I am currently in the process of designing a custom arcade-style
joystick console for use with emulators on my PC. My design separates
each joystick console from a single keyboard-encoder "hub" such that I
may add additional joysticks or upgrade the encoder circuit without
modifying existing joystick consoles. The connection to the hub may span
several feet, much like existing joysticks connect to their game
systems.
While designing, I became puzzled as to which cable and connectors to use for
connecting a console to the hub. I need at least 12 signal wires for
each console (joystick directions, buttons, and ground) and so I
thought of using a standard HD-15 VGA cable and terminals. I am now
dubious that this will work in general as I've read that some VGA
cables don't wire all the pins.
Is the use of HD-15 cables suitable for my design and usage? It is
definitely attractive as it is inexpensive and generally available.
What other cable and connector options are available to me and
suitable for this project? Jumper cables are appealing as they
connect without soldering, but they don't appear to be available in
long lengths or as resistant to tangling as a VGA cable.
Best Answer
Don't assume. Most VGA cables use some sort of coax or individually shielded conductors for the Red, Green, Blue, and sync signals. The shields for these signals, which have their own pins, are commonly tied together inside the cable. Additionally, some older VGA cables might not connect the "unused" pins-- which are used on more modern devices.