Converting PS1 joypad

[turin]

I purchased some unadulterated PlayStation1 joypads. I want to make them USB connectible. Where can I find information on:
circuit description/pinout for the PlayStatoin1 joypad (hardware),
writing/obtaining a suitible USB driver (software, windows xp I suppose)?
I have seen the SNESkey stuff, but only found information for the antiquated parallel port (which my computer doesn't even have). So, it seems I will have to start from scratch.

My original plan is to lop off the PlayStation1 connector and solder the wires into a USB converter circuit (that I would like to build). Perhaps I should make it detachable via a db-9 connector or something, and also allow for several controllers to connect through a common USB port.

I know that one can purchase USB joypads ready to go, but I think it would be cool to build my own from virtually free hardware. (so far the joypads have cost me a total of $4, junk in a garage sale, vs. >$20 ea. for a packaged deal) Also, there is just something about holding that original joypad in your hand, the feeling of authenticity alone is worth it. (I really wish I could find some SNES joypads in a garage sale. Anything older than that would not have enough buttons.)

(Editted to reduce ambiguity)

[psilonaut]

I converted one to midi port back in the day - that was much simpler though... Here's the pinouts.

[turin]

Thanks, psilonaut.
Actually, I had found that webpage. It is the best one that I found, but it left me with some holes in my understanding.

What is the frequency/timing? Is it critical? I.e. can I use a PIC12F683 (which are very cheap and which I have a lot of, but are only on the order of 1 instruction per microsecond) or do I need to go with a real serious uC (10's of instructions per microsecond or more)? I guess the usage of 68hc11 and 74xx should indicate that we're only talking about a few MHz at best, but i would just like to see a more explicit circuit description. Maybe I can make that contribution if I ever get mine up and running.

Exactly which functions of the PlayStation1 console need to be simulated? I didn't quite follow how the communication is set up. Are the joypads all slaves, and the console asks each one what it is doing one at a time? If so, it seems that the signal would have to be at least a few MHz with all that overhead and deadtime (but then again, I'm not nearly that fast, so maybe not for me ).

How do I even get started programming a USB driver (or any other port driver)? I have virtually no idea about this. I have taken several different programming classes (BASIC, QBASIC, FORTRAN, C++), but only 1 semester of each. I am most comfortable with C++, but all we ever did in class was make text appear on the screen and some very basic file I/O. I have learnt quite a bit beyond that by now, but I only dabble, and have not been able to find a decent explanation on the internet of programming hardware drivers. Could it be that I simply plug something into the USB port and the computer will adapt to it (I don't dare try something like that without being 99% sure it would not fry the USB controller).

[psilonaut]

I'm afraid I can't answer half your questions. When I made my controller it was with a step by step instruction set. I didn't really understand half the stuff I did, but it worked. And I wouldn't attempt to make my own drivers. There are a few sets out there.

[jambog]

You can buy a PSX to USB converter for about $10 on ebay. I would suggest doing that unless you are just trying to make one yourself out of bordom or something.

[Fierce Deity]

On lik-sang, you can buy a converter where you you can plug in a PS1, PS2, or N64 controller and it has a USB input on the other end. All buttons are supported simultaneously, and it comes with it's own drivers. It is $9.00.

[DarthBrady]

Originally Posted by Fierce Deity

On lik-sang, you can buy a converter where you you can plug in a PS1, PS2, or N64 controller and it has a USB input on the other end. All buttons are supported simultaneously, and it comes with it's own drivers. It is $9.00.

AND I BOUGHT IT AND IT IS SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!! I'm getting 3 more soon. But the drivers are only for win98 and older, you wont even need them for winXP, its works great automatically.

[Fierce Deity]

I WANT ONE!!!!!! so very badly...sadly, I have no credit/debit card....

[dannydee]

So I see a few people have mentioned a USB convertor for PS1 PS2 and XBOX controllers but i have tried to find one on Ebay and all i get is USB stuff like cup warmers and other random nonsense.

So could someone please tell me what they are called so i can get one!

Many Thanks