Monday, March 14, 2011

IrdaJoy Arduino based interface


The IRDAJoy is the ultimate interface used to connect your old-school atari joystick and/or paddles to your PSP handheld console.
The communication between the console and the box is made through an IR link.

Originaly, this interface has been made with a PIC18 microcontroller. Because it is too much complicated to build, my good friend ZX asked me to build a new version with something easier to do.
So, here is the same interface, based on an arduino board.

What you need

  • arduino board
  • Arduino 0017 toolkit http://www.arduino.cc
  • a prototyping board,
  • an IR led (CQY89 or any compatible IR led)
  • 220 resistor
  • SUB-D 9 pins Male
  • 2 paddles and / or one atari joystick
  • a little box,
  • 4xAA 1.2V battery cells + adaptor or 3xAA 1.5V battery cells

How to build
I did select the boarduino board because it is not expensive, small and fully compatible with other arduino boards.
To get complete infos, follow the link : http://www.ladyada.net/make/boardui...

Because there is a USB and a serial version, you will probably need a USB-TTL adaptor to program the arduino.

 

The schematic is very simple. No need to make a real PCB. A prototyping board is nice to use.
You just have to plug wires in the corresponding holes like in the picture.

When wiring is done, open the IrdaJoyArduino.pde file with Arduino 0017 IDE, connect the board to the PC (through a USB-TTL converter if you purchased the boarduino serial version or directly if you get the USB version) then click on the upload button.
The code is compiled and then automaticaly uploaded to the boarduino target. If everything is OK, just put everything into a small box and use it !

This adaptor is compatible with ZX PSP homebrews. Have a look at : http://zx81.zx81.free.fr/serendipit...

Enjoy !

Buzz

 Package

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Joystick 2 USB adaptor

 




This simple hack corresponds to an "easy-to-make" joystick to USB adaptor.

It is mainly usefull for anybody who wants to play old-school games with their old Atari joysticks on a modern PC or may be on a handheld console like the Caanoo

It is very easy to make and of course, you do not need to make a PCB or buy expensive parts.

The idea: re-use an old USB keyboard to make things happen. Connect your joystick and plug the USB to the PC.

You have to launch your favorite emulator and define the corresponding keys.

Key mapping

  • UP: 8
  • DOWN: 5
  • LEFT: 2
  • RIGHT: 0
  • FIRE: /

Attached package contains every needed information to make your own.

Enjoy !

Buzz

Package

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