Special/Interesting controllers for MiSTer

[MrXCuci]

Steam controller seems to work pretty good. Only problem I found is the right pad (mouse) is not correctly working. Can't configure up mouse movement.

[uXe]

Well, the topic should probably be renamed to "Special/Interesting controllers for MiSTer that are equal to or greater than the JogCon"!

If you want a really fancy spinner then you could pick up one of these on eBay:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Griffin_PowerMate

or you could also try re-purposing /re-mapping MIDI controllers, like I did here using a MIDI keyboard's pitch-bend wheel:

https://youtu.be/6SIU_qhdpek?t=70s

[Sorgelig]

Well, the topic should probably be renamed to "Special/Interesting controllers for MiSTer that are equal to or greater than the JogCon"!

JogCon isn't the only one. MadCatz Arcade Stick is also very useful.
But JogCon is definitely unique as it not only has spinner, it also has force feedback allowing to simulate the wheel's spring and paddle limits. Although motor gives some unwanted inertia even when not activated. So you need to get used to it. Otherwise it's wonderful.

If you want a really fancy spinner then you could pick up one of these on eBay:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Griffin_PowerMate

not sure if it's really made for playing the games. Probably it has low resolution useful only for something like change the volume.

or you could also try re-purposing /re-mapping MIDI controllers, like I did here using a MIDI keyboard's pitch-bend wheel:
https://youtu.be/6SIU_qhdpek?t=70s

this is absurd.

[Sorgelig]

Just got PSX UltraRacer controller.

s-l1600.jpg

According to what i see from this controller, it simulates negCon. The only difference - it uses a wheel (instead of rotated halves) also with mechanical spring for centering, and has several additional buttons. Otherwise the data returned by this controller is identical to negCon.
Having this controller, i'm thinking how it can be used and can it be useful.
Currently i know only 2 games getting advantage from auto-centering paddle control: Spy Hunter Arcade and Chase HQ on NES. So while it's good to have auto-centering, it's annoying if you use it for any other paddle games as your hand will be tired soon. JogCon can turn its virtual spring off while this controller can't.

[Sorgelig]

That negcon controller is amazing! I wonder if it works with the jogcon firmware.
I have this old dreamgear minikey for the ps2. It works ok for occasional button presses (not for intense gaming).

interesting config, but i think it's better to put some BT/RF keyboard there. So the whole setup will be wireless.

[Lightwave]

If you want a really fancy spinner then you could pick up one of these on eBay:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Griffin_PowerMate

not sure if it's really made for playing the games. Probably it has low resolution useful only for something like change the volume.

I actually have 2 of these, I tried one out with MiSTer (hoping to use it as a volume control/menu button) but it will not register.

Looks like it unfortunately requires driver support (doesn't appear to be implemented as a class-compliant keyboard or mouse).

[cmdrpds]

If you want a really fancy spinner then you could pick up one of these on eBay:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Griffin_PowerMate

not sure if it's really made for playing the games. Probably it has low resolution useful only for something like change the volume.

I actually have 2 of these, I tried one out with MiSTer (hoping to use it as a volume control/menu button) but it will not register.

Looks like it unfortunately requires driver support (doesn't appear to be implemented as a class-compliant keyboard or mouse).

Bummer, thanks for checking. I was excited to see a potential acquisition of the Powermate for use with the forthcoming Forgotten Worlds CPS1 arcade core. One hand on a joystick for 8-way movement and the other on this "roll switch" (as the Wikipedia entry puts it).

[djmartins]

I actually have 2 of these, I tried one out with MiSTer (hoping to use it as a volume control/menu button) but it will not register.

Look on Aliexpress, there is a USB controller similar to the Powermate that may work with MiSTer and it is only like $15.
I have not bought on yet.....

[jim150]

I've built my spinner controller from these instructions:

https://www.retrorgb.com/3d-printed-rot ... remix.html

With Sorg's mrSpinner software works great on MiSTer (I've only tested it with Arkanoid core)

https://github.com/MiSTer-devel/Retro-C ... rollersUSB

[djmartins]

I've built my spinner controller from these instructions:

https://www.retrorgb.com/3d-printed-rot ... remix.html

With Sorg's mrSpinner software works great on MiSTer (I've only tested it with Arkanoid core)

https://github.com/MiSTer-devel/Retro-C ... rollersUSB

Nice to know as I bought an encoder earlier.
Some of the arcade cores are really pushing the need for controllers like this.

[venice1200]

Paddle/Spinner controller:
Some cores are better with either spinner or paddle controller.
...
Here is the mr.Spinner firmware project for Arduino Micro

Many thanks for this
I am using a cheap 20PPR Arduino Encoder with Arkanoid but I need more than one full rotation for moving the ship from left to right.
Less than a half rotation will be good for this game.
So I set the PPR to 10 in the sketch and this works much better.

Is this the right way to "pimp" the movement way?

[Sorgelig]

Arkanoid core has Spinner resolution setting. Set it to Low or Medium.
Also in mr.Spinner firmware make sure you set PPR to 20.

[venice1200]

Arkanoid core has Spinner resolution setting. Set it to Low or Medium.
Also in mr.Spinner firmware make sure you set PPR to 20.

Will try

[Sorgelig]

also i suggest to disassemble the rotation encoder and eliminate clicking mechanism (by flattening the pimple). It will be hard to play with clicks.

[venice1200]

...eliminate clicking mechanism (by flattening the pimple).

I already did this (without breaking the case).
Set Arkanoid Spinner setting to LOW.
Works like a charm now [smilie=greencolorz4_pdt_01.gif].

[venice1200]

I can get a 600ppr Rotary Sensor for not much money.
Is it worth using such a high(er) resolution encoder instead of the cheap Arduino one's?

[Sorgelig]

I can get a 600ppr Rotary Sensor for not much money.
Is it worth using such a high(er) resolution encoder instead of the cheap Arduino one's?

Yes, 600ppr is much better. Although it's bulky and not everywhere can fit.

[LamerDeluxe]

Using a JogCon is a very interesting option. I have one, is there any information on how to wire up the Arduino?

Also negCon controllers are fantastic. The best controller for wipEout games bar none. Also the best controller for driving games on the PS1 (much more compact than a wheel). It has an analog trigger and two analog buttons as well. I'm using a Konig PS to USB adapter and I have it working with Spy Hunter with analog steering and accelerator (which seems to be hard-coded to stick 1 y).

Edit: assigning buttons in turbo tag stops working from the m-button with the neGcon. Using it with a DS4 I have no idea how to control this game.

[venice1200]

Using a JogCon is a very interesting option. I have one, is there any information on how to wire up the Arduino?

See the sketch for the wiring
https://github.com/MiSTer-devel/Retro-C ... ConUSB.ino

[LamerDeluxe]

Using a JogCon is a very interesting option. I have one, is there any information on how to wire up the Arduino?

See the sketch for the wiring
https://github.com/MiSTer-devel/Retro-C ... ConUSB.ino

Great, thanks! I didn't know that was a readable file.

[jim150]

If you want to build the JogCon adapter bear in mind that the Arduino Pro Micro has no 3.3V connection.
I paste here a response from Sorgelig in the joystick testing thread.

Usually Arduino Micro 5V version has no 3.3V power pin. Some sources say it's ok to use 5V for PSX controllers.
I've used ItsyBitsy from Adafruit which has 3.3V LDO on board, so you can easily source both 3.3V and 5V from the same board.
There is also BS Micro which is similar to Beetle, but includes 3.3V LDO as well.
Another way is to use Arduino Micro 3.3V version which should include LDO for main chip and thus should provide 3.3V. Such version is slower, but i think it doesn't matter for USB adapter.

[LamerDeluxe]

If you want to build the JogCon adapter bear in mind that the Arduino Pro Micro has no 3.3V connection.
I paste here a response from Sorgelig in the joystick testing thread.

Usually Arduino Micro 5V version has no 3.3V power pin. Some sources say it's ok to use 5V for PSX controllers.
I've used ItsyBitsy from Adafruit which has 3.3V LDO on board, so you can easily source both 3.3V and 5V from the same board.
There is also BS Micro which is similar to Beetle, but includes 3.3V LDO as well.
Another way is to use Arduino Micro 3.3V version which should include LDO for main chip and thus should provide 3.3V. Such version is slower, but i think it doesn't matter for USB adapter.

Cool, thank you for the information, that is very helpful.

[venice1200]

Yes, 600ppr is much better. Although it's bulky and not everywhere can fit.

What a difference .
Arkanoid runs with Spinner set to Medium Super Smooth.

[djmartins]

What a difference .
Arkanoid runs with Spinner set to Medium Super Smooth.

So you have the 600cpr one running?
Means I need to get mine running with the trackball and some other special controls I have...

[venice1200]

So you have the 600cpr one running?

Yes