PlayStation Controller Mod for RC Helicopter Game
Dan Jones
Dionysus Design
If you want to try flying an R/C helicopter, simulators are the best way to start. Purchasing simulators is always expensive. Free Model Simulator (FMS) is an excellent free simulator, but it requires special cables to connect your transmitter to the computer.
If you don’t have a transmitter but do have a Sony Playstation, there is an R/C Helicopter simulator game available.
The best price for the game can usually be found on Ebay (www.ebay.com) or at your local computer game store in the used section.
The problem with the game is the fact that it has awkward controls. There are only two control settings to choose from and neither of them are what I prefer. Option B is the closest to what I would want it to be except for the fact that the left and right sticks should be switched.
After playing the game for about 30 minutes and learning all kinds of new bad habits, I decided I should do something about it.
I went to my local Target store and picked up a new controller for around $15.00 US. I wanted to physically switch the control sticks in the controller so I could use control option B and play the game like I would actually fly my helicopter.
This particular controller is a MadCatz Dual Force 2 Pro.
I took it apart and realized that it would not be feasible to switch the control sticks. I decided to re-wire the sticks instead.
This picture shows the circuit board that needs to be re-wired. The only disassembly I have done so far is to remove the screws and the back of the case.
In order to re-wire the control sticks, some copper traces will need to be cut and wires must be installed to make the new connections.
Each control stick has about 12 solder connections. Fortunately, only 3 connections per control stick need to be moved. The connections to the X position, the Y position, and the button will need to be swapped.
The 6 red arrows point to the locations where I cut the traces. Use a continuity or ohmmeter to make sure that each trace is completely cut.
Next, solder wires on the board to make new connections that effectively switch the controls.
This photo shows the connections that need to be made. Connect A to A, D to D, etc. Remember, only 6 wires need to be used. For this application I used some wire-wrap wire from RadioShack. It is solid (not stranded) and fairly small. If your soldering skills allow, stranded wire should be used because of its durability.
This photo shows the wire connections. After soldering the 6 wires in place, put the cover back on and install the screws. It is done!
The helicopter game is much more realistic with the modified controller. The entire cost of the project was under $30. If you have some extra time and want to practice soldering, this is an excellent project to try.
If the circuit board in your controller isn’t exactly the same as it is in the pictures, don’t be afraid to figure it out for yourself. There are only three meaningful solder connections per control stick. The other solder connections are for mechanical support or ground lines. Once you find common ground, you could check the other solder connections with a continuity checker to see which ones are not grounded. They are most likely the connections that need to be switched. Good luck!