power, right?

AFAIK the diodes allow you to connect multiple data lines on the parallel port to a single line on the PSX controller while keeping the lines somewhat isolated from each other.

Do I have to use certain diodes or can I just rip out any I find in some device (like an old radio I have in my junk pile)?

As long as they work, and don't leak too much. Not using any diodes may cause the mod to fail to work. It probably wouldn't damage your parallel port, but I wouldn't bet on it.

--Lee

[wow]

There is no drivers for linux, you'll need to configure some modules, I've done that last year in MandrivaFree2006. But my psx pad is broken, so I haven't tested this with puppy, anyways I did it last time following this instructions: http://bulma.net/body.phtml?nIdNoticia=1268
As you can see is in spanish, sorry.