Coming Soon: Famicom <-> NES Controller Adapters & More Goodies

[Xious]

I noticed this thread:
http://www.famicomworld.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=cts5e1oer2su687kflp51c2220&topic=3583.15

I am in the process of producing both adapters to plug NES controllers into a Famicom, and the reverse, to plug FC controllers into an NES, the latter of which is probably somewhat less desirable. I started working on these because I wanted them for myself and was shocked that nobody had produced anything like them in the past. I had some issues tracking down the requisite components, but I think I've finally found what I need to make it work and now I only need to design the casing for the product and make the moulds.

If you are interested in any of the above, please let me know. I'm not sure what the demand is going to be for this stuff, but I am going to start out making every unit myself, by hand, so I need to know how many I'll need to manufacture.

I am also in the process of producing limited amounts of digital trackballs for the FC/NES, which, unlike the HoriTrak that I have tried, should work wit every game. (I have yet to find a game that actually works wit the HoriTrak.)

My next project is to product a FC/NES mouse. I already have a way to do this, in case you are curious.

-Xious

[ericj]

I made two adapters for plugging NES controllers into the Famicom. I used the Neo-Geo extension cables for both. I'd be interested to hear what you're palnning to use to make them.

I was also considering making the reverse version, to plug Famicom controllers into a NES, but figured that since I already play most of my games on my Famicom it really doesn't make sense for me. It'd be pretty easy to make with the other end of the Neo-Geo cable and some old controller cables/connectors.

Here are what mine look like:





I'd be interested in the digital trackball & mouse, so keep us up to date on your development. Any chance you could share your way to make these?

[Xious]

For the adapters, I will be making a custom box with a small PCB. One end will plug into either the NES of the Famicom; the other will be a port for the corresponding system. I found cables that should work fine and are a fraction of the cost of a NeoGeo extension cord, which is up to $22 now that TTK is out of stock. If TTK gets more of them in, I will order fifty of them, but my present solution should work and provides me with more connectors at a reduced rate, which in turn means making the adapters at a lower price.

I forgot to mention that I will also me making Super Famicom controller adapters to connect SFC controllers to the Famicom and NES. The Adapters will probably have a cable at each end and a box in the middle, as this will provide a greater overall length. I may make a box with two NES ports on it though, for the FC adapter, so that it is possible to hook two controllers into the expansion port.

I can readily get either NES cables or NES ports, so I am looking into designing it both ways. The advantage of using wires at both ends means that I need only one, very simple case, which will lower the cost of producing it.

As to the trackballs and mice, when I have a working device, I will post images of them. I am in the process of wiring the first draught of it today... My methodology will be quite plain, so there shouldn't be a need for me to explain it. I hope to have a working trackball to show off by the end of the week, as a preliminary model, with an enhanced version to follow. The mouse will be somewhat later on this month and will be awesome for games like 'Maniac Mansion', or 'Chesmaster'.

I'm hoping to be able to sell the adapters for around $35.00. My cost on them, because of the parts and casework, plus the time to build them makes this a break-even price, but I think it is worthwhile, and if they sell well enough, I can have them mass-made and actually have a margin on them.

I am still pondering how I should wire the TBs and mice, as Famicom DA-15 or as NES. I can do them both ways, but I'd rather do it only one way or the other, and let people buy adapters for them, as this will simplify the process. I'll probably end up Maroon, Red & Black).

I may also make some true arcade controllers a bit later, with real arcade components built into a small cabinet. I'd like one of these for myself, at any rate.

-Xious

[ericj]

I hope the cables you're planning to use for the DA-15 port aren't joystick extension cables. I haven't yet found a set of them with all 15 pins wired.

I think wiring the TBs and mice as NES would make the most sense and give you a broader purchase audience.

I'm looking forward to seeing your work.

[Xious]

What I ordered are Game Port Y-Splitters, and as to the Game Port cables not being wired properly, that's odd. I'd think that they'd have to be, as the Game Port uses all fifteen pins. (http://www.allpinouts.org/index.php/Joystick_PC_Gameport). Worst case is that I'd have to order custom cables.

I'll see when the newest batch of cables arrives as to how it is wired. If they are unacceptable, I have another alternative, albeit more expensive than I would hope.

-Xious

[ericj]

Those look like the same Y-splitters I first tried. The pinout seems to support all of the pins, but the version I got only had about 6 wired pins on each female end. Let us know what you find out.

[Xious]

One way or another, I will get cables that work. Whenever I do, be it these or something else, I will post about it and put them in my catalogue (at AtariUSA.com) so that anybody can order them. I hope to hear back from TTK soon as well, as I've contacted them to enter a request for a large order of these cables, either ending in a corresponding male connecter, or in bare wire.

There is a third, possible solution, but it will cost between $12 and $16 a cable. However it may prove the most ideal, and if so, I will go that route.

-Xious

[Marlon]

Can I be a beta tester for these? I have a famicom but no NES I have a NES controller though

[FamicomRetroGamer]

Can I be a beta tester for these? I have a Famicom but no NES I have a NES controller though

NES's are pretty cheap, check eBay if you're going to buy one.

NES controller does nothing if it doesn't have the unit or AV Famicom at least, it's more of, collecting item then.

[nintendodork]

Can I be a beta tester for these? I have a famicom but no NES I have a NES controller though

This isn't the type of thing that needs to be tested by more than one person.

[Xious]

Can I be a beta tester for these? I have a famicom but no NES I have a NES controller though

This isn't the type of thing that needs to be tested by more than one person.

Exactly my opinion on the subject. Either it will work, or it won't... There's no room for middle ground.

That said, if somebody wants to buy a preliminary version, I am willing to sell one, but won't be giving away 'beta testing' versions. The only people to whom I'd give free products are reviewers (with legitimate credentials and a current writing job, some vendors, people that have done favours for me in the past and good customers who place large orders.

Asking to 'Beta test' an adapter is essentially asking for a handout; If you just want to be able to show off a 'Beta' version, you can order one: I think it is silly, but I'm willing to sell a one-off preliminary unit, 'As-Is'.

I'm trying to get the trackballs ready as well, while I wait for my parts to arrive. Who would be interested in the trackballs or mice?

-Xious

[2A03]

I'd definitely be interested in one of these for my original Fami, and I'd be willing to buy a preliminary version if the price was right.

[Xious]

I got the Y-cables today, and sadly as Eric says, they are junk I am now going with an alternative, plus looking into having them custom-made. The ones I have may workfor FC-NES adapters though, so I may keep them for that. Hopefully TTK gets more of them in stock, and if so, I'm going to order 100 of them. I still have a third alternative too...albeit one at several times the cost in paorts.

On a positive  note, I am having NES expansion port (the one underneath the toaster) connectors custom made,so I should have these available for everybody soon!

-Xious

[botulismo]

Has there been any update on this by any chance? I've been looking around for either a way to use a NES controller on my Twin Famicom or for a Famicom controller that's longer than the average Famicom controller. (Do Japanese people sit with their eyes inches from the TV?) This would be a good solution.

[NintendoKing]

Botulismo, you know you can wire spice and solder. Just take 2 nes controllers (1 original controller and 1 zapper so you have a line for the microphone), and cut the cables and splice the wires but together and you can double the length of the cords.