Wireless Gamepad That Doesn't Disconnect When Off?

[keithdok]

Currently I use a wireless Xbox 360 controller with GameEx. It works great when it works -- except the mediocre d-pad which doesn't really bother me, but anyway -- but its power saving functions don't cooperate with GameEx. Like many wireless pads, if you don't touch it for a while, it turns itself off. The problem is that if it does this while you're in the menu portions of GameEx, you have to either turn it back on and then restart the program, launch a game or video using a different controller/the mouse and then exit it back to the menu, or wait for the screensaver to kick in and do the same.

Is there a wireless gamepad that doesn't have this problem? It's very annoying not to just be able to set the controller down, walk away, and then pick it up and do what you want later. It's also frustrating to explain to my wife or roommate things like "Look it's awesome but if you come in and the controller is off first you gotta sync it back up and then wait for the screensaver to kick in or restart the program.." at which point their eyes glaze over and they never touch the thing again.

Recommendations?

[bkenobi]

Set the screen saver to less than the time out time for the controllers? That's a smart ass remark, but it might actually work.

[keithdok]

Set the screen saver to less than the time out time for the controllers? That's a smart ass remark, but it might actually work.

If the screensaver kicks in -- whether or not the controller is on or off at the time -- if you turn the controller back on while the screensaver is running you can usually get it to respond. I was just looking for a more consistent, reliable method. Does everyone here use wired controllers, or just put up with the hassle of wireless? Surely someone must know of a wireless controller that works all the time.

[bkenobi]

Sorry, my cab uses a control panel and I don't have wireless controllers (yet). I would be interested in responses since I will be getting a couple at some point. I've never heard anything bad about the Logitech wireless controllers and was leaning towards a pair of them. I remember people complaining about the Saitek ones a while back in a similar thread here. I can't say if either of those exhibit the same problem you are reporting, though.

[Nologic]

Well I haven't tested coming from screensaver mode or anything of the like....but with both my logitech wireless rumble pad 2's powered down I did launch GX, then grabbed the controllers and nav'ed the menus just fine.

Yeah Saitek has issues with losing signal...even when in direct line of sight....however their wired controllers are very recommended...just pass on the wireless versions.

[keithdok]

Well I haven't tested coming from screensaver mode or anything of the like....but with both my logitech wireless rumble pad 2's powered down I did launch GX, then grabbed the controllers and nav'ed the menus just fine.

Yeah Saitek has issues with losing signal...even when in direct line of sight....however their wired controllers are very recommended...just pass on the wireless versions.

Thank you. I bought a Logitech cordless rumble pad 2 as you suggested. It performs flawlessly!

[LB11]

Yup, I have no probs with my logitechs also. Im glad I didnt get the 360 now, that would drive me nuts too.

[keithdok]

Yup, I have no probs with my logitechs also. Im glad I didnt get the 360 now, that would drive me nuts too.

I also really enjoy being able to map the d-pad and analog sticks differently for various emulators (i.e. the d-pad and analog sticks still function in some capacity no matter what the Mode setting) without having to touch the Mode button, but then use the Mode button later to switch to the analog stick or back to the d-pad depending on the game. It's really a perfect gamepad for emulation purposes. Use of GameEx by persons other than myself around the house has increased 300% since I got it.

Similar pc-only gamepads I'd had in the past completely disabled either the d-pad or analog sticks depending on the Mode toggle.

[Nologic]

Use of GameEx by persons other than myself around the house has increased 300% since I got it.

I'm so sorry...hehe

Well its all very good to hear things have worked out there.