Boom PSX/N64 USB Adapter (also known as Boom PSX/N64 USB Converter) is an adapter used by many emulators. It allows the connection of both a Nintendo 64 controller and a Playstation controller to the computer through a USB port. This controller is not limited to only N64 and Playstation emulators. Players who wish to play MAME arcade emulator, SNES, NES, and others can also use this adapter.
Both controllers may not be used at the same time. There is a switch that controls which controller is connected. The switch is controlled by the player.
Issues
There are several compatibility issues. The foremost is the fact that not all N64 controllers work with this adapter. Also there are issues with recognition by Windows and other operating systems, although this issue is pretty rare.
1. Drivers Users of Win2000 and WinXP need not worry about installing the included drivers. Support is built into the OS, and installing the drivers from the installation disk is not likely to solve any issues you may face. Users of Win98 and possibly WinME will need drivers. Simply follow the instructions included on the disk.
2. Analog stick doesn't work After installing the adapter you absolutely must calibrate the analog stick. If you notice that your game character barely manages a walk despite full motion of the stick, you need to calibrate it. This doesn't seem to be an issue with PSX pads, just N64. Go to your Control Panel and open Gaming Options. Highlight the adapter in the list. It should be "4-axis 16-button joystick" for Win2000/XP users, and "Monster Gaming Device" (or similar) in 98/ME. Click the Properties button, then the Settings tab, and finally Calibrate. Follow the directions and everything should be fine thereafter. Keep in mind that you may need to repeat this if the adapter is disconnected.
3. When I click Properties in Gaming Options, all the buttons go crazy, like they're all being pressed This one is a bit mysterious. First, I don't recommend using anything other that genuine, first-party Nintendo controllers with the adapter. Third-party controllers seem to cause more than their fair share of problems, and in fact they may not be officially supported anyway. I've also seen some first-party controllers exhibit the same problem. I can only surmise that the adapter is temperamental with older N64 pads, even ones that otherwise work fine with the console or other adapters. I bought a brand new N64 controller with my adapter and have had no problems. Bottom line? If you experience this issue, buy a new controller. N64 pads can still be purchased new at Nintendo's site. You could also buy an Adaptoid, which seems to play nice with worn-in controllers.
4. Rumble and/or mempaks don't work With the lower cost comes the absence of bonus features, namely rumble and mempak support. They simply won't work. If you really need the features, purchase an Adaptoid.
Initially by AllNatural from http://www.emutalk.net/showthread.php?t=16748
When using an N64 controller, it will be treated as a PlayStation controller and show up as 4-axis, 16-button joystick (N64 controllers being a 2-axis, 14-button controller). Two-axis controllers should not have the Z-axis and Z-Rotation bars, as these are for the second joystick (which is not on an N64 controller). Therefore, up and down on an N64 joystick is the Z-rotation, and left and right is the Z-axis. The box with the plus also shows left, right, up and down, thus the bars and box will be used for a single joystick. This is not meant to be, as the bars are for the right joystick of a PlayStation controller and the box is for the left joystick.
Overall, the adaptoid is less problematic and functional. An adaptoid is just a simple cable with a Nintendo 64 socket on one end, and a USB plug on the other end, which provides for easier use. They also support controller paks and rumble paks, which means you can transfer your game saves that you have saved using an official game onto your computer and play them using an emulator, or vice versa.
I have read everywhere, where people were having issues with the Boom adapter. I recently purchased one, and noticed the N64 controller wouldn't work. I have used this adapter in the past with the grey (original) controller and it worked fine, however the one I am attempted to use just now a purple one, did not work.
The symptoms I received was the device was detected in device manager, drivers installed OK, but when you try to calibrate the device the y-axis is locked permanently and all of the buttons appear pressed.
I have discovered the issue with this device and fixed it. At first I noticed that the calibration showed the same identical results, even when the controller was unplugged from the Boom device. This made my suspect that there was an issue with the Boom device and the controller, which is correct, but neither the Boom device nor the controller are broken.
The issue is, that on the newer N64 controllers the wires [red, white, and black] are not pressed in all the way, especially the black (ground) wire. These red, white, and black wires are the ones that are actually on the plug of the N64 controller. If you can manage to take disassemble it without breaking it (I couldn't) simply grab a small flat head screwdriver and push the wires in as deep as you can.
Then, the boom device and the N64 controller have all connections made, and the device works fine.
I hope this helps some people out, I know it can be frustrating, especially after waiting a few days to receive the device, only to find out it doesn't work.
-J
Guest
2. 24-03-2010 02:38
I bought this converter a few years ago. Since then I got a new computer running Vista and it doesn't work. I can't find anything but the converter itself. I don't think I should have to pay for additional software to make it work considering I already paid for the converter that was supposed to work no problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
