By all means just make the simple one! Beggars can't be choosers and we are all begging for you to make this.

I am grateful just for the work you put into it this far let alone one with file reading.

Thanks. Working for a public school district, I had rather gotten used to being unappreciated and undervalued.

Anyway - I took a quick look at some of the options available for USB flash drive text files. Basically it would add another $30 to the price tag, effectively doubling the price of the unit. There may be other options. I'll continue looking.

I say just work on the basic one that gets text in there at first. But really, all of us are diehard fans and as long as it isn't super expensive, we'll likely grab it.

I also saw the video you posted on your site, which was awesome.

I was thinking of offering different options - like with a car. So you could pick and choose which features you wanted, and thus how much you were willing to pay. You start out with the basic model, then choose what options you want, if any. I'll probably set up a store on my blog and use PayPal as a payment gateway so that I can securely accept credit cards & instant bank transfers.

But, yeah, I'll start out with just the basic model.

I got my darlington arrays, the PICAXEs, and the mini-din connectors today (plus a few other assorted parts for experimentation). I'm just waiting on the controller, now. I've tried altering my set-up with the PS2 controller a couple times, but am still having problems with it. Don't know if it's because of my poor soldering job on those very tiny connectors, or because the PS2 controller is really finicky (likely a bit of both), but I'm still working on it - at least until I get my PS1 controller.

I've also got a name for it: RPG Maker Keyboard Using PICAXE Inside Device - or Kupid, for short. I'm working on a logo, too.

Glad everyone likes the video.

Here's a pic of my current work: http://rpgmakerxp.us/assets/Kupid%20WIP.jpg

Probably part of the issues is that the buttons on a PS2 controller are, believe it or not, analog.

Reminds me of when I tried playing Socom II with a PS1 controller. Any time I tried throwing a grenade with it, the aiming went haywire.

Yeah - that's probably it, then. Maybe I'll figure something out, though.

Honestly, as long as I don't have to use RM1's GUI for typing anymore, I'm in Heaven. The only reason I'd be opposed to all the bells and wistles is that it's more work on you... and we don't want to burn you out on making these as I think you might be getting quite a few orders.

Also, I like the name. ^_^

::edit::

I got bored and made this:

Well, if I manage to make, say, $10 profit on each one, then I'd be willing to do the work. The district doesn't pay me very well, so ten bucks would be awesome.

And if a lot of people order, then I'll be able to buy components with a bulk discount. It also helps that I have a close relative who is a buyer for an electronics manufacturing company (free samples FTW).


I stared at that for five minutes trying to figure out what was different about it, before I noticed the keyboard. I might use that for inspiration.

For the text/logo part, though, I'm thinking of going with something more kitschy - like a keyboard and a PS1 controller inside a heart with an arrow going through it, or something. Done in single-color line art, in case I decide to get fancy and stamp the Kupids with the logo.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that I am going to be doing some experiments with the Propeller chip. I may decide to go with that rather than the PICAXE - the best part is that if I decide to change the chip, Propeller starts with a "P" too, so I don't have to change the name.

I'll probably use the PICAXE for the basic models, but if I make more advanced models available, then I'll use the Prop for those.

For what it's worth, $10 personal gain is more than modest. But ultimately, just do what it is you think is most worth while.

I barely make $10 an hour at the district. Still don't know how long it would take me to make each of these units, but if it's an hour or less each, then I'd be doing pretty good.

EDIT: I should also add that by using the Propeller for the more advanced models, I can shave $30 off the price versus using a PICAXE. The Prop natively supports memory card access (more or less). So the memory card version would only be $10 or so more expensive than the base version rather than $40 more expensive with with PICAXE.

So why not go straight for the Propeller?

The Prop is a few dollars more expensive than the Picaxe; while it would save $30 or so on the advanced model Kupid, it would add to the cost on the basic model. Also - I haven't ever worked with Prop before, so I don't know how easy it's going to be for me to use it. Since I have experience with Picaxe, I am planning to use that for the basic model and the prototype.

But, once I get my Prop chip, some time next week, and the controller, I'll start testing things out to see what works best.

I just won an ebay auction for 50 PS1 controllers at a pretty low price (They're untested, but even if only 10 of them work, I will have made a good investment). This will increase my profit margin and should ensure that I have enough controllers to last me pretty much forever.

Good jord, man. How much did they go for, by the way?

$0.60 each. The standard price is usually $5, plus shipping. So it's a good bargain, even if most of them don't work.

Freaking A, man. That's just amazing. How'd you ever stumble across an item like that? I mean, I'd understand someone selling memory cards in bulk, but (outside of rare instances, like yourself) I didn't think that anyone would ever NEED that many.

I know. It took me hours to sort through all the "PlayStation Controller" listings and find this one. I was worried that someone else would bid on it and drive up the price - but, I was the only bidder.

The lot was sold by a used games store. They have another auction up now for 50 controllers for $20. If there are no bids by the time the auction is coming to a close, I may buy that one too. With free shipping, it's a really good deal.

You never know what I might want to use them for in the future, so why not stock up now while the price is cheap? I may even be able to resell controllers later on and make a profit.

I now have a total of 100 PS1 controllers on the way. That should keep me well supplied for the foreseeable future.

I will also be getting my Propeller chip tomorrow, so I'll be able to get started learning how to use it and testing it out.

Once I get the PS1 controllers, progress should move pretty fast. I have a PS controller to PS3/PC adapter, now too; so I'll be able to test that out as well.

I'll keep you all updated.

I just got the Propeller chip. When I'm feeling a bit better I will begin learning how to use it and start doing some tests.

I wish you luck, good sir. For great justice!