using a logitech wireless ps2 controller on a pc

DancemasterGlenn · Post by **DancemasterGlenn** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 12:41 am

I've got a logitech wireless ps2 pad (pictured here) that's been collecting dust ever since I've run out of room in my dorm for my ps2. I recently bought one of their wireless ps3 controllers for use with my pc, and I enjoy it a lot... it's essentially the same looking pad, but with different shoulder buttons and no rumble. Needless to say, I'd prefer to use the ps2 pad, but the ps2 receiver didn't work with my old "ps2 controller to usb" dongle (probably an issue of power, or just that it wasn't made for wireless ps2 products). The ps3 controller (the logitech one, all the controllers I'm referring to are the logitech brand) uses a usb stick similar to a thumb drive for a receiver,which is small and works like a charm.

I guess what I'm wondering is (and this is me asking with absolutely no knowledge of the inner hardware of either controller), how impossible would it be to mod either the ps2 controller or its receiver so work through usb? Completely impossible? If so that's fine, I'm more curious than anything else. I just hate having the controller go to waste when I'd pretty much contantly use it through my pc if I could. Thanks in advance, even if you're just telling me it can't be done. At least I'll know more at that point.

declan · Post by **declan** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 7:39 am

I don't know if anybody has already made such an adapter, but with some programming knowledge, electronics/soldering skills, an oscilloscope and lots of patience, I'm sure it's quite possible to make one yourself. But I don't know for sure, I've never look into the PS(2) controller protocol.... could use encrypted data like the Nunchuck and the Classic Controller.....

DancemasterGlenn · Post by **DancemasterGlenn** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 8:32 pm

Hm, got it. Any idea where I'd even begin finding out about the way this thing is put together (preferably without taking my own apart)?

Thanks for the reply, too. It's nice to know that it could at least theoretically be done.

declan · Post by **declan** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 11:36 pm

You should start by google'ing "Play Station Controller Protocol". Don't write, "PS2 controller protocol" 'cause it will bring up pages about the PS/2 mouse/keyboard protocol.

DancemasterGlenn · Post by **DancemasterGlenn** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 11:59 pm

I feel like these three pages might be useful, but I honestly know next to nothing about this kind of procedure. Is the information in any or all of those helpful for this?

Gil_Hamilton · Post by **Gil_Hamilton** » Wed Aug 13, 2008 3:38 am

declan wrote:I don't know if anybody has already made such an adapter, but with some programming knowledge, electronics/soldering skills, an oscilloscope and lots of patience, I'm sure it's quite possible to make one yourself. But I don't know for sure, I've never look into the PS(2) controller protocol.... could use encrypted data like the Nunchuck and the Classic Controller.....

The PS* protocol is pretty simple.
It's a plain ol' serial stream.