Famicom World

Family Computer => Buy / Sell / Trade => Topic started by: nintendodork on June 10, 2009, 04:26:58 pm

Title: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: nintendodork on June 10, 2009, 04:26:58 pm
I saw a guide for this awhile back on FW, but I don't have nearly enough patience or skill to do it myself.  If anyone has successfully made one of these before (or would like to make another one), and sell it.  I'd be happy to buy it for a fair price.
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: 133MHz on June 10, 2009, 11:08:49 pm
The problem is getting a long DB-15 connector that can reach the recessed pins on the Famicom's EXT port. Standard DB-15 plugs aren't long enough and won't reach. Somebody reported success using Neo-Geo controller extension cables, though.
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: L___E___T on June 13, 2009, 11:29:20 am
Can't you just take the controllers apart and re-wire?  They have the same amount of buttons I'd have thought..
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: nintendodork on June 13, 2009, 11:38:05 am
I don't want to have to do that every time I want to use a NES controller.  I don't want it just to use NES controllers.  I want it so I can use the peripherals that go with the NES.
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: L___E___T on June 13, 2009, 12:14:39 pm
the gun in particular?  most clones come with a NES gun that uses the EXT port. 
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: nintendodork on June 13, 2009, 12:16:45 pm
Not just the gun.  It'd be a nice alternative to getting a few of the peripherals twice.  Such as the Power Pad, or the Advantage.
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: 133MHz on June 13, 2009, 01:58:35 pm
I've built one last year for my Twinhead PC-100, it works with accessories too just like dork wants. It works electrically with a Famicom but not mechanically (the connector is not long enough to reach the Famicom's pins).

Schematic (replace Twinhead PC-100 by Family Computer):
(http://www.retrogames.cl/imagenes/proyectos/twinhead/esquematico.jpg)

My adapter in all its glory:
(http://www.retrogames.cl/imagenes/proyectos/twinhead/adaptador.jpg)
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: nintendodork on June 13, 2009, 02:22:48 pm
Did you try using a Neo Geo extension cable, or was that for something else to make it?
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: 133MHz on June 13, 2009, 03:39:35 pm
I wasn't able to get a Neo Geo extension cable, otherwise I would have used it.
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: NintendoKing on June 13, 2009, 10:12:15 pm
My gosh that is the perfect adapter, I wish I had better soldering skills.

EDIT- I still really wish I had one of these even today so I can use a Zapper on my AV Famicom without doing the mod.
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: L___E___T on June 14, 2009, 01:07:55 pm
You fancy making any more of those 133MHz?!  :D
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: nurd on June 14, 2009, 02:32:30 pm
It looks neat ;D

I just searched those extension cables. expensive  :o
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: 133MHz on June 14, 2009, 02:46:19 pm
I could make more of those except for:



In conclusion, I could make you a cable if you could send me a NeoGeo extension cable, one or two female NES controller plugs, and enough green paper to cover shipping and my troubles.

EDIT: Added some pictures to clear out any confusions:

(http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/5930/dscn7391copia.jpg)
(http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/2521/dscn7392copia.jpg)
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: MWK on June 14, 2009, 06:16:17 pm
I agree, a length of the connector plugs is mostly not enough indeed - could be an individual case tho - i succeeded with my NES-to-Famiclone (DB9) job :

(http://www.vulomedia.com/images/19260mwknes2famipad.jpg)

It just barely connects the pins but fortunately works fine.
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: NintendoKing on June 14, 2009, 07:43:35 pm
I can supply a set of NES female plugs but I havent the slightest idea where to get a Neo Geo plug... so this project will never work for me.


Edit- Have you ever tried taking the standard from its shell, and cut the metal from the sides and then mold it? then just make a solid box with the port to port?
That would look nicer and maybe actually work,
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: 133MHz on June 14, 2009, 10:22:14 pm
Quote from: The Uninvited Gremlin on June 14, 2009, 07:43:35 pm
Have you ever tried taking the standard from its shell, and cut the metal from the sides and then mold it? then just make a solid box with the port to port?
That would look nicer and maybe actually work,


What would you use for the mold? Some kind of hard epoxy?
Because if you cut the metal from the sides you lose every way to grip the connector - the only way to support the whole thing together would be through its pins (which aren't very big and strong, and also need to hold the wires).

I believe a better idea would be getting an all-plastic injection-molded connector (like from an old PC Joystick/MIDI interface) and hacking it with a knife, removing plastic from the shell to make the connector longer.
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: ericj on June 15, 2009, 06:38:33 am
I've been thinking about taking my Famicom Arkanoid controller and using the connector and cable from it to wire to a NES Four Score, and then soldering a NES cable back onto the Arkanoid controller. Seems like a good choice to me since I got the Arkanoid controller pretty cheaply and if I desolder the cable at where it connects inside the controller and not just cut the wire, I can always put the original back onto it.  I'll post pics if I ever get around to it.
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: b1aCkDeA7h on June 15, 2009, 09:27:52 am
I'd definitely be interested in this solely because I would like to use a Zapper with my AV Famicom.  I'd get a Famicom Gun but they're quite expensive.
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: 133MHz on June 15, 2009, 12:12:23 pm
Quote from: b1aCkDeA7h on June 15, 2009, 09:27:52 am
I would like to use a Zapper with my AV Famicom.


That's the easiest of all. You only need to solder two wires to enable Zapper support on an AV Famicom. :)
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: nurd on July 15, 2009, 05:22:22 pm
If anybody is looking for famicom/neo geo cables,
tototek is selling them  Here  (http://www.tototek.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=23&products_id=58&zenid=aae95f7dc81d4f0ed10b31d1148e211a)
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: 133MHz on July 16, 2009, 10:40:32 am
That is perfect for making Famicom controller adapters.
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: ShadowNinja on January 18, 2012, 02:37:35 pm
I know that make two and half year since the last message, but I have a question: If I'd like to wire the pins 6 and 7 of the first controller, where I wire it to the famicom port? This work for the others type of NES controller too, like the Power Glove, NES Max, The Dog Bone, etc?
PS: I did the adapter following the 133MHz's schematic and my NES Zapper worked perfectly on my first model Famicom, thanks 133MHz very much for the schematic.
Sorry my poor English.
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: Duke.Togo on January 18, 2012, 08:25:10 pm
This piques my interest. I have ordered a few of the extension cables from ToToTek, and was thinking of just wiring it to the female end of a NES extension cord. I noticed the build of a Four Score modded with a Famicom expansion port plug. That is exactly what I would prefer to build. So would the wiring process just be matching up the corresponding wires from a standard pinout? Any help is appreciated!
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: tonev on January 19, 2012, 04:29:31 am
Will those connectors work if so i can supply you guys with some :)
(http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/4008/dsc00021cl.th.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/12/dsc00021cl.jpg/)
(http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/3654/dsc00023mw.th.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/507/dsc00023mw.jpg/)
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: NintendoKing on January 19, 2012, 05:42:05 pm
The answer, is yes they will work tonev! Excellent!
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: stringfellow on November 06, 2012, 06:55:38 am
Quote from: tonev on January 19, 2012, 04:29:31 am
Will those connectors work if so i can supply you guys with some :)
(http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/4008/dsc00021cl.th.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/12/dsc00021cl.jpg/)
(http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/3654/dsc00023mw.th.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/507/dsc00023mw.jpg/)


Those look like Atari 5200 controller cables
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: Mariotaku on July 25, 2015, 05:39:16 pm
Is there anyone on the thread still that might be able to help with this situation?  I used this diagram to make an adapter but I can't get it to work at all. There's been a LOT of trial and error because I'm using Hong Kong knock off cables, BUT I did manage to map out the proper colors.  I know I have at least some of it wired correctly because my Advantage Controller lights up when I press the A and B button, but it has no influence on the gameplay.  I tried hooking up my Zapper and that didn't register any pulls of the trigger.  I have tried using my Ohm Meter to find which pins in the 15 pin port connect to the DATA wires in the hardwired controllers and I cannot find that they connect at all...

To summarize, I was an electrician... I wired houses...  I know nothing of electronics, am out of my league, and I have about $25 in cables sitting on my floor.  Does anyone out there have any ideas or advice?

Thank you.
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: P on July 26, 2015, 02:24:31 am
If LEDs lights up I guess at least +5v is wired correctly. I'd check all wires again with the ohm meter and that they are connected. I have made this adapter before and it works with controller and zapper.

Quote from: 133MHz on June 13, 2009, 01:58:35 pm
Schematic (replace Twinhead PC-100 by Family Computer):
(http://www.retrogames.cl/imagenes/proyectos/twinhead/esquematico.jpg)

Be careful not to mirror the ports. I think the diagram is of the port side.
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: Mariotaku on July 26, 2015, 04:33:16 pm
Thank you for the help.  I had one row of the 15 pins mirrored on my map I made.  And my cheap cables only had 5 wires instead of the 7 required for the zapper.  So I ran 2 wires (which I stole from a defective atari controller) and ran them in tandem with one of the cables and now I have the Zapper working, I have controller 2 working.  BUT Controller 1... It's like it is stuck on rapid fire.  Every button is registering hits about as quickly as the Famicom can process them when I hold down any button.  But the same controller works fine with port 2 of my adapter.  Do you have any experience with this issue?

Thank you so much.
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: nabbeth on August 20, 2015, 01:32:31 pm
Here's my take on NES-SNES-Famicom controller converter.

The idea was to make my device as modular as possible.
So with the right connectors it can be used as nes-to-fami converter, snes-to-fami, fami-to-dendy, you name it.
Heck, now I can even play my Super Game Boy with the Hudson Joycard!

(http://i.imgur.com/9wyKlrC.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/6f0rzf5.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/TiM0pYl.jpg)
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: Arkanix38 on August 23, 2015, 07:59:25 pm
In a pinch you can always grab a DB-15 solder connector and pull it apart. The shipping on cables from overseas just isn't worth it for me, so a modded DB15 connector is perfect for me.

http://www.mmmonkey.co.uk/snk-neo-geo-diy-db15-controller-plug/ (http://www.mmmonkey.co.uk/snk-neo-geo-diy-db15-controller-plug/)
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: jacobprater1983 on August 30, 2015, 08:15:45 pm
Are you able to make this 15 pin to two NES controller port adapters? This would be really cool for my AV Fami. I am willing to pay $$$$ and supply the needed parts.
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: xIceMan on October 21, 2015, 11:06:10 am
I've made one a few months ago. If you're interested let me know.
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: jensma on October 21, 2015, 11:52:12 am
From what I've heard some games won't work with these adapters. Is that true? If so, is there any list of non-working games?
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: P on October 21, 2015, 12:07:39 pm
Any game that doesn't read controllers from the expansion port won't work. I'm not aware of any lists but it's mostly non-Japan made games (not all non-Japan made games though) and Super Mario USA. The majority of games by Japanese companies does support it.
Also 3/4 player games will use the expansion port controllers for player 3 and 4 only, and the built-in controllers for player 1 and 2.
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: xIceMan on October 21, 2015, 12:30:50 pm
I really like the design of the build in controller but the cable length just sucks. You really have to sit in front of the TV, can't even lay down or sit anywhere. :(
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: jensma on October 21, 2015, 12:34:04 pm
Yeah, the cable length sucks. I have the Twin Famicom sit right next to me on the floor while playing.  ;D
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: trevofour on October 22, 2015, 07:49:44 am
I have one of these that I'd sell for $25 shipped in the US:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Famicom-to-NES-Cable-Converter-Adapter-Connect-NES-Controller-or-Zapper-to-FC-/272020190707?hash=item3f55aab5f3:g:muIAAOSwpDdVMl~D

It's stated in the description, but note that it doesn't work with 2 NES controllers at once. A friend of mine made me a custom adapter and I no longer need this one.


SOLD!
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: efirshik on November 17, 2015, 08:37:23 am
Quote from: nabbeth on August 20, 2015, 01:32:31 pm
(http://i.imgur.com/TiM0pYl.jpg)

nice  :fire:
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: Cmercur on June 15, 2019, 03:32:07 am
Hello! Sorry for resurrecting an old topic but I am too looking for a modded cable for connecting the NES Zapper(and other accessories)  to the 15-pin expansion port. Suitable parts are found at eBay: NES and Famicom extension cables. I am willing to pay a fair price for it. Ideally it's a short cable that allows connecting a Zapper and regular ccontroller at the same time.
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: krzy on June 17, 2019, 02:41:39 am
Quote
I am willing to pay a fair price for it. Ideally it's a short cable that allows connecting a Zapper and regular ccontroller at the same time

Controllers use the following pins: $4016.D0 for Player1 and $4017.D0 for Player2. There are a few problems:

* $4016.D0 pin is missing in the EXP port so you won't be able to plug external Player1 controller
* You should not connect additional controller to EXP if the internal controllers are plugged, otherwise you will make short-circuit and none of the controllers wilk work.
* Luckily some games look also at $4016.D1 and $4017.D1 so alternatively you can connect external controller to those pins, but this is not standard behaviour and probably many games will just simply won't work with that.

If you want 100% compatible adapter, you should modify your famicom:
* disconnect internal joypads
* cut /IRQ track from EXP port (no known accessory uses it) and route $4016.D0 there
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: Cmercur on June 17, 2019, 10:49:37 am
I don't want to mess with the internals of the console, nor I have the skills to do it. Modded cable it is. Don't you want any money?
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: P on June 17, 2019, 03:46:04 pm
Then you'll just go the expansion controller route ($4016.D1 and $4017.D1).
You will be able to use the Zapper in the second port, and NES controllers in both ports will act like normal expansion controllers.
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: Cmercur on June 17, 2019, 06:27:28 pm
Quote from: P on June 17, 2019, 03:46:04 pm
Then you'll just go the expansion controller route ($4016.D1 and $4017.D1).
You will be able to use the Zapper in the second port, and NES controllers in both ports will act like normal expansion controllers.

I want something like this (with correct size expansion port connector)
But I can't do it myself. How about 30-40 bucks for one?
Quote from: 133MHz on June 13, 2009, 01:58:35 pm(http://www.retrogames.cl/imagenes/proyectos/twinhead/esquematico.jpg)
(http://www.retrogames.cl/imagenes/proyectos/twinhead/adaptador.jpg)

Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: krzy on June 18, 2019, 03:57:00 am
I can do it for you for 30$ with shipping included but as I told you, this type of adapter will not work with 100% of games (probably only with those that were released for famicom, not NES).
Zapper should work with any game.

I don't have such fancy NES-joypad  ports, mine will look like those below.
(https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/7118158100_1560855322_thumb.jpg) (https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/7118158100_1560855322.jpg) (https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/5463531300_1560855515_thumb.jpg) (https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/5463531300_1560855515.jpg)

If you're interested, PM me.

--

I projected the PCB - it will look like that and allow you to connect not only NES pads, but also regular 9 or 15 pin pads (or zapper).
Those PCB will be connected using ribbon cable (probably around 10cm). All connectors will be mounted vertically.

(https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/3197347100_1560860322_thumb.jpg) (https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/3197347100_1560860322.png)

---

Et voila!

(https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/8379692000_1560885488_thumb.jpg) (https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/8379692000_1560885488.jpg) (https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/6265378900_1560885488_thumb.jpg) (https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/6265378900_1560885488.jpg) (https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/7845007700_1560885492_thumb.jpg) (https://obrazki.elektroda.pl/7845007700_1560885492.jpg)
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: P on June 18, 2019, 05:09:36 pm
Yeah controllers will only work with games that support external controllers (https://www.famicomworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=6701.msg167005#msg167005). There is no way around that with an adapter like this unless you mod the system.

Personally I'm against mods that removes features of the system, like modding the expansion port to replace the /IRQ line with the $4016.D0 input port. The fact that no current game or peripheral use the /IRQ line is uninteresting. I'd rather mod the internal connectors in that case (as long as the microphone is retained).


I could make the adapter, but Krzysiobal is much more experienced so I say go with him. Plus I don't have the required spare parts.
Title: Re: WTB: A NES-to-Famicom controller converter
Post by: Cmercur on June 26, 2019, 09:56:42 am
Quote from: krzy on June 18, 2019, 03:57:00 am
I can do it for you for 30$ with shipping included but as I told you, this type of adapter will not work with 100% of games (probably only with those that were released for famicom, not NES).
Zapper should work with any game.
I projected the PCB - it will look like that and allow you to connect not only NES pads, but also regular 9 or 15 pin pads (or zapper).
Those PCB will be connected using ribbon cable (probably around 10cm). All connectors will be mounted vertically.

I recieved it today and it works well with a Famicom extension cable. Both controllers can used simultaneously. Thank you! https://youtu.be/lm4TEH9DE0g
Edit: SNES Hori Fighting Commander works as well with the help of Raphnet adapter. https://twitter.com/Cmercurs/status/1143953622234992640