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Here's the official Cthulhu thread! I'm sure this first post will be edited frequently to hold all pertinent information and FAQ's.
New MC Cthulhu firmware: http://godlikecontrols.com/download/...CCthulhu20.zip
How to assemble the Cthulhu kit: How to Assemble a Cthulhu PCB.
MC Cthulhu Welcome document showing pinout: http://godlikecontrols.com/download/...lhuWelcome.pdf
PS3 Cthulhu Welcome document showing pinout: http://godlikecontrols.com/download/...lhuWelcome.pdf
Chimp Welcome document showing pinout: http://godlikecontrols.com/download/chimpwelcomev2.pdf
Guide to troubleshooting: The official Cthulhu/ChImp board thread- MC Firmware 2.0 Released!
Guide to Chimp troubleshooting: The official Cthulhu/ChImp board thread- MC Firmware 2.0 Released!
Bomberman's Guide to Installing in a MadCatz FightStick: Installing an MC Cthulhu and Imp in an Xbox 360 SF4 SE stick
Q:What is it?
A: The Cthulhu board is a printed circuit board designed to go inside of an arcade stick. By using a Cthulhu board, you can avoid having to hack an official pad, and instead use a clean board designed specifically to be used with arcade sticks.
Q:Where can I get it?
A: Online retailers carrying the Cthulhu, Chimps, and other stuff I make:
LizardLick.com
AkihabaraShop
Q:Why would I use a Cthulhu board instead of a hacked pad?
A: A hacked pad requires soldering wires to a board that just wasn't meant to be used in an arcade stick. Soldering together a Cthulhu kit is far easier than hacking a pad, and in most cases, cheaper. If you don't want to solder at all, assembled boards are available with screw terminals; absolutely NO SOLDERING is needed to install one in an arcade stick.
Q: Does it lag at all?
A: Oh god no. None at all. To see the results of testing on a PS3 against a VSHG and SIXAXIS pad: Do wireless 360 and PS3 pads lag? Any reason to stick to a wired PCB?
Q:What consoles with the Cthulhu board work with?
A:The Cthulhu currently works with the Playstation 3 console and PC, both through USB.
Q:What about the Xbox360?
A: Xbox360 will most likely never happen. Microsoft is using some hefty security for controller identification that I can't get around.
Q: What about backwards compatability with PS2 games on 20GB, 60GB, and 80GB Playstation 3 models?
A: The Cthulhu supports the PS2 games on Playstation 3 consoles that play PS2 games.
Q: I'm broke.
A: I'm always looking to trade for cool stuff. PM me to discuss if you have something you'd be willing to trade towards a board or a discount on a board. I'll try to list various stuff I'd like to get and how much I'd knock off for getting them:
trade list
Q: What does it look like? How big is it?
A: This awesome image and measurements were done by Per of Akihabarashop.jp. Large picture, so please check this link: http://akihabarashop.jp/misc/Cthulhu.jpg
Q: How will these work with the new MadCatz sticks?
A: Based on what we've seen so far, yes. Zombie CPT has already posted up pictures from his dual pcb installation in a MadCatz 360 SE stick. I have a an SE stick in my hands and will be working in Instructables as fast as humanly possible.
Q: When using the Cthulhu on a PC, I see Select and Start are buttons 9 and 10, and the Home button is button number 13. How come there is a button 11 and button 12, but nothing ever turns them on?
A: Buttons 11 and 12 are read by the Playstation 3 as L3 and R3, the 'clicks' when you press down on the analog sticks. Even though nothing on the Cthulhu activates them, we still have to send the information to the PS3 so that it believes we are a proper controller.
Q: Why won't the PS3 turn on when I press the Home button?
A: When the PS3 is off, it cuts power to the USB ports. SIXAXIS controllers are the only ones that can wake a PS3 up from being off. No wired controller can ever turn a PS3 on.
Q: When using the Cthulhu on a PC, moving the stick around causes BOTH the X/Y axis to change, and the POV Hat to change to match. When using the Cthulhu on a PS3, moving the stick around causes BOTH the d-pad to change, and the Left analog stick to change to match. Why does this happen, and how could I change it?
A: The Cthulhu is designed to do this; it's normal and won't cause any problems. This setup was created as a compromise between how PC games usually expect the directions to be reported (X/Y axis) and how the PS3 expects the d-pad to be reported (POV hat). With this setup, you can just plug and play on most if not all of the games you want to play on both PC and PS3. If you would like the stick to be reported as one and only one of those for whatever reason, hold down the Select or Start button when plugging in; I don't remember which is which, but one disables the X/Y and only reports dpad/POV hat, the other disables POVhat/dpad and only reports over the left analog stick/X/Yaxis
Q: Where can I access the D+/D- lines for a dual mod?
A: D- (white) can be tapped in the D column. D+ (green) can be tapped in the E column.
Q: Where can I get unassembled kits?
A: You can't unless someone else has new old stock somewhere. I don't make them anymore.
Q: Why don't you make unassembled kits anymore?
A: I don't. Deal with it.
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Multi-Console 'MC' Cthulhu questions:
Q: What is it?
A: The MC Cthulhu is the multi-console version of the Cthulhu. It uses a more feature-rich chip that allows for the board to support more than just the PS3.
Q: So what's different?
A: The chip is different, and it comes with diodes that help protect the console in case the cord is plugged into more than one console at a time. The green board is the same, all of the parts are the same, the pinout is the same, etc.
Q: What consoles will it work on?
A: Currently, the MC Cthulhu will work on the PS3 (with all of the functionality of the original PS3 Only Cthulhu, so yes, it works just fine on PC), Xbox1, Playstion/Playstation 2, Gamecube, NES, Super Nintendo, 3DO*, Sega Saturn and TurboGrafx16/PC-Engine consoles. Playstation support appears to work well with many converters.
(3DO support is currently limited to being the only controller. No daisy chain support or support in a daisy chain.)
Q: What about Wii?
A: The GameCube support will work on any game that supports a GameCube controller. (GG:AC, TvC, Smash Bros, Metal Slug Anthology, etc.)
Q: What about on Smash Brothers?
A: Yes! The Gamecube support in the MC Cthulhu includes two different modes for Smash Brothers play. These modes are very experimental so feel free to speak up any input on how it could be improved. Information on how to enter these modes and how they work can be read up on here: Universal PCB (eventually) thread
Q: I have a Cthulhu, but I don't know if I have a PS3 only version, or an MC Cthulhu. How can I tell the difference?
A: If the Cthulhu is assembled, just plug it into a PC and check the game controller applet in the Control Panel. The name should be very clear about whether it is meant for PS3/PC or is a MultiConsole version. If the Cthulhu is unassembled, look in the bag for a set of four diodes; MC Cthulhu kits come with diodes, but PS3 Only versions don't. If you're looking at just the chip, look at the first row of text on the chip; the PS3 Only version will have the text 'F24' on it, usually 18F2450. The MC Cthulhu will have the text 'F25' on it, usually 18LF2550.
Q: What about Dreamcast?
A: Not gonna happen. There will have to be an entirely separate board with very different electronics for that to happen. Expect one around 2012, and please withhold any questions about it until 2011. Users have reported success with using the Playstation support in the MC Cthulhu with Dreamcast converters.
Q: What about Xbox360?
A: Nope, same reason as given above.
Q: What about console X?
A: Maybe, but for now I need more feedback on the consoles already supported. No promises, no guarantees.
Q: If I buy now, and then you get console X added, won't I be screwed?
A: No, you'll still be fine. The MC Cthulhu includes a bootloader that allows the firmware to be updated in the even a new console gets added.
Q: I have a PS3 Cthulhu now. Do I have to buy a whole new board?
A: No. Upgrade chips are available. Installation is just a matter of popping the old chip out, popping the new chip in, and soldering the four diodes into place. You can find detailed instructions on the diode installation here:
Select Your Power
Q: Where can I buy an MC Cthulhu?
A: LizardLick.com
Q: How does the board connect to the console?
A: The Cthulhu board has a set of unused holes near the USB jack, labelled with row 1-3 and columns G, A-F, and V. Each one has a specific purpose. For each of the possible consoles you want to use with your stick, you need a cable for that system (from an extension cord or dead controller) and you solder the wires in that cable to specific points on the Cthulhu.
Q: So if I want to play on PS3 and Playstation, I'll need 2 cables coming off of the MC Cthulhu board?
A: Exactly.
Q: I don't plan on ever playing on a Gamecube/PSX/Xbox/ConsoleX. Do I have to put in that cable?
A: Nope. Only put in the cable for the consoles you want to play on.
Q: So how do I install the Playstation, or Gamecube, NES, SNES, or Xbox1 cable on the MC Cthulhu?
A: Instructables for all supported consoles have been placed. Easiest way to find everything related to the Cthulhu is to go to Instructables.com and search for 'cthulhu' which will bring up everything I've done, and a couple of cool knitting instructions.
Gamecube: How To Install an Gamecube cable onto a Multi-Console Cthulhu
PSX: How To Install a Playstation cable onto a Multi-Console Cthulhu
Xbox1: How To Install an Xbox1 cable onto a Multi-Console Cthulhu
NES: How To Install an NES cable onto a Multi-Console Cthulhu
SNES: How To Install an SNES cable onto a Multi-Console Cthulhu
Q: I can't seem to get the Xbox1 working properly. When I plug it in, nothing happens.
A: Upgrade the firmware to version 1.3 or better, and Xbox1 will autodetect. If you can't or won't upgrade, hold Left when plugging in the stick.
Q: How do I update the firmware? Where is it?
A: A link to the most recent version is at the very top of this post. Read the included readme.txt for directions.
Q: I get a weird error when I try to doubleclick Bootloader.exe?
A: Bootloader requires dotNet, which can be downloaded here: Microsoft .NET Framework
Q: What's the button mappings on all of the consoles?
A:Spoiler for Button Configs:
Q: What about if we only want one cable on the stick at a time? Is there way to make removable cables?
A: Yes. Please look into this thread which covers how to use RJ-45 modular connections for making cables.
RJ45 Detachable Cables - How To
Q: You said the firmware on the MC Cthulhu can be updated. Can I update the firmware on my current PS3 Only Cthulhu?
A: No. The PS3 Only Cthulhu doesn't contain the ability to update firmware. Even if it did, it wouldn't help; the chip in the MC Cthulhu is much stronger than the chip in the PS3 Cthulhu. There is a piece called the SPI module that is needed for most consoles that just doesn't exist on the PS3 Cthulhu chip.
Q: Can I order console cables from you?
A: Sure. I have extension cables for Playstation, Gamecube and on hand; the same ones used in the Instructables. Price is listed below.
Q: Can I pay you a little extra to install them on the MC Cthulhu for me?
A: I'm sorry but I just can't do that right now. If I had the time, I would, but the SF4 rush currently underway has everything crazy for everyone.
Q: Would it matter what kind of PS cord i use? Do I need a PSX cord or a PS2 cord?
A: PS2 cord is identical to a PSX cord. If it plugs into the controller port on a PSX or a PS2, then it will work for this.
Q: What about converter support?
A:Spoiler for Tested Converters:
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Chimp Questions
Q: What is it?
A: The Chimp is a new board that combines a PS3 Cthulhu with an Imp into one board. It's made for wiring along side an Xbox360 pcb so your arcade stick can work on both 360 and PS3 cleanly and easily.
Q: Why would I get a Chimp instead of just getting a Cthulhu and an Imp?
A: Lots of reasons.
1. With only one board instead of two, the Chimp will be easier to wire up to the 360 board.
2. Autodetection. The Chimp can identify when it is plugged into an Xbox360 and automagically go into 360 mode. No slide switches, no holding down buttons, just plug in and go on any system.
3. Since this sort of dual mod will always require soldering, the Chimp is available as an unassembled kit, meaning a lower cost to you.
4. Trigger inversion. If you want to connect the Chimp to an Xbox360 pad that requires the triggers to be inverted, the Chimp will handle this for you. No more transistor or inverter chip hacks.
Q: So why would I ever want to use a PS3 Cthulhu instead of a Chimp?
A: There are some reasons for that as well.
1. If you're going to mod more than just a 360 and PS3 pad together, you'll have more than one cable coming out of the box, and risk causing severe problems if its ever plugged into more than one console at a time. The diodes on a PS3 Cthulhu will help you route all of the power in a way that is safe in case that ever happens.
2. The PS3 Cthulhu can be upgraded to an MC easily. The Chimp can ONLY support PS3/PC USB, and cannot and will not be upgradable to a Multi-Console version.
3. If you prefer using the Xbox360 board when connecting to a PC, a regular Imp will make that easier for you. Using the 360 pad on a PC requires holding down three buttons (Short, Strong, RoundHouse) when using a Chimp, while the Imp used just the one button or slide switch, however you set it up.
Q: What about other consoles like PSX, Gamecube, and Xbox1 supported on the MC Cthulhu?
A: They are not and cannot be made to work on the Chimp.
Q: Will there be an MC Chimp in the future?
A: No. I simply can't. The pins that would normally go to the extra console cables are currently used to control the Imp chip present on the Chimp.
Q: How do I assemble a Chimp?
A: I'm working on an assembly Instructable now and will link to it as soon as it's done.
Q: How do I install the Chimp in my TE/SE FightStick?
A: Here is the current wiring diagram. Definitely post up in this thread if there are any questions or areas that are vague:
Yfrog Image : yfrog.com/5ychimpmadcatzp
Q: My X/Y axis moves when I hit a trigger button in 360 mode.
A: Known issue with pads using analog triggers requiring inversion. Please read:
http://shoryuken.com/f177/official-c...ml#post9194306
Q: What should the button layout be?
A: This is rather important, so please pay close attention to this answer. The layout that I HIGHLY HIGHLY absolute must insist upon is the layout from the original MadCatz sticks:
You can probably rig up things to use a different layout if you like, but they won't be supported.Code:For PS3: [] /\ R1 L1 X O R2 L2 For Xbox360: X Y RB LB A B RT LT
Q: I can't get my Chimp to work. Can I get a replacement from you?
A: No. The Chimps are being sold as very inexpensive, unassembled kits as requested by the community, and are designed specifically to be soldered to a staggering number of third party pcbs. In order to keep the costs down, this board has no support policy. If this in unacceptable, please do not purchase. There are a large number of technicians available who would be willing to take care of the installation and assembly for you for a price. Please, let the professionals handle it for you. While I've tried to make it as easy as possible, this is still a VERY VERY advanced mod.
Q: My 360 board requires the triggers to be inverted. What do I do?
A: The welcome sheet that came with the Chimp shows two unlabelled points, one labelled 3K_Invert, and the other labelled 4k_Invert. Solder wires to those two points. On your 360 pad, remove the two trigger pots. Try to keep middle pad of the pots intact if you can; the side pads can be ignored or torn without care, but it'll be easiest if you can leave the middle pad in place. Connect the wire from 3K_Invert to the middle pad of the right trigger, and the 4K_invert to the middle pad of the left trigger. If the middle pads got torn from removing the pots, follow the trace to find another point to connect the wires.
Q: Can I use a Chimp in a stick by itself?
A: Certainly. The only thing to keep in mind is that it will still try to go to 360 mode if you plug it in with Short, Strong, and Roundhouse held down. As long as you don't hold these buttons down when plugging it in, it will work just fine on PS3 and PC by itself without being dualmodded.
Q: I want to use the Xbox360 mode on a PC.
A: If you hold down the Short, Strong, and Roundhouse buttons (1K, 2P, 3K) when plugging it in, it will skip the autodetection and go straight to Xbox360 mode.
_____________________
Misc:
Q: What are the golden rules?
A: The two golden rules of dual pcb mods:
1. All pcb's must be common ground.
2. All pcb's must be powered at all times.
_____________________
Ordering:
Q: Do you have X in stock?
A: Oh god yes. If there is a price shown, I have them in stock.
If you're interested in ordering, please try ordering from one of our online resellers:
LizardLick.com
Gremlin Solutions (UK)
If you can't find what you're looking for, or have other reasons to order from me directly, that's fine, but it really is preferred you go through a reseller when possible.
Q: How do I order?
A: Decide what you'd like to order, add it up and be sure to include shipping. Send a paypal for that amount to marcus@marcuspost.com. Make sure to select 'Goods' when paypal asks what kind of stuff you're buying. On the next screen will be a text box where you can include a comment; please detail what it is you'd like to order in that box. Make sure to select the address you would like it shipped to; the address in the paypal payment will be the address it is shipped to. If you don't want it mailed to that address, ADD A NEW ADDRESS AND PUT IT IN!
That's it. No email or pm or post is needed; the paypal payment will contain your payment, the address for me to send your stuff to, a note with what you want to buy listed; everything I need. When your order is shipped and you're in the US, you can expect a delivery confirmation number in your paypal email when it is sent.
Q: How long will it take to ship?
A: School is currently hitting me pretty hard, and more packages have taken longer than I would like to send out. Because of this, I need to change my policy ; packages will be shipped within 3 business days received payment. Hopefully far sooner, but there have definitely been times when I've needed longer. So, expect 3 business days to ship.
Q: How long will it take to arrive?
A: West Coast: 2-3 days after mailing. East Coast: 3-4 days after mailing. Rest of world: 2 weeks after mailing.
ChImp Unassembled Kit: $35 (does not include USB jack or Screw Terminals)
USB jack: $3
Screw Terminals, two pieces, 10 pins each, enough for one board : $8
Assembled PS3 Only Cthulhu board, including screw terminals and USB jack: $40
Assembled MC Cthulhu board, including screw terminals and USB jack: $45
MC Cthulhu Upgrade Chip and diodes: $12
Imp kit: $9
AXISdapter unassembled kit: $20
AXISdapter fully assembled and solder-free: $25
360^2 Helper: $9 each (Information: The official Cthulhu/ChImp board thread- MC Firmware 2.0 Released!)
FGWidget Converter kit: $15 ea. (Information: The official Cthulhu/ChImp board thread- MC Firmware 2.0 Released!
Welcome document: http://www.marcuspost.com/downloads/...terwelcome.pdf)
PiiWee kit (no screw terminals, no cable): $15
USB 15' A-to-B Cable for Cthulhu: $5
USB 1.5' A-to-MiniB Cable for AXISdapter: $4
PSX extension cable: $5
Gamecube extension cable: $5
Xbox1 extension cable: [SOLD OUT]
US Shipping with delivery confirmation:
Up to 9 boards: $6
Up to 30 boards: $12
Any larger: Please feel free to email me.
Canada:
Up to 5 boards: $11
Any larger: Please feel free to email me.
Elsewhere:
Up to 5 boards: $13
Any larger: Please feel free to email me.
Payment:
Paypal address: marcus@marcuspost.com
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Originally Posted by Toodles
here's my thoughts:
