N64p Controller questions

[reedfe]

Hey guys!

Long time lurk here but new time member.

I've finally decided to commit to making a n64 portable. I've been researching how to make one and have decided that it is within my capabilities. I pretty much understand how everything works and what components are required and stuff like that, the only thing that has me hung up is what type of controller is compatible. I know that I could wire the standard controller up to the system but like many of you, I'd rather not have the joystick that comes on the 1st party controller. I've read that installing a different stick, such as a gamecube or playstation stick, would require a different n64 controller to work with the "new technology" in the newer controllers. I would rather not have to order another controller only to have to destroy that one and another to get a desirable joystick. I was considering taking apart a sole gamecube controller and using that for all the buttons, and remapping the cstick to buttons but I'm not sure if that would work and then I would also not be able to utilize the port on n64 controllers. I'm trying to get a better joystick than the standard one in as cheap a way as possible while still retaining the ability to use the expansion slot on the n64 controller. Do you guys know what would be best to accomplish this?

Thanks in advance, reedfe

 

[watsug]

I think the best for you would be to use an official controller with a microcontroller that converts the potentiometer signals to N64 format. You still need another controller for the analog stick.
http://nfggames.com/forum2/index.php?topic=3574.0

 

[brentphx]

think the best for you would be to use an official controller with a microcontroller that converts the potentiometer signals to N64 format. You still need another controller for the analog stick.
http://nfggames.com/forum2/index.php?topic=3574.0

If you go this ^^^^^^ route, you'd better hurry and order... he's only taking pre-orders until 9/8/13. I have two on their way, he estimates that he'll ship them end of sept.

 

[watsug]

think the best for you would be to use an official controller with a microcontroller that converts the potentiometer signals to N64 format. You still need another controller for the analog stick.
http://nfggames.com/forum2/index.php?topic=3574.0

If you go this ^^^^^^ route, you'd better hurry and order... he's only taking pre-orders until 9/8/13. I have two on their way, he estimates that he'll ship them end of sept.

You can program the microcontroller yourself, check post #36 by micro here: http://nfggames.com/forum2/index.php?topic=3574.msg28186#msg28186. An USB programmer is like 5USD, then you need some other standard components too. On the other hand, those premade board look great, and it comes with a stick.

 

[reedfe]

Thanks for the advice on this one guys. I'll be considering that option. I've also been looking at ways to fix the wobbly joystick and have just completed fixing one using a "permanent way" with epoxy. I may end up using the regular joystick out of pure nostalgia.