This project was started on: Saturday the 15th of September 2001

Welcome to the visitors from OCAU. If you have any questions, I am always idling in #overclockers on oz.org. My ICQ is 40418288. Enjoy!

In this project, I will be discussing how to interface 4 Sony Playstation Controllers with a PC, and use them as game controllers.

Ordinary PSX pads may be used, however you may also use analogue or "DuelShock" controllers as well. I personally used a PlayStation 2 pad during design and testing. Other controllers may work, although they have not been tested.

In order to do this, we must build a small power supply to power the pads, and then build a small adaptor to interface them with the PC's parallel port (printer port).

This is the finished unit. Click for a larger image.

 

 

If you kill/injure your PC or your PSX pads or your equipment, or yourself, its not my problem. :)
Complete this project at your own risk.
Of course, if you arent comfortable with this sort of stuff, have it done by someone who knows what they are doing.

Before attempting this project, you should read through it entirely and make sure you understand it.

 

This project is fairly simple for most hobbyists to undertake. You need to know how to solder, operate a multimeter, drill holes etc. It also helps if you have basic electronic knowledge .

You will require the following tools:
- Multimeter
- Soldering Iron & Solder
- Wire cutters, pliers etc
- Drill & drill bits

 

You will need "Direct Pad Pro", Win 98 or better (only tested in Win 98), and Direct X 7 or better.

- Download Direct Pad Pro

Direct Pad Pro is no longer available from its creator's website.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Other PSX pad projects say that you should use 5V from the PC and 9V from a power adaptor to power the pad, however, the playstation pad and memory cards are rated at 3.5V and 7.6V. I'm not going to risk blowing up 4 pads, and when I make the memory card attachment, I dont want to blow them up either.

You will need the following components to complete this project. The parts that I didn't already have were purchased from Jaycar Electronics in Northbridge, Western Australia.

For the power supply we will need:

* Resistors come in a pack of 8 from Jaycar. Save the leftovers and make some extra units to sell to ur mates :)

For the interface you will need:

For EACH controller adapter you will need:

You will also need :

After you have sourced the above components and tools, you should be ready to start building.

Next Step: Building the Power supply