[linux-audio-user] joysticks

[Steve Harris]

On Sat, Oct 23, 2004 at 03:52:50 +0100, Nathaniel Virgo wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> I was wondering whether anybody has any experience of using gaming 
> josticks as musical controllers on linux? 

Yep, works well. A tip I got from Frank Barknecht is using playstation
controllers, there a good size and have plenty of controls, you can get
USB adaports for them. Resolution on the joystick bits is not great, but
its OK for some things.

> Will this actually work?  Do all USB joysticks work in linux?  Are 

I think so, they all appear to be USB HID devices.

> gaming joysticks accurate enough to use as musical controllers?  Which 
> software supports them? (I know they're supported to some extent in ssm, 
> galan and pd -- I'll probably end up learning to use pd as I want to be 
> able to use the fire buttons to do everything from triggering samples to 
> changing patches and pd seems to offer the most flexibility that way)  
> Is there any software that supports using two at once or will I need to 
> do some hacking?  Are there any major pitfalls I should look out for?

There is a bit of softwar earound that does USB HID to ALSA MIDI mapping:
http://www.terminatorx.cx/aseqjoy-man.html

- Steve