Converting NES Controller to USB

TimSama · Post by **TimSama** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 11:24 am

From looking at the NES controller chip pinout and USB wiring, why do things like RetroUSB and other "NES to USB" adapters need so much extra stuff.

USB uses the same +5V, has a GND, and Data +/-

Only foreseeable hiccup is driver software.

Wouldn't you just connect corresponding wires?

And would connecting both NES Red/Yellow (Data -) to the single USB wire do anything bad?

Post by **Triton** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 12:35 pm

the USB adapters have that extra stuff for a reason. The 4021 IC used in the NES controller is an 8-channel parallel to serial convertor. it is not a USB device. so just wiring it to a USB plug wouldnt do anything except maybe damage the USB portion of your computer

jdmlight · Post by **jdmlight** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 12:36 pm

The simplest way to explain it is that the NES controller and the USB port don't speak the same language. So all of the "extra stuff" converts between the NES controller protocol and USB.

Edit: Gah Triton beat me to it.

TimSama · Post by **TimSama** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 3:28 pm

Is there any reason why I wouldn't be able to over come that with software?(The usb could simply pass the signals correct?)

Or should I just skip that idea and go with a USB powered, DB25 parallel port solution?

Pretty new to this whole thing, so probably throwing out some dumb questions, oh well.

Post by **Triton** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 4:11 pm

does your computer have a parallel port? you can build an adapter for parallel pretty easily

nevermind1534 · Post by **nevermind1534** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 7:39 pm

Triton wrote:does your computer have a parallel port? you can build an adapter for parallel pretty easily

^This

Anything that connects to your USB port has to have a USB chip on it.

TimSama · Post by **TimSama** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 8:24 pm

Yeah, I've been thinking/ looking around.

thinking of routing power through USB and using a separate D-sub 25 to USB for both SNES and NES controllers.

Should I make two different units for SNES and NES controllers. Or could I make a housing unit and route all four controllers through one D-sub?

Considering they both have 7 pin 5 cord chips, Or does the 16 bit SNES controller not mix well with the 8 bit NES controller?

I also heard that D-Sub doesn't usually offer enough power, and I don't really want to look around for the diodes necessary for the power especially if I want to wire two + controllers through one D-sub.

Thoughts?

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