I've gotten really into the concept of using my old gaming equipment to use with my PC via USB. I've done another thing as well in this respect, but with a Parallel port, and admittedly I'm not the best at understanding circuitry and whatnot, and my circuit failed. I think I damaged the transistor during soldering, or misplaced my ground wire, missed the connectors on the memory card, or something else.
Anyway, I have done some research on other things, and have found some specific diagrams and tutorials on how to connect NES controllers, N64 controllers, and SNES controllers through USB, but what I haven't been able to figure out is the above circuit. It's from the following site:
http://www.zen35383.zen.co.uk/stnield/usbpads.htm
Admittedly, I am new to this, and I've read tons of things, but I don't think I'm confident enough to even consider trying this without the opinion of someone with some more experience...
So I'm guessing that I need a CY7C63000A-PC or CY7C63001A-WC chip to complete this project, and I need a programmer thing to tell it how to communicate through the USB port? I've never really done that, and I don't know my ankle from my elbow in that, I'm afraid.
Now, brace yourself for a stupid question. Yes, I realize I probably sound like an idiot, but I have a friend who is quite experienced at programming in C. Now I doubt the microcontroller would be programmed in C, C++, etc, but would his experience in those languages make him at all suited to help me with this?
Also, I can get diodes, resistors, etc from RatShack (RadioShack), but I don't think they sell Microcontrollers or Male USB Plugs?
I admit I'm pretty talented with computer software and installing hardware, but when it comes down to the raw circuitry I'm at a loss. I really want to strengthen myself in this area and get the satisfaction of making my own controller instead of buying one of those look-alike, similar controllers from the local shop. I also realize this stuff may be beyond me at the moment (I almost failed circuitry back in 8th-grade shop class, and those chips were pre-programmed!), but I also say that I have a very hard time starting with the basics, and if you're willing to tolerate me, this is where I'd like to start.
I'm not asking for a complete breakdown of everything I need to do; I understand diodes, resistors and whatnot (at least, I'm pretty sure I do). It's just some of the more complicated and unclear stuff that I want help with.
I hope I've been clear enough, and I hope you guys won't be too harsh on the new guy. I've read the posting guidelines and think I've covered all the bases for posting on your forum. Lastly, I hope this, which is making out to be a wall of text, doesn't hurt your eyes to look at...
Thanks infinitely for any help you may offer me!
Rodents210