Ok, I really need an extension lead

[soop]

My setup means that the core Grafx is right below my TV, and the joypad lead is just too short for that TV.

My question is, if I get a 6ft extension, and then plug a multitap into that, will 5 pads, multitap AND an extension cause any problems?

[Necromancer]

My question is, if I get a 6ft extension, and then plug a multitap into that, will 5 pads, multitap AND an extension cause any problems?

You'll have problems, as multitaps and extension cords do not mix well (google teh foorooms fro contempts if yu dn't beleeve).  Thankfully, extension cords are cheap, so you can get five of 'em for little dough; alternatively, you can swap the cable out of a controller into your tap using nat's handy guide.

[sunteam_paul]

Get yourself the NEC Cordless Multi Tap Set, problem solved.

[spenoza]

How was the response time on the older cordless equipment?

[Necromancer]

How was the response time on the older cordless equipment?

I haven't had any problems with the response time, though keeping 'em aimed at the receiver can be troublesome.

[SignOfZeta]

How was the response time on the older cordless equipment?

Since they are IR there is zero lag. However since they are IR they...are kind of a pain in the ass, IMO. Plus, you know, batteries, so f*ck that, IMO.

I use a PCE-> extension cable -> multi-tap -> controller setup quite a bit and have never had a problem. Well, I supose its possible I have once in a while, but I can't really remember and I've certainly had a lot of situations where it worked. I initially started using the extension cable to save wear and tear on my Duo's controller socket, not so much to get further from the TV.

[soop]

My question is, if I get a 6ft extension, and then plug a multitap into that, will 5 pads, multitap AND an extension cause any problems?

You'll have problems, as multitaps and extension cords do not mix well (google teh foorooms fro contempts if yu dn't beleeve).  Thankfully, extension cords are cheap, so you can get five of 'em for little dough; alternatively, you can swap the cable out of a controller into your tap using nat's handy guide.

I thought it could cause me problems, but you've just saved me a bunch on money anyway!  ^___^

You guys are great!

[vestcoat]

Nat's cable swap is the way to go.
A standard Duo controller cable gives you about 4' 3"
If you can find one, the aftermarket cable from a TZD "Duo Controller Kit" is a nice 5' 5"
Cannibalize a broken Turbostick and you've got a whopping 7'

The sacrificed controller can still be used by taking the leftover stump cable from the Tap, reversing the wiring procedure, connecting it to controller, and then always using it with a cheap extension cable.

The problems experienced running a Tap through an extension cable are quite strange.  I played halfway through Double Dragon 2 with a friend once without problem and suddenly we started fighting for control of each others' characters.  Other times problems are immediately apparent.  I have two different beige, Duo extension cords and one official TG16 cord and haven't had better luck with any of them.  I've also had six-button controllers malfunction when used with extensions.

[nectarsis]

How was the response time on the older cordless equipment?

Since they are IR there is zero lag. However since they are IR they...are kind of a pain in the ass, IMO. Plus, you know, batteries, so f*ck that, IMO.

I use a PCE-> extension cable -> multi-tap -> controller setup quite a bit and have never had a problem. Well, I supose its possible I have once in a while, but I can't really remember and I've certainly had a lot of situations where it worked. I initially started using the extension cable to save wear and tear on my Duo's controller socket, not so much to get further from the TV.

Actually the battery life was pretty good IMO...with the IR aiming..I could never find a "sweet spot."

[nat]

How was the response time on the older cordless equipment?

Since they are IR there is zero lag. However since they are IR they...are kind of a pain in the ass, IMO. Plus, you know, batteries, so f*ck that, IMO.

I use a PCE-> extension cable -> multi-tap -> controller setup quite a bit and have never had a problem. Well, I supose its possible I have once in a while, but I can't really remember and I've certainly had a lot of situations where it worked. I initially started using the extension cable to save wear and tear on my Duo's controller socket, not so much to get further from the TV.

If you're always playing by yourself, you may never have issues. It's when you introduce a second and/or third player into the mix that the problems show up (player one controlling all three characters on screen, etc).

How was the response time on the older cordless equipment?

There is absolutely zero lag in response time on the official NEC cordless hardware.

The only issue, as indicated by others, is because the controllers use infrared you have to keep them pointed in the general direction of the receiver at all times. If you're a gamer who waves his hands around wildly while playing, the cordless equipment isn't for you. I'm like a statue when I play so it's not a big deal, but even I sometimes find myself accidentally pointing the controller down or up too much.

[spenoza]

I wonder of the solution is, instead of using the extension cable with the tap itself, to use multiple extension cables with the individual controllers. The Tap has to mux input from many controllers, so it'll be more sensitive to interference.

[soop]

Nat's cable swap is the way to go.
A standard Duo controller cable gives you about 4' 3"
If you can find one, the aftermarket cable from a TZD "Duo Controller Kit" is a nice 5' 5"
Cannibalize a broken Turbostick and you've got a whopping 7'

The sacrificed controller can still be used by taking the leftover stump cable from the Tap, reversing the wiring procedure, connecting it to controller, and then always using it with a cheap extension cable.

The problems experienced running a Tap through an extension cable are quite strange.  I played halfway through Double Dragon 2 with a friend once without problem and suddenly we started fighting for control of each others' characters.  Other times problems are immediately apparent.  I have two different beige, Duo extension cords and one official TG16 cord and haven't had better luck with any of them.  I've also had six-button controllers malfunction when used with extensions.

How come using a contoller cable as an extension bypasses the problem?

[Arkhan]

wireless is for terrorists.

[soop]

I've had a terrible time finding cheap ones in the UK.  But there is a Lindy one which perfectly matches the colours of the original PC Engine.  That is SO tempting.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Apple-Mac-Serial-Port-Extension-Cable-5m-Premium-UK-/400178183129?pt=UK_Computing_Apple_Mac_Accessories&hash=item5d2c7a7bd9

[Necromancer]

Won't monoprice ship overseas?  $16 each is frickin' steep!