Trigger Sounds and Servo Movement with a Wireless PS3 Controller

Projects Discussion and Showcase Robotics
#1

I'm currently working on a robotics project that will control servos as well as sound clips from a soundboard, and I thought I would ask the forums help.

Does anyone know how I could use a PlayStation controller to control some servos with the thumbsticks/L2/R2 and trigger some sound clips with the other buttons?

I've racked my brain and searched through Google as much as I can.

I'd like to use an Arduino Uno, communicate via Bluetooth with the PS3 controller, and control the positions of regular hobby servos using the thumbsticks/L2/R2. Sound clips would most likely be stored on a soundboard or shield, and would be triggered by button presses on the controller.

I'd appreciate any help or insights.

#2

I've racked my brain and searched through Google as much as I can.

Then you certainly found that you can connect a PlayStation controller to the Arduino, although one or two joysticks (Sparkfun sells them) and a few switches are simpler to understand.

communicate via Bluetooth with the PS3 controller

Pigs would like to fly, too.

#3

Look.

I know that it's possible to connect the PS3 Controller to an Arduino via Bluetooth. Once it's connected the controller's input shows up on the computer when you press the buttons, move the thumbsticks, etc. I'm just looking for help on how to take that input and use it to control the position of servos and trigger sound files from a soundboard.

Shouldn't that be relatively easy to do? I would think so, but I couldn't find anything on my own. That's why I came here.

#4

Once it’s connected the controller’s input shows up on the computer when you press the buttons, move the thumbsticks, etc

Shows up on what computer? Obviously, you have some code to make this happen. Why haven’t you shown that code?

I’m just looking for help on how to take that input and use it to control the position of servos and trigger sound files from a soundboard.

You need to define HOW you want to “control” the servo, based on which value from which joystick.

The range of values from a joystick is typically 0 to 1023. The range of values for a servo is typically 0 to 180. You can map() the joystick position to servo position, if pulled all the way back corresponds to 0 (or 180) on the servo, and all the way forward corresponds to 180.

As for triggering sounds when a switch on the controller is pressed, it really isn’t any different from how you’d do it if the switch was connected directly to the Arduino.

#5

:o Ok, let me back up a bit.

I haven't coded or assembled anything. I'm trying to understand how to do all of this before I buy the parts and start everything.

The computer and code I am referring to come from a guy named Barrett. You can find the videos and code he's using here: Link

A couple of years ago I had basic skills in Arduino coding, but I've been out of practice. I know something like this is possible, I'm just looking for HOW to do it. I figured I'd follow what Barrett has done and build from there.

#6