StepMania Pad Adapter Compatibility

by Chris Danford

Thanks to Lik-Sang for their generous adapter donations. Please support them!

Click the USB adapter pictures below to jump to the Lik-Sang page for that product. Global Priority Mail shipping as low as $6.

As of StepMania 3.9 alpha 5, the option Ignore Joy Axes has been removed. StepMania will now automatically ignore axis presses from USB adapters when appropriate.

PlayStation->USB Adapter Compatibility

	PS Joy Converter (USB) Recommended - Highest Compatibility Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 1 Manufacturer: Boom Comments: No changes needed. Works with either setting for "Ignore Joy Axes". This adapter works even with pads that have LED lights.
	EMS USB2 Compatible (most units with most pads) Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 2 Manufacturer: EMS Production Comments: Must set "Ignore Joy Axes" in Input Options to ON before configuring your joystick. A few shipments starting in July 2003 are incompatible with pads that have LEDs. This problem was corrected in mid-August 2003, and all new units are again compatible with most pads. See here and here for more info. Some users are reporting that the latest version of this adapter does not work when using 2 pads at the same time. This is likely because of the high voltage requirements when using two pads. Beware.
	PC Magic Box Compatible with some pads - Voltage problems Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 1 Manufacturer: ??? Comments: Not compatible with pads that require higher voltages (pads with LED lights).
	USB Converter (for PS/PS2& N64 joypads) (teal or blue) Not Compatible - Maps only to axes Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 1 Manufacturer: Boom Comments: Maps the PlayStation directional pad to USB HID axes on the PC. Can't press Left+Right or Up+Down simultaneously.
	PS-PC USB Converter (teal, blue, or green) Not Compatible - Maps only to axes Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 1 Manufacturer: Boom Comments: Maps the PlayStation directional pad to USB HID axes on the PC. Can't press Left+Right or Up+Down simultaneously.
	PS-PC USB 2.0 Convertor Compatibility Unknown Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 1 Manufacturer: XINGA Comments:
	Super Joybox 3 Compatible (by entering code) Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 1 Manufacturer: Boom Comments: This is a newer version of the adapter above. Before using in StepMania, you must enter this code: Hold Up, Start, and Select for three seconds (at any time). This causes the PlayStation D-Pad (UDLR) to map to USB buttons. User experience: "With a generic, soft dance pad with LEDs, all the "button" panels work just fine, but the arrows panels don't work as well. However, I can step on the up arrow and have it register, or I can step on the up + left arrows or the up + right arrows and have them register. Nothing else is recognized by the PC. I am assuming this is a voltage problem."
	PS-USB Dual Converter/Super Box4 2player (teal, blue, or green) Not Compatible - Maps only to axes Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 2 Manufacturer: ??? Comments: Maps the PlayStation directional pad to USB HID axes on the PC. Can't press Left+Right or Up+Down simultaneously. User report: "With a generic, soft dance pad with LEDs, everything works fine, except for when I step on the left + right arrows simultaneously. (Up and Down arrows work fine.) When I do this, the diagnostic screen in the Game Controllers control panel seems to suddenly think that the pad is now an analog controller, and that I'm moving the analog sticks rapidly from corner to corner. It shows no input from the arrows."
	Kiki Joy PlayStation to USB Gamepad Converter Not Compatible Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 1 Manufacturer: Soyo Comments: I bought two of these adaptors, and neither worked on any of the 5+ computers I tested with. Windows says "there was an error initializing your hardware". This company needs better quality control!
	Super Dual Box Recent models are Compatible (with code) Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 2 Manufacturer: ??? Comments: On later models, you can use this trick: Hold Up, Start, and Select for three seconds (at any time). This causes the PlayStation D-Pad (UDLR) to map to USB buttons.
	Super Joy Box 5 Not Compatible - Maps only to axes Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 4 Manufacturer: ??? Comments: Maps the PlayStation directional pad to USB HID axes on the PC. Can't press Left+Right or Up+Down simultaneously.
	Rockfire PS-USB Converter Not Compatible - Maps only to axes Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 1 Manufacturer: Rockfire Comments: Maps the PlayStation directional pad to USB HID axes on the PC. Can't press Left+Right or Up+Down simultaneously.
	Madrics Super Box 3 Not Compatible - Maps only to axes Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 1 Manufacturer: Madrics Comments: Maps the PlayStation directional pad to USB HID axes on the PC. Can't press Left+Right or Up+Down simultaneously.
	Play.com USB Dual PS2 to PC Converter XP Not Compatible Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 2 Manufacturer: Play.com Comments: This adapter handles simultaneous presses of Up+Down, but not Left+Right.
	Radio Shack PS->USB converter Not Compatible - Maps only to axes Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 1 Manufacturer: ??? Comments: Maps the PlayStation directional pad to USB HID axes on the PC. Can't press Left+Right or Up+Down simultaneously.
	SmartJoy PLUS Compatible (by entering code) Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 1 Manufacturer: ??? Buy From: Lik-Sang Comments: Before using in StepMania, you must enter this code: Hold Up, Start, and Select for three seconds (at any time). This causes the PlayStation D-Pad (UDLR) to map to USB buttons. 1 user reports that this adapter is not compatible with the MadCatz Beat Pad PRO.
	Nexxtech PSOne and PS2 to USB Adapter Radio Shack PSX-to-USB Game Adapter with Vibration Driver Not Compatible - Maps only to axes Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 1 Manufacturer: Nexxtech/Wasaki
	Smart Joypad 3 Compatible Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 1 or 2 (depending on model) Manufacturer: ???
	Dragon PC Double Power Box 2 Adapter Not Compatible - Maps only to axes Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 1 Manufacturer: ??? User Report: The instruction say "Hold Up, Start, and Select for three seconds (at any time) and it will switch to 'Dance Pad Mode'" but that doesn't work.
	Xinga PS-PC USB 2.0 Converter V Compatible only in Windows with driver installed Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 1 Manufacturer: Xinga User Report: Works in Windows - you must install the driver and select "dancing mat" mode in the Game Controllers Properties window. In Linux and MacOS, the adapter will map the arrows to axes.
	PC Double Power Box 2 Not Compatible - Maps only to axes Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 2 Manufacturer: ???
	PS/PS2 to USB Converter Compatible Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 1 Manufacturer: ??? User Report: This adapter is compatible with dance pads.
	RedOctane Metal Pad Control Box for PC Compatible with code Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: ? Manufacturer: RedOctane User Report: The fix is the same as the Super Dual Box. Hold Up, Start, and Select for three seconds (at any time). This causes the PlayStation D-Pad (UDLR) to map to USB buttons.

PlayStation->Parallel Compatibility

Any DirectPad Pro-Compatible Adapter
Compatible, but requires special drivers
Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 1 or 2
Manufacturer: Blaze, and others
Comments: Requires a separate driver for Windows to recognize these adapters as a joystick. For Windows 98 and Windows Me users, the recommended driver is DirectPad Pro 5.0 for Win9x. For Windows 2000 and Windows XP, the recommended drivers is NTPad XP. PSXPAD is not able to map the PlayStation D-Pad to joystick buttons. For the latest versions of these drivers, visit Aldo's Tools.

Build your own parallel port adapter

X-Box->USB Compatibility

SuperJoy Box 10/11
Compatible (Using 3rd party driver)
Number of Xbox ports per adapter: 2/4 (depending on model)
Manufacturer: May Flash
Comments: Although the OEM driver did not include support for dance mats due to its Analog nature, I searched the net and found the latest version of XBCD, a generic 3rd party Xbox controller driver which converts the Analogue signals to Digital, and as a result, allowed multiple buttons to be pressed simultaneously.

Xbox Compatibility

	Acebox Joypad Adapter II Compatible Manufacturer: Megacom/Sperry Comments:
	Magic Box Not Compatible Number of PlayStation ports per adapter: 1 Manufacturer: ??? Comments: Tested with two different brands of dance pads and didn't recognize either. Works fine with regular PSX controllers though.
	USB Adapter for Xbox Not Compatible Manufacturer: Lik Sang Manufacturing Comments: Does not work in conjunction with PSX->USB converters. Tested with both PSX dance pads and regular PSX controllers.
	DreamBox USB Adapter for Xbox Not Compatible Manufacturer: Boom Comments: Doesn't recognize Red Octane dance pads. Works fine with regular PSX controllers though.
	Acebox PS Joypad Adapter Compatibility Unknown Manufacturer: Megacom Comments:
	Universal PS2-Xbox & GC Adapter Compatible Manufacturer: Game Elements Comments: Works beautifully, very responsive. These are found right now at most Electronics Boutique and Hastings Books & Music locations, $19.99 each.
	X Joybox Adapter Not Compatible Manufacturer: ??? Comments: Input lags too much to be playable. These are all over eBay for about $10.
	X-Connection (Version 1) Not Compatible Manufacturer: Innovation Comments: Doesn't register input with a pad at all.
	X-Connection (Version 2) Compatibility Unknown Manufacturer: Innovation Comments:
	Total Control Not Compatible Manufacturer: Cypher Games Comments: Doesn't recognize input from Naki Dance Pad or Red Octane Ignition 2.0.
	Dragon Adapter Not Compatible Manufacturer: ??? User report: There is a large delay in registering presses when using a dance pad. Gamepads work fine. Buy From: Lik-Sang
	Perfect Dance Mat Compatible Manufacturer: ??? Buy From: Lik-Sang
	Naki Dance Mat for Xbox Compatible Manufacturer: Naki Buy From: Lik-Sang
	Universal Controller Adapter Compatible Manufacturer: ??? Comments: Make sure the switch on the side is set to "GAMEPAD".

Pump Pad Compatibility

	Pump It Up Pad (USB) Compatible Manufacturer: Andamiro Comments: StepMania implements its own software support for this device.
	Pump It Up Pad (PS2 keyboard) Compatible Manufacturer: Andamiro Comments: This is identical to USB pad, but comes with a USB->PS2 keyboard adapter. When using this adapter, the device looks like a normal keyboard.

Other Pad Compatibility

	Fitpad Dance Mat controller (USB) Compatible Manufacturer: Guillemot/Thrustmaster Comments: Bundled with Disney Interactive's Jungle Book. Works with either setting for IgnoreJoyAxes.
	Para Para Paradise controller for PlayStation 2 (USB) Not Compatible - yet Manufacturer: Konami Comments: Detected on a PC as a standard USB input device. However, it isn't really because tripping the sensors does not cause any input. StepMania will eventually support this controller by reading the device raw.
	Soft dance pad (PlayStation) Compatible Manufacturer: Topway, and others Comments: These controllers will function all all the PS->USB adapters above. Be sure to also buy a compatible adapter if you want to use it in StepMania.
	Soft dance pad (PC parallel port) Compatible, but requires special drivers Manufacturer: Topway, and others Comments: These pads have DirectPad Pro compatible connectors. You'll need to download DirectPad Pro drivers to use these pads. See the DirectPad Pro compatibility information for driver information.
	Foam insert dance pads (PlayStation) Compatible Manufacturer: many Comments: These controllers will function all all the PS->USB adapters above. Be sure to also buy a compatible adapter if you want to use it in StepMania.
	Metal dance pads (PlayStation) Compatible with most Manufacturer: many Comments: Some metal pads have voltage incompatibilities with select PS->USB adapters. The PS Joy Converter by Boom and the EMS USB2 are the converters most compatible with metal platforms.
	Mad Catz Beat Pad Pro (PlayStation and Xbox) Not Compatible Manufacturer: Mad Catz User Report: The problem is that it is an auto-sensing PSX/Xbox pad, and that it does not start in PSX mode as soon as it receives power. If your adapter does not initialize/probe the pad in the same manner as a real PS2/PSX, the pad will appear to simply not function. Some adapters do not do this, and assume that game pads are ready to use as soon as they receive power.
	Mini DDR Dance Controller (PlayStation) Not Compatible Manufacturer: ??? Comments: This controller has voltage problems that make it incompatible with with all PS->USB adapters.
	Panther guitar (PlayStation) Compatible Manufacturer: Hais Comments: No known incompatibilities with USB adapters.
	Crazy Drum King Controller (PlayStation) Compatibile With Some Adapters Manufacturer: Hais Comments: One user reports that this works with the Boom PS Joy Convertor. Another user reports that this doesn't work with the Super Dual Box.
	Rave-Discman (PlayStation) Not Compatible Manufacturer: ??? Comments: This controller has voltage problems that make it incompatible with with all PS->USB adapters. User report: "I have a Rave-Discman purchased from Lik-Sang in 2001, and it doesn't work with any of the 5+ brands of USB adapters I tried it with. Looking at Control Panel->Game Controllers, some adapters show gibberish and others act like no controller is attached at all.
	Cyber-Groove pad (USB) Compatible Manufacturer: globalnsu Comments:

Mounting a Soft Pad - by Alex Hueston

Materials:

Wood Board that is 36"x40"
Staple Gun
Heavy Duty Staples
Clear Duct Tape
Clear Vinyl 8 ft.. x 23"
Hammer

Construction Instructions:

Tape the entire perimeter of the Cyber Grove Pad to the center of the wood with the clear duct tape.
Cut the 8 ft. piece of Vinyl in half and tape the two 4 ft. pieces together length wise.
Place the vinyl with the smooth side face up on the floor, place the board face down centered on top of the vinyl.
Wrap one of either the left or right side over the bottom of the board staple the vinyl, using the staple gun.

Start in the center working outward staple until you have about 6" left on each end.
Use the hammer to make the staples flush with the board.

*This is the point of no return*

Pull the vinyl as taught as possible over on the other side and staple in the same fashion as the other side.
Staple the vinyl to the bottom of the board, trim the excess.
Flip the board over Cut out the USB interface so that the vinyl lays flat.
Finally, staple the remaining vinyl to the board, and now you have a pad that will last.

Note:

You'll want a board that is smooth or you can sand it yourself, I used Particle Board. Also Home Depot has a vinyl that lays flat and smooth which is important.