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    Please do not post a support request without first reading and following the advice in https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/3/read-this-first

    System reading "No Gamepads Detected" after the Retropie image file boots

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    retropie-setupno gamepads
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    • E
      ebridge
      last edited by

      I just built a mini arcade cabinet from retro built games, and I followed the installation instructions to download the image file to an 8 GB SD card. However, when I boot the operating system, the screen says "No Gamepads Detected...Press any key to Configure," but nothing happens when I press any of the keys except the LCD controls. I am a teacher and am building these cabinets with students, but I cannot seem to troubleshoot this issue. PLEASE HELP!

      mituM E A 3 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • mituM
        mitu Global Moderator @ebridge
        last edited by

        @ebridge Please give more details about your system by answering the questions mentioned in https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/3/read-this-first.

        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • E
          ebridge @ebridge
          last edited by

          I meant to attach this information to my original post...sorry!
          Pi Model or other hardware: RPi 3 Model B
          Power Supply used: 5.25 V
          RetroPie Version Used (eg 3.6, 3.8.1, 4.1 - do not write latest): RetroPie v4.3
          Built From: Pre made SD Image on RetroPie website
          USB Devices connected: none
          Controller used: mini arcade cabinet from retro built games
          Error messages received: no gamepads detected
          Guide used: First Installation Guide on RetroPie website
          File: RetroPie image file for Raspberry Pi 2/3

          mituM 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • mituM
            mitu Global Moderator @ebridge
            last edited by

            @ebridge You omitted the most important info - what's your controller ? Type/make/home made uses GPIO pins ?

            E 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
            • E
              ebridge @mitu
              last edited by

              @mitu The mini arcade has a joystick and buttons wired into the GPIO pins on the RPi.

              mituM 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
              • mituM
                mitu Global Moderator @ebridge
                last edited by

                @ebridge Just wiring together some contacts doesn't automatically make the system recognise there is a gamepad/joystick/trackball/etc. connected. You need some extra configuration for the system (Linux) to see the connected joystick.
                This topic has a starting point on how to do that - https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/5002/how-to-configure-arcade-button-connected-to-gpio

                E 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
                • E
                  ebridge @mitu
                  last edited by

                  @mitu I followed the wiring instructions on retrobuiltgames.com, where I purchased the kit: file:///C:/Users/ebridge/Downloads/10%20inch%20Porta%20Pi%20Arcade%20Cabinet%20Assembly%20Manual%20rev2.81%20(2).pdf

                  I believe the wiring is correct. Do I need a different RetroPie image file or should it recognize the image file from RetroPie, meaning that there must be an error in the wiring?

                  1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                  • E
                    ebridge @mitu
                    last edited by

                    @mitu I just tested the SD card on another setup that I use for the Raspberry Pi's running Raspbian Jesse, and I can configure the keys on the keyboard, but it still says no gamepad detected? I think it must be an issue with the RetroPie image file on the SD card, but I cannot seem to figure out what it could be. After doing some reading, the image file that I am using should be running Raspbian, so I'm not sure why I cannot access any games on the Emulator.

                    rbakerR 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                    • rbakerR
                      rbaker @ebridge
                      last edited by

                      @ebridge Unless you configure retropie to use the gpio, your controls will not work. Have you done this by accessing the command line?

                      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                      • simonsterS
                        simonster
                        last edited by

                        If you have connected them to gpio pins, what pins did you connect them to?

                        Can you get support from where you purchased the kit from?

                        I'm willing to bet they are using mk_arcade_joystick but without any detail, it is hard to confirm.

                        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                        • S
                          silant-wrath08
                          last edited by

                          I just bought a raspberry pi and a waveshare pi hat but when i go to configerate the buttons it says no gamepad detected please help me.

                          ;wave share pi hat
                          ;raspberry pi 3b+
                          ; 8 mb SD card
                          5v battery
                          running retro pi v4.3
                          no USB devices connected

                          dankcushionsD markyh444M 2 Replies Last reply Reply Quote 0
                          • dankcushionsD
                            dankcushions Global Moderator @silant-wrath08
                            last edited by

                            @silant-wrath08 retropie 4.3 is 3 years old, why are you using it? if you bought the system, note we don't support third party builds or pre-loaded systems.

                            1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                            • markyh444M
                              markyh444 @silant-wrath08
                              last edited by

                              @silant-wrath08 it would be better if you opened a new topic and provided the information requested in here https://retropie.org.uk/forum/topic/3/read-this-first

                              This will let the forum have the info on your setup and can try and assist.

                              Thanks.

                              Retropie in a NES - Pi 3 with Mausberry circuit shutdown switch wired to buttons and 8bitdo NesPro30 controller
                              Retropie in a Saturn Controller - Pi Zero, GPIO controls using DB9 driver
                              Retropie in a PSX - Pi3
                              https://markyh444.wordpress.com

                              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
                              • A
                                air @ebridge
                                last edited by

                                @ebridge I'm building a Picade mini cabinet and can offer some general advice for others landing here from Google.

                                On first boot, your system probably doesn't see your stick or buttons. So on the 'No Gamepads detected' screen, hit F4 to exit. Then run

                                sudo raspi-config
                                

                                to set up your wifi. Then do whatever additional setup steps are needed to get your controllers recognized (in the Picade, you run a curl command to download drivers).

                                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
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