Saturn Controller Port Switcher

[RyanDS]

I'm looking to convert my Sega Saturn into an arcade machine. However, since I want to use it for both Fight Sticks, Light Gun, and regular controllers, switching between the controller could be a bit of a bother. Since I have yet to decide where to place the console and if it's going to be accessible outside the cabinet. I'm using a Fenrir for the games so I plan on powering the system with a main power control somewhere on the outside.

I was looking at building custom fight sticks using the Brooke Retro boards or just taking old Hori Fightsticks and setting them into the frame of the cabinet. Which led me down this train of thought. How can I switch between the controllers without having to unplug them.

I saw the RJ45 adapter and thought maybe I could cut up controller extensions and plug all three controllers into a RJ45 port switcher. Switching between which controller sends info on the otherside. With a dial selecting the controller. However, since RJ45 is 8 wires, it complicates things.

Moving onto the next thought pattern. Could I use RS232 connectors since they have the 9 wires and pins needed for switching? Is there a proper schematic out there for this idea?

Also, is there a better way to switch between controller inputs other than this?

 

[Knight0fDragon]

It depends on how the switcher is designed. If it is just changing the VCC line, you may come across some issues. Some lines may have additional protections on it to allow for data to only flow in one direction.

The saturn controller is the same pinout as the genesis controller, so what you are asking for is doable since there are folks who have made adapters for Saturn to Genesis and Genesis to Saturn.

 

[RyanDS]

It depends on how the switcher is designed. If it is just changing the VCC line, you may come across some issues. Some lines may have additional protections on it to allow for data to only flow in one direction.

The saturn controller is the same pinout as the genesis controller, so what you are asking for is doable since there are folks who have made adapters for Saturn to Genesis and Genesis to Saturn.

Thanks so much for the info. I looked up the adapter you spoke of and it makes sense. I'll have to look into how the port switcher actually switches the connection.

 

[RyanDS]

This switcher claims to switch all 9 pins, I've ordered the unit and document my progress as I put it together

 

[RyanDS]

The DB9 to Sega Saturn connection was a success. Using some saturn extension cables, I clipped the ends off and spliced them to the DB9 male ends.

The Saturn cables used a brown color cable for the ground and the DB9 used a yellow color cable. From there I just paired all the same colors with the yellow and brown switched on both ends. The Saturn cable had a white cable that I paired with the Grey.

I used solder heat terminal connectors to splice the cables together and wrapped them in electrical table. I used a continuity tester to make sure the connections were secure.

The pin switcher indeed switches all the pins and after spending a few hours splicing cords. With one male connector per box, I can switch between controllers without unplugging anything. This process that be used for any controller with 9 pins or less. Providing all the cables being switched are identical.