Introduction: Control Anything With Ps2 Controller and Arduino (wirelessly)
In this instructable you will learn how to control a led with a playstation 2 controller and an Arduino, but you can basically control anything you want.
Step 1: Materials
You will need:
Arduino
ps2 controller (wireless or not)
Circuit:
3x 1k resistors
2x 4.7uf capacitors
1x 10k resistor
1x lm2950 voltage regulator
1x zvn4602a mosfet
4x 1n4148 diodes
Step 2: Creating the Connection Cable
1) Cut off the male end of the cable (the one with pins, not holes).
2) with a continuity tester find out which pin corresponds to which cable as seen on the image.
Step 3: Make the Circuit and Connect It to an Arduino
1) Connect the J5 (Attention (Atn)) to pin 10
2) Connect the J6 (Command (Cmd) to pin 11
3)Connect the J8 Data to pin 12
4) Connect the J7 Clock (Clk) to pin 13
Step 4: Led
Attach the led to pin 7 and ground
Step 5: Software
1) copy the attached file to your arduino libraries folder
2) open the example file and upload it to your arduino
Attachments
Step 6: Serial Monitor
you can also watch the buttons you press by opening serial monitor and setting the port to 57600

Participated in the
Remote Control Contest

Participated in the
Arduino Contest
17 Comments
9 years ago on Introduction
-brodylittle011: What you don't understand?
-chrwei: The problem is that playstation controller use 3.3v while arduino uses 5v logic signals so what this circuit does basically is to translate 3.3v signals to 5v signal and the other way around (It's a logic translator). And yes it works with both wired and wireless controllers.
4 years ago
I connected the PS2 wireless receiver directly to arduino nano without any resistor,capasitor , mosfet and it works well. thanks for your help.
5 years ago
Where do i get Arduino from?
5 years ago
I am using a Play Station 2 Wireless Controller with Arduino NANO: I
hooked up the wires as advise: I unloaded the PS2 Arduino code. The
Receiver light comes on and blinks. I then turned on the PS2 Controller
and pressed the start button. The light quits blinking. but sometime I open up the
Arduino Serial Monitor and I am getting feed back: L3, R3, Start,
Up, Right, LEFT, DOWN, L1, R1, L2, R2,Triangle
Circle, Square, X etc… without my controlling ...everyone can help me ? please
6 years ago
hay ....can u help me...i have question...
can this project work at arduino mega ?
7 years ago
hi.. is this like a software serial? will this timer conflict with servo library?
7 years ago on Introduction
unfortunately this could use some slightly better explanation of each step with more pictures. What about a wireless controller?
8 years ago on Step 3
can i know why do you put in ZVN4602A ?
8 years ago
hello crisgt, i am from argentina, i have try this circuit but i can´t make it work. the material you say i need is 4x 1n4148 diodes but in the schema i see only 3 diodes. also i gone to buy 1x zvn4602a mosfet and this does´t exist , any replacement? . the colour of the wires of my female adaptor is not the same but it no matter , i connect it with the tester (multimeter) measuring the continuity. please help me , thanks
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Hello crisgt, i have get it to work, i follow the conexión from THE MIND OF BELL PORTER and now it show me the results in the monitor serial when i press on button of the controler. i just test your code to make switch on and off the led and it work perfect. Now i want to make move a servo progressively from one way to other and i can`t do it, please can you help me with this code ?
9 years ago on Introduction
Hi, i just realize that your component list does not tally with the amount used in the circuit. Does it optional or the correct amount is what used in the schematic? Plus, i`m still learning in applying schematic, so i guess from J1 to J4 is connected to the controller, right? And what does the Mosfet used in this circuit? I tried to google it, but your ZVN4602A doesn`t come out in the list. Please advise, thanks
9 years ago on Step 6
DO all keys work with? such as the "mushroom keys".
9 years ago on Introduction
Hi!
I tested in 2009 worked.
But when testing the Mega it does not work.
9 years ago on Introduction
I'd tried this some time ago with limited success. the guides that came with the original psx lib just wired the pins directly, and one saying it wouldn't work with the wireless controllers. I'm assuming your circuit will work with a wires controller too, can you explain what this circuit does that makes it better than directly connecting?
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
The problem is that playstation controller use 3.3v while arduino uses 5v logic signals so what this circuit does basically is to translate 3.3v signals to 5v signal and the other way around (It's a logic translator). And yes it works with both wired and wireless controllers.
9 years ago on Step 3
can you make a better schematic...
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
What you don't understand?