What is the best way to pull serial data from a controller?

[laingsoft]

I want to use a Dreamcast controller, and I need to build a USB to Serial cable/box/board.

Is it as simple as using an FTDI? I haven't done anything with microcontrollers, so I really don't know exactly how I would go about building this. I understand what I'd need to do on the software side, however.

 

[grossaffe]

Re: What is the best way to pull serial data from a controll

You'll want to look up waveforms for the controller's communication and go from there. Also make sure you pick a microcontroller that explicitly supports USB, because bit-banging is a pain-in-the-ass you don't want to deal with.

 

[Hermaphroditus]

Re: What is the best way to pull serial data from a controll

I agree with groose, getting USB to work by yourself is *Can'tSayThisOnTV*ing annoying.

 

[The_Next_Guy]

Re: What is the best way to pull serial data from a controll

Honestly, i know it seems more complicated you could use an ATMEGA328P connected to each button and pot directly, such that you could write you own protocol, but that is if you feel ok opening it up.