SNES Pads - Construction using extension cables

This is by far the way to go. Looks great, easiest to do and pretty cheap.

The stuff we need:

  • one to four SNES extension cables. Try ebay or Jandaman.com... Find the end that plugs into the SNES controller and chop off the OTHER side.
  • A bunch of switching diodes. The 1N4148 or 1N914 type Rat Shack sells in 800 packs for a buck...
  • A DB25 male connector and hood. See if you can grab one of the swank metal ones. So much nicer than the plastic ones...



The parts before the mayhem begins...



The DB25 connector with the diodes on pins 4 thru 9. Note the orientation. The black line represents the cathode and should be opposite the DB25 side.



SNES Pinout


The ends of the extension cables with the pins identified. Again, the continuity tester is our buddy.



If you're connecting more than one controller,the common wires (clock, latch, power and ground) are twisted to each other. The data wires are the only ones that aren't shared (each controller has a different data line on the PC side).




Um... a chunk of the diode wire. Bent funny looking. Though this be madness, yet there is method in't...




The funny, bent wire used to connect our ground wires to pins 18 and 19 on the DB25 side.



All the wires soldered to the correct pins. Again, note that the clock (Yellow), latch (Orange), power (White) and ground (Brown) wires are soldered together. The data wires(Red) are not.




Using ye olde continuity tester to verify connections. The diode connections are tested on either side of the junction.



Hot glue keeps the connections from shorting when the Connorman launches it across the room. Also, the clamp thing keeps the force of said launchage from mangling our delicate solder joints...




The DB25 hood closed up; ready to roll.




Plugged into the parallel port of connorman.evelands.net




A better pic of the dust bunnies. Gotta love that grime!




The two connectors plugged in and ready to go.





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