HELP! Problem detecting my Gamepad

[Sinisterniik]

Not too sure which forum this belongs in (since I don't know the root problem), but this one seems as good as any:

I'm running SNES9x as well as a couple of other emulators on my MacBook Pro (OS X 10.5.8, Intel Processor). I used to have a Logitech gamepad that worked great, but it broke a while back. Recently, I decided to try a PS3 Dualshock 3 controller (I like the feel and design of PS controllers).

When I first plugged it in, it seemed unresponsive, but after hitting the gamepad's central "power" button a couple times it seemed to work. I went into the configuration menu and synced the game's commands to my gamepad. It worked great!

Then, on day 2, it decided to stop working. The gamepad doesn't seem to be detected (whether bluetooth is on or not). I've tried unplugging and replugging it at various times (before restarting/before shutting down/after shutting down, but before restarting/after restarting/after shutting down and restarting), but nothing seems to work.

Then, I decided to look at my System Profiler. It reads as though a device is detected in my USB port (USB Bus > BRCM2046 Hub > Bluetooth USB Host Controller). However, nothing seems to change when I unplug/replug my USB device. I've tried restarting, but it's still there (I'm assuming this is the gamepad since I'm not currently using an external keyboard/mouse/etc.).

One of my other emulators, Genesis Plus, is able to detect devices and then configure them. It worked fine as well. Now however, the program _tells me_ that it can't detect any device -not even the one that the System Profiler recognizes.

So here's my hypothesis: My OS originally detected the USB gamepad but kept the system cache when I manually ejected it. Now, it can't detect the gamepad because there's already an identical cache file (it thinks the device is still attached). I suspect that if I can either A) Force eject the USB device in the System Profiler or B) Delete the system cache file that I should be able to use my gamepad again.

Problem is, nothing else is capable of detecting the gamepad -not Disk Utility, not USB Overdrive, nothing! Only the System Profiler recognizes the gamepad as being attached to the USB port.

PLEASE HELP! I don't want to be stuck with a useless gamepad and a tied up USB port.
Sinisterniik is offline Reply With Quote

 

[robduckyworth]

this is the driver i used to set mine up.

Tattiebogle.net - Ps3Controller

it should make it work through usb. snow leopard has native support of the dualshock ( i think) and you should plug it into usb first, press the PS button, then it should pair with your mac and come up under bluetooth devices.

 

[Sinisterniik]

Then, I decided to look at my System Profiler. It reads as though a device is detected in my USB port (USB Bus > BRCM2046 Hub > Bluetooth USB Host Controller).

A clarification on this. My roommate's Mac also reads this way. So either I just don't know what the "Bluetooth USB Host Controller" is or else both of our Macs are picking it up via bluetooth device (although my Bluetooth File Exchange doesn't currently recognize my Dualshock 3 as a device).

@robduckyworth I already have the driver from Tattiebogle. I used it initially and have even tried uninstalling and reinstalling the driver.

You're correct that Snow Leopard has native support, but I'm running Leopard (10.5.8). While Leopard doesn't exactly support gamepads, it is able to use them through software that DOES recognize them (SNES9x, Genesis Plus, etc.). That's how I got it to work originally. Why it isn't working now is a complete mystery to me.

 

[Sinisterniik]

Fixed!

I found the problem!

It was much simpler than I thought: a connection problem.

I was troubleshooting with the controller when the 5-pin adapter broke off (BROKE OFF!). I returned the chord, plugged it in and POOF it started working.

If I encounter anymore problems, I'll reply to this thread, but for now chalk one up for mechanical error.

 

[chscag]

Thanks for posting back and letting us know. Have fun and visit often.