How does a PC recognise a controller?? (emulation rig query)

Chris [BEANS] · 15 Jan 2011 at 12:06

This might be better in a hardware forum, but I've got it here because it's specific to game controllers and the users here are pretty knowledgeable in all areas....

Not sure if the full explanation below is required, but I suppose too much information is better than too little!!

I'm building a rig that will essentially be a mame/emulation machine.
It'll boot directly into a frontend for the various emulators. The frontend and all emulators will be controlled directly by an arcade style USB joystick and buttons, no need for a keyboard and mouse.

However, there will be two individual arcade style joysticks and they won't both be plugged in at all times.

In addition, there will be occasions that I will come out of the frontend and into the windows environment (via a wireless keyboard and mouse) to use iTunes, play the odd PC game or even to use other emulators that don't suit the arcade style controls, and in that case I'd be plugging in a more suitable USB controller.

Now... both USB joysticks will use identical PCB's.
I know that with both plugged in, windows will identify one as controller 1 and the other as controller 2, and that when it does I can configure the controls for the frontend and emulators accordingly (for navigation and separate 1 & 2 player controls). That's great for when the rig is used exclusively with the frontend and the joysticks are permanently plugged in, but, the query I have is that if I've unplugged the arcade controllers, used a USB gamepad on a PC game and then switched off the rig.... When I restart the rig and plug the arcade controllers back in, how do I ensure that the PC sees the arcade controllers as the correct controller 1 & 2 respectively?
Do I simply ensure that no other USB devices are plugged in and plug the joysticks back into the same USB ports they were in before? Does it make a difference in what order they're plugged in?
Are there any other conflicts likely to occur that I haven't even thought of yet??

If you've bothered to read all of the above, thanks loads, you'd be saving me a massive headache if you can help!!

Chaos · 15 Jan 2011 at 12:48

If you use real arcade parts you can use a little pcb called the i-pac which turns joystick presses into key presses and is all set up for mame might be worth looking into.

Retromatic · 15 Jan 2011 at 12:58

I've built a couple of arcade machines over the years, as above in your instance you'll be wanting a ipac or a minipac if that's enough for your needs.

With regard to using Itunes, I run jukebox software on my main arcade machine - it's a lot more preferable to using Itunes and depending on what you use you don't need to leave the front end.

Best place for arcade/jukebox stuff is over at : http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/

Good luck!

Neil79 · 15 Jan 2011 at 13:00

Not alowed to talk about emulation at all anymore, strict moderation but what can you do!

Chris [BEANS] · 15 Jan 2011 at 13:37

Cheers guys

I've built a couple of sticks before, used an Ipac years ago and don't really like it I'm afraid. Instead I've more recently used a product called a cthulhu. It's PC and PS3 compatible (which suited me because I played a lot of SFIV on the PS3), but this time I think I'll be trying a PCB called the PS360 which will work on PC, PS3 and 360 (again, so that the sticks can be used for multi platform SFIV).

I can link you guys to either of the above PCB's if you're interested

As for talk of emulation, it's never been a problem before. I think so long as there is no discussion of rom's or bios files and no links to related sites there's no problem.

The emulators themselves are perfectly legit, and beyond that, this thread is for a windows/controller query and the mention of emulation is merely for context

Neil79 · 15 Jan 2011 at 13:42

Chris [BEANS];18234313 said:
The emulators themselves are perfectly legit, and beyond that, this thread is for a windows/controller query and the mention of emulation is merely for context

I said exactly the same mate, i was furious i just got the usual script " if you have a problem talk to a mod ". That never works

Emulators i agree are perfectly legit, however ocuk see's them as software for pirates and any mention of the word emulator = thread closure

Chris [BEANS] · 15 Jan 2011 at 13:44

Ah well. If the thread's not allowed a mod will close it I guess.

Chaos · 15 Jan 2011 at 23:48

I think theres been a few revisions of the i-pac so maybe its better now than you remember. If you pick up a PS360 let us know how you get on with it.

Chris [BEANS] · 16 Jan 2011 at 12:17

Hmmmmm.

It's not ideal, but I've given it loads of thought and I think I'm going to go for a dual boot system. Straight into the front end on one, Itunes and the odd PC game on the other.

Not ideal, but not the end of the world.

Anyone know If I can have each windows install on a seperate HD, or if I have to have a partitioned HD to dual boot?