nitro2k01 wrote:Interesting project. A regular NES controller is read out by using a parallel in, serial out shift register. One button is read at a time. It also has support for 2-3 controllers on one port, each with a separate data line.There's a common clock line that clocks all the 2-3 controllers that may be connected to one port.
It seems from the chips on the board that this corresponding clock line is used to increment a 4017 decade counter. A decade counter is a type counter that sets one output pin high at a time, incrented by a clock signal. it can cycle through ten positions. Each position would then select a segment of the keyboard. This is what the 9 diodes are for. Each segment selector is connected to a segment of 8 keys. Those 8 keys are probably further broken down into 2 groups of 4, selectable by an output, so you're reading 4*9=36 keys at a time.
Awesome info! Thanks a lot.
NO CARRIER wrote:Batsly Adams has done a lot of work with the Arduino and the NES. Talk to him first. It may be easier just to use an Arduino to interface with an actual modern existing keyboard or input device, rather than the Famicom keyboard. I know that would be cool and all, but the availability of cheaper stuff that more people have access to may be a better idea.
If Batsly wants to make an arduino interface that would let you plug, let's say, a USB keyboard into a Nintendo, then I'll be the first in line to buy it. But since I already have the Famicom keyboard, I'm gonna keep working on it (since I know absolutely nothing about arduinos).
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