Not sure if that website is the original mayflash I'm thinking of but they (mayflash) used to be the better brand of Video game usb adapters for pc. I assume they still are but there are more premium brands with nicer aesthetic designs these days. As for your dance pad I don't think mayflash designed or built it this website is just selling these products in wholesale.
As for buying another, You can try this redditor if your lucky they still have it https://www.reddit.com/r/Stepmania/comments/41q13v/help_with_mayflash_tx4000_pads/cz49hzp/
or you could try this one although it's not specifically for your pad but for the tx1000,2000,3000 models so it may work for yours or at worst you'll need to re arrange the pin out on the cable coming out of your pad to make it work.
and lastly it looks like you can make your own if you have some basic wiring skills. no soldering required. https://www.stepmania.com/forums/input-adapters-and-controllers/show/5493
http://www.filedropper.com/smaxisremapv2
I'm using two pads in the blue adapter listed on that link. You'll probbaly need to change the J1None, etc. constants based on what you saw from JoyKeyTest.
Pretty sure I got a couple of these when I was using ddrgame pads to convert ps2 to stepmania and worked fine: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0096PSFBG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'd recommend replacing the panels with polycarbonate panels with aluminum tape on the bottom if you want better responsiveness, used those for years before getting l-tek / stepmaniax pads.
USB Dance Mat, Non-Slip Sensitive USB Dance Blanket Video Game C USB Dancing Mat Pad for PC Laptop https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P33SW8Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_WRFBV37M2ZGFF77MAQNB it might not be the best, but i bought it just because it was cheap
I found when I was in marathon training, I got worse at the high BPM songs. I had the endurance to not get tired, but lost the speed to hit the notes. Fast twitch muscles are really necessary to hit 16th notes for songs like Fascination or the Max's. Squats, leg press, and calf exercises make it so much easier.
IMO the best to train reading a chart while playing with your fingers is http://www.flashflashrevolution.com/FFR_the_Game.php? The charts there are crazy. Probably start with songs tagged as difficult (similar to a 9 footer) and work your way from there.
Yep it's easy to figure out! Stepmania's pretty easy to interact with you just copy song packs into the Songs folder in Program Files.
It comes with DDR Extreme songs. You can find more packs online (DDR, ITG, etc.)
With ZIV you can download whole DDR archives of simfiles. Use with Stepmania 5.
Look around Amazon for a PC DDR mat, pay attention to reviews and pick up what ever is best within your price range. You can pick up some dirt cheap ones but with the price comes the quality.
I recommend the PC (also works on Mac or Linux in case that is unclear) option over console because of greater access to the songs you want and better options such as good latency controls. The only benefit a console has is the plug and play aspect with it more idiot-proof. :)
I have an Afterburner, so I can't speak specifically for the CF, but I used a weird combination of Gamepad Companion and USB Overdrive on my Mac to get it working. If you're on a Windows box, I'd look for similar software (I know it exists).
Unsure where the lakehouse is you're wanting it for (Canyon Lake perhaps?) but there's an Extreme machine for sale in Dallas now that looks pretty nice just going off of the photos... https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/890329121137624/
This is the one I am getting so I can plug my laptop in for Stepmania. I am really happy this post was helpful for you, didn't seem like anyone cared but I thought it was useful considering I couldn't get just a stage.
https://www.dsprototyping.com/forsale/wooden-ddr-pads.html
Mine only weigh 36 lbs
My pads will almost work with BeatX on your phone. (for some reason jumps aren't registering). You just need a USB to USB-c adapter. You can download beatX here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=sk.maniacs.bm&hl=en_US&gl=US
Have Fun!
Your best bet would be to get a PS2 and an omnibus of the PS2 library of DDR games. You can find them stupid cheap at local game stores, they can't give them away fast enough. Don't be scammed online by places selling them for more than $10 each for any mix from DDRMax through DDRX.
For mats, it depends on how good she is? If you're looking for use and longevity, there's a few good referrals on this board for metal pads, and you'll want one that has an adapter for PS2 and that has an adapter for the computer, too. If metal pads might be a bit much, the soft zip up kind are a great middle ground. https://www.amazon.com/Dance-Revolution-Super-Deluxe-Version-playstation/dp/B000IBQLOU/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=DDR+Mat&qid=1611969467&sr=8-4
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F9QFMKN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
use that so you can rewire the pad to the right pins. help if you had a multimeter to track what arrow goes to what arrow
Screws vary based on the type of thread and their length. You can buy something like the link below to check what you have. If I'm understanding your description the circle thing is called a "washer" and the half circle thing is called a "locking washer". You may be able to get away with not using the locking washers by substituting them with Loctite Blue 242 (which confusingly comes in a red tube). For the screw length and the regular washers, in my opinion, that would depend on where they are and what they are doing.
I used this to use my PS2 pads with my 360, esp bc the 360 pads were too slippery and dangerous lol
Mcbazel PS PS2 to Xbox 360 Controller USB Adapter Converter Cable Cord Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P80VNOY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_N6n9FbQBCNZ12?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I don't think USB mats work on the 360 despite the actual pads having a USB connection because the pads use the same connection style the early wired controllers use:
https://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-USB-Breakaway-Cable/dp/B002IY51N2
The only thing I can suggest is to see if the High School Musical game with the mat included is still in stock.
https://www.amazon.com/Disneys-High-School-Musical-Senior-Xbox/dp/B001C0L7OK
It's a bit expensive compared to just buying a pad by itself, but even in the reviews someone said they bought the bundle just for the pad itself.
I'd recommend this. Mine's lasted for over six years (two years of heavy use by me and I'm not light), recently donated to a friend. It had Xbox, USB, and PS2 connectors and are reasonably priced for foam pads ($60). A number of people on this sub, myself included, have recommended this pad, though it appears that there is a non-trival amount of factory defects going by some posts on this sub and the Amazon reviews.
If you are going for higher quality, an arcade machines aren't going to be bothered by any weight. Precision Dance Pads are a bit cheaper and a lot smaller. I hear they are decent quality and using a new one a friend got, I would expect they have no weight issues either.
I used the DDRGame Energy foam pads for about 2 years of constant use on 9+ original scale songs. They are still being used by a friend of mine. They've been using it about a year now for Heavy-level play and the pad just hit 7 years since I ordered it. It lasted far longer than either of the Red Octane Ignition pads that some other DDR players I know ordered around 2007 and 2008 (all 3 of which lasted about 1 year).
One consideration with this pad is that both the Amazon reviews and testimony from this subreddit is mixed. It appears that the pads tend to fail early (manufacturing defects?) or last quite long. I've never tried contacting DDRGame or any seller about issues so I don't know how good the recourse is if there are problems.
I bought this item
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RLWF7I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
on amazon, drivers worked out of the box. for win 10, there is even a "dance pad mode" in the driver software. What "fix" are you looking for?
According to my doctor you can get custom orthotics from a podiatrist but she doesn't think they perform any better than the insoles with the hard arch and they cost a ton. I will say the hard part feels a little weird at first but it makes a huge difference in the stress on my feet.
The air plus brand is my favorite because they are readily available at Target and the ladies version is only $8.99, however this brand on Amazon is pretty similar. I'm sure there's a men's version as well. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F9AK204/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_UYcVAbYQH207T
Eh as long as you're aware of the quality then it's up to you. I paid about $100 (including shipping) for 2 without control boxes when I was first getting into it and I don't regret it. They're not great but they're way better than playing on a soft pad, so it's a good intermediate step before investing in more expensive pads. As far as modding goes, I don't think theres much you can do to greatly improve the quality.
For playing on PC you can get a PS2 to USB adapter for super cheap on amazon or ebay like this one. You're going to have to put it in "Dance Pad" mode, otherwise it will register the steps as dpad presses, meaning you will drop all jumps. I believe dance pad mode is holding select and hitting up on the dance mat, but I could be wrong.
I just used something like this -
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P17ZD84/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
can get from most places like target. Worked really well on my cobalt flux.
yeah that sounds right. another alternative you have is replacing the CD Drive with a microSD card adapter. that's what I've done. Unfortunately you still run into the same compatibility issues, but at least it's easier to replace if it dies.
Something like this. I haven't used this one, can't say if it actually works: https://www.amazon.com/ASHATA-Adapter-Digital-Converter-Windows/dp/B07V9VJZLX
That's cool, I'm not sure I've ever seen ones with built in shelves...
I bought this rolling floor stand: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0791YF5YK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I've seen other people using something similar
First, request a refund on Amazon if you haven't already.
Also, I have not had good luck with adapters for PS2 pads, so I don't recommend that route, although if you are lucky to find one that doesn't give dance pad support issues, then it's usually the cheapest option.
This is probably the best USB soft pad on the market: https://www.amazon.com/D-Force-Nonslip-USB-Dance-Pad/dp/B00HBUJ0N0/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=3RUMKXPNV80HK&keywords=dforce+dance+pad&qid=1666267478&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjEzIiwicXNhIjoiMS4xNyIsInFzcCI6IjAuOTIifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=dforce+dance+pa%2...
They used to be cheaper, but they do sell out quickly, especially the deluxe ones. I'd recommend giving it a shot if you are not super experienced with the game, as the pad should last you quite a while.with moderate use, and the support team is good. Keep the box bc it has the support email on it.
A couple of years ago I modded a foam pad using some plywood. It worked way better after but could've used more weight to keep it from moving around. From there I moved on to an L-Tek, then Cobalt Flux, and now I've got a 1st gen J-cab. Slippery slope lol.
I really enjoy the Konami's PS3 mat to play stepmania. It's like 70$ and you can install a free software / executable to make it work just fine
Cheapest option right here: https://www.amazon.com/Dance-Revolution-Regular-Playstation2-Playstation-2/dp/B000GF7KAW/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=LHT3O957M54H&keywords=ps2+dance+pad&qid=1663461234&sprefix=ps2+dance+pa%2Caps%2C395&sr=8-4
Should last you at least 6 months with normal use, a year if you're lucky. Tape it to a foam mat or wood board for better durability
I used to get blisters all the time, but [this blister tape](https://www.amazon.com/Leukotape-Corrective-Taping-1-5-Yards/dp/B008FNHF8O) totally fixed the issue for me. I mainly use it for walking/running, but I still think it'd be worth checking out.
Wow, that's a really nice pad! I'm excited for you and would like to know how that works for you! What console are you going to be playing on? I would like to upgrade, once I know I can get it all to work.
I didn't get anything too special, I went with the standard Amazon plastic mat for like 25 Bucks.
Well, here's more of the story and my quest to play...
I bought a PS2, 2 dance mats, and a PS2 to HDMI converter about 2 weeks ago to try and get back into playing but the arrows don't sync in time with the game... which makes the stage fail within seconds of starting. (Super frustrating.) The pads work and it reads all buttons (I bought two pads anticipating problems with one of them) so I don't know what is causing a lag.
Being a part of this Sub, I learned about DanceMania and how to get it on a PC (even though I'm Mac) and I like it so far. (I can't wait to hook up my pad to it and dance.) With DanceMania I'm able to get songs that were on the DDR games as well as some more recent songs.
It's not an ideal solution, but when I did a similar mod back in the PS2 era, I had the same issue.
I used Velcro tape to mark out the center square. (Only use the loop side. The hook side starts to hurt after a long session)
It's easy to get a feel for where you are and it can be useful for practicing hitting panels with you toes/heel and minimizing your foot movements.
Others pretty much summed it up, but Stepmania + Zenius-i-vanisher step files, follow the instructions on how to install it all, and you'll be set. If you have a PS2 pad, get an adapter (this one worked for me on Windows 10 - https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00FBM3F72)
I too am an old player from the early 2000's, have some fun photos and videos of my old setup, I still play the same old songs from 1st-7th mixes (who doesn't love 4th mix plus?!). Love the old photo in front of the 3rd mix cab!
Oops, I meant that the cable on the DDR pad connecting to your Wii's GameCube ports may not be long enough for you to lay out 4 pads on the floor. In that case, yes, you may need an extension cable, something like this: https://www.amazon.com/4x-Wii-Gamecube-Extension-Cables/dp/B001AI7CF2
I got this one and it worked in windows once I turned on the axis fix option:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FBM3HKW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I was never able to get it to work in Ubuntu.
Still not as accurate as a strap, but if you start a Spin exercise during your session, it gets way closer to your actual heart rate.
That said, I also use the Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NV6H62Y
This isn’t the best way but I just bought the wireless keyboard with a mouse pad I linked below. It has volume and mute buttons above the touchpad so I can mute or turn the volume down when I’m just scrolling through music.
Logitech K400 Plus Wireless Touch TV Keyboard With Easy Media Control and Built-in Touchpad, HTPC Keyboard for PC-connected TV, Windows, Android, Chrome OS, Laptop, Tablet - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014EUQOGK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GSSXF5R6V9VXSQRPKNMN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
>Windows recognize the gamecube controllers with the adapter and i can play on stepmania with that. But the pad doesn't work, even when I test them on windows. So i cannot add map the buttons on stepmania with the pad.
>
>When i try to play any game with the gamecube controllers, it work, so i don't understand why the pad doesn't work on PC with the same adapter. And the pad work on the Wii, so you may be right, there must be another reason.
I have this adapter but it doesn't work :
Keten Gamecube controller
Mayflash accept wii pad ?
Because my adapter accept gamecube controller but not the wii pad (dance pad)
We'd need to really know what is happening at the plug portion of it. More often than not, if the pad is older, we're looking at a PS2 kind of plug- And if so, I use this guy: https://www.amazon.com/MAYFLASH-Universal-Adapter-Xbox360-Vita/dp/B0089OBLDO
Easiest set up, plugged it in, and a few set up dillies later, I was playin every mix that exists.
Nice! I just keep these water shoes next to them so I don't have to wear shoes on them. Much better than playing with socks on.
I use kung fu slippers - they aren't as supportive as sneakers, but they are nice and slidy and I really prefer them to plain socks: https://www.amazon.com/Mens-Martial-Cotton-Canvas-Shoes/dp/B00HXNJYEK/ref=sr\_1\_3?crid=KPEIVLIRAP2U&keywords=kung+fu+shoes&qid=1648392268&sprefix=kung+fu+shoe%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-3
Anyone know if the "BROOK Switch Pro" might be compatible with the L-tek pads? Its meant for wireless and wired controllers, a usb port to ps2 male connecter, its on amazon https://www.amazon.com/BROOK-GAME-CONTROLLER-SUPER-CONVERTER/dp/B07543W7XS
Can get these then do the plywood mod. Plywood isn't as cheap as listed in the penguin lord tutorial, so you might need to go 3/8 thick to keep under 100.
I have an old Konami mat that had the exact same problem. I was able to get it to work yesterday with this fix:
https://www.stepmania.com/forums/input-adapters-and-controllers/show/483
Some notes:
Hope this helps. Happy Dancing.
Some background context: I've played DDR on and off before getting back into it at a local arcade, still averaging around 12's on the new scale. It's not a PFC run or anything that ambitious, but it was still fun to track my progress! My attempts log can be found here, for anyone interested:
Yes as long as you are getting something like this
Does need to be that exact product as that is a much larger pack than you need. I got a 4 pack and had enough foam. I would recommend putting the joints in the center like a +
What software are you using?
If StepMania then this is what I used.
Simple and effective.
I used the drivers and instructions found here to set it all up. https://pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Controller:DualShock_2
Then in StepMania under Controls/Advanced Controls you set "Axis Fix" to "yes".
Those are indeed K-cab pads. You can hack off both types of connectors (wire by wire, carefully) and re-pin them into matching Molex connectors since they're widely available.
https://www.amazon.com/Molex-1-Complete-Set-Connector/dp/B079SXZD5M/ https://www.amazon.com/Molex-3-Complete-Set-Connector/dp/B075R4RWV7/
I recently purchased these rug grippers from Amazon and they work so well! Word to the wise, only so two corners of your pad though. I did all 4 corners at first and almost couldn't get my pad off of the ground 😂
https://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Grip-Premium-Grippers-Reusable/dp/B0815BLNX1?ref_=ast_sto_dp
We have a couple of ancient Tiger game / Mayflash brand adapters. One of them is black, looks just like this: Super Dual Box Pro Ps2 to PC USB 2 player SKU: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MEASE2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_BW5JSM08FW0WE5QMB045 (sadly the reviews are showing people getting a knock-off product... But I'm pretty sure you can get those knock off blue ones to work, as well, but buy them at a cheaper price by looking for other listings. 😉)
The other one we have is REALLY OLD, has no markings, but exact same plastic mold as the black one.
We had to get a second adapter because Windows couldn't understand input coming from 2 pads hooked into 1 adapter, so... I wouldn't count on the "dual" adapters actually working for 2 pads! (I haven't retested this recently... I guess I should.)
-
Imo if you don't have old pads from a console I'd just look for something that has a native USB connection, if at all possible. But I realize circumstances vary and sometimes the best pads you can get have console connections.
-
Any issues with adapters+pads not working usually comes down to missing drivers, or forgetting to use the up+start+select fix to switch the mode on your pad, or not mapping the controls into Stepmania.
So sadly, yes, it can be a process to get it all working. It would be nice to have a master thread for all this stuff, with drivers to download and a list of adapters + pads known to work together.
To do lights is a little hard but I did it to my ddr solo pad so more or less:
you need 12v leds got mine from https://ddrpad.com/
Ardunio lenonard
Breadboard
12v power supply (I used a wii power brick I got for free)
Wire up aredunio like this pin 6 up, pin 7 right, pin 8 down pin 9 left And ground for the common wire going to all of them.
Then for lights when you step on up it will send 5v to pin 2. But you want 12v to power light so you have to run pin 2 and ground to mosfet trigger side. Run 12v powersupply to mosfet input and run wires from output to lights. Its harder to explain then it is to do. I will make a drawing for you and send it
aww crap yea. i somehow forgot that microsoft stupidly called the third xbox the xbox one. yes, the "original xbox". thats immediately what i thouht of when i saw it. i know you used to have to wire up your own break-away to usb adapter but now, the internet has them somewhere. i found this right off but maybe you can get them on ebay or amazon
Hold on, I think I fixed the issue!
I just wrote my own AutoHotKey script based on this: https://autohotkey.com/docs/misc/RemapJoystick.htm
I'm using the buttons on the joystick (up is recognized as button 5, down is 1, left is 4, right is 2) and mapping those to the respective arrow keys.
I just need to edit the script to accommodate a second pad and I'm all good! Thanks for the help, though!
At this stage you need to determine whether the non-working sensors are malfunctioning or simply not being properly read by oITG. My guess (and hope for you) is the latter.
I wonder how the input works regarding each of the sensors on the arrows? Perhaps you can run a diagnostic program to test the inputs and to see if they are actually registering? I found a little tool called Joystick Tester; why don't you try this out and see if you can get any additional information?
Waiting for your update and hoping you make some headway, OP.
/u/xopher314 posted this link in another thread a few days ago. I've read through it and it seems like quite a good way to make your own bar platform for a metal pad.
http://www.flashflashrevolution.com/vbz/showthread.php?t=137339
This looks like it might be hacked arcade data, which would be piracy.
There is no official DDR on PC, the closest legal alternative we have is something called Stepmania. You can get the official DDR song packs for it on zenius-i-vanisher.
There's a pretty nice in-depth guide on how to get started stickied in this subreddit, but the tl;dr is that $50 will get you a soft pad, which is good for beginners but becomes unplayable once you reach an intermediate level, or i$50 might get you a used hard pad if you're extremely lucky and happen to stumble upon a crazy deal.
Then you can hook up that pad to your PC and play a DDR simulator called Stepmania.
technically speaking, ITG 3 doesnt exist (it was cancelled years ago). its just stepmania with a custom look. since stepmania is just a DDR clone with the ability to put whatever maps you want in it, you can put whatever simfiles you want, DDR included. in fact, you can find every DDR simfile on zenius-i-vanisher for download.
Unfortunately, distributing pirated copies of official software is illegal, and asking for it here is not allowed.
Consider downloading Stepmania for PC as a free, legal alternative.
Yeah you need the raw input files to get the pad to work without problems. Just follow this link, the download is there! Keep in mind though that you'll need to run this exe before you play everytime. Just run it, don't close out of it let it keep running in the background and play like normal! https://www.stepmania.com/forums/input-adapters-and-controllers/show/12125
https://www.stepmania.com/forums/general-questions/show/586
Judge 5 is slightly tighter than arcade DDR. (In Simply Love, it should show as an 84% Timing modifier)
Edit: I did my maths wrong, Judge 6 is tighter. Now I gotta nuke all my scores and start fresh lmao
Whoops, I forgot the obvious thing (duh).
Are you sure you bought a dance pad for PC and not a PS3 variant? The PS3 pads typically don't cooperate.
A quick Google search gave me this forum post of someone asking for files to convert PS3 pad into raw input. Maybe try that?
Hopefully that works for you.
It could be not registering the left and right axis correctly. There is a simple program I run with the ps3 mat to make it work, where you register the keymapping with a,b,c, and d keys. Found on stepmania forums. https://www.stepmania.com/forums/input-adapters-and-controllers/show/12125
1.Download Stepmania (https://www.stepmania.com/download/) 2. Download ddr packs for Zenious I Vanisher (https://zenius-i-vanisher.com/v5.2/simfiles.php?category=simfiles) 3. Buy a decent pad. I would do some research before making an impulse purchase. 4. Enjoy :)
It's the former. I tried the "hold Up+Start+Select" trick and that didn't seem to work. I might've done it wrong, though. I found an AutoHotKey script that should help, but it's not working for me (https://www.stepmania.com/forums/input-adapters-and-controllers/show/483?start=0). I did it according to the tutorial, but whatever I hit JUST the right arrow, it shows up as hitting both right and left. Similarly, when I hit JUST the down arrow, it registers as both down and up. Left and up arrows work fine, however. My USB pad could be configured as a hat switch, which Windows XP may not know how to deal with.
I was going to mention 3D printing - you likely could design yourself a very simple enclosure that would fit nicely with your pad and have it printed. Check out https://www.tinkercad.com/ - you can bash together something using simple shapes very very quickly. Then, you check your local libraries to see if any have a 3D printer available. A lot do.
I wouldn't be opposed to helping/giving you some pointers if you were interested in following that route. Seems like a fun project!
i dismissed it because, why would our D&B in OKC be a pilot location for a machine like that. there is hardly ever anyone playing when i go. and where there are, its just kids that appear to be trying in for the first time
I got one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E3B81HU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's basically a little micro keyboard and trackpad for like $12. It works great for Stepmania. I even use it to control Netflix and whatnot (the computer is hooked up to a TV and I basically use it instead of Roku or something on that TV).
As an owner of an LTEK pad, I use a mini Bluetooth controller to navagate StepMania. Works very well
(Upgrade) Rii i4 Mini Bluetooth Keyboard with Touchpad, Blacklit Portable Wireless Keyboard with 2.4G USB Dongle for Smartphones, PC, Tablet, Laptop TV Box iOS Android Windows Mac.Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T13GLY3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_72CCVYJ56Q1BS3AT3S61
Great suggestions here. You also could get a Wii and a cheap Konami pad for starters. There basically are five DDR titles for Wii. I like the last one in the series best, the one called, confusingly, Dance Dance Revolution II.
I use a somewhat better foam pad to play both DDR on the Wii and Stepmania, and TBH I keep going back to the Wii games. Stepmania offers infinitely more possibilities, but I prefer the curated experience on the console. For me Stepmania induces the paralysis of choice. I also found it kind of hard to set up and I'm pretty PC-savvy.
Hey here is the solution I came up with after buying 2 of the Logic 3 dance mats with only one cable. Also the eBay seller refused my reasonable offer so in protest I made my own after working out the wire order.
You need two parts - an old PlayStation 1/2 controller wire or buy an extension wire from eBay (around £4). The second part is a solderless D-Sub/ parallel port adapter, I purchased mine from Amazon for convenience (£7.79), cheaper ones are available elsewhere: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MQVJ3T7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_KE17AFCTGZRRZ83NGJAV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Cut the old controller off or the female end of the extension lead and strip back around 5cm of the outer wire sleeve.
You will find 9 coloured wires (Black, Yellow, Blue, Red, Green, Brown and White) - strip these back (leave the orange and grey ones as they are not used), twist, double over and twist again for strength or tin the wire ends with solder (optional).
Connect these wires to the terminals of the D-Sub/ parallel port in this order:
1-black 2-yellow 3-blue 4-red 5-green 6-brown 7-white
As mentioned above, the orange and grey wires are not used.
Hope this helps people get their Logic 3 dance mat back up and running 🙂
it works great
i did switch back to just 1 fsr per arrow removed the screws closet to the center and used https://www.amazon.com/Reclosable-Fastener-SJ3550-Purpose-Scissors/dp/B07PWN832D/ref=sr_1_26?dchild=1&keywords=velcrow+shrips&qid=1631333142&sr=8-26 to old the panel also put a square of that onto of the fsr
had to raise the center pad with washers to keep all of it flat
It probably wouldn't be the worst idea to get some of those foam pads you see under gym equipment to place under the pad and protect it from getting scratched up.
Something like these: https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Exercise-Foam-Interlocking-Tiles/dp/B073D155YH
Otherwise, the slight movement of the pad on concrete would scuff it all to hell.
And obviously, don't leave it outside permanently, just when you use it (though I'm sure you already know that).
If you don't want to get an adaptor for a PS2 mat, you can buy a USB one from Amazon. This is the one I got for StepMania, but I think you can use PS3 mats as well.
after a bit of research I went with this. It worked just fine and I was very pleased with it. After a couple months of use the area where the cord is attached to the pad detached and exposed the wires. I would say that given my conditions of having to store it in a odd place likely put too much stress on that one area over time and two of the wires split.
Overall I'm a little torn if I buy the same one because I loved it when I had it working 100% but given that small vulnerability I'm not exactly sure if I will replace it with the same. I do love how it is extremely portable and that's the biggest plus for me, even with the soft mat pads.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GHG0BA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Hello I use my old Wii dance pad for stepmania with this:
https://www.amazon.com/MAYFLASH-Magic-Joy-Box-Pc/dp/B000ND3XXA/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
I'm not sure why it isn't available on Amazon, but if you're able to find one I can verify it works well. Just make sure to map the buttons in the settings and you should be fine.
Yeah I'll probably just try to find a mat or two for my ps2 then at that point. I own both drr extreme and extreme two luckily, just have no idea what happened to my old Mats unfortunately. You think I'll be ok with these?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J4JWQ5Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glc_fabc_FXC5EYXADEPH95WAN5W3
Chromebooks run android apps, right? you could try BeatX, it is basically a stepmania clone and can play stepmania charts.
Some people use anti-vibration mats, like what you'd buy to put under exercise equipment. Something like this.
That makes sense. I used to play on the exact same pad and had issues breaking the 15-16 barrier with no-bar. My knees just couldnt handle playing for extended periods of time at that difficulty level. The bar helped with that and just extra stamina from holding some of my weight with my arms. I opted to buy one of these and put it behind my pad / against a wall :
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0753Q2GCX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
it wasn't perfect but it allowed me to at least start breaking in to the 17s with practice. Definitely not a requirement though, you seem to be doing just fine without one!
Usually local stores dont have polycarb this thick so you would have to check out suppliers. That being said I got mine off amazon for about 60 bucks. Here is the link but it went up about 6 bucks since I bought mine.
Edit: also I am in the US so I dont know if amazon will have similar links for you or not.
They're actually pretty cheap because they're discontinued (to be replaced by a not much better model). They're the Klipsch R-15PM, and you can find them for $250 nowadays. https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-R-15PM-Powered-Monitor-Black/dp/B01A7J534G The sub is a Klipsch R-12SW, which is around $200. It's good for the price, but it doesn't go suuper deep.
First of all I appreciate the comprehensive guide, I feel the electronics part is a bit intimidating for someone with 0 experience handling wires before, would you say this kit from Amazon has what’s needed? Thanks
Ok just buy a male and female one and make your own cable https://www.amazon.com/Twinkle-Bay-Terminal-Breakout-Connector/dp/B07F9QFMKN/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=15+pin+connector&qid=1610510050&sprefix=15+pin&sr=8-10
I have an xbox 360 DDR game and I got these mats! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018T5OMBA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_6sp9Fb6HHXTKB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
They work on PC too, so lately I've been using them for stepmania
Definitely +1 for Stepmania. All the DDR songs are available from zenius-i-vanisher.
I have a PS2 pad which I use with this Mayflash adapter on my Mac. It's the best one I've tried so far. It has little switches on the back to work around the axis problem.
Just picked 4 of these pads up yesterday and I thought they had the control boxes with them but alas, they did not. I looked up the maker of these and it appears that they are out of stock for the ones I would need to connect to PC.
Would I be able to buy one of the VGA to USB adapters and it work - or is there something I could build to connect these to a PC?
Any help at all would be greatly appreciated - I want to build a ddr machine soon!
https://www.amazon.com/Dance-Revolution-X2-Bundle-PlayStation-2/dp/B002DC8GJ0/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 DDR x2 for ps2
Frankly, I don't recommend any Nintendo DDR. The timing windows are large enough to take a nap in.
I can't rec the PS2 really either. Unless you have some super low latency HDTV, you need a CRT to play most of them. IIRC, they only do +/- 20 ms A/V sync adjust.
Buy a USB-B socket. Resoldier the 4 yellow wires to the new socket. Two are power, and the other's are +/- signal. Make sure you get them correct.
This is not an endorsement of this product, just an example of what you need: https://www.amazon.com/Female-Type-B-4-Pin-Socket-MXRS/dp/B07F6L1DHR
Yea, it's probably the adapter then. I use PC Mode. I got this one: https://www.amazon.com/Mayflash-GameCube-Controller-Adapter-Switch/dp/B00RSXRLUE
You lucky I checked my Reddit messages today, I barely ever do lol!
​
There you go friend:
​
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0719BBFP2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'd recommend this, assuming that you are in the US. Mine's lasted for over six years (two years of heavy use by me and I'm not light), recently donated to a friend. It had Xbox, USB, and PS2 connectors and are reasonably priced for foam pads ($60). A number of people on this sub, myself included, have recommended this pad, though it appears that there is a non-trival amount of factory defects going by some posts on this sub and the Amazon reviews.
First, the DDRGame pad you linked is cheaper on Amazon. It looks like open cell foam though, as opposed to the closed cell in the Ignition, so the foam will compress and break down far faster. Instead, I'd recommend the DDRGame Energy. To my knowledge, it is the best foam pad on the market. There are some issues with factor defects but mine has lasted 7 years. I used it as a main pad for only 2 years but the friend I gave it to has used it regularly this last year with no issues.
Definitely recommend it if you get a chance. My knees cant handle the impact of DDR on those longer sessions without it and it definitely helps me push my limits on harder songs or stepcharts that have unexpected twists on them. I have a pad with a built in bar now, but I used to just put a dip bar behind my old pad and that seemed to work pretty well. I used this one from amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0753Q2GCX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Absolutely. For me it's either between this or, possibly building one myself using actual arcade parts - actual arcade panels, high end wooden or impact plastic frame etc. But if I WERE to buy a pad, it'd an Energy pad full-stop.
No - In fact, I think the non-bar version actually uses overall more metal in it's construction than the Bar model. Unless you absolutely NEED the bar, I'd steer clear, plus it'll be easier to move and store etc.
Totally up to you, but honestly besides a used Flux or a Blue Shark I think these are by far your best bet until something better comes along.
Again, you may get a bum pad, but I'd order it through Amazon which has an Amazing Prime sale on these and awesome return policy if you get a womp pad - https://www.amazon.com/DDR-Game-Energy-Metal-Dance-Xbox/dp/B000IBQ6B8/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
Hope it works out for you man!
I can't tell you what pad to get, but for adapters, I picked up two of the 3-in-1 Magic Joy Box adapter to hook up to my PC and they work perfectly. It has connections for original Xbox, PS1/2, and Gamecube.
I'm using the PS1/2 ports on my pads, so I can't give any specifics on using an Xbox pad or Gamecube pad. Everything was plug-n-play on Windows 10 and I just had to set the buttons in the Stepmania config and I was done.
Here's a non-affiliate Amazon link.
https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Joy-Box-XBOX-PC-Adapter/dp/B000RLWF7I/
>Everyone here hates soft pads, but for a new player, they are a perfectly fine starting point, I recommend these: https://www.amazon.com/Dance-Revolution-Energy-Deluxe-Playstation-2/dp/B000GHG0BA/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=ddr+energy+pad&qid=1603317957&s=videogames&sr=1-1
So - this is actually the pad that I have. I would not recommend it. My pad misfires all the time now. The ghost-stepping has caused my scores to drastically lower.
I would prefer a thin plastic mat to my Energy Deluxe one.
When I was making the control box for my pad I tried using a VGA cable but the issue I ran into was that VGA cables don't have all 15 pins, most cables are missing some wires as vga doesn't need all of them. I ended up buying this cable and a dsub gender changer
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O072K4I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Would that cable work alone without a control box? You can convert that to a USB cable and connect it with this?? https://www.amazon.com/CHILTINA-Multi-Display-Converter-Projector-Chromebook/dp/B01DU4LS3K/