Last updated: 08.11.2011
Yes it is possible to hook up an [http://us.playstation.com/ps3/accessories/]PS3[/url] gamepad to your PC.
Most versions of Windows will automatically detect the controller when you plug it in and prompt you to update your system with the relevant drivers. You can try this first if you don’t want to download the software separately.
Most 3rd party PS3 gamepads can be used for Windows 7. If your original PS3 gamepad is not recognized by Windows you may need to download a special driver from MotionInJoy: www.motioninjoy.com.
Once your PS3 controller is recognized by Windows you can start using it for VRC Pro. Go to 'Options' and 'Control options' (in VRC Pro game). Select your PS3 controller as input device and click on 'Customize' to assign or 'map' the 2 sticks on your gamepad to left and right steering, and to throttle and brake.
Customize input
Here you map or assign the controller input to the steering, throttle or braking function.
Steering left
Move the selected controller device stick, trigger or wheel which you want to use to steer left.
For keyboard mapping press the key you want to use for steering to the left, for example O
Steering right
Move the selected controller device stick, trigger or wheel which you want to use to steer right.
For keyboard mapping press the key you want to use for steering to the right, for example P
Accelerate
Move the selected controller device stick or wheel which you want to use to accelerate.
For keyboard mapping press the key you want to use for steering to the right, for example A
Brake/reverse
Move the selected controller device stick or wheel which you want to use to brake and reverse (electric only).
For keyboard mapping press the key you want to use for steering to the right, for example Z
You have now mapped your input device for VRC Pro.
Dead zone and saturation
Next you can set the sensitivity of your controller, dead zone and saturation.
Dead zone is the area around the neutral position where nothing happens. This is particularly important for the throttle/brake input because you need an area where nothing happens. The dead zone percentage is divided half/half to both sides of the neutral position.
Saturation is used to set how much stick or wheel movement you want to use to reach the maximum steering or throttle. A low value means that you need only half the movement to get the maximum throw, this makes the control of course very sensitive.
Steering dead zone
For steering we advise to use minimal dead zone, like 5%. A higher % may be necessary if your controller has a lot of jitter (movement) around neutral, this will smoothen your controller a bit.
Steering saturation
We advise to keep this at 100% but this may depend on your controller. For example using a regular joystick it may take too long to move all the way to the left or right for steering.
Accelerate/brake dead zone
The accelerate/brake dead zone is more critical to adjust. You need a certain dead zone to keep your car stationary in neutral. If you can’t keep the car at rest with your controller you may have to increase the dead zone.
Accelerate/brake saturation
We advise to keep this at 100% but this may depend on your controller. For example using a regular joystick it may take too long to move all the way forward for throttle.
Exponential settings do also apply to customized controllers. You can set this while driving with E+ and E- for steering, and Ctrl E+ and Ctrl E- for throttle and brake.
Please read also this comprehensive 4-steps tutorial how to setup your gamepad controller using the Motioninjoy drivers.
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