Hi, my configuration is the Phoenix 3DOF+ ssc32 + botboarduino v1.0 +PS-2.
Software is V2.0 dated 29-10-2010 by Xan & Kurte.
Everything worked right from the start, so to those who do have problems to get it working: it does here.
The problem I have however is that it takes a very long time to get the Phoenix to actually start. I have to press and hold the start button on the PS-2 for 20 seconds or so before the “blimp” sound is heard and then phoenix starts up.
Or it does not start up and after holding it for another 10…20 seconde the “blimp” sound is heard and then it starts. After it starts it works fine.
I checked all wires and changed battery to the botboarduino. Servo’s are on a switching power supply. The only thing I found is that it looks as if it starts up quickly when the PS-2 is near to the receiver (a few centimeters) when pushing the start button, however that does not make sense because when it is running there is no issue with the range of the PS-2 to the receiver.
Is the range OK after it successfully starts?
Is the receiver module near a servo?
Might be getting noise…
Alan KM6VV
Range is ok when it starts, moved the receiver to other places. For testing I use a 9 volt battery for the botboarduino and a switching power supply from a PC for 5 volt to the servos because of the high current. Noise from that PSU?
You should not press and hold the start button - one quick press should be enough.
Thanks CBenson, I tried that as well, but it has the same effect. One quick press does not start it up, after several quick presses during 10…20 seconds it does.
Also one quick press, and then wait for 20 seconds is not the solution here, It will only start after pressing several times, or one press during 10…20 seconds.
After it starts, it works like a charm, the PS-2 can be meters away, no problem.
Checked wiring again. I am now thinking to change the program to blink a LED when a command is received from the PS-2 to check that part, any suggestions ?
For clarification, the response time from your PS2 controller to your Boarduino is the one that is experiencing the huge delay right? One thing you could look for is under voltage, probe your regulator input / output to see if your board is getting a clean 5V logic.
I would check to make sure all of your wire connections are fine. Could you kindly post a picture of your board so we can double check to be safe.
Finally, you could try using the PS2 Library and a simple Arduino program to test if you can blink a LED without delay from the controller.
Hope this helps 
My guess is it is the PS2 having issues talking to board. In particular if it is a version 3 Lynxmotion PS2, it was problematic.
which version of PS2X library are you using. I have a version up at: github.com/KurtE/Arduino-PS2X
Which I put stuff in awhile ago which helped mine talk.
However I should warn my PS2 V3 is not currently working and I have not been doing anything with a PS2 for probably a year.
If it were me, I would also run/write simple ps2 test program and see how well it responds.
Hey Kurte, I’m having PS2 V3 problems with my A-pod as well. I posted my issues in detail on my build log thread. I got the controller working, minus some of the buttons. The functionality however seems really off.
Again sorry, but i have not been doing anything with ps2s for a long time. So hopefully someone can figure it out. try changing timing delays. try different Io pins… Sorry
Sure,
Actually it mostly works for me but only half of the buttons… I will investigate into this as I get time. Kurte did you ever get it working when you were ramping up on it?
I want to build on what you did instead of doing everything from scratch.
I think all of the keys were working up until the start button stopped working, but that was a mechanical problem of the unit.
I updated my github fork of the library with my changes that worked for me. Have not touched since.
I would start with that and see if it helps Also run a simple PS2 test program that simply prints out the hex of the buttons plus value of 4 joysticks. Also helped to turn off pressures and rumble modes.
Thanks Kurte,
I’ll keep you updated.