Won't detect keyboard

Portza

Hi everyone, I recently got a Raspberry Pi and installed Retro pie 4.3 on it.
Upon boot, It does all the complicated codey things with what looks similar to windows command prompt. It then goes to the retropie splash screen, and then returns to the boot commands for about 20-30 seconds. Then the emulationstation splash screen and into the "Welcome" screen. It says "NO GAMEPADS DETECTED". I've plugged in the keyboard before and after boot, tried a different keyboard and had no luck. Is there a fix for this?

Pi Model or other hardware: Raspberry Pi Zero W
Power Supply used: a micro usb cable?
RetroPie Version Used (eg 3.6, 3.8.1, 4.1 - do not write latest): 4.3
Built From: a micro sd in which i used Win32DiskImager to patch to. (file: retropie-4.3-rpi1_zero)
USB Devices connected: Coolermaster Devastator II, Eee top keyboard
Controller used: none
Error messages received: none
Log found in /dev/shm/runcommand.log (if relevant): I can't find this path
Guide used: official full installation guide https://retropie.org.uk/docs/First-Installation/
File: I don't know
Emulator: None
Attachment of config files: I don't know
How to replicate the problem: I don't know

Thanks in advance :) I hope this is fixable.

herb_fargus

@portza you tried holding down a button?

Portza

@herb_fargus Yup, for about a minute and nothing happened

mitu

@portza Are you using an USB hub to connect the keyboard ? Does pressing F4 on the ES screen bring you to the command line ? Is the keyboard working ? (i.e. pressing Num/Caps Lock).

Portza

@mitu I am using this usb splitter: https://www.amazon.com/Splitter-Adapter-Converter-Android-Samsung/dp/B00OZDUTMM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520409003&sr=8-1&keywords=Micro+USB+Hub+Splitter%2C+Kirin(TM)+Male+to+2x+Type-A+Dual+Female+OTG+Adapter+Converter+Host+Cable+for+Android+Tablet+and+Phone+Samsung+Galaxy+S2+S3+S4+S5+Note+2+3+4+Edge+HTC+ONE+M7+M8+Sony+Xperia+Z1+Z2

No, when i press f4 nothing happens. The keyboard does not react to my presses of Capslock, Scrolllock or Numlock.

simonster

Looking at the Amazon reviews on the page you linked, it suggests these devices are a bit "hit and miss".

Do you have a regular micro-usb to usb adapter you could try?

mitu

@portza said in Won't detect keyboard:

The keyboard does not react to my presses of Capslock, Scrolllock or Numlock.

Then it means it's not detected by the OS, probably the cable splitter does not work or the power source for the Pi does not provide enough power to the splitter.

mitu

But do you really need a keyboard ? Configure the Wifi and then login via SSH to the Pi to make any configurations or changes. I'm thinking that if you use a bluetooth enabled controller, you don't really need a keyboard.
EDIT: It seems like the 'configure Wifi without a keyboard' is not supported on the stock image yet, but you can try the Stretch testing image from https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/16307/retropie-4-3-11-stretch-images-for-testing/

Portza

@simonster oh :( probably should have read the review before hand. I was going by a guide and i guess i just assumed that it would be OK. No, I do not have another adaptor to try.
@mitu is there any way to give the keyboard more power?
I do plan on using a bluetooth controller (switch joy-cons) But i thought i needed a keyboard/gamepad to set that up. I do not currently have any other gamepad.
Thanks for trying to help guys. I think it might be the splitter, that is causing the issue.
I will test it some more, and if it doesn't work, then i'll see if i can get a replacement.

herb_fargus

@mitu said in Won't detect keyboard:

configure Wifi without a keyboard' is not supported on the stock image yet

As far as I'm aware it should be provided joy2key works with a controller. But I guess if they don't have any peripherals that can be used to navigate the menus then it's moot.

Portza

Update: I'm gonna borrow my friends controller to see if that works, if it doesn't, i'll be seeing if i can get a replacement splitter.

BuZz

@mitu it's supported - https://retropie.org.uk/docs/Wifi/#connecting-to-wifi-without-a-keyboard (but a controller is needed).

mitu

@buzz I know it works via the wifikey file, but in this case there was no controller or keyboard working and I was referring to the next section (Connecting to Wifi Without a Keyboard (Raspbian Stretch)) where it's possible to configure wifi directly via the wpa_supplicant.conffile on the /boot partition