My idea for an Axim controller - Page 2

DrSiN · 04-07-05, 05:00 PM

I was working on a similar controller using the BenQ IPAQ controller. It's basically a serial device with an existing WM200x driver but could never success in getting the connector wired up (can't solder to save my life). But from my research it looks like get the wires right and it should just work.

04-07-05, 08:43 PM

What I want to know is wny no one thinks to make a controller that fits directly on top of the existing Axim joypad.

jledesma · 04-07-05, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by samuelk

What I want to know is wny no one thinks to make a controller that fits directly on top of the existing Axim joypad.

I just want to clear some points...

1. Do you mean a controller "hovering" on the joypad that simply pushes the right buttons when you play?

2. Or do you mean a controller with complete functions that uses the space where the joypad is.

I ask because if the idea was number 1 it would deny the whole idea of the controller. I love to play games, but I certainly don't want to bash the buttons in. Believe me. I did it once with my first P1 device and it wasn't funny.

If the idea is more in number 2 directon then I would say that it's a good idea as long as you plan only to play with portrait-displayed games. As it has been commented earlier the idea is to keep the controller always in the bottom no matter the orientation of the PDA :approve:

syndalis · 04-08-05, 05:01 AM

My idea, and sadly, I do not have the expertise to make this, would be the following.

Using the direct cable connector on the bottom, create a two part slide to lock system, which puts a d pad, two small buttons, and a trigger, on the left, and four decent sized buttons, two small buttons, and a trigger on the right. It would add a minimal amount of thickness across to the unit (enough to run the wires for the buttons, and the plastic sleeve), and would add about 1 to 1 1/4 inches to both the top and bottom of the unit. The first unit would plug into the port on the bottom and extend up the unit on the sides (as to accomodate the extended battery users). There would be a plug on the top one, and snap connectors on both sides, which the scond unit would "snap" into, connecting the wires. The top and bottom on the unit (looking from a landscaped perspective here) would be "C" shaped, and will hug the sides of the unit.

while this rather crappy mock-up is not exactly how I would want it, I think its pretty good start.

04-08-05, 03:53 PM

That is a pretty interesting concept mockup. Perhaps without the lock, but with a opening to just fit the whole unit in so it will be like a horizontal cradle. That would be nice but I say its unlikeyl.

jagnon · 04-08-05, 05:15 PM

I had the same exact idea, except I was thinking of bluetooth as the connection mechanism.. you could use a bluetooth keyboard as the basis for the design, and you wouldn't need to create any custom drivers on the axim..

Originally Posted by syndalis

My idea, and sadly, I do not have the expertise to make this, would be the following.

Using the direct cable connector on the bottom, create a two part slide to lock system, which puts a d pad, two small buttons, and a trigger, on the left, and four decent sized buttons, two small buttons, and a trigger on the right. It would add a minimal amount of thickness across to the unit (enough to run the wires for the buttons, and the plastic sleeve), and would add about 1 to 1 1/4 inches to both the top and bottom of the unit. The first unit would plug into the port on the bottom and extend up the unit on the sides (as to accomodate the extended battery users). There would be a plug on the top one, and snap connectors on both sides, which the scond unit would "snap" into, connecting the wires. The top and bottom on the unit (looking from a landscaped perspective here) would be "C" shaped, and will hug the sides of the unit.

while this rather crappy mock-up is not exactly how I would want it, I think its pretty good start.

04-08-05, 07:47 PM

But I thought the bluetooth keyboard currently have trouble playing games. Think inability to map buttons and the slight delay. So they might have to create new drivers for it.

Hobbbbit · 04-08-05, 10:53 PM

Originally Posted by jagnon

I had the same exact idea, except I was thinking of bluetooth as the connection mechanism.. you could use a bluetooth keyboard as the basis for the design, and you wouldn't need to create any custom drivers on the axim..

This is funny. One of my co-workers showed me his PSP and I though to myself that it wouldn't be that hard to make attachable controller for X50 that would look similar to PSP controllers. Bluetooth is not good, though. It's not as responsive as serial connection, plus, you would have to add some power source to the controller itself. And I was actually thinking that it would also be possible to find some really cheap rechargeable battery of the same voltage as Axim (BestBuy sells a lot of rechargeable batteries for cameras) and make it connect to the controller, so X50 would be running off of it first, and then switching to it's own battery for longer gameplay.

DrSiN · 04-09-05, 08:21 PM

Serial is definitely the way to go. Honestly, hacking the BenQ is the best starting spot. It's already got a perfectly working driver for WM2002/WM2003. The downsize is it's not landscape but if you all can pull off the case design, then that's not a problem.

Swim100flyy · 04-09-05, 08:36 PM

Just make a Serial Cable to start with....I would much rather prefer this to start with, so that instead of a few people making improvements, a group could work on it....

DrSiN · 04-10-05, 12:35 AM

Serial cables have been made. The pinouts and the connecters are available (just search). I just can't seem to solder very well and haven't been able to pull it off. I'm pretty sure (from researching the chip/etc) that given a good cable it would just work.

04-10-05, 01:36 AM

I wish you luck.
There are a few drivers you can check.. the Zeta game pad drivers, and the Gravis Stinger for Pocket PC drivers

I recall an attempt a while ago to do this and they were somewhat unsucessful. If I recall correctly, they couldnt even get a CF card with a serial connector to work with the Gravis gamepad drivers.

K7a · 04-11-05, 01:52 AM

I guess mainly what I need to know is how does a bluetooth keyboard, aside from the obvious problems of shape, grip, form, work with games on an Axim? I don't have one, so I know almost nothing about them. Do many games have the ability to arbitrarily map all the buttons to keys, or just the buttons on the pda? Does a bluetooth keyboard on a pda respond as well as a standard wireless desktop keyboard? Also, does anyone know if desktop bluetooth keyboards even work right with the Axim?

Btw, the $15 bluetooth keyboard is something you can only find with alittle luck on ebay in at least poor physical shape but still in working condition. I would never wreck a $130 axim keyboard just to experiment. It's too bad you can't buy a complete bluetooth kit in any one place, too. You can buy antennas, transceivers, sdk's, and all sorts of other stuff, but no premade I/O kits; real shame.

Too bad no manufacturers see a need for this stuff.

Hobbbbit · 04-11-05, 10:21 AM

K7a, I don't know how responsive bluetooth keyboard will be for gaming. I would imagine it would be less responsive then serial keyboard. But desktop bluetooth keyboards work just fine with Axim. I tested it with my Microsoft Elite Bluetooth Keyboard and it connected without any problems. I tried it in Word and didn't have any problems typing text with it. But don't forget, you need separate power source for bluetooth keyboard.

jagnon · 04-11-05, 11:23 AM

I don't have personal experience with bluetooth keyboards.. but while perusing the morphgear and fpsece forums, I saw that bluetooth keyboards work perfectly fine with those emulators.. which is why I thought it would be good for making a custom controller..