Custom Game Controllers/Pads

[davidthefat]

I have seen several teams in the past with custom made controllers or pads during competition. Would you say that there are advantages in having a custom game controller over a generic joy pad or game controller? Game controllers are made with video games in mind, that always does not translate to smooth robot driving and operating. There is a certain advantage in the fact that who ever makes the controllers will gain experience and have fun. Now, I personally still find controlling the arm with a joy pad to be clumsy. Would any of you say that having a custom game pad made for every game would make controlling the robot more intuitive?

Perhaps some unconventional ways to control the robot might win some awards, but I am talking about a more conventional style of controllers.

I am considering making a controller next year during the awkward first week for programmers where everything is in design phase and prototyping phase with not much programming at all.