Cheapest Way To Get Dpad On Gp2x?


yalborap

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Well, the question's pretty simple. I like my GP2X, but I do not like the lack of a dpad so much. I'm also low on cash and technical skill, so I can't just mod it myself or fling money at the problem at the moment.

So I ask you fine fellows, what is the best option to solve this problem? Is there a way to make a USB joystick send the same commands as the built-in buttons so things don't need to support it for it to work? Or am I just being stupid?

Thanks in advance, and such.
 
yalborap posted on Dec 21 2006 at 08:02 PM said:
Well, the question's pretty simple. I like my GP2X, but I do not like the lack of a dpad so much. I'm also low on cash and technical skill, so I can't just mod it myself or fling money at the problem at the moment.

So I ask you fine fellows, what is the best option to solve this problem? Is there a way to make a USB joystick send the same commands as the built-in buttons so things don't need to support it for it to work? Or am I just being stupid?

Thanks in advance, and such.

Get a B.O.B. ... you can at least play PicoDrive, MAME2X and maybe 1 or 2 other apps using a USB joypad this way :p
 
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TelcoLou posted on Dec 21 2006 at 08:22 PM said:
yalborap posted on Dec 21 2006 at 08:02 PM said:
Well, the question's pretty simple. I like my GP2X, but I do not like the lack of a dpad so much. I'm also low on cash and technical skill, so I can't just mod it myself or fling money at the problem at the moment.

So I ask you fine fellows, what is the best option to solve this problem? Is there a way to make a USB joystick send the same commands as the built-in buttons so things don't need to support it for it to work? Or am I just being stupid?

Thanks in advance, and such.

Get a B.O.B. ... you can at least play PicoDrive, MAME2X and maybe 1 or 2 other apps using a USB joypad this way :p
Or try RETROUSB!!

That site rocks. They allow you to make usb adapters for nearly anything :D
 
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daclassicgamingmaster posted on Dec 21 2006 at 08:36 PM said:
TelcoLou posted on Dec 21 2006 at 08:22 PM said:
yalborap posted on Dec 21 2006 at 08:02 PM said:
Well, the question's pretty simple. I like my GP2X, but I do not like the lack of a dpad so much. I'm also low on cash and technical skill, so I can't just mod it myself or fling money at the problem at the moment.

So I ask you fine fellows, what is the best option to solve this problem? Is there a way to make a USB joystick send the same commands as the built-in buttons so things don't need to support it for it to work? Or am I just being stupid?

Thanks in advance, and such.

Get a B.O.B. ... you can at least play PicoDrive, MAME2X and maybe 1 or 2 other apps using a USB joypad this way :p
Or try RETROUSB!!

That site rocks. They allow you to make usb adapters for nearly anything :D

... yes, AFTER he gets the B.O.B. ... those groovy controllers won't work without a BOB :)
 
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Yea, 30 boners is a great deal for a plastic controller.

I wholeheartedly recommend getting at least half a dozen.

- Alex
 
Alex. posted on Dec 21 2006 at 09:17 PM said:
Yea, 30 boners is a great deal for a plastic controller.

I wholeheartedly recommend getting at least half a dozen.

- Alex

... why do you find the need to type your screen name after your post ... when it's clearly visible in the upper left corner?
 
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TelcoLou posted on Dec 21 2006 at 05:40 PM said:
... yes, AFTER he gets the B.O.B. ... those groovy controllers won't work without a BOB :)
The BOB is a joke, I have been away, but isn't there a USB cable yet?

AFAIK there is no way to do what you want yalborap, you will need a modicum of skill and some money.

The USB bit isn't hard to do, just a simple resistor setup (less than $1 in a surface-mount at mouser.com) and a 5 volt power supply (v2.0 gp2x motherboards supply this from the internal voltage regulator). And then if the program supports it you can plug any old USB joystick/pad and it will work as input. Including the cool retroUSB controllers.

If you do use a usb stick it will kind of ruin the portability. Unless you cut up the pad and use it as a "monster grip"/new controller pad :).

on a slightly off-topic note, can we make our own GP2X model? I mean really make our own proper D-Pad sporting, USB port-having, battery options, and TV-Out that isn't tethered to an insane flimsy "monster plug"?

I mean, can ED and Craig talk them into selling bare-a$$ motherboards and adding a duaghterboard with the USB and the TV and the D-pad (MAYBE a Li-Ion charger/battery minder;)) and throwing it in a custom-made plastic case? It would be Awesome!! :), maybe if it started selling GPH would see the error of their ways ;).

Ah well it's a nice dream :), to bad it's a snowball's chance.
 
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nubie posted on Dec 22 2006 at 05:21 AM said:
TelcoLou posted on Dec 21 2006 at 05:40 PM said:
... yes, AFTER he gets the B.O.B. ... those groovy controllers won't work without a BOB :)
The BOB is a joke, I have been away, but isn't there a USB cable yet?

This guy sells both a simple EXT-to-USB host cable, and one with a seperate power supply. Although, personally, I think the BOB looks great, and I think I'll probably get one of the commercial ones when they come out.
 
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mrben posted on Dec 21 2006 at 10:42 PM said:
This guy sells both a simple EXT-to-USB host cable, and one with a seperate power supply. Although, personally, I think the BOB looks great, and I think I'll probably get one of the commercial ones when they come out.
Sweet, still expensive for those in the US. But I am glad artaylor is still supporting those, last I knew he was sold out.

My problems with the BOB have been widely documented, but here they are:

1. Too big
2. Lousy connection to GP2X, one hideous plug is enough, why add another?
3. Serial and Jtag aren't necessary for 90%+ of users. (and I built my own Serial cable for <$5)
4. +12v power supply is ridiculous, USB is 5 Volts
5. Power supply not bundled.
6. Cost is outrageous, any USB 1.1 hub shouln't cost more than $10, unless it includes a power supply, then $20 is fine.
7. You can add USB to your own TV-Out cable for less than $10 at any Radio Shack or similar.

So I don't see a need except for a select few, but if GPH wanted to make money, they are going about it the right way.
 
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nubie posted on Dec 21 2006 at 11:21 PM said:
Unless you cut up the pad and use it as a "monster grip"/new controller pad :).
That's so crazy, it just might work. If I can succesfully add usb to my old style tv-out cable, I'll give it serious consideration.
 
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