Keypad instead of joystick?

[PAR_WIG1350]

You could use an IO module to build a custom keypad (or interface to the raw input from an existing keypad).

In your code you would treat it just like a joystick, but you can physically configure the buttons any way you want to.

[Sparkyshires]

whoa, thats awesome :O I'd never seen that before! thanks so much!

[Zuelu562]

Sparky, this is something I've dealt with in the past, starting with a PS2 Controller and eventually the XBox controller. In practice, you can use getRawButton (and getRawAxis) to slowly figure out what is what on the pad. Either output it directly to the DS User Messages or put it to the dashboard to make it really easy. I think you'd know, but just for reference, make sure you don't have any commands tied to the buttons/axes you are trying to discover and understand!

If you really need to get it done and have no time for a handbuilt joy pad, this is a solution.

[Sparkyshires]

yeah that would be pretty bad! Well that was why i was considering this now, so that we'd have all build season and the end of february and early march cause we're a week 4. I'd never heard of a custom keypad, that sounds like a really neat idea. that CCI control looks sweet.

[Joe Ross]

Originally Posted by Zuelu562

In practice, you can use getRawButton (and getRawAxis) to slowly figure out what is what on the pad. Either output it directly to the DS User Messages or put it to the dashboard to make it really easy.

There's a new tool for doing this on the driver station. See http://wpilib.screenstepslive.com/s/...3053-joysticks and scroll down to Determining Joystick Mapping

[SuperBK]

Joe - thanks for pointed that tool out.
Brian

[dyanoshak]

Originally Posted by PAR_WIG1350

You could use an IO module to build a custom keypad (or interface to the raw input from an existing keypad).

In your code you would treat it just like a joystick, but you can physically configure the buttons any way you want to.

The TI LaunchPad in FIRST Choice can also be used as an input module. After loading some new firmware, you can use the LaunchPad alone or with the Breakout BoosterPack (available very soon) as a set of two plug-n-play gamepads. Each gamepad has 11 digital and 4 analog inputs (22 and 8 in total).

Check out this link for more information: Using the Stellaris or Tiva LaunchPad in the FIRST Robotics Competition

I also have a CD thread that will be updated once the BoosterPack is ready to order.

-David