Using PS3 Controllers with ESP32 | Build Custom Remote Controls

[@Dronebotworkshop]

Hi everyone - It's come to my attention that there has been someone masquerading as myself, responding to some comments here with a link to a Telegram chat to win a prize from me. THIS IS A SCAM, I am not holding a contest, nor do I have a Telegram account. PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THESE MESSAGES!! It's happening on a lot of my videos, I'm taking steps to remove them manually, but as I have 162 videos, it will take some time. If you do run across a suspicious comment, I would appreciate you letting me know at [e-mail]. Thanks! Bill (The real one!)

[@duanebeyer950]

One of the best videos I have seen. You really did a great job bringing all the different elements together and it is hard to believe you have not spent 30 years in the front of a classroom. Your cadence is perfect, and you break each task into simple to understand steps and build on that. Not just in this video, but all of yours. This one is particularly a gem covering so many interesting topics and then bringing them all together. I have been working on a lot of ESP32 projects and your videos have been very helpful. Thanks and keep it up. -Duane

[@kylereed3577]

Thanks Bill! Another great video to get my creative juices flowing. It got me thinking about automating my wood shop. Not with a PS2 controller but laser sensors and such. 😃

[@Dronebotworkshop]

Thank you Kyle. And I agree that automating a table saw with a video game controller might not be the wisest thing to do!

[@CDRaff]

​@@DronebotworkshopDon't knock it until you try it; I use an Xbox controller to control my CNC and it works great.

[@paulbrouyere1735]

Love it: my favorite construction material is scrap wood. Says a man knowing to teach computer science. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I’m impressed you can make it look so simple.

[@SNStuart]

Really enjoy the video. I got myself a cheap, unbranded ps3 controller of eBay but found it didn't work. After that, I got a Sony one and found that one worked.Thank you for the videos

[@illyakrit7494]

Thank you for your work! Alone the part with the usage of RGB led's is just fantastic and can be a topic for a separate video!

[@the1spyderryder]

Have missed your videos! I hope you are well.

[@seabeepirate]

100% agree on the micro vs mini usb. The thinner metal jacket on the micro is much more susceptible to prying loose from a fall/drop or even from regular use on something that sees a lot of connecting/disconnecting. The micro is good for small devices where space is more of a premium than durability. If USB-C isn’t and option, the mini would be my second choice.

[@codecage9333]

Amazing video Bill! Well worth the wait. And great to have the PDF of the article after the forum upgrades. Maybe soon I can get back to my Neo-Pixel issue. I have a great, IMHO, plan all worked out.

[@jarekf3083]

I bought the most recent ps3 controller clone on ebay. Looks exactly like in the video. Installs on Windows fine, shows as Xbox 360 and works. But the Sixaxis pair tool does not find it, with "no device found" error. Tried on 4 different Windows computers.

[@roland5469]

You will never get the desired result. This SixaxisPairTool 0.3.1 tool seems to be infectected by virus which this tool is downloading during installation as explained in the video. I have tested with Windows 10 in different laguage versions. After installation, Windows was no longer able to accept the PS3-controller via USB, not even simple deinstallation of the SixaxisPairTool did cure the Windows-Sytem. Backup Windows before you touch this SixaxisPairTool

[@samirale6774]

i am in the same situatione!

[@ryananum4953]

Did you connect it via usb to your computer? That usually works when you press the ps button ​@@samirale6774

[@dellalioussama1124]

did you find any solution ? i tried pairing with my android phone and retrieving the bluetooth mac address but it didnt work

[@DucatiKing]

Turn off your fire wall that helped me

[@noahb7947]

you make the best videos, ive really gotten into robotics because of you. thank you!!

[@billverine765]

You are a gentlemen and a scholar. Another in a long line of Top Shelf instructional videos my friend.

[@mikey38632]

You pointed out something that I run into with RGB fixtures in event production. You can't make pure white from R, G, and B LEDs. These days the better fixtures are using dedicated white LEDs alongside the RGB LEDs. There are some other dedicated colors, too, like amber and UV. RGB "white" always comes off as a little blue. Just my observation. I'm loving this video!

[@MrBobWareham]

Hi bill yes I wish they kept Mini USB it was so much better then Micro USB thanks for the video very interesting.

[@lyricalnatty]

@DB Workshop, First of let me thank you for another master class. And btw The joy sticks the both click in for extra commands.🤐🤐🕳💡

[@peterashford7364]

Thanks Bill, a brilliant project, I've finally found a simple, reliable way to control a robot car! It took me a while to understand I needed to get the MAC address from the ESP32 and insert this into the sketch code and also to modify the PS3 controller so it has the same MAC address. Then worked perfectly, even has proportional control! Thanks for your meticulous documentation. I'm looking forward to further updates.

[@kennethbeal]

Thank you, love your work! I noticed a two second delay in the loop(), after it detects that it's connected. Then I noticed errant display in the console log. I deduce that this delay is the reason that @33:00 it's not immediately showing in the console log, when you press and release the buttons -- but it does "catch up" a few seconds later. A bit later I noticed a 300 ms delay in what appeared to be a critical section, but didn't notice any issues from that (a third of a second happens fairly quickly, also. :) ) Thanks again!

There is also L3 and R3 which you can use by pressing the analog stikcs. ;)

[@sevenday7969]

Abi adamın dibisin çok teşekkür ederim kaç gündür projem için böylesi detaylı bir video arıyordum

[@MassimilianoBellugoogle]

Fantastic video as usual, thanks for your tutorials

[@turkfx]

Applause, masterwork, thanks

[@danny117hd]

I'll watch this later! Showed up on Google feed good job.!

[@rohangupta8414]

He is best till now

[@codecage9333]

And forever going forward!

[@LiddersTube]

Great presentation, as always. But WOW, so many adverts. It's worse than commercial TV. However, the content was well presented, and full of great ideas.

[@schoenepaparillo5902]

For a man who doesn’t know how to play video games you’re quite a wizard 👍

[@codecage9333]

Maybe I need to learn how to play video games as well. My last one was Trek80 back in the 80s! 😂

[@marcantony7075]

Impressive👏, I have been looking for such a video with detailed information. Thanks sir👍

[@user-mr3mf8lo7y]

Similarly, would ove to see some videos about ESP32 USB (host), someday. Thanks,.

[@pareshmhatre4019]

Right from today you are gamer! Best of luck 🤞

[@Moved2Rumble]

Something you didn't mention was that both the right and left joysticks also work as individual buttons, L3 and R3 respectively.

[@CDRaff]

Fancy stuff! Can't wait to try it out.

[@abpccpba]

I like your New Web Page layout lots of nice tweaks; like change size of text 😊

[@sameh_elmahdy]

Thanks from Egypt >>>>>> you are the best father >>>>>>>

[@beau.seidon]

Well now I know what I'm using to build my next MIDI controller!

[@klif_n]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing this great info. I'm going to pick up one of those PS3 controllers as an input device for future projects.

[@slakjawnotsayin5451]

WOW, I'm only finding this out now. This is awesome!

[@Technical_Failure]

HI I have a problem when trying to use my servo motor (which is a different one than in the video, maybe thats the problem). Because I connected everything like shown but the servo cannot be controlled with the controller and it moves somehow randomly to different positions and I cant interfere with it. PLEASE help...

[@collinb5524]

Cool video, i used a ps3 controller and an esp32 to control a robot arm.

[@snoob1674]

Just was thinking about doing this the other day, and Bamm! I find this vid, thanks!!

[@alankhabitsov7542]

Thank you. The best tutorial ever!!!

[@paulnewman2778]

I would like to replace the right hand joystick on my Xbox 360 with a small steering wheel. Years ago play station had and after market one that worked great with driving games. That would be awesome.

[@gearscodeandfire]

This is wonderful- thank you for saving me so much time when i finally implement this!

[@xianzheng5046]

Hi, when i wanna upload the coding for motor driver it shows my ledcsetup was not declare. What can I do

[@petermolnar6017]

Brilliant video, thanks for sharing it with us!

[@joymakerRC]

I have been flying rc planes this way with LoRa modules for the last two years. I wrote code that includes secondary functionality for trimming the plane and using landing gear. I wish you would have made this video back then because it took me a month or two to work every thing out, also not every ps3 controller works , i have five different variations some only work with esp32 and some will only pair to a dongle with USB host shield arduino. Im gonna post my code

[@davydbar]

Muchas gracias por el excelente tutorial! muy completo y explicado de una forma impecable como siempre. Había estado probando un pequeño vehículo con el esp32 y el joystick de ps3, si bien logré hacerlo funcionar a veces mi problema era la conexión inestable y una especie de delay en el control.

[@samirale6774]

como hiciste para conectar el esp32 al joystick?

[@elihoungo4552]

You are the best Thank you for your videos

[@Dubot-f1v]

Nice video ! Amazing idea😁👍

[@usefulelectronics]

Awesome idea!! I wonder if it is possible to achieve the communication with BLE

[@tin2001]

I have no real interest in using one of these with a microcontroller, but thanks for the video... You reminded me I wanted to order one of these cheap PS3 controllers for Steam remote play on an Android TV box. Edit: still watching the whole video because I'm interested in the protocol and oddities of the PS3 controllers.

[@ioannisypatidis9170]

Hi! The library doesn't compile with the 2.0.1 ESP32 board manager . Do you know why? Is there any work around? I am trying to use the ESP32 S3 Devkit

[@devilvortex1]

Strange! Why is there a return in if statement in the loop function? I would have used the continue statement;

[@philgo2024]

Vraiment intéressant et excellente vidéo comme d'habitude !

[@gerhardvandernest435]

Thank you very much Bill. Much appreciated education. I will be attempting to adapt to PS5 controller to use in a RC flail mower.

[@neojohn9335]

thank you bill, your awesome................... however its been a year and i still cannot for the life of me even get the ESP32 to even connect to my computer, tried different cables, different downloads. Now the project just takes up space on my desk.

[@revvy13]

Sounds like you either have a bad ESP32 or the serial driver isn't properly installed. Try reinstalling the com port driver.

[@abpccpba]

Great work as usual. Thanks

[@Jeff-0621]

This is brilliant!

[@sokoloft3]

Seems there is a library for the xbox series x controller. Been wanting to do that for a cheapo RC I bought a while back. WPL C24, upgrade it to hobby grade.

[@hermandarr6274]

great job Bill.

[@jstro-hobbytech]

They aren't dualshock. But you're right they do the job. I've taken to using rc remotes.

[@aladinmovies]

As always good video from teacher

[@pfft.7532]

Lovely video as always!!Can you please make a video on sabertooth motor driver with an esp32

[@guima617]

Excelent video !! The best I have seen !! Congrats !! One question: Could you please, share some example codes to activate Ambulance leds (led red and blu led) and some code to activate Ambulance Siren ? Warm Regards

[@paulpvhl1930]

Excellent overview. Thanks.

[@collinsappiah9744]

Please I'm begging you to do a video on ps3 controller with Arduino uno or mega

[@freman]

I have a nice largish p10 panel running from falcon player... I'm wondering if I could hack this into it to play tetris from the front yard... I mean I know I could but I wonder if I could before I got distracted. I might have done the rgb led differently, top buttons switch between colours left/right, down speed on the left trigger, up speed on the right trigger

[@initialb123]

really appreciate the dark mode , my eyes aren't what they used to be

[@vicmac3513]

In next video you'll build the Open Source Alpakka-controller and make it wireless the same way?

[@natureloverJ]

Hi Sir, I am very big fan of your videos and the passion you have for electronics. Please tell me the name of the company of PS3 console you bought. I bought one of VOYEE. Sixaxis software (windows) could not detect it. Thank you so much in advance.

[@msufaid7586]

can i do the same withh ps4 controllers?? like is the connection between the esp32 and ps4 stable cause there r many forums that says its not stable and that ps4 gets disconnected after sometime

[@KG4JYS]

Sixaxis and DualShock 3 were not the same. Sixaxis doesn't have a vibration or "rumble" feature for haptic feedback to the user. Dualshock 3 does. That also makes the Dualshock 3 a little heavier, which most people prefer. Sony couldn't get vibration and motion sensing working together on their sixaxis design. The Dualshock3 was made by Immersion Corporation (after a patent lawsuit that banned the import of PS3 systems with sixaxxis to the USA). Dualshock 3 (design licensed by Immersion) did have working motion sensing with vibration. Presumably subsequent dualshock4 and dualsense controllers also are based on the design by Immersion.

[@ingenuus2]

nice and helpful 👍

[@Rainer_Landes]

This is really great! But how to do it the other way round? Emulate a sixaxis controller by an ESP32 or an Arduino or a RasPi and control the PS3 remotely? Is this possible, too? Where to start? [Background to that question: I use my PS3 as a media player / BlueRay player and other functions. I have set up a home automation on RasPi that controls my video beamer, the Surround Sound system, the NAS data source, the HDMI matrix, the TV, the ceiling lights.... The home automation controls different Scenarios like "start the video", preparing all components and the light, and so on.... only the PS3 control is still missing...]

[@MyInnerChild81]

This is awesome. Can u create a light show with music?

[@SirArghPirate]

I only get "No device found" with the sixaxis pair tool. Thing is, the controller seem to be able to communicate with Steam (gaming service) and navigate the menues.

[@dellalioussama1124]

if you looking for the mac address try using the same one written in the code

[@SirArghPirate]

@@dellalioussama1124 All zeros you mean? That didn't work.

[@jerryrichard4994]

Love your new video, I have build a fully functional robot with working hands, what I want to know if I can use L298n motor driver as I have a few of those, after watching your video on ps3, it sound so good that I have ordered one from Amazon and want to venture into this new field, at 90 years old I need a new toy to play with.

[@enekojuanenalodeiro3794]

Great video BTW!!!

[@wandersonsilva-fx1cs]

Teacher! Congratulations, I follow your classes whenever I can! I have a question does the generic playstation 3 joystick connect with esp32 or only if it is original?

[@lankeylad]

If your wondering whether you need an offcial branded PS3 Controller, I don't think you do. I haven't got one and its working well enough here.

[@davydbar]

@@lankeylad generic controllers works fine

[@vinxmod793]

What are common default MAC address numbers that come with replacement controllers?

[@mikey38632]

Does the ESP32 see when you press the right stick in? I wasn't an avid gamer, so I don't remember whether the left stick presses in. Also, does it see Start, Select and the PS button? I thought I remembered you or someone said it does.

[@EinChris75]

I think the setPlayerLED also sends data to the controller. And isn't the gyroscope better for detecting rotation of the controller for motion based control? Accelerometer stops changing when the controller is no longer in motion, doesn't it?

[@TerboBlitz]

Can the PS3 controller run the HID protocol over the internal ESP32 WIFI communications link to achieve a longer range?

[@nemonespider]

Hii can you make a digital artificial horizon for planes..

[@egehosgungor2897]

Would it be possible to do a similar tutorial with raspberry pi pico W ?

[@bakedbeings]

I'd love to see this ported to microbit (with MakeCode blocks) - robots for the platform are great and affordable, but the controller boards are relatively pricey and/or have no friendly blocks.

[@analys7622]

Awesome guide! Btw have anyone got data frome the 3accelerometer and 1gyro ? Mine is not working properly.

[@Undertaker1134Tx]

New to the esps, Is it possible to connect the esp32 directly to the controller through USB and transmit the signal through WiFi to control another esp for a longer range?

[@that70sgamer]

I wonder if the Sony controller is any better for use like this. Gaming, Sony controller better then any aftermarket controller I used with my PS3. Same with PS4. Because of cost, I've been replacing the sticks when they develop drift.

[@sachnuoc2560]

Can you use the dpad? I dont see a tutorial for that

[@MorriAelthyn]

Is this how they made the controller for the Titan sub?

[@mangalarupasinghe]

Excellent Tutorial. I had quick test with my PS3 controllers (two) and it seems accelerometer /gyroscope does not seems to work on both controllers and only getting " -4 0 -132 0 " in the serial monitor but all other functions are working ok. Do you think they have dead DOA accelerometer /gyroscope ? or do i have do some trick to enable them to work? Thank you for suggestions.

[@RAJTECHTAMIL]

I need mcp4022 digital potentiometer with arduino uno how to control. Please argent

[@moofficial1153]

hello bill thx for the video, am using esp32-wroom-32 but non of the codes are working for me. the ps3 controller just blinks with out connecting to the esp please let me know if there is some update or fix I should do

[@rifqifirlian1559]

I've been tried to build my own robot with ps3 controller, but when i pluged my ps3 controller and run sixaxis pair tool appear "no device found" Does anyone have same problem? and how to solve this?

[@dellalioussama1124]

i got the same problem i already got the esp32 with me , i tried the displayed mac address 01:02:03:04:05:06 and it worked , i have a clone one i guess but it didnt show

[@zaqwsx28]

Which version of the ps3 library and ESP32 board manager you have?

[@mikey38632]

I'm watching you about to do your servo motor test, and I'm wondering if there are various sensitivity/movement curves available to you, instead of just a linear adjustment. This is for continuous movement (perhaps until the limit is reached in the case of servos) versus an absolute position relative to stick position. Imagine traversing a massive menu... For example, selecting your birth year from a listing of years. (That one gets to me now, I used to think the notion was funny). You might press the stick further to go faster. A sensitivity curve might be a great code enhancement in this case. It would be great if some preset curves were part of the library. **edit** I like how you sort of did this with the motor control routine. It's still not a response curve, per se, but it works for its purpose.

[@timsparrow-conceptdesigns3630]

Hello Bill , I was wondering fi there was an alternative to the six axis pair tool .. I have purchased a ps3 controller very similar to the one used in the project ..however the software doesn't seem to be finding any console and doesn't provide any mac address details .. any direction /solutions would be most appreciated ... I am very keen to try the project utilising the ESP 32 ...also which board do you use ? , as there are so many generic versions out there ? in appreciation of your time and wonderful tutorials ...

[@dellalioussama1124]

i got the same problem try using the same mac address provided

[@rdyer8764]

Just a thought on the controller buttons having a "how-hard-you-push" or analog output capability... Might it instead be that you just read the button while it was still in debounce mode? Seems a little too much to expect them to have a "haptic" capability in that manner. Thoughts?? Great and thorough video as usual!

[@themonkeydrunken]

Good thought, but the buttons on the PS3 controllers are pressure-sensitive. They'll return an analog value up to the 255 max.

[@rdyer8764]

@@themonkeydrunken That's really cool!

[@tabishshah992]

I have two different robots I want to control with two different ps2, but I am confused about how I should make them unique for each receiver, I have a project where two robots will compete.

[@andreyl2705]

nice tutorial. Thank you)

[@themonkeydrunken]

Fun project!