Does anybody have any info on how to the DC controller talks to the DC?
Ie what frequency, word length, asyncronous or syncronous that kinda thing, so I can use a microcontroller to talk to the DC.
Ultimately I want to create my own dancemat, as I can't seem to get hold of one, and I dont wont to gut a dreamcast controller.
Thanks
DC pads can be purchased for $5, and you want to re-create the pad logic inside rather than gut one? You're completely nuts. ;)
That said I don't have the data you seek, you might check the DC programming sites.
If you really want to, this site (http://mc.pp.se/dc/) has the info you're looking for. But be warned that the DC's protocal for it's controllers isn't simple.
P.S. I'd agree that you'd be completely nuts for trying this.
now I'm just going to say I have absolutely no understanding of most of the words you used (in terms of electronics atleast) in your post alien, but if you even own a soldering iron I'd recommend just getting a knock-off DC pad and gutting it. http://www.darkravenwind.com/cdvision/pads.htm (http://www.darkravenwind.com/cdvision/pads.htm) has a short list (6) of DC controllers that are good (3) or bad (3) for soldering, and the use a site along the lines of http://www.digitaltorque.com/mydancepad/ (http://www.digitaltorque.com/mydancepad/) for instructions on the pad. I really, really don't know why you'd want to do all that wacky other stuff. but then what do I know. good luck.
http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=...roducts_id=151& (http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=29&products_id=151&)
and
http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=...oducts_id=3220& (http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=22&products_id=3220&)
or
http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=...roducts_id=492& (http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=28&products_id=492&)
You could substitue just about anything in for that middle one, chances are any of those 2 options would be cheaper than trying to build your own, (built a ddr hard pad), they won't feel as nice, but you also won't have to spend HOURS of design work and HOURS of work to actually get it built. Take those hours, work, and then buy a nice pad for yourself, and you'll be happier in the long run.
Its so much less hassle to hack up a pad. The DC's controller port controller type thing is called the Maple Bus or something (I might be talking about the paralell port). But from what i've heard its a pain in the ass :D
I can see why somone ould want to do it from scratch, but then, I'm mildly insane :) The DC used a pretty complex serial protocol called Maple. It is a full serial protocol with a packet structure so the system can differentate between VMUs, jumppads, the controller itself, and any other gizmo hardware makers could think of. You might get hung up on a tranciver though. That you may want to see if you can grab from a gamepad to make sure the electrial signals are conditioned right.