How to Make a PS2 Bluetooth Adapter Use Any Bluetooth Controller on PlayStation 1 and 2

This guide will show you how to build a Blue Retro PlayStation adapter, compatible with PS1 and PS2. It allows you to use bluetooth controllers on your PlayStation!

PCB FILES AND FIRMWARE: https://mega.nz/file/QtFVWSpQ#NflR7bC...

PARTS:

Resistor Kit (0805): http://tinyurl.com/5bu3ws4y

Resistor Kit (0603): http://tinyurl.com/4hx48hh3

Capacitor Kit (0805): http://tinyurl.com/4wwf2dyr

Capacitor Kit (0603): http://tinyurl.com/3b9uzkn4

Voltage Regulator: http://tinyurl.com/4k29xdtb

3mm LEDS: http://tinyurl.com/yt8wmaa9

ESP32 4MB : http://tinyurl.com/pvfa38jz

2 pin SMD Switch: http://tinyurl.com/bdedb59j

3 pin tact switch (choose 4.5X4.5X8MM): http://tinyurl.com/yyzsnjr3

USB ADAPTER - https://shorturl.at/lyL69

When ordering the PCB, choose 1.6mm thickness, FR4, 2 layers, HASL, 10z Cu

U1 | ESP32-WROOM-32 (4MB) -- (Size)SMD38

U2 | LDO 1117-3.3V -- (Size)SOT-223

C1, 2 | Ceramic Cap 10µF/16V -- (Size)0805

C3 | Ceramic Cap 0.1µF -- (Size)0805

C4, 5 | Ceramic Cap 1nF -- (Size)0603

R1, 2 | Resistor 10K -- (Size)0603

R3, 4 | Resistor between 1-5K -- (Size)0603

redLED | red diffuse -- (Size)3mmThrough hole

blueLED | blue diffuse -- (Size)3mmThrough hole

EN | 3x4mm Tactile Push Button -- 2 Pin Surface mount

BOOT | 4,5x4,5 x 8mm right angle Push Button -- 3 PIN Through Hole

Here is the video guide, it shows every step and is very detailed, watch it first to get a good grasp on the project.

The text guide is a general overview

Please ensure you carefully review all steps as there are critical details to consider, such as the process for circuit board ordering and correctly connecting the power pin from the PS plug.

While the assembly shouldn't be overly challenging, it's advisable to have some prior experience with soldering and managing electronic components. I've made an effort to thoroughly document all essential information in this guide.

The front panel of the case is made from a piece of the PCB, you will need to cut the pcb using a small saw.

There are 3 types of case design for this project;

1 uses new after market plugs from china

The others use genuine PS2 plugs salvaged from controllers be sure to check which plug you have

Links for each item are included in the supplies tab.

Blue Retro PS1/2 PCB

Components for the PCB (See supplies list)

PS2 controller plug (See Video)

3d printed case (See Video about the types of plug)

4 screws M2x10

4 nuts M2

USB to UART Converter

small insulated Wire

Fine Soldering Iron + Solder and Flux

Flush cut snips

Some way to cut the PCB and a way to file the edges

4 Breadboard jumper wires (female)

First using a small saw cut the front panel section from the PCB and file down the rough edges.

Solder each component to the PCB, I recommend soldering the ESP32 first then the SMD components, then the Through hole components.

See Video for more @ 4:26

Install the UART drivers on your pc, Then connect the adapter via usb and determine the port number used by the programmer (Under device manager -> Ports -> USB Serial Port)

Set adapter to 5v using its jumper

Solder 4 jumper wires to the the pcb ( including VCC and Ground) and connect the female ends to the adapter, remember RX and TX have to be reversed (The wire soldered to RX on the BlueRetro PCB needs to go to TX on the adapter and vice versa )

To initiate the ESP32's programming mode, first power the board, the board gets power from the USB Uart adpater. Then, press and hold the BOOT button, followed by a single press of the EN button to reset the ESP32. Maintain pressure on the BOOT button for 2-3 seconds after the reset before releasing it. At this point, the ESP32 is primed for flashing.

Details here @ 7:00

The firmware only requires a one-time flashing via USB. Subsequent updates can be performed through the web Bluetooth interface using OTA (Over-The-Air) firmware updates.

With the adapter connected open the ESP flash tool from the download above.

Set

Chip Type = ESP32

Workmode = Develop

Hit OK

In the software, choose and verify the first three binary files in the initial three fields, aligning them with the options depicted in the screenshot. For the fourth field, also ensure alignment and select the firmware corresponding to your adapter type. The binary offset values for each are as follows: 0x1000, 0x8000, 0xD000, and 0x10000.

Choose the appropriate COM port for your machine. Then, press the START button and wait for the status to transition to FINISH.

Details here @ 8:30

Once programming is done you can desolder the programmer wires

There are multiple options for the plug and housing.

Please see all assembly instructions here @ 10:38

3D Print the housing that goes with your chosen controller plug (type 1/2/3 or Aliexpress)

If you don't have a 3d printer you can order 3D prints from places like PCBWay or maybe someone locally does 3d printing as a small business (Always support local business if you can)

If using a genuine controller, you will need to alter some of the wiring, namely removing pin 5 and replacing pin 3 (8V) with a thicker wire, this is because the BlueRetro draws more current than a stock controller.

Don't worry about the extra current when it comes to your console, as it is still less than using a multitap device anyway, its just the wire is too thin for the ESP32 power requirements.

If you are using a new plug from china, solder 7 wires, the pads on the PCB are named the same as the connections in the diagram. Just match the pin to each pad on the pcb.

then simply close the two halves of the shell, along with inserting the front panel section and plug and fasten it closed with your M2 screws and nuts.

To pair a Dualshock 4 controller:

Press and hold the PS and Share buttons on the controller until it starts blinking

Then with the BlueRetro, press the sync button on the device until the led starts pulsing

Once paring is complete, the blue retro led will turn off and the DS4 controller led should turn a solid colour (mine is blue)

If you liked this guide I have many more on youtube, maybe consider subscribing :D

Happy modding!