[mjcoss]

The first issue is: does the Linux system that is running on the driver station recognize the controller. If it has a driver that recognizes the controller, then you need to figure out how the system has mapped that interface to the joystick buttons. I'd hook up a hyperterminal to the serial port, put a loop in the C code print all the button values, and see if you're getting anything.

I attached a Microsoft USB steering wheel and it recognized it although the centering didn't work. Note that in this case the device is pretty similar to a joystick.