Help with a Playstation2 dance pad to usb adapter

Solution 1:

That's a DE-15 connector, the same kind as used with VGA cables, but it's not a VGA connector. VGA cables only carry analogue video, they're not used to connect any sort of controller. Your dance pad has a proprietary connector that happens to have same shape as VGA connector, but serves a much difference purpose and isn't compatible. Any VGA to USB adapter you might find would essentially be a capture card. Connecting your dance pad to such a device would be as useful as connecting your pad to a computer monitor or video card.

Unfortunately this means in order to connect this to your PC you'll probably need find the original adapter. Since it's a proprietary interface for an obscure and obsolete game controller finding a third party replacement isn't going to be easy. I found these two control boxes that might work as they both use 15-pin connectors, but neither lists any model of Red Octane pad as being compatible:

• Dance Dance Revolution Control Box for PS/PS2 Metal Dance Pads (15-pin male)
• Dance Dance Revolution 4-in-1 Control Box for PS2 / Xbox / PC/ Wii with Blue Buttons (15-pin male)

You'll may also need to get a PlayStation controller to USB adapter, but these shouldn't be too hard to find. However, don't confuse a PlayStation 2 controller to USB adapter with a PS/2 to USB adapter. The former device is for connecting controllers that use Sony's proprietary interface to a PC, while the second device is for connecting keyboards and mice that use the legacy PS/2 interface.