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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

    Bluetooth connectivity issues with off brand wireless controller

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    wirelessbluetoothcontrolleroff brandchina
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    • crazyneighborC
      crazyneighbor
      last edited by

      Hi all, first off I believe I'm following protocol but if not please let me know. I recently bought a cheap controller to use for my raspberry pi emulator (Delta Essentials Bluetooth) and I can't seem to get it paired. Other than sometimes constantly rumbling, which is fixed by unplugging and plugging back in, it works fine as a wired controller. I tried going through the bluetooth retropie setup but I can't seem to get the controller to pair when it is attempting to find devices. Any tips or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

      Pi Model or other hardware: 3 B+
      Power Supply used: Switchable supply that came with case (100-240V - 50/60HZ 0.3A)
      RetroPie Version Used: 4.4
      Built From: Pre made SD Image on RetroPie website
      USB Devices connected: Just the controllers
      Controller used: Delta Essentials bluetooth wireless
      Error messages received: N/A
      Log found in /dev/shm/runcommand.log : N/A
      Guide used: ETA Prime youtube guide and a couple others
      File: N/A
      Emulator: N/A
      Attachment of config files: N/A
      How to replicate the problem: Cannot figure out how to get controller to pair with pi

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

        @crazyneighbor said in Bluetooth connectivity issues with off brand wireless controller:

        Power Supply used: Switchable supply that came with case (100-240V - 50/60HZ 0.3A)

        That's not correct - the PI needs a 5V / 2.5A source.

        I tried going through the bluetooth retropie setup but I can't seem to get the controller to pair when it is attempting to find devices

        The first product page I found about this controller says 'Designed for Nintendo Switch', but mentions that you can connect it to a PC by pressing '+' . Are you able to connect the controller to a PC ?

        crazyneighborC 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • crazyneighborC
          crazyneighbor @mitu
          last edited by

          @mitu

          I should have specified; while they do make knock off switch controllers, this is the PS3 knock off. The controller does not have a "+" button but my computer (PC) does recognize it when I use the "home" button. I have tried pushing this while trying to pair with the raspberry pi and it still will not recognize it.
          Although I have not experienced any issues during gameplay, do you think the power source is related to my bluetooth connection issues?

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

            @crazyneighbor In this case, can you try installing the PS3 driver from the drivers section on the RetroPie-Setup script, reboot and then re-try to pair it as described in the Docs.

            Although I have not experienced any issues during gameplay, do you think the power source is related to my bluetooth connection issues?

            Are you sure about those specs you posted ? 0.3 A seems suspiciously low and I suspect it's not so low. An inadequate power source can lead to under-voltage and in time can affect your setup (sd card corruption, lock-ups, etc.).

            crazyneighborC 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
            • crazyneighborC
              crazyneighbor @mitu
              last edited by

              @mitu Excellent, I will give that a try and report back, thanks. As for the power supply, that's what I read on the unit itself, but after looking at the amazon posting I got it from, I see it listed as 2.5A in the description.

              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
              • crazyneighborC
                crazyneighbor
                last edited by

                Got it thanks again for all the help. I guess this brand is more commonly referred to as a shenwen controller and that's what the pi recognized it as.
                After installing the PS3 drivers, I used this guide to help:
                https://raspberrypi.stackexchange.com/questions/54522/retropie-ps3-controller-over-bluetooth/54630

                I appreciate the help as I'm now able to play from the comfort of my couch, as opposed to a folding chair I had set up in front of the TV.

                1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
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