I saw this:
(can't post like, it's just a pinout to the sega genesis controller)
but I want to connect this via an Arduino board to interface with the computer... I saw it done with a NES controller, can someone give me some starting out tips? (I can program in C++, java) so programming shouldn't be a problem... hopefully.
NES used a shift Register. Relatively easy to setup, but required clocking and stuff.
On the other hand, Sega Master System / Genesis were direct driven. One pin per button for the 3 button controller. 6 button controllers added an enable bit, to determine if it was 'abc' or 'xyz'. Either way, still much easier (in my opinion) than reading a S/NES controller.
Just search for a pinout of the controller and you'll be able to hook it up to a Arduino with no problem. FYI, same pin out as an atari 2600.
Oh thanks, that's really cool. So would I need the advanced Arduino board, or is the standard USB one good?
Any Arduino will do this fine. The Megadrive pad is pretty easy.
I'm assuming you want the challenge of doing it yourself so here's an extract of information.
= = =
I didn't think there'd be anything of interest in hooking this up to an Arduino, but it does have one unusual characteristic: one pin (Select) is used to choose between two sets of readings. i.e. With Select low, reading from pin 6 gives you the status of button A. With Select high, pin 6 gives you the status of button B. Cool!
Pin Name (Select=GND) Name (Select=+5V)
1 Up Up
2 Down Down
3 Gnd Left
4 Gnd Right
5 +5VDC +5VDC
6 Button A Button B
7 Select Select
8 Ground Ground
9 Start Button C
Here's the pin layout of the port on the controller, stolen from pinouts.ru.
Nowt fancy needed here. Just shove wires into the holes and connect them to digital pins on the Arduino, pin 5 and pin 8 going to +5V and Gnd respectively.
Thanks guys for helping me getting started. Once I learn more about Arduino I plan to hook this to Android with one of these modules, and luckily since my EVO is rooted with an AOSP rom,bluetooth HID devices can connect to it... which will be good depending on how I late implement that.
Anyways, first off I'ma do this and then reading and come back here.
Thanks guys 