By popular request I take apart a Microsoft Adaptive Controller on camera, discuss what's inside and hook it up to a Windows 10 laptop to see what happens.
@@memesfromdeepspace1075 the price is one of the best things about it, it is super cheap. It isn't unique, there are other devices like it. The previous most similar device was sold for $400 and didn't have any buttons on it, just the ports. And that was sold at cost, zero profit,it cost them $400 to build each one. If it's the cost of the accessories that you're referring to, it doesn't have any accessories. It is designed to working with existing industry standards, to be compatible with tech that people already have, and a wide range of devices already on the market, including for $20. It's also relatively easy to make your own for a few dollars. And another very important part of the cost, and this is what really makes the difference to what had gone before - you can use it in conjunction with a regular controller, and use it as a way to just replace the areas of the controller that you have difficulty with, instead of buying inputs for every button.
@@ianhamilton_ while it's good that the price has come down it's still a horrific ammout of money to pay for being disabled. I put together a input device which is better suited for my disability using a cheap £10 arcade controller kit for PC. It was really easy. Just plug buttons into a PCB and plug the USB into the pc. I can do that because it's not a locked down platform.
The USBs for left & right analogue sticks actually makes a lot of sense - they can use any standard analogue stick available for a few quid, and a lot of disabled players already have their own favourite sticks which either fit their specific needs or are used to. Having those ports there means they can use those for any Xbone pad supporting game. Pretty cool & much more thought out than I thought it would be.
This was designed to be used with the Co-Piliot feature of the Xbox One. You wouldn't have to populate all the ports on the accessibility controller to use it.
As a daily user of your accessibility controller I can say for a one handed player your version wins for me. This version is awesome for people with multiple needs. But straight one handed people .. stroke people like me. Your version wins.
I think a flight stick style were both analog Stick are on top of each other and some foot pedals would be better than both. That's just my decade of one handed experience talking.
No More BS Please - can you give a little more detail as to the design you're thinking of? Are you thinking of the joystick itself operating as one analog stick and then a second one on top of the joystick you use with your thumb?
@@NoMoreBsPlease are you missing left or right side? i lost my left which i have found is less of a hassle than if i had lost my right. i think that re mapping the right side with the A,B,X,Y, Right stick, RT,RB wouldn't be as easy as i have found just having to re map only the LT and LB. The one key feature Microsoft released with this device that Ben fails to cover is Co-Pilot allowing 2 controllers to work as one. So me i use a standard Xbox 1 controller then co-pilot the adaptive controller with 2 foot pedals mapped to the LT and LB and im set.
It should be remember that this controller can be used in "co-pilot mode" meaning you can assign only a few button to this device and assaign the rest to a "standard" one.
You can use the accessible controller in _parallel_ to using a normal controller. If an individual is missing a couple of digits, they may want to use a normal controller, but for the buttons that they may have an issue with, they can add a couple of switches in _addition_ to what they have with the normal controller. As for the joysticks, folks already have joystick devices from the accessibility world and those are what you'd expect to plug in as inputs... mouth operated devices for example. I believe to understand the range of options that are opened up by the controller, you have to think of it in terms of what you can make the combination of controllers do for you, especially when using software like Microsoft's Copilot to configure them together.
1/8" mono jacks are are industry standard for bite switches and the like. This allows existing switch devices already available or owned to be used. It's infuriating how much specialty retailers charge for this type stuff.
they charge so much because it is a niche product that has to be special certified. what if a switch is used to control a important function (because it is often so and it is modular), like a start stop function for a drive? it needs to be certified in so many ways that the insurance is guaranteed. the testing and the certification takes up a huge amount of time in the dev. and prod. process.
So Ben long time watcher first time to comment. I can say first hand this device is amazing. I'm an amputee missing my left hand and still use a standard xbox one controller with this device. On Window's 10 and xbox one there is a software feature called Co-Pilot which in my opinion make this device really shine. Co-Pilot allows 2 xbox controllers to work as one, so in my case being I'm missing my left hand i use my giant thumb on the left anolog stick while the whole right side I can use fine on a standard controller. I then Co-Pilot the Adaptive controller and use 2 foot pedals for the left trigger and the left bumper. Allowing me to use a standard controller and just map what i need and switch profiles depending on what i play is how i find this device really shines.
My daughter has cerebral palsy and I'm super familiar with why they set it up like this. Most communication devices use switches and buttons that are 3.5mm. So I already had the accessories needed to set it up. Insurance will also sometimes cover the cost of switches and buttons if they are used for communication. The USB is for any joystick that has multiple inputs. So you could put a joystick on the arm of a wheelchair and give access to nearly anyone. You can even use the USB to add devices that are any switch or joystick with more than one input. Imagine a directional stick attached to the side of the head. Someone could move it simply by moving their head. Its setup like this on purpose. Because mobility isn't the same for everyone. Plus they make a ridiculous amount of different switches. Some require nothing but eye movement for those with quadriplegia. This controller is revolutionary in terms of giving people with limited mobility access to not only games. But also the ability to navigate through Windows 10. There are kids out there that have never played a video game until this was released. Thanks for the video.
I suspect that the user research conducted for this controller sussed out that in order to accommodate all the potential accessibility scenarios, it was more prudent to provide the simplest possible baseline interaction buttons and then allow for more complex and customizable I/O for however the user needs it. It is conceivable that many users who might not even be able to use their hands would want to play and the best way to do that might be through footpads, eye-tracking, breath control, etc. Providing all the various I/O as simple jacks that can then be plugged into any sort of interpretation device is rather prudent. One cannot solve problems for every user all the time but you can provide options for all the use cases if you can't solve for all of them.
it's simpler than that, it's just being compatible with existing industry standards rather than reinventing the wheel. Joysticks already on the market connect by USB, switches already on the market connect by 3.5mm minijacks.
@@ianhamilton_ It's certainly part of that. They are using standards to allow non-standard accessibility equipment to be plugged in. The benefit is that you can get another traditional/standard device and hook it up via minijacks. The best kind of solutions are ones that are easily adaptable to multiple scenarios and circumstances.
@@snds2236 not quite - it is to allow standard accessibility equipment to be hooked up. Specifically it's for accessibility switches. In that context switch just meaning something that closes a circuit, including things like blink detectors and proximity sensors. Accessibility switches have all used 3.5mm minijack connectors for a loooong time, it is a very well established standard. Though of course it's straightforward to build your own switches too. Source: I'm an accessibility specialist with a background in switch accessibility and a couple of years' experience of the adaptive controller.
seems like this would be the ultimate platform for making a single handed controller like you like to do. You wouldnt be constrained by any circuit board, you could set up the buttons where you want them and pull all the cables into a single harness that runs from controller to the "control deck" thing.
Ya' know that's a great idea! It's bit of a let down because it would be a $100 adapter on top of whatever else he makes. So that may not go over well in the consumer market. But you are not wrong. That device would surely help him prototype crazy-fast and build out the idea form-factor in record time.
I think having a official base unit is good. I saw this in a charity stream, being used. The good thing is that you can still use the normal controller, for example when you can use one hand normal. In the stream 3 people played Forza, where one had a food pedal, one was using the board itself and a 3rd one used the controller itself but only for steering with one hand. This board removes the tinkering to destroy an actual controller and messing around with this. Sure the USB Ports are kinda an odd choice but i think that people will build an adapter for this, so you can connect analog signals for all 4 directions and make it usable for the board. I think the USB Ports are a good choice, because you could connect flight sticks to it. I didn't saw an option for force feedback. Would be nice to have 2 ports for this. I hope that the software allows a switching button, so that the player can switch the function of different buttons. There are buttons that doesn't get used that often, like the start,select and the home button. Even the D-Pad is not that often used and having a switch to change from the left analog stick to the D-Pad, would be a good idea. I don't know if these connectors are a good choice. I mean Microsoft should rather sell adapters than the expensive buttons. Having adapters for connecting bare wires would be a good option. You can get Buttons very cheap but you need to have someone that puts cables on it and put it on the connector. Sure you can get these connectors but selling them directly would be way better.
My daughter has really low mobility. One of the first things I'm going to do is use co-pilot. I'll use the directional pad for steering while my daughter will use the two buttons for gas and reverse. It's really cool.
I've got no fine motor control (Friedreich's Ataxia) and this thing has allowed me to start gaming again. I have two PC flightsticks plugged into the USB's (also eight of the buttons on a PC flightstick are recognised and can be re-mapped) to act as thumbsticks - i just cannot use thumbsticks or anything fiddly. I have Logitec 3D Pro flightsticks for smooth analogue movement and a Dark Tornado flightstick if faster input is needed- eg on Forza I use Logitech for road racing and Dark Tornado for dirt or drifting. And because the buttons on the sticks are recognised, I don't need anything else.
I think it's cool to see how many options there are for controllers (the modular HIDs). I'm always looking for a more ergonomic mouse/keyboard and controller. I'd assume that repetitive strain injury, carpal tunnel, and other office related 'injuries' are becoming more prevalent and commonplace as the years go by and we'll be seeing more and more attention given to those needs as technology progresses. Not to mention of course the control needs of people who don't have full use of both hands. I enjoy the videos as usual Ben, glad to watch your brain at work on a Sunday evening(:
To be honest, I think this is a really great product, accessibility to accessibility is a need in of its own right and for custom work it provides a single central core off the shelf that's much easier to work with than a stripped down pad.
hhmmm, I think that the analog sticks would probably be giant joystick (knob) or a flight stick looking thing so the kid / adult could hold onto the stick and smash the buttons...
Do you use a tray or magnet to keep your screws from running away after you remove them? I think you mentioned how you keep track of the screws on a previous episode...
Hey Ben, nice video -- just a thought, but I noticed that you didn't plug in the HID device until after the controller was plugged in and powered up. Have you considered that it might not support hot plugging the devices like that? (e.g. Try plugging in your HID device while it's off, and then turning it on). No guarantees, but that controller seems like a bit simple compared to most USB host devices that might only check the ports during initialization...
i might look into this and see if it will help me with my disability since i have seen this before but wondered how durable it would be and now i know. all so thanks for the time it took do do this video.
This device is actually very flexible which I believe is the point. For example, if you only need a few of the inputs remapped, then you just plug in your controller and only the accessories that you need. If you need everything broken out, then that can be done too. I'm making an assumption that the USB ports will actually accept an entire controller and pass all controls, which makes a lot more sense to me than only passing one stick per port.
You're halfway there! You don't need the USB ports for what you're suggesting, you can just connect a controller to the xbox itself, and link the regular controller and the adaptive controller together using a feature on the xbox called co-pilot, which treats the input from both devices as coming from one single device. You're absolutely right in that being the point, it allows you to replace anything between one and all of the inputs on a regular controller. As far as only passing one stick per port goes, this is an illustration of why: compass-ssl.xbox.com/assets/d3/9d/d39d37c7-deb8-4088-bd2e-f2bb15631bc6.jpg
I've never been a fan of Xbox, but when Microsoft announced that they made this controller, they earned a ton of respect from me. I want other gaming companies to follow suit in the future.
Thanks for sharing this with us. One thing I noticed and was curious about is the unstuffed connector locations below the d-pad switches. Are they a location for expansion of the d-pad to the front of the unit. Just asking, since you didn't mention them in your video. Thanks
Just mixing down to mono or (in case of phasing issues) using the left channel for mono would do, so there's not even a need for a new mic as the sound is fine
so, the reason all the inputs are separate (beyond the bare essentials) is that this controller needs to be as one-size-fits-all as possible. if they sold it as a "complete" controller then they'd limit its audience, instead, this is ultimately more helpful to more people. as a disabled gamer, I would argue that, far from an issue, the adaptability is it's greatest feature. it's in the name after all
Do you know the ID of the compatible HID controllers ? if so you can change the teensy to copy the id in software and then it could work on those side ports.
@@SteelSkin667 I was wondering if it looked for specific hardware ID, The teensy can be setup to work as a HID joystick so if it was any it should have worked.
@@DJlegionuk I can't find a definite list of compatible peripherals, so it really should work with any HID device that has X and Y axes, at least according to Microsoft's documentation. Although it is worth a try. Here's what MS have to say on the subject : support.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-one/controllers/devices-that-work-with-adaptive-controller
This looks really interesting for home arcade use too, as long as it works like a "normal" input at the end of the connection. Would make twin-stick setups a bit easier and then you can run pedals or other switches for extra functions.
You can use the adaptive controller in conjunction with a standard control. You basically just breakout the controls that you can't manage on the standard controller. Still seems a bit complicated to me but I do give MS points for at least putting SOMETHING out there. Thanks Ben, I've been wondering what these things look like on the inside!
Questions!!! Q1. Do those pads work like analogue sticks, but by touch instead? Q2.(for normally abled and differently abled) Could you use the MAC to build your own custom setup, like adding analogue pedals for throttle, maybe a home made wheel for steering, or flight control sticks etc? (use it to build your own frankenstien setups.) Thank you :)
Ben, the usb analog sticks are probably just like the triggers, 4 pin usb, 2 pins for each axis. No special usb required, they are just using usb for the 4 pins.
Yeah, I think it's less a controller than a giant breakout board. Not everyone in need of a special controller is simply one-handed. Perhaps these inputs could connect to eye trackers, breath controllers, foot pedals, or any combination required by ones' specific disability.
that's exactly it, they're called accessibility switches; anything that closes a circuit and has a 3.5mm minijack on the end. They've been around for a looong time based on that standard, everything from head switches to infrared blink detectors to hand proximity sensors. Check out the switch sections on the enablemart and inclusivetechnology websites.
This is mostly for those who happen to be mobility impaired. A missing limb is one thing, but when your hands no longer grab or you have stumps, suddenly this is a far better option. Also I think those USB ports might take some wheelchair standard. IDK.
Designed to be stronger with copilot. You can find The external devices support article is here: support.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-one/controllers/devices-that-work-with-adaptive-controller
Looks like a foot board that can have additional custom controls plugged in. Very niche but useful thing. Is there no output for vibration? That's disappointing.
It's disappointing that they didn't add Nunchuk ports. They're cheap and readily available. It's probably the fault of some patents Nintendo holds on the connectors.
Surprisingly the IO expander can switch between 4 addresses based on the ADDR pin routing. The ADDR pin is to be connected either to VCC, VSS, SDA or SCL and it probably runs a state machine to determine where the thing is connected until it's sure, and it should settle until the first real transmission needs to be interpreted. It's interesting, never seen a solution like that before. I wonder if there's actually stereo plugs on the trigger inputs which allow you to connect a potentiometer, any potentiometer, like 10k or 100k as a voltage divider. The 1 meg might be parasitic resistance. I suppose the communication between FTDI USB host processor and the main processor should be hackable, maybe SPI or something like that. Difficult to imagine that FTDI's functionality couldn't be replaced.
Analog sticks could've used a trrs plug rather than trs, or two sets of trs, though then that causes too many possible user errors. Another thing is that basically all analogue sticks now have a button switch built into them; so having a usb interface for analogue x and y, plus a button, plus possible extras, would work better. Glad you took this apart, though. I'm kind of disappointed that it's a giant pcb. I was hoping it'd had a small, main board with all of the processing and maybe the xbox, view, and menu buttons, then have daughter boards for dpad, the two big buttons, and all of the expandability jacks. The whole point of hoping for a small main board was to make accessibility design easier. Instead of modding an already made controller to be accessible, build an accessible design from the ground up using a small processing board; this would also expand on the possible designs for accessibility controllers, especially for unique circumstances. Maybe in the future Microsoft can create a more open design. Also, right/left balance is off, then when you switched to the FTDI data sheet the balance basically flipped. Might want to check your audio before your next recording or upload.
I would have thought the point of the USB draws was so that someone else can plug in their XBox controller and maybe help out the disabled player by pressing the joystick for them. But also, you can just plug in a big old 2 axis joystick and use that too.
I tried plugging in Xbox 360 and XB1 controllers into it - no dice. Apparently you need a specific Logitech controller stick or the Nunchuck-like thing MS sells on their store.
oh god what? Would have been better to have generic analog recognition but I guess they didn't want to spring for a microcontroller to handle all that. What a shame.
@@BenHeckHacks Holy hell, those nunchuck things microsoft sells look so similar to Nintendo's ones from the wii that you'd be forgiven for thinking they just asked to use Nintendo's molds for it, and Nintendo went 'sure. Why not.' I mean, I doubt that's what ACTUALLY happened, but they sure do look similar... Also that just plain sucks - it would at least have been tolerable to have USB if it supported ANY usb controller... But nope. Have to sneak in something proprietary somewhere, right? After all that effort to make the device flexible, that's really disappointing...
@@KuraIthys The one on the Microsoft store is made by PDP, who I believe did make third-party nunchucks at some point, so they just reused a case mold they had lying around
You don't need to do that, that exact functionality already exists at operating system level, you just connect the second controller as you would any other one and assign it to be a clone. Look up "xbox co-pilot"
if I remember correctly Ben on the USB ports I think Microsoft said you can connect ANY USB analog controller and use them as the left and right analog sticks, the buttons on the analog controllers wont work but the sticks will.
For use on an actual Xbox at least, you wouldn't necessarily need to break out all of the controller buttons through the input jack unless you do need an absolutely fully custom solution. Copilot (support.xbox.com/xbox-one/accessories/copilot) lets you link two controllers together so, in theory, you could use a standard controller and the adaptive controller together for a semi-custom solution.
Thanks for literally making the only useful video about this controller. When I was looking at buying one, everyone kept talking about special needs, not regular children or makers.
The USB ports for the analog sticks might work with wired xbox controllers. Some users with disabilities could have the ability to hold a controller and operate the stick. Keep in mind this was made for disabled players with an open ended configuration in mind.
Good old ARM, Acron RISC Machines or Advanced RISC Machines are located just up the road from in Cambridge. Who knew back in the 80s That there would be an ARM processor in pretty much everything with a PCB now.
I used to work for a small stockbrokers in London who dealt with high net-worth individuals. One of the clients happened to be a majority shareholder of Arm Holdings (one of the original investors) and I had occasion to hold the share certificate for their stock. That cert would be worth billions today!
9:32 - ARM doesn't manufacture their own chipsets and the Freescale IC in the XBOne controller is based off the ARM Cortex M0+ Core. Did you just misspeak and mean to say a Microsoft chip in the 360 controller? I don't know much about what was used but minus the few exceptions that had a blobbed die on the board, later controllers had a MSoft branded IC but I'm not sure of the architecture.
The product has been out long enough that you had time to properly research its function. You do NOT need specific usb input devices, any HID joystick will work. You also don't need both. You can use co-pilot and a regular controller. Also, those that are more severely disabled, can use all their current accessibility switches with this as is. Its an AWESOME product that has myriad uses for all. $100 is a steal compared to the $400 device that was avail before this You make good products and do a lot for the community but it feels as tho you are talking down on this device in this video and the reasoning seems to be from your lack of research of the product
...so... theoretically you could use say the rock band or guitar hero drum peddles to possibly make gas\brake peddals and hook up a cheep USB steering wheel to the left stick, or make your own even, and then you would have a diy driving setup for either console or computer use???
It would be great if Ben could design attachments for the Microsoft accessibility controller, that would allow someone with one arm to use a standard Xbox controller for the functions they can touch, and use the accessibility controller for the other side of the controller they can not reach.
No attachments needed, that's already handled at operating system level. Xbox has a feature called co-pilot that allows two controllers to be linked together and act as one. The adaptive controller was designed with that feature in mind; if you can't use a regular controller at all you have the flexibility to replace it entirely, but if there are still some areas of it that you can use you can still use those and only use the XAC to replace inputs that don't work for you.
@@SianaGearz those midi drums actually use a monophonic jack if i recall correctly, or could do a transfer over midi channel ... as each sends trigger and velocity of value 0-255 i think
As far as I know you can use it in addition to your normal controller (in some special assist mode). So you don't need the USB sticks, if you are able to use the sticks on the controller. But don't quote me on that, I don't own a Xbox, just picked this up somewhere...
yes, the feature you're thinking of is called co-pilot. You can also use it to link to regular controllers together, so you can for example play with your hands wide apart, play with a controller in your left hand and another under your right foot, or just use some areas of a controller with a second person joining in to help out with things you can't do.
Seems like a great effort to make a controller as flexible as possible to allow as many people as possible access to gaming. I don't think it's even considering you map every single button just whatever fits the situation all the way down to a single input for cooperative play hence the USBs. A bespoke designed controller for a specific person will generally be the best but surely this device will allow more access for more people. MS of all companies putting out this device is astounding and as far as I can tell it's a great flexible design.
The USBs aren't needed for cooperative play, that's already handled at operating system level. Xbox has a feature called co-pilot that allows you to link two controllers together to act as one. Allows co-op play, splitting of controls across two regular controllers (e.g. one in left hand, one under right foot), and also allows one person to use some inputs on a regular controller together with others hooked up via a XAC.
You should try integrating an xbox slim console into this controller. It will expand the size of the controller, probably needing a new case bottom at least, but it would still be cool to have an all-in-one unit like this. Basically make this an IO expander for the xbox.
This is more designed for those with limited function or even no hand dexterity. I have seen this used and adapted into mouth straws allowing them to play a game.
Oh boy, this is SO much better than the "old" channel. Clean and simple editing, no intros... Nothing fancy, just pure content. Keep it up!
Less of a controller, more of a platform for designing your own controller. Actually a really cool offering from Microsoft!
you can also use it in conjunction with a regular controller, via an xbox feature called co-pilot
It’s main function is for disabled and crippled people
Yeah ITS good exept the price
Hotel?
Trivago
@@memesfromdeepspace1075 the price is one of the best things about it, it is super cheap.
It isn't unique, there are other devices like it. The previous most similar device was sold for $400 and didn't have any buttons on it, just the ports. And that was sold at cost, zero profit,it cost them $400 to build each one.
If it's the cost of the accessories that you're referring to, it doesn't have any accessories. It is designed to working with existing industry standards, to be compatible with tech that people already have, and a wide range of devices already on the market, including for $20. It's also relatively easy to make your own for a few dollars.
And another very important part of the cost, and this is what really makes the difference to what had gone before - you can use it in conjunction with a regular controller, and use it as a way to just replace the areas of the controller that you have difficulty with, instead of buying inputs for every button.
@@ianhamilton_ while it's good that the price has come down it's still a horrific ammout of money to pay for being disabled. I put together a input device which is better suited for my disability using a cheap £10 arcade controller kit for PC. It was really easy. Just plug buttons into a PCB and plug the USB into the pc. I can do that because it's not a locked down platform.
The USBs for left & right analogue sticks actually makes a lot of sense - they can use any standard analogue stick available for a few quid, and a lot of disabled players already have their own favourite sticks which either fit their specific needs or are used to. Having those ports there means they can use those for any Xbone pad supporting game. Pretty cool & much more thought out than I thought it would be.
This was designed to be used with the Co-Piliot feature of the Xbox One. You wouldn't have to populate all the ports on the accessibility controller to use it.
As a daily user of your accessibility controller I can say for a one handed player your version wins for me. This version is awesome for people with multiple needs. But straight one handed people .. stroke people like me. Your version wins.
yeah, this looks like it could be wonderful for someone who might need to integrate a sip-and-puff or something like that
I think a flight stick style were both analog Stick are on top of each other and some foot pedals would be better than both. That's just my decade of one handed experience talking.
No More BS Please - can you give a little more detail as to the design you're thinking of? Are you thinking of the joystick itself operating as one analog stick and then a second one on top of the joystick you use with your thumb?
@@NoMoreBsPlease are you missing left or right side? i lost my left which i have found is less of a hassle than if i had lost my right. i think that re mapping the right side with the A,B,X,Y, Right stick, RT,RB wouldn't be as easy as i have found just having to re map only the LT and LB. The one key feature Microsoft released with this device that Ben fails to cover is Co-Pilot allowing 2 controllers to work as one. So me i use a standard Xbox 1 controller then co-pilot the adaptive controller with 2 foot pedals mapped to the LT and LB and im set.
It should be remember that this controller can be used in "co-pilot mode" meaning you can assign only a few button to this device and assaign the rest to a "standard" one.
Yes, awareness of that is relatively low unfortunately, but it's the addition of co-pilot that really differentiates this from what has gone before.
You can use the accessible controller in _parallel_ to using a normal controller. If an individual is missing a couple of digits, they may want to use a normal controller, but for the buttons that they may have an issue with, they can add a couple of switches in _addition_ to what they have with the normal controller. As for the joysticks, folks already have joystick devices from the accessibility world and those are what you'd expect to plug in as inputs... mouth operated devices for example. I believe to understand the range of options that are opened up by the controller, you have to think of it in terms of what you can make the combination of controllers do for you, especially when using software like Microsoft's Copilot to configure them together.
1/8" mono jacks are are industry standard for bite switches and the like. This allows existing switch devices already available or owned to be used. It's infuriating how much specialty retailers charge for this type stuff.
yeah, though you can pick up light touch ones from enablemart for $20
they charge so much because it is a niche product that has to be special certified.
what if a switch is used to control a important function (because it is often so and it is modular), like a start stop function for a drive? it needs to be certified in so many ways that the insurance is guaranteed.
the testing and the certification takes up a huge amount of time in the dev. and prod. process.
TBF it shouldn't be up to tge modding community to bring accessibility. Good on MS for taking an initiative
This is awesome work you do supporting the adaptive controller community, thank you
So Ben long time watcher first time to comment. I can say first hand this device is amazing. I'm an amputee missing my left hand and still use a standard xbox one controller with this device. On Window's 10 and xbox one there is a software feature called Co-Pilot which in my opinion make this device really shine. Co-Pilot allows 2 xbox controllers to work as one, so in my case being I'm missing my left hand i use my giant thumb on the left anolog stick while the whole right side I can use fine on a standard controller. I then Co-Pilot the Adaptive controller and use 2 foot pedals for the left trigger and the left bumper. Allowing me to use a standard controller and just map what i need and switch profiles depending on what i play is how i find this device really shines.
@@twovoa2151 mate I haven't found a game I cant play.
@@twovoa2151 Trust me there are dev's I met at pax are already thinking about it
that is awesome man! have fun and keep being awesome!
His fucking name.is hand solo. Now that's a man with a sense of humor
My daughter has cerebral palsy and I'm super familiar with why they set it up like this. Most communication devices use switches and buttons that are 3.5mm. So I already had the accessories needed to set it up. Insurance will also sometimes cover the cost of switches and buttons if they are used for communication. The USB is for any joystick that has multiple inputs. So you could put a joystick on the arm of a wheelchair and give access to nearly anyone. You can even use the USB to add devices that are any switch or joystick with more than one input. Imagine a directional stick attached to the side of the head. Someone could move it simply by moving their head. Its setup like this on purpose. Because mobility isn't the same for everyone. Plus they make a ridiculous amount of different switches. Some require nothing but eye movement for those with quadriplegia. This controller is revolutionary in terms of giving people with limited mobility access to not only games. But also the ability to navigate through Windows 10. There are kids out there that have never played a video game until this was released. Thanks for the video.
I honestly like this format much better than the old show.
I suspect that the user research conducted for this controller sussed out that in order to accommodate all the potential accessibility scenarios, it was more prudent to provide the simplest possible baseline interaction buttons and then allow for more complex and customizable I/O for however the user needs it. It is conceivable that many users who might not even be able to use their hands would want to play and the best way to do that might be through footpads, eye-tracking, breath control, etc. Providing all the various I/O as simple jacks that can then be plugged into any sort of interpretation device is rather prudent. One cannot solve problems for every user all the time but you can provide options for all the use cases if you can't solve for all of them.
it's simpler than that, it's just being compatible with existing industry standards rather than reinventing the wheel. Joysticks already on the market connect by USB, switches already on the market connect by 3.5mm minijacks.
@@ianhamilton_ It's certainly part of that. They are using standards to allow non-standard accessibility equipment to be plugged in. The benefit is that you can get another traditional/standard device and hook it up via minijacks. The best kind of solutions are ones that are easily adaptable to multiple scenarios and circumstances.
@@snds2236 not quite - it is to allow standard accessibility equipment to be hooked up. Specifically it's for accessibility switches. In that context switch just meaning something that closes a circuit, including things like blink detectors and proximity sensors. Accessibility switches have all used 3.5mm minijack connectors for a loooong time, it is a very well established standard. Though of course it's straightforward to build your own switches too.
Source: I'm an accessibility specialist with a background in switch accessibility and a couple of years' experience of the adaptive controller.
Love the videos Ben, great to see you going back to the basics!
seems like this would be the ultimate platform for making a single handed controller like you like to do. You wouldnt be constrained by any circuit board, you could set up the buttons where you want them and pull all the cables into a single harness that runs from controller to the "control deck" thing.
Ya' know that's a great idea! It's bit of a let down because it would be a $100 adapter on top of whatever else he makes. So that may not go over well in the consumer market. But you are not wrong. That device would surely help him prototype crazy-fast and build out the idea form-factor in record time.
Yay, keep the vids coming Ben!
I think having a official base unit is good. I saw this in a charity stream, being used. The good thing is that you can still use the normal controller, for example when you can use one hand normal. In the stream 3 people played Forza, where one had a food pedal, one was using the board itself and a 3rd one used the controller itself but only for steering with one hand.
This board removes the tinkering to destroy an actual controller and messing around with this. Sure the USB Ports are kinda an odd choice but i think that people will build an adapter for this, so you can connect analog signals for all 4 directions and make it usable for the board. I think the USB Ports are a good choice, because you could connect flight sticks to it. I didn't saw an option for force feedback. Would be nice to have 2 ports for this.
I hope that the software allows a switching button, so that the player can switch the function of different buttons. There are buttons that doesn't get used that often, like the start,select and the home button. Even the D-Pad is not that often used and having a switch to change from the left analog stick to the D-Pad, would be a good idea.
I don't know if these connectors are a good choice. I mean Microsoft should rather sell adapters than the expensive buttons. Having adapters for connecting bare wires would be a good option. You can get Buttons very cheap but you need to have someone that puts cables on it and put it on the connector. Sure you can get these connectors but selling them directly would be way better.
My daughter has really low mobility. One of the first things I'm going to do is use co-pilot. I'll use the directional pad for steering while my daughter will use the two buttons for gas and reverse. It's really cool.
I've got no fine motor control (Friedreich's Ataxia) and this thing has allowed me to start gaming again. I have two PC flightsticks plugged into the USB's (also eight of the buttons on a PC flightstick are recognised and can be re-mapped) to act as thumbsticks - i just cannot use thumbsticks or anything fiddly. I have Logitec 3D Pro flightsticks for smooth analogue movement and a Dark Tornado flightstick if faster input is needed- eg on Forza I use Logitech for road racing and Dark Tornado for dirt or drifting. And because the buttons on the sticks are recognised, I don't need anything else.
love the vids Ben!
Love these kinds of episodes.
Love the videos hope to see more.
Thanks for the teardown, Ben.
I think it's cool to see how many options there are for controllers (the modular HIDs). I'm always looking for a more ergonomic mouse/keyboard and controller. I'd assume that repetitive strain injury, carpal tunnel, and other office related 'injuries' are becoming more prevalent and commonplace as the years go by and we'll be seeing more and more attention given to those needs as technology progresses. Not to mention of course the control needs of people who don't have full use of both hands. I enjoy the videos as usual Ben, glad to watch your brain at work on a Sunday evening(:
To be honest, I think this is a really great product, accessibility to accessibility is a need in of its own right and for custom work it provides a single central core off the shelf that's much easier to work with than a stripped down pad.
Crazy I just saw the commercial for this today and I was super interested on how it was built.
hhmmm, I think that the analog sticks would probably be giant joystick (knob) or a flight stick looking thing so the kid / adult could hold onto the stick and smash the buttons...
they can be whatever people need :)
Merry Christmas, Ben.
Thanks for the teardown. This reminds me, I have to request one for work so we can model /manufacture mounts for our Rehab chairs.
Do you use a tray or magnet to keep your screws from running away after you remove them? I think you mentioned how you keep track of the screws on a previous episode...
Hey Ben, nice video -- just a thought, but I noticed that you didn't plug in the HID device until after the controller was plugged in and powered up. Have you considered that it might not support hot plugging the devices like that? (e.g. Try plugging in your HID device while it's off, and then turning it on). No guarantees, but that controller seems like a bit simple compared to most USB host devices that might only check the ports during initialization...
i might look into this and see if it will help me with my disability since i have seen this before but wondered how durable it would be and now i know. all so thanks for the time it took do do this video.
This device is actually very flexible which I believe is the point. For example, if you only need a few of the inputs remapped, then you just plug in your controller and only the accessories that you need. If you need everything broken out, then that can be done too. I'm making an assumption that the USB ports will actually accept an entire controller and pass all controls, which makes a lot more sense to me than only passing one stick per port.
You're halfway there! You don't need the USB ports for what you're suggesting, you can just connect a controller to the xbox itself, and link the regular controller and the adaptive controller together using a feature on the xbox called co-pilot, which treats the input from both devices as coming from one single device. You're absolutely right in that being the point, it allows you to replace anything between one and all of the inputs on a regular controller.
As far as only passing one stick per port goes, this is an illustration of why: compass-ssl.xbox.com/assets/d3/9d/d39d37c7-deb8-4088-bd2e-f2bb15631bc6.jpg
got to give props for Microsoft actually providing something like this.
I've never been a fan of Xbox, but when Microsoft announced that they made this controller, they earned a ton of respect from me. I want other gaming companies to follow suit in the future.
So all other plug-in switches are sold separately or does it come with them?
Thanks for sharing this with us. One thing I noticed and was curious about is the unstuffed connector locations below the d-pad switches. Are they a location for expansion of the d-pad to the front of the unit. Just asking, since you didn't mention them in your video.
Thanks
I too wonder what those unpopulated PCB pads might have been placed there for.
You should record with a mono microphone, it's super distracting when the ear that the audio comes out of keeps changing
Just mixing down to mono or (in case of phasing issues) using the left channel for mono would do, so there's not even a need for a new mic as the sound is fine
this is great i love how ben helps disabled gamers play games again!!! no better gift than joy
Did you do the Rock Band 3 keyboard controller?
Two bits for each plug could be because one senses if there's something plugged into the jack?
Yeah! Please keep continue to videos. .^^
so, the reason all the inputs are separate (beyond the bare essentials) is that this controller needs to be as one-size-fits-all as possible. if they sold it as a "complete" controller then they'd limit its audience, instead, this is ultimately more helpful to more people. as a disabled gamer, I would argue that, far from an issue, the adaptability is it's greatest feature. it's in the name after all
Do you know the ID of the compatible HID controllers ? if so you can change the teensy to copy the id in software and then it could work on those side ports.
Any DirectInput joystick or gamepad. I think they had flight sticks in mind.
@@SteelSkin667 I was wondering if it looked for specific hardware ID, The teensy can be setup to work as a HID joystick so if it was any it should have worked.
@@DJlegionuk I can't find a definite list of compatible peripherals, so it really should work with any HID device that has X and Y axes, at least according to Microsoft's documentation. Although it is worth a try.
Here's what MS have to say on the subject : support.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-one/controllers/devices-that-work-with-adaptive-controller
Heck yeah!
This looks really interesting for home arcade use too, as long as it works like a "normal" input at the end of the connection. Would make twin-stick setups a bit easier and then you can run pedals or other switches for extra functions.
Yep as far as games are concerned it's just a regular controller
I think this is a great product, for the people it's intended and for people like us that love to tinker
I can use analog sticks by plugging in an Xbox One controller, but I also got it working with Wii Nunchuks using individual USB adapters.
You can use the adaptive controller in conjunction with a standard control. You basically just breakout the controls that you can't manage on the standard controller. Still seems a bit complicated to me but I do give MS points for at least putting SOMETHING out there. Thanks Ben, I've been wondering what these things look like on the inside!
Questions!!!
Q1. Do those pads work like analogue sticks, but by touch instead?
Q2.(for normally abled and differently abled) Could you use the MAC to build your own custom setup, like adding analogue pedals for throttle, maybe a home made wheel for steering, or flight control sticks etc? (use it to build your own frankenstien setups.)
Thank you :)
Great video...best host!
Ben, the usb analog sticks are probably just like the triggers, 4 pin usb, 2 pins for each axis. No special usb required, they are just using usb for the 4 pins.
The X1 and X2 inputs take TRRS plugs to allow for analog joysticks (i.e. left and right thumbstick).
Yeah, I think it's less a controller than a giant breakout board. Not everyone in need of a special controller is simply one-handed. Perhaps these inputs could connect to eye trackers, breath controllers, foot pedals, or any combination required by ones' specific disability.
that's exactly it, they're called accessibility switches; anything that closes a circuit and has a 3.5mm minijack on the end. They've been around for a looong time based on that standard, everything from head switches to infrared blink detectors to hand proximity sensors. Check out the switch sections on the enablemart and inclusivetechnology websites.
This is mostly for those who happen to be mobility impaired. A missing limb is one thing, but when your hands no longer grab or you have stumps, suddenly this is a far better option. Also I think those USB ports might take some wheelchair standard. IDK.
Designed to be stronger with copilot. You can find The external devices support article is here: support.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-one/controllers/devices-that-work-with-adaptive-controller
HELLO I have a adaptive xb1 controller and i spilt a glass of water on it and it no longer will turn on any idea how to fix it?
Be more careful with your next one.
I have an electric stove that looks just like this controller
It looks like an Xbox branded camping stove, doesn't it?!
Better not hit the "touchpads" while plugged in.
Heck yeah! Not like it’s meant for disabled and crippled people
Me: huh, this video looks interesting. (clicks video)
youtube: * hEY bEn*
Me: oH gOD mY eArs
Looks like a foot board that can have additional custom controls plugged in. Very niche but useful thing.
Is there no output for vibration? That's disappointing.
Thank you :)
Awesome
for a device that can cater to so many disabilities, this is an amazing bit of kit
TASBOT for Xbox One with this?
It's disappointing that they didn't add Nunchuk ports. They're cheap and readily available. It's probably the fault of some patents Nintendo holds on the connectors.
Surprisingly the IO expander can switch between 4 addresses based on the ADDR pin routing. The ADDR pin is to be connected either to VCC, VSS, SDA or SCL and it probably runs a state machine to determine where the thing is connected until it's sure, and it should settle until the first real transmission needs to be interpreted. It's interesting, never seen a solution like that before.
I wonder if there's actually stereo plugs on the trigger inputs which allow you to connect a potentiometer, any potentiometer, like 10k or 100k as a voltage divider. The 1 meg might be parasitic resistance.
I suppose the communication between FTDI USB host processor and the main processor should be hackable, maybe SPI or something like that. Difficult to imagine that FTDI's functionality couldn't be replaced.
Interesting. The triggers on the xbone controller are hall effect sensors, not potentiometers.
Analog sticks could've used a trrs plug rather than trs, or two sets of trs, though then that causes too many possible user errors. Another thing is that basically all analogue sticks now have a button switch built into them; so having a usb interface for analogue x and y, plus a button, plus possible extras, would work better.
Glad you took this apart, though. I'm kind of disappointed that it's a giant pcb. I was hoping it'd had a small, main board with all of the processing and maybe the xbox, view, and menu buttons, then have daughter boards for dpad, the two big buttons, and all of the expandability jacks. The whole point of hoping for a small main board was to make accessibility design easier. Instead of modding an already made controller to be accessible, build an accessible design from the ground up using a small processing board; this would also expand on the possible designs for accessibility controllers, especially for unique circumstances. Maybe in the future Microsoft can create a more open design.
Also, right/left balance is off, then when you switched to the FTDI data sheet the balance basically flipped. Might want to check your audio before your next recording or upload.
I would have thought the point of the USB draws was so that someone else can plug in their XBox controller and maybe help out the disabled player by pressing the joystick for them. But also, you can just plug in a big old 2 axis joystick and use that too.
I tried plugging in Xbox 360 and XB1 controllers into it - no dice.
Apparently you need a specific Logitech controller stick or the Nunchuck-like thing MS sells on their store.
oh god what? Would have been better to have generic analog recognition but I guess they didn't want to spring for a microcontroller to handle all that. What a shame.
@@BenHeckHacks Holy hell, those nunchuck things microsoft sells look so similar to Nintendo's ones from the wii that you'd be forgiven for thinking they just asked to use Nintendo's molds for it, and Nintendo went 'sure. Why not.'
I mean, I doubt that's what ACTUALLY happened, but they sure do look similar...
Also that just plain sucks - it would at least have been tolerable to have USB if it supported ANY usb controller...
But nope. Have to sneak in something proprietary somewhere, right?
After all that effort to make the device flexible, that's really disappointing...
@@KuraIthys The one on the Microsoft store is made by PDP, who I believe did make third-party nunchucks at some point, so they just reused a case mold they had lying around
You don't need to do that, that exact functionality already exists at operating system level, you just connect the second controller as you would any other one and assign it to be a clone. Look up "xbox co-pilot"
if I remember correctly Ben on the USB ports I think Microsoft said you can connect ANY USB analog controller and use them as the left and right analog sticks, the buttons on the analog controllers wont work but the sticks will.
For use on an actual Xbox at least, you wouldn't necessarily need to break out all of the controller buttons through the input jack unless you do need an absolutely fully custom solution. Copilot (support.xbox.com/xbox-one/accessories/copilot) lets you link two controllers together so, in theory, you could use a standard controller and the adaptive controller together for a semi-custom solution.
Thanks for literally making the only useful video about this controller. When I was looking at buying one, everyone kept talking about special needs, not regular children or makers.
over the years.. you have had a keen interest in adaptive controllers.. may I ask why?
The USB ports for the analog sticks might work with wired xbox controllers. Some users with disabilities could have the ability to hold a controller and operate the stick. Keep in mind this was made for disabled players with an open ended configuration in mind.
you crack me up
Good old ARM, Acron RISC Machines or Advanced RISC Machines are located just up the road from in Cambridge. Who knew back in the 80s That there would be an ARM processor in pretty much everything with a PCB now.
I used to work for a small stockbrokers in London who dealt with high net-worth individuals. One of the clients happened to be a majority shareholder of Arm Holdings (one of the original investors) and I had occasion to hold the share certificate for their stock. That cert would be worth billions today!
Would be good for dive kick
The pro for this option is, that it supports many already used input devices.
(and i hate when my right ear is deaf ;] )
I didn't see the point until you said you could use your feet on it. Sounds like a great idea.
These two videos explain the point:
czcams.com/video/9fcK19CAjWM/video.html
czcams.com/video/wEKIAHrugZ4/video.html
@@ianhamilton_ THAT IS AWESOME!!!!!! Thanks for sharing! Happy Holidays!!!
@@richiezombie531 on the topic of happy holidays - czcams.com/video/v70Fu2WU8-w/video.html
9:32 - ARM doesn't manufacture their own chipsets and the Freescale IC in the XBOne controller is based off the ARM Cortex M0+ Core. Did you just misspeak and mean to say a Microsoft chip in the 360 controller? I don't know much about what was used but minus the few exceptions that had a blobbed die on the board, later controllers had a MSoft branded IC but I'm not sure of the architecture.
The product has been out long enough that you had time to properly research its function. You do NOT need specific usb input devices, any HID joystick will work. You also don't need both. You can use co-pilot and a regular controller. Also, those that are more severely disabled, can use all their current accessibility switches with this as is. Its an AWESOME product that has myriad uses for all. $100 is a steal compared to the $400 device that was avail before this
You make good products and do a lot for the community but it feels as tho you are talking down on this device in this video and the reasoning seems to be from your lack of research of the product
...so... theoretically you could use say the rock band or guitar hero drum peddles to possibly make gas\brake peddals and hook up a cheep USB steering wheel to the left stick, or make your own even, and then you would have a diy driving setup for either console or computer use???
This video got a sniff of EEVBlog details, which is good! Like to see you make a better version of it.
Honestly dont know why i watched to the end, didnt understand all those engineering words lol.
There we go......
You are such a nerd, and I love you! Thank you Ben!
I heared, in each usb-port you can put a usb-joy-/flightstick with 8 switches each.
It would be great if Ben could design attachments for the Microsoft accessibility controller, that would allow someone with one arm to use a standard Xbox controller for the functions they can touch, and use the accessibility controller for the other side of the controller they can not reach.
No attachments needed, that's already handled at operating system level. Xbox has a feature called co-pilot that allows two controllers to be linked together and act as one. The adaptive controller was designed with that feature in mind; if you can't use a regular controller at all you have the flexibility to replace it entirely, but if there are still some areas of it that you can use you can still use those and only use the XAC to replace inputs that don't work for you.
Wish I knew about this kinda stuff
It would be amazing if someone got a victory Royale using that remote
we need Alyson in this
i;m not a drummer :D but this could be fun on those new midi/electronic drum kits :D
I think drums need a bit more finesse than purely on-off inputs. Where's the dynamics going to come from?
@@SianaGearz those midi drums actually use a monophonic jack if i recall correctly, or could do a transfer over midi channel ... as each sends trigger and velocity of value 0-255 i think
It's a start
As far as I know you can use it in addition to your normal controller (in some special assist mode). So you don't need the USB sticks, if you are able to use the sticks on the controller. But don't quote me on that, I don't own a Xbox, just picked this up somewhere...
yes, the feature you're thinking of is called co-pilot. You can also use it to link to regular controllers together, so you can for example play with your hands wide apart, play with a controller in your left hand and another under your right foot, or just use some areas of a controller with a second person joining in to help out with things you can't do.
I havnt watched the video fully yet, but those usb ports or for flight sticks and things like that. Prettt niffty.
love the content, please invest in a lapel mic, your voice keeps jumping from left to right and back, really noticeable when wearing headphones.
Seems like a great effort to make a controller as flexible as possible to allow as many people as possible access to gaming. I don't think it's even considering you map every single button just whatever fits the situation all the way down to a single input for cooperative play hence the USBs. A bespoke designed controller for a specific person will generally be the best but surely this device will allow more access for more people. MS of all companies putting out this device is astounding and as far as I can tell it's a great flexible design.
The USBs aren't needed for cooperative play, that's already handled at operating system level. Xbox has a feature called co-pilot that allows you to link two controllers together to act as one. Allows co-op play, splitting of controls across two regular controllers (e.g. one in left hand, one under right foot), and also allows one person to use some inputs on a regular controller together with others hooked up via a XAC.
You should try integrating an xbox slim console into this controller. It will expand the size of the controller, probably needing a new case bottom at least, but it would still be cool to have an all-in-one unit like this. Basically make this an IO expander for the xbox.
This is more designed for those with limited function or even no hand dexterity. I have seen this used and adapted into mouth straws allowing them to play a game.
ARM chips is a byproduct of the development of the BBC Archimedes micro computers.
would make a race simulator pretty easy to DIY
Oh man! I didn't know Microsoft made a Bongo controller!
i’m glad that microsoft is at least trying to implement a controller for people with disabilities but this isn’t really the greatest way to do it