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USB Gamepad and Arduino?

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Robo Pi
(@robo-pi)
Robotics Engineer
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 1669
Topic starter  

I just picked up a USB Gamepad at discount store today for $1.29.   I brought it home and plugged in into my PC and it appears to be working properly.   I was able to check out all the functions using the Control Panel Devices option.

Now I'm wondering if I can use this with an Arduino?

I know I can use it with a Raspberry Pi, which I might end up doing if I have to.   I need to build a remote controlled tree climbing robot so this would be a nice controller for that project.

I do have a spare Raspberry Pi Zero that I could use.   But I thought I'd ask if anyone knows if this could be used with an Arduino somehow?    It's a USB cable, not wireless.

DroneBot Workshop Robotics Engineer
James


   
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robotBuilder
(@robotbuilder)
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Posts: 2042
 

It appears you need a usb host shield and write some code.
https://hackaday.com/2010/02/01/game-controllers-using-usb-host-shield/

 


   
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robotBuilder
(@robotbuilder)
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Posted by: @robo-pi

  I need to build a remote controlled tree climbing robot ...

These seem safe cheap ways to do it?
Maybe a crossbow to shoot the rope over the branch?

 

 


   
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Robo Pi
(@robo-pi)
Robotics Engineer
Joined: 5 years ago
Posts: 1669
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Posted by: @casey
Posted by: @robo-pi

  I need to build a remote controlled tree climbing robot ...

Sorry I should have said, "I want to build a remote controlled tree climbing robot ..."

This is something I've  been wanting to do for quite a few years now.    The invention in the second video you posted would certainly be cheaper, but it also has limitations.  For example it looks like it would only be good for cutting off horizontal limbs as it might have some serious problem on limbs that are near vertical.  The other limitation is that it looks like it wouldn't be able to cut branches off really close to the tree as the design requires that the saw needs at least some limb to hang onto as it cuts off the rest.

The design I have in mind will allow the saw to cut at any angle, including totally horizontally for topping trees.  It will also be able to cut limbs off flush with the main trunk.  So yeah, it will be a far more  complex machine to be sure.

The other thing I didn't mention is that it can also be used for doing other things besides climbing trees and cutting off limbs.  It can also be used to climb up on the roof and do roof repairs.   Or climb up a tower to fix an antenna, etc.   In fact it could even be used to build a tall tower for a windmill or antenna, etc.

So even though the idea started out as a "tree climbing" robot, it  will actually be far more versatile than this.

Perhaps I should have just said that I want to build a "climbing robot" with multiple capabilities. ? 

DroneBot Workshop Robotics Engineer
James


   
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