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MultiTap/TurboTap protocol and/or schematic

Started by xantoz, 08/05/2017, 12:44 PM

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xantoz

Hi, lurker posting for the first time

I currently have a project making myself some wireless controllers for various retro consoles (yes, yet another one of those). Thus far I've gotten a PoC SNES sender (I just use the extant shift register in the controller, so it would be possible to just make a plug-in box to make un-modified controllers "wireless") and receiver working. In addition I intend to use a unified over-the-air protocol making controllers interchangeable between different consoles.

I'm currently looking to implement the receiver side for PCE, and as I would like the ability to support several controllers to one receiver at once (the nRF24L01 I am using natively supports 5 RX pipes, how convenient!), it would be nice to implement a native multitap in firmware at the receiver end. This way I do not need to have 5 plugs coming out of a box into a multitap into the PCE. I am trying to implement as much as possible in firmware, to keep the count of external components low.

However, while I have been able to find documentation and schematics on the PCE pads (including ones with turbo functionality and the 6-button pad) I have found none on the multitap.

If anybody has any clues it would be helpful. Right now my only idea is to hook up a logic analyzer to the multitap and observe it in action.

thesteve

Quote from: xantoz on 08/05/2017, 12:44 PMHi, lurker posting for the first time

I currently have a project making myself some wireless controllers for various retro consoles (yes, yet another one of those). Thus far I've gotten a PoC SNES sender (I just use the extant shift register in the controller, so it would be possible to just make a plug-in box to make un-modified controllers "wireless") and receiver working. In addition I intend to use a unified over-the-air protocol making controllers interchangeable between different consoles.

I'm currently looking to implement the receiver side for PCE, and as I would like the ability to support several controllers to one receiver at once (the nRF24L01 I am using natively supports 5 RX pipes, how convenient!), it would be nice to implement a native multitap in firmware at the receiver end. This way I do not need to have 5 plugs coming out of a box into a multitap into the PCE. I am trying to implement as much as possible in firmware, to keep the count of external components low.

However, while I have been able to find documentation and schematics on the PCE pads (including ones with turbo functionality and the 6-button pad) I have found none on the multitap.

If anybody has any clues it would be helpful. Right now my only idea is to hook up a logic analyzer to the multitap and observe it in action.
OK I recently actually did this
The pce has 2 outputs and 4 inputs on the port
On 1 controller the line simply enables the controller or swapped but in the tap one causes a counter to select the next controller, and the other resets the count
The counter needs to loop after last controller

xantoz

So the enable line is held low, and you switch controllers as the select line ticks, resetting as enable goes high? Similar to how the 6-button pad sends DPAD all pressed and III IV V VI every other enable pulse?

NecroPhile

I'm too dumb to help with any tech stuffs, so I'm just here to say welcome aboard and good luck with your project.  I like my wireless PCE pads, but I'd love a modern wireless controller (no line of sight shat).
Ultimate Forum Bully/Thief/Saboteur/Clone Warrior! BURN IN HELL NECROPHUCK!!!

thesteve

/20989219_10207624584051414_1999850446767350690_o.jpg

thesteve

/20989219_10207624584051414_1999850446767350690_o.jpg

that's the 2-port, but the 5 should be easy to extrapolate from it
note that those switch chips can't be stacked but i found some that can

ClodBusted

Schrödinger's switches can't be stacked and can.



By the way, I like this project.

thesteve

Quote from: guestSchrödinger's switches can't be stacked and can.
By the way, I like this project.
I drew this up when I started my cordless project