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Wombat with a gamepad
Posted by: VMSZealot on 2021-07-25 11:46:33
I’ve read the documentation - I understand that the wombat only works with keyboard and mice, and not with gamepad but…
If there are any USB gamepads without analogue sticks, which identify as keyboards (hence requiring no drivers, and hence only requiring configuration in the game itself), I can’t see any reason why they wouldn’t work. So…
Does such a thing exist?

Alternatively, is there an ADB library for teensy (or similar) which give a leg up for developing such a thing? I’d be up for having a crack at developing a gamepad to adb adaptor if such a thing exists…
Posted by: BetaC on 2021-07-25 13:12:25
There have been some projects for mapping a gamepad to keyboard inputs, but if I'm not mistaken most of them are centered around PS/2 and or AT keyboards. With that said, I do know there is a Vogons Thread where someone was developing a board to convert genesis and snes controllers to PS/2 that may be helpful.
Posted by: VMSZealot on 2021-07-26 08:56:30
Soo… it might be possible to have a doodad that maps a usb gamepad to usb keyboard and then use a wombat. Is that what you mean? It feels a bit clunky though.
is there any good documentation on the ADB protocol and handshaking? I mean, the docs I’ve read say that only one pin carries data - and presumably that’s earthed against the ground plain. What does that look like though? I’m guessing, but I haven’t seen any documentation…
  • Device gets power and sends message to Mac saying I’m here, I’m a keyboard (what header, what ID?)
  • Mac responds with ID for the device to use on the bus
  • Device stores ID and prefixes all future comms with that ID.
does that sound plausible? Where can I find this info?

Also, are there any schematics for any safety concerns, fuses etc, to be included on an ADB device to prevent my homemade tinkerings from giving my precious 68k Mac a very nasty time indeed?
Posted by: Byrd on 2021-07-26 16:56:45
Alternatively, is there an ADB library for teensy (or similar) which give a leg up for developing such a thing? I’d be up for having a crack at developing a gamepad to adb adaptor if such a thing exists…

There is a device that converts ADB to SNES/PS1/MD controllers - might be the one to clone. I've got it, but at work can't remember the name of it.
Posted by: VMSZealot on 2021-07-27 04:50:11
How does this adaptor help? The hardest part is going to be the software for it, to handle the handshake etc. Without documentation for that, we’re back where we started.
Unless I’m missing something which is entirely probable!
Posted by: Byrd on 2021-07-27 16:15:46
This adapter helps as there is software! I'm again at work but will post back, the drivers are on Macintosh Garden.
Posted by: cheesestraws on 2021-07-27 16:30:56
(Apropos of nothing at all, every time I scroll past this thread I involuntarily sing its title in my head to the tune of 'tiptoe through the tulips' and it is driving me half mad...)
Posted by: VMSZealot on 2021-07-28 06:49:27
This adapter helps as there is software! I'm again at work but will post back, the drivers are on Macintosh Garden.
A link to the device or it’s schematic would be great too!
Posted by: pyranger on 2023-02-09 16:48:17
did this ever get an answer? I believe the question was, "Can we use the USB Wombat to map a usb gamepad to ADB?"
Posted by: Phipli on 2023-02-10 01:39:08
did this ever get an answer? I believe the question was, "Can we use the USB Wombat to map a usb gamepad to ADB?"
If you wanted to make something, it would be fairly easy hardware wise. The arduino Leonardo and other Arduinos based on the ATMega32u4 and similar support spoofing a keyboard key presses.
Posted by: pyranger on 2023-02-10 04:36:58
If you wanted to make something, it would be fairly easy hardware wise. The arduino Leonardo and other Arduinos based on the ATMega32u4 and similar support spoofing a keyboard key presses.
Yes, I have seen some arduino keyboard projects out there. As I already own the Wombat (just opened the box), I was hoping someone had used it for a gamepad and their experience could give me a head start. I'll tinker with it and report back my results.
Posted by: pyranger on 2023-02-11 03:44:23
well, although the wombat see's my logitech wireless keyboard/trackpad, it doesn't recognize my usb joycon. And here's the reason
(from discussion thread at https://www.bigmessowires.com/usb-wombat/#firmware Aug30,2020)
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