Playstation analog controller, how to extract it's data.

[Dave]

Ayone have an idea of how to use a playstation analog controller in an other than intended application?  Would like to build a conversion circuit that would give digital and analog outputs generated by the controller's buttons and joysticks.  Other option would be to convert it's serial comunication to RS232.  Anyone have a working circuit?

[kendrick]

Dave, please have a look at the front page and the Wiki. Conversion of controllers is a basic topic that's thoroughly covered on this site. Please start at this link:

http://www.gamesx.com/stickadapt/

-KKC

[Dave]

Thanks Kendrick.  I had a look there... seems like there are examples of how to get brand 'x' controller to work with brand 'y' console... or how to emulate a controller with one's own buttons/joysticks.  In my application I am after something like an adapter to take the basic data out of the PSX controller rendering a DO per button and an AO per analog joystick axis.  It is not a video game application.  Is there a simple decoding circuit available for example... maybe based on a PIC?

[kendrick]

It's probably easier for you to decode a PC joypad over USB than a Playstation controller input. Less wires, better documented standard. And no shortage of convertors, although the Jandaman store is presently out of stock:

http://www.jandaman.com/games.mvc?p=psxusb5&Category_code=PC

Assuming you're not building a platform from scratch, any device with host USB capability should be able to interface with the USB convertor.

-KKC

[viletim]

Dave,

I take it you're after something like http://sophiateam.undrgnd.free.fr/psx/index.html. You could build a similar device from any small microcontroller, you just need to write the software. The PSX pad protocol is well understood and documented online.

[Dave]

Thanks Vilitim... so far that link has been quite helpful... will be converting to Profibus DP... getting the data into RS232 will be a huge step forward.  Dave.