Xbox usb control + arduino mega for ROV

Hi Everyone,

I am a complete newb when it comes to arduino and robotics.

I am currently in a group building a ROV. I need to control about 6 thrusters, an pan/tilt arm with claw at one end, and lights.

My current situation is that I want to control an Arduino Mega tethered through an ethernet cable using the ethernet shield with a Xbox usb controller hooked up to a computer.

I am not sure how the programming should go. Should the basic flow of control be:
XBOX controller -> PC software -> arduino -> circuitry for controlling thrusters.

I am also not sure how the PC program should be written. does it have to be in a certain Arduino language? or can i use C++

All replies appreciated

THANK YOU

I am also not sure how the PC program should be written. does it have to be in a certain Arduino language? or can i use C++

The Arduino language IS C++. But, you won't be using any Arduino-specific calls on your PC, so write the PC application in whatever language you like.

It the Arduino has an ethernet shield, you'll be talking to it using HTML, anyway.