Is there anyway at all to be able to use modern USB joysticks with arduino ? If its not possible right now is it something anyone is known to be working on ? I would LOVE to be able to adapt a modern joystick like a logitech to what i want to achieve.. If there isnt any chance of using a USB joystick, does anyone know another micrcontroller platform which supports USB controllers ? I looked at the chumby hacker board and it has 3 USB ports but its not really novice friendly and not that much of a community.. I dont want to switch from arduino but it would mean a lot to be able to use newer USB joysticks..
Ive only had an arduino for a short period and its been great.. I was wondering though, whats the best way to permanently connect to the pins on the board ? Can you buy something which locks into the standard arduino and allows for soldering to the corresponding pins ?
You need host mode on the Arduino which requires a chip like the FTDI Vinculum, or a suitable MCU with USB OTG. I'd probably use a PIC for something like that, rather than an AVR with USB OTG, as I prefer the tools.
If you want to solder another board to the Arduino the simplest way is to plug headers into the connectors, and solder onto those. Alternatively, you could get a prototyping shield and build your circuit on that.
i had considered rewiring the joystick but ive heard the newer USB models dont use pots for the stick and use some other sensor to detect positioning.. Im not sure if this is right though ?
Id also like (if i can) to come up with the most elegant solution of just pluggin in the USB port and having it all work out of the box.. Ive been looking at www.circuitsathome.com and Oleg has made a USB shield.. Im going to get a bit more experience with Arduino first and then buy one and see if i can overcome the hurdle.. But its at least promising that someone else has gotten a PS3 controller working.