Hi,
I’m trying to do something simple in theory, but I can’t figure it out. I want to use an Arduino Nano to detect whenever a controller is connected or disconnected to the controller port of a GameCube.
I tried connecting to data line to digital or analog and measure any kind of voltage change, but no success. It just triggers all the time.
So I only need controller plugged in yes / no. No need for reading controller input.
Thanks for your feedback.
Regards
Im not sure how helpful this might be, just thinking out loud. It looks like the data pin will be constantly sending bits according to this Gamecube Protocol – Simple Controllers . There is also this arduino library someone wrote GitHub - NicoHood/Nintendo: Use Nintendo Controllers with Arduino . Perhaps you could use some of the library and even adapt it to your needs. Use the arduino to read the bits and look for some of the bits that are sent once the gamecube starts to interact with the controller. Once those bytes are recieved you know its plugged in? Feel free to roast me if I'm way off here. Just an idea.
Thought of a ‘stupid’ solution. I removed solder from one of the internal ground pins and connected the pin from the connector to a pin of my arduino. When the controller plugs in the shielding completes the circuit.
Please post schematics! Lots of possible mistakes here.
Hi @Railroader!
I’ve attached a picture. Just a wire connected to an analog pin. When the controller is connected the metal shielding of the controller plug connects everything to ground.
I removed the solder from the pad so this isn’t connected when nothing is plugged in.
That gives no overwiew att all. Please post full schematics.
Here you go:
Nothing done to any of the other connections. Just solder removed from GND pin 3.
So A7, pin 3 on the controller port and ground aren't actually connected until the controller is plugged in.
Can you let me know if this simple solution can cause any harm to the electronics? I dont think so, because it's all connected to ground one way or another. With or without GND pin 3 connected by solder.
That seems like a pretty legit solution to me- simple and does what you want! My guess is if the arudino and gamecube share the same ground it should be ok
