Trouble configuring dual controllers with same ID

rosskii

Pi Model or other hardware: 3
Power Supply used: Stontronics 100-240v 50/60Hz 0.5A Output: +5.1V 2.5A
RetroPie Version Used: 4.3
Built From: retropie-4.3-rpi2_rpi3.img
USB Devices connected: Targus mini keyboard, HuiJia USB Gamepad (PS2 converter), GreenAsia Electronics USB GamePad (SNES converter)
Controller used: 2 x SNES, 2 x PS2
Error messages received:
Log found in /dev/shm/runcommand.log (if relevant):
Guide used:
File: es_input.cfg
Emulator: all
Attachment of config files:
How to replicate the problem: Ive tried this with both my ps2 and snes adapters (seperately). The devices I have are 1 x usb port which connects to 2 x pads. I plug one in and set up the buttons. Then I plug in the 2nd pad and set that up. Doing this causes the system to replace the first controller with the 2nd controller configuration. After looking at es_input.cfg, I can see the problem is they use the same name and same deviceGUID.

FYI if I plug in the pads on a windows PC, then Windows treats each pad as unique, whereas in Retropie it treats them as duplicates. There must be something unique about these pads. Maybe there is a command I can use to output the device details, so maybe we could find a new critera to differentiate between the pads?

I spent about 4 to 6 hours searching google for answers. I did find this in the docs, which I am going to try next. Maybe someone could tell me if this might work for my situation? https://retropie.org.uk/docs/Universal-Controller-Calibration-&-Mapping-Using-xboxdrv/ ? Maybe I can just use that for my 2 adapters and then set up my other 10 controllers wusing the normal process?

Another fix I was thinking about, was to somehow rename one of the pads in the device list, which would mean I could fix with a command without needing any changes made to retropie. If anyone has some advice I would be so grateful.

rosskii

bump
so nobody else out there has a dual adapter which doesnt detect both pads seperately?

If there is such an adapter, which does make the pads unique in retropie, can you please recommend a model? I guess I can fork out a lot of extra money for seperate usb pads, but the ones I got before the d-pad stopped working (which is why im using original pads through an adapter). I've head buffalo brand are good but $20 each, x 4 is going to be expensive. But its the only solution because im not a linux guru who can edit udev parameters :-(

edmaul69

@rosskii when you set up identical controllers, you only setup the first one. Then reboot emulationstation. No reason to keep running setup on four controllers

rosskii

@edmaul69 thanks for the reply. Well they are only identical to the system because the adapter I'm using does not differentiate them. I want them to be seperate so I can configure them as player1 and player2. At the moment because the adapter makes port1 and port2 the same device ID, it means both controllers would be player1. I need a way to tell the OS that the 2nd port is a seperate controller.

Also I have this problem on two adapters. One of the adapters is for snes and the other adapter is for ps2.
I can avoid using an adapter and use single USB pads, but its going to cost me a whole lot of money to replace the pads and adapters.

edmaul69

@rosskii what ps2 adapter are you using? I have several 2 player ps1/2 adapters and they all show as player 1 and 2. But you dont have to configure both controllers ever.

rosskii

@edmaul69 said in Trouble configuring dual controllers with same ID:

r 1 and 2. Bu

oh man, boy do I feel stupid. Im sure I tried it and tested on mario kart and it didnt work before. But I did just as you said, configured the first pad and then both worked in game. Maybe thats the reason why I thought it didnt work, because I had configured the first pad but not the 2nd, so when I see the 2nd pad working I assume its also player1, but no, its player 1&2 automatically. Thats amazing, you just ended my misery, I can't thank you enough!!!

rosskii

quick update, I first got my snes pads working. But when I tried the PS2 adapter it only works on player1, the 2nd pad doesnt work at all. The adapter I have is "GreenAsia Electronics USB GamePad" Its a square box and on it says "DRAGON 2004 B". Maybe my adapter is no good, can you recommend any others?

edmaul69

@rosskii the ones in the clear blue cases on ebay work. Hde is the name of one of them. For whatever reason the left port is player 2 and right is player 1. I found that all the different adapters i have tested, player 1 & 2 are always backwards.

rosskii

@edmaul69 ah yeah thats the one I ended up buying as the replacement. Also you are right my SNES adapter is reversed just like you said.
I have a question, if I buy two of the same adapters, will I be able to set up 4 pads with no problems?

Thanks again <3

edmaul69

@rosskii yes no issues with as many players as you want. Player position is based on the usb port order even on a usb hub.