[Roughrider]

Hey everyone - I'm new here, but I've been following the FS2 modding community and the Diaspora community since the project went live. Like many of you, I have a 360 controller for playing other games on my PC. I used to be a pretty hardcore pilot back in the day in both the wing commander era of games and mechwarrior arenas sporting a full out thrustmaster system. The WCS Mark II and  FCS Mark II along with my rudder pedals were awesome - but unfortunately are long gone due to me transitioning into an adult

So, being a huge fan of the rebooted BSG series, and missing some childhood fun, I decided to fire up Diaspora and give it a whirl - seeing if I still had my old dog-fighting techniques and twitch skills. OMG - I'm rusty to say the very least. After playing the first couple training missions, I bust out the 360 controller... This is where my troubles began.

I've looked around and have seen lots of requests for a 360 controller setup for pinnacle or xpadder. I've used both folks, we've got some finite delay coming from pinnacle (plus its bloatware IMHO) and xpadder has some stick problems as far as translation and dead zones. (it also doesn't really support true digital directx i/o)

So after beating my brains out for hours trying to determine why I'm having problems with having a smooth stick in Diaspora and Freespace 2 with the default joystick driver, and not having one with pinnacle and xpadder (and not getting the best of both worlds with 360 mapping AND a joystick using the default) I went the crazy-frak route and have now got some wonderful 360 smooth as butta gameplay going on. Here is what I did:

GlovePie is a no frills "map any controller" to anything super powerful scripting mapping/scripting interface, its really quite simple to use, but it does NOT have a super easy interface.

Grab it here: http://glovepie.org/lpghjkwer.php

Here is my script for my 360 controller, just copy and paste it into GlovePie and save the sucker:

Code: [Select]

// Map the Xbox Controller to a specific set of FreeSpace 2 Keyboard and Mouse controls

// Map the Right Analogue Stick (XInput1.Joy2X/Y) to the Mouse
// Note that the numeric value affects the speed of the turning, and we use a deadzone of 0.2 to prevent 'twitching'.
mouse.DirectInputX = mouse.DirectInputX + 25 * deadzone(XInput1.Joy2X, 0.2)
mouse.DirectInputY = mouse.DirectInputY - 25 * deadzone(XInput1.Joy2Y, 0.2)

// Map the Right trigger to the left mouse button (Fire Primary) and the Left Trigger to the right mouse button (Fire secondary).
// Use a threshold of 0.5 as this is an analogue input but we are converting it to a digital input
keyboard.Space = XInput1.RightTrigger > 0.5
keyboard.LeftControl = XInput1.LeftTrigger > 0.5

// Map the two shoulder buttons (LB/RB) to 'Afterburner' and 'Countermeasures'
keyboard.Semicolon = XInput1.RightShoulder
keyboard.Tab = XInput1.LeftShoulder

// Map the X axis of the left stick to 'bank left/right' controls
keyboard.Q = XInput1.Joy1X < -0.5
keyboard.E = XInput1.Joy1X > 0.5

// Map the Y axis of the left stick to 'Maximum/Zero throttle'
keyboard.Backslash = XInput1.Joy1Y > 0.5
keyboard.Backspace = XInput1.Joy1Y < -0.5

// Map the left thumb stick button to 'Glide' and the right thumbstick button to 'Match Target Speed'
keyboard.LeftAlt and G = XInput1.LeftThumb
keyboard.M = XInput1.RightThumb

// Map the back button to 'Target Sub-System' and the start button to 'Auto-Target Hostile'
keyboard.U = XInput1.Back
keyboard.LeftAlt and H = XInput1.Start

// Map A to 'Next Target', X to 'Next Hostile', Y to 'Next Friendly' and B to 'Bomber/Bomb Targeting'
keyboard.T = XInput1.A
keyboard.H = XInput1.X
keyboard.F = XInput1.Y
keyboard.B = XInput1.B

// Map the DPad up to 'Down Thrust' and DPad down to 'Up Thrust'
keyboard.X = XInput1.Down
keyboard.Z = XInput1.Up

// Map the DPad left to 'Left Thrust' and DPad right to 'Thrust Right'
keyboard.A = XInput1.Left
keyboard.D = XInput1.Right

Make sure you turn OFF the joystick in the diaspora launcher. I've tried to document the code for easy editing.
Have a frakload of fun nuggets!

[Roughrider]

A little mapping for those that need a visual reference (I'm old and slow - I know I do)

Keep  in mind I've remapped the countermeasures control in game as well to ";"

[attachment deleted by ninja]

[RedHed]

Thank you for doing this Roughrider.


I'll install the game and report back.

[Ashtaroth]

Thanks a bunch for this, I just got back into the game again and this is working well- one issue though.

It was fine for a while, but now I seem to get a weird problem where the controls will suddenly go jittery and unresponsive, and I have to minimize the game and restart the script. Any ideas what's causing that and how to fix it?

Cheers,
Ash

[RedHed]

Yes thanks for the help.

Now...  to just add some rumble effect in for main weapon fire,  and a little for the thrusters, and maybe main engine.

How can this be done.

[Ashtaroth]

Yes thanks for the help.

Now...  to just add some rumble effect in for main weapon fire,  and a little for the thrusters, and maybe main engine.

How can this be done.

"XInput1.Vibration1 = 1 = XInput1.RightTrigger" seems to work fine for me. There's also Vibration2, which gives you a lighter 'buzz' instead of the heavier rumble from Vibration 1.

[RedHed]

Thanks Ashtaroth,

And for the D-pad thrusters?   Light buzz sounds good. Vibration2

and left stick main engine?  "Map the Y axis of the left stick to 'Maximum/Zero throttle".  Do you know how to add in some vibration (either left or both sides) as the stick goes to full +Y (full main engine).  Not to much but just enough to go some sense of full thrust along the +Y  not -Y which.


I'm sorry to ask, I've no idea when it comes to script, code, math.   These commands go in under Roughrider's script I am guessing.


I'm also curious to why xpadder does not work that well.

[Ashtaroth]

Thanks Ashtaroth,

And for the D-pad thrusters?   Light buzz sounds good. Vibration2

and left stick main engine?  "Map the Y axis of the left stick to 'Maximum/Zero throttle".  Do you know how to add in some vibration (either left or both sides) as the stick goes to full +Y (full main engine).  Not to much but just enough to go some sense of full thrust along the +Y  not -Y which.


I'm sorry to ask, I've no idea when it comes to script, code, math.   These commands go in under Roughrider's script I am guessing.


I'm also curious to why xpadder does not work that well.

No problem
The D-Pad thrusters should just need the exact same code, but replace the XInput1.RightTrigger with Xinput1.Up/Down/Left/Right, or any other button.

As for the full +Y thing, I'm not sure; I've actually started using Pinnacle instead of Glovepie, but I would assume that "XInput1.Vibration2 = 1 = XInput1.Joy1Y > 0.5" would work? The problem there is that it'll only vibrate while you're holding the stick up, it won't constantly vibrate while the engines are running. I'm honestly not sure, I'm afraid, sorry.

[RedHed]

Yes the D-pad rumble worked well, I dropped to 0.5 strength using vibration2.  Thank you.   I might leave it like it is and not bother with the left stick for rumble,  the thrusters will do just fine and the triggers.

Actually until the OP mentioned Glovepie I'd never considered it.  I'm a Xpadder user (paid for version).  But am useless at creating those advanced functions, hold zone, distance zone, tap time, release zone etc.   I just fail to understand how to use them and get creative results.  But I can manage to modify other profiles, muddling through.

I had installed the demo of Pinnacle just a few weeks back and did like the UI, as it appears to make things easier to understand.  But have not purchased it yet.

What is your opinion of Xpadder vs Pinnacle ?


My next purchase will be a Saitek X52 Pro for Star Citizen.  I'm wondering which app Xpadder or Pinnacle will be the best for this, if needed.  I would like to think Star Citizen will have a x52 pro special edition, but want one for the dog fighting module this Dec >

Is it possible to get the x52 pro working with Diaspora ?  have you seen any Glovepie scripts etc.

Al

[Ashtaroth]

Yes the D-pad rumble worked well, I dropped to 0.5 strength using vibration2.  Thank you.   I might leave it like it is and not bother with the left stick for rumble,  the thrusters will do just fine and the triggers.

Actually until the OP mentioned Glovepie I'd never considered it.  I'm a Xpadder user (paid for version).  But am useless at creating those advanced functions, hold zone, distance zone, tap time, release zone etc.   I just fail to understand how to use them and get creative results.  But I can manage to modify other profiles, muddling through.

I had installed the demo of Pinnacle just a few weeks back and did like the UI, as it appears to make things easier to understand.  But have not purchased it yet.

What is your opinion of Xpadder vs Pinnacle ?


My next purchase will be a Saitek X52 Pro for Star Citizen.  I'm wondering which app Xpadder or Pinnacle will be the best for this, if needed.  I would like to think Star Citizen will have a x52 pro special edition, but want one for the dog fighting module this Dec >

Is it possible to get the x52 pro working with Diaspora ?  have you seen any Glovepie scripts etc.

Al

I personally haven't used XPadder, really, but I suspect that Pinnacle will in most cases be best; it offers more customisation and support, and gives you more advanced functions, from what I've seen of it. I suspect that it wouldn't be needed for Star Citizen anyway; modern joysticks will almost certainly be fully supported. And as for Pinnacle vs Glovepie, I think Pinnacle is a lot easier to set up, and GlovePie doesn't, as far as I can tell, provide any functionality that pinnacle is missing, at least not as far as conventional gamepads/joysticks go.

I'm pretty sure joysticks will run on Diaspora natively, but I really couldn't say; I've never used one, and something like the X52 pro is waaay out of my price range

[RedHed]

I've still not installed the game... planning to this week. But got the controller rumble all working.... will see how it all works in-game.


Also I noticed the Glovepie project seems dead and 2011 being the last update.   Is this other project the newer one FreePie:  http://andersmalmgren.github.io/FreePIE/

it uses another scripting language I think (so I read), so the the old GlovePie scripts wont work.

One forum for FreePie where people talk about conversion to FreePie:  http://www.mtbs3d.com/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=139

[RedHed]

Yeah I'd to get freelook on the gamepad also.

[RedHed]

I've just thought.... what about 'freelook'  is this something we can get on a gamepad.

[atticae]

I just spent several hours creating an extended controller script for the XBOX 360 Controller.

It basically mimics the control scheme of the Pinnacle Game Profiler Profile for Freespace 2, but uses the free GlovePIE software, so you don't have to spend any $$$ to make the thing work.

The usual disadvantage of using a 360 controller is that usually there are not enough buttons for all the functions you would need in Freespace. This script solves this by effectively mapping four times as many functions as you would normally achieve:

• Every button has two different functions depending if you press it or hold it.
• The left shoulder button poses as a "alternate mode" (SHIFT) switch. While it is pressed, every button has a different function.

Here is the mapping description:

TARGETING

* All of your targeting commands reside on non-shifted buttons.
* The D-pad is all targeting except UP.
* All Targeting functions are double commands.
   - UP = Match Speed if pressed, Toggle auto-speed matching if held
   - RIGHT = Next Bomber if pressed, Next Turret if held down 
   - Left = Next Escort Ship if pressed, Next Uninspected Cargo if you hold
   - DOWN = Next Sub-system if pressed, Sub-system in reticle if held
   - X = Next Target if pressed, Target Reticle if held
   - B = Nearest Enemy if pressed, Nearest attacking ship if held
   - SHIFT + Click Right Stick = Toggles Auto Targeting

ENERGY DISTRIBUTION

* All Energy Distribution commands reside on shifted D-pad & Right Stick
* Shifted D-Pad is all Energy Distribution commands
* Right Stick is all Energy Dist. commands, including click RS
   - UP = Increase Shield Energy if pressed, Decrease Shield Energy if held
   - RIGHT = Increase Weapon Energy if pressed, Decrease if held
   - DOWN = Transfer Energy from weapons to shields if pressed, transfer Energy from shields to weapons if held.
   - LEFT = Increase Engine energy if pressed, Equalize all energy if held
   - Shift + RIGHT STICK = Augment shields. If you press up, your forward shields will be augmented. If you press left, your left shields will be augmented, right & down same thing.
   - Click Right Stick = If you click the right stick, it will equalize all 4 quadrants of shields.


WEAPONS
 
   - RIGHT BUMPER = Cycle primary fire. If pressed 3 times, it will toggle double fire.
   - SHIFT + RIGHT BUMPER = Cycle Secondary fire if pressed, toggle double fire if held.
   - Y = Countermeasures
   - RT = Fire primary
   - LT = Fire Secondary


MOVEMENT
 
   - LEFT STICK = Controls movement
   - RIGHT STICK = Controls throttle and roll. Push up to increase throttle, down to decrease throttle. Left and right controls Roll.
   - A = Afterburner
   - Shift + Start = Hyperjump


MISCELLANEOUS

   - START = Options menu
   - BACK = Open Com dialog
   - Click Left Stick = Cycle Radar Ranges
   - SHIFT + BACK = Call to Re-arm ship
   - SHIFT + A = Com dialog number 1
   - SHIFT + X = Com dialog number 2
   - SHIFT + Y = Com dialog number 3
   - SHIFT + B = Com dialog number 4
   - SHIFT + Click Left Stick = Com dialog number 5

And here is the script:

Code: [Select]

// Extended 360 GlovePIE Controller Script for FreeSpace 2 by Attic
// Maps the Xbox Controller to a specific set of FreeSpace 2 Keyboard and Mouse controls

//////////////////// MOVEMENT /////////////////////////////

// LEFT STICK = Controls movement
// Note that the numeric value affects the speed of the turning, and we use a deadzone of 0.15 to prevent 'twitching'.
mouse.DirectInputX = mouse.DirectInputX + 50 * deadzone(XInput1.Joy1X, 0.15)
mouse.DirectInputY = mouse.DirectInputY - 50 * deadzone(XInput1.Joy1Y, 0.15)

// RIGHT STICK = Controls throttle and roll. Push up to increase throttle, down to decrease throttle. Left and right controls Roll.
Key.Equals = XInput1.Joy2Y > 0.4 and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder,100ms)
Key.Minus = XInput1.Joy2Y < -0.4 and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder,100ms)
Key.NUMPAD9 = XInput1.Joy2X > 0.4 and deadzone(XInput1.Joy2Y, 0.4) == 0 and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder,100ms)
Key.NUMPAD7 = XInput1.Joy2X < -0.4 and deadzone(XInput1.Joy2Y, 0.4) == 0 and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder,100ms)

// A = Afterburner
Key.Tab = XInput1.A and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder,100ms)

// Shift + Start = Hyperjump
Key.LeftAlt and Key.J = XInput1.Start and HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder,100ms)

//////////////////// WEAPONS /////////////////////////////

// RT = Fire primary, LT = Fire Secondary
mouse.LeftButton = XInput1.RightTrigger > 0.5
mouse.RightButton = XInput1.LeftTrigger > 0.5 and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder,100ms)

// Y = Countermeasures
Key.X = XInput1.Y and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)

// RIGHT BUMPER = Cycle primary fire. If pressed 3 times, it will toggle double fire.
Key.Dot = XInput1.RightShoulder and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)

// SHIFT + RIGHT BUMPER = Cycle Secondary fire if pressed, toggle double fire if held.
Key.Slash = Released(XInput1.RightShoulder) and not Released(HeldDown(XInput1.RightShoulder, 400ms)) and HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)
Key.LeftShift and Key.Slash = Pressed(HeldDown(XInput1.RightShoulder, 400ms)) and HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)

//////////////////// TARGETING /////////////////////////////

// DPad Up = Match Speed if pressed, Toggle auto-speed matching if held
Key.M = Released(XInput1.Up) and not Released(HeldDown(XInput1.Up, 400ms)) and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)
Key.LeftAlt and Key.M = Pressed(HeldDown(XInput1.Up, 400ms)) and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder,100ms)
 
// DPad Right = Next Bomber if pressed, Next Turret if held down
Key.B = Released(XInput1.Right) and not Released(HeldDown(XInput1.Right, 400ms)) and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)
Key.K = Pressed(HeldDown(XInput1.Right, 400ms)) and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)

// DPad Left = Next Escort Ship if pressed, Next Uninspected Cargo if you hold
Key.E = Released(XInput1.Left) and not Released(HeldDown(XInput1.Left, 400ms)) and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)
Key.U = Pressed(HeldDown(XInput1.Left, 400ms)) and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)

// DPad Down = Next Sub-system if pressed, Sub-system in reticle if held
Key.S = Released(XInput1.Down) and not Released(HeldDown(XInput1.Down, 400ms)) and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)
Key.V = Pressed(HeldDown(XInput1.Down, 400ms)) and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)

// X = Next Target if pressed, Target Reticle if held           
Key.T = Released(XInput1.X) and not Released(HeldDown(XInput1.X, 400ms)) and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)
Key.Y = Pressed(HeldDown(XInput1.X, 400ms)) and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)

// B = Nearest Enemy if pressed, Nearest attacking ship if held
Key.H = Released(XInput1.B) and not Released(HeldDown(XInput1.B, 400ms)) and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)
Key.R = Pressed(HeldDown(XInput1.B, 400ms)) and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)

// SHIFT + RIGHT STICK = Toggles Auto Targeting
Key.LeftAlt and Key.H = XInput1.RightThumb and HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)

//////////////////// ENERGY DISTRIBUTION /////////////////////////////

// Shifted D-Pad is all Energy Distribution commands
// DPad Up = Increase Shield Energy if pressed, Decrease Shield Energy if held
Key.Home = Released(XInput1.Up) and not Released(HeldDown(XInput1.Up, 400ms)) and HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder,100ms)
Key.End = Pressed(HeldDown(XInput1.Up, 400ms)) and HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder,100ms)

// DPad Right = Increase Weapon Energy if pressed, Decrease if held
Key.Insert = Released(XInput1.Right) and not Released(HeldDown(XInput1.Right, 400ms)) and HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder,100ms)
Key.Delete = Pressed(HeldDown(XInput1.Right, 400ms)) and HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder,100ms)

// DPad Left = Increase Engine energy if pressed, Equalize all energy if held
Key.PageUp = Released(XInput1.Left) and not Released(HeldDown(XInput1.Left, 400ms)) and HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder,100ms)
Key.LeftAlt and Key.D = Pressed(HeldDown(XInput1.Left, 400ms)) and HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder,100ms)

// DPad Down = Next Escort Ship if pressed, Next Uninspected Cargo if you hold
Key.S = Released(XInput1.Down) and not Released(HeldDown(XInput1.Down, 400ms)) and HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder,100ms)
Key.V = Pressed(HeldDown(XInput1.Down, 400ms)) and HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder,100ms)

// Shift + RIGHT STICK = Augment shields in the given direction (front, right, back, left).
Key.Up = XInput1.Joy2Y > 0.4 and HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder,100ms)
Key.Right = XInput1.Joy2X > 0.4 and HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder,100ms)
Key.Down = XInput1.Joy2Y < -0.4 and HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder,100ms)
Key.Left = XInput1.Joy2X < -0.4 and HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder,100ms)

// RIGHT CLICK = If you click the right stick, it will equalize all 4 quadrants of shields.
Key.Q = XInput1.RightThumb and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)

//////////////////// MISCELLANEOUS /////////////////////////////

// START = Options menu
Key.F2 = XInput1.Start and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)
// BACK = Open Com dialog
Key.C = XInput1.Back and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)
// CLICk LEFT STICK = Cycle Radar Ranges
Key.Apostrophe = XInput1.LeftThumb and not HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)
// SHIFT + BACK = Call to Re-arm ship
Key.LeftShift and Key.R = XInput1.Back and HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)
// SHIFT + A = Com dialog number 1
Key.One = XInput1.A and HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)
// SHIFT + X = Com dialog number 2
Key.Two = XInput1.X and HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)
// SHIFT + Y = Com dialog number 3
Key.Three = XInput1.Y and HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)
// SHIFT + B = Com dialog number 4
Key.Four = XInput1.B and HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)
// SHIFT + LEFT STICK = Com dialog number 5
Key.Five = XInput1.LeftThumb and HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder, 100ms)
// SHIFT + LB = Com dialog number 5
Key.Six = XInput1.LeftTrigger > 0.5 and HeldDown(XInput1.LeftShoulder,100ms)
I found this to be extremely useful so far. If you find any bugs in the script, please let me know.

If you run into trouble, make sure there are no controller buttons mapped in the game itself.

Kudos to the unknown person who came up with the PGP profile which I used as a reference.

[Fury]

Just letting you folks know that this won't work in the future because GlovePie uses DirectInput. Which is on its way out in FSO and instead being replaced by cross-platform SDL.

[atticae]

Well, thats unfurtonate. Would FreePIE work with SDL instead? I haven't tested it yet and couldn't find anything about SDL in the documentation.

Or could you maybe point me in the direction of an alternative that works with SDL?

Would be a shame if this would prevent me from updating FSO.

[Fury]

SDL2 should have no trouble supporting the Xbox 360 controller and in theory should even allow users to set up their own controller profiles. If SDL2 works as it should and implementation goes as planned, you shouldn't need these 3rd party applications at all. That said, there's no guarantee Xbox 360 controllers will work with FSO's implementation of SDL2 right away. Might take some time until devs get it right.

[RedHed]

Whilst I praise your great work atticae on your profile... it is far to complicated for me to learn. Is it as 'smooth as butta gameplay' like the OP Roughriders basic script.

I'm still learning using the OP one,  I might try yours thanks... but it is so complicated... I'd need my 3 rd screen showing the layout all the time.  Maybe you could do a good all in one large image which we can have displayed for quick reference.

[RedHed]

SDL2 should have no trouble supporting the Xbox 360 controller and in theory should even allow users to set up their own controller profiles. If SDL2 works as it should and implementation goes as planned, you shouldn't need these 3rd party applications at all. That said, there's no guarantee Xbox 360 controllers will work with FSO's implementation of SDL2 right away. Might take some time until devs get it right.

This is very interesting news indeed, thanks.  I do hope the dev's will take into account the new xbox one controller and ALL its new vibration features.  And also very importantly the up coming valve stick less touch pad controller for which I am most keen to try out.

[Fury]

Just letting you folks know that SCP has released SDL test builds. You might be interested in trying them out and reporting your findings in the thread.
http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php?topic=86206.0