iControlPad

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The iControlPad is a bluetooth game controller designed for use with mobile phones and other devices with Bluetooth capability. The original design centered around the use of a cable for a direct connection with the secret inclusion of Bluetooth which was intended to later increase compatibility to Android and other devices ( Source ), but this was scrapped due to legalities leaving a Bluetooth only version. No more cable.

Ordering is now live on the iControlPad website: Order your iControlPad here.

Official operations manual: http://www.icontrolpad.com/iCP_operations.pdf

Official website: http://icontrolpad.com/

Official forums: http://boards.openpandora.org/index.php?/forum/6-icontrolpad/

The iControlPad currently costs around £46, $75 or €56 before applicable taxes and delivery.

Videos

Assembly

Craig's YouTube assembly video here, showing just how easy it is to put these together: http://www.youtube.com/embed/F_VOtFo7yNk

Mouse/Keyboard Modes

How to use Mouse and Keyboard emulation modes on the iControlPad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTm_UjGPVpQ

Shipping

The iControlPad shipped February 2011. 3000 are available in the first batch, and many of these are already in the hands of customers and developers.

iControlPads are currently being assembled in the UK, It takes about 2 minutes to throw together an iControlPad which is far, far simpler than the Pandora to assemble. (Lack of Pandora boards has left plenty of spare manpower and time to dedicate to the iControlPad)

Features

Controls

Digital directional pad
Dual analogue nubs ( the same as those found on the Pandora console, not supported in "keyboard" mode )
A, B, X, Y face buttons
Start / Select face buttons
L / R "shoulder" buttons recessed into the back of the device

The iControlPad lacks a keyboard, there simply isn't enough room. Source

Charging

The iControlPad includes a built-in 1350mAh battery ( Source ) which, with the addition of your sync cable, will allow you to charge your phone. Charging can be turned on/off by the phone itself and battery level reported if this functionality is implemented in the particular game/emulator you're using.

The iControlPad battery is not the same as the larger, 4000 mAh Pandora battery, and thus not interchangeable. The iControlPad can, however, charge the Pandora. Just not to full capacity.

By comparison, the iPhone 4 has a 1420 mAh battery, so the iControlPad should, in theory, be able to nearly double is gaming lifespan.

The battery in the iControlPad is soldered to the board, but can be replaced fairly easily by anyone competent with a soldering iron. Information on replacement battery availability/price is unavailable at the moment.

Charging Your Phone

A single USB mini-AB "OTG" port on the iControlPad provides the connection for both charging the iControlPad itself, and your phone.

The external charging circuit is not enabled until a USB cable with mini-A connector is plugged into the bottom of the iControlPad. This will normally be an adaptor which converts the iControlPad port to a female, full-sized USB receptacle. Into which you can plug the charging cable for your device.

You will need a USB OTG (On-The-Go) Adaptor to charge your phone from the iCP. Forum member SOLGarion found a cheap two-pack from DealExtreme: http://www.dealextreme.com/p/mini-usb-on-the-go-host-otg-adapter-2-pack-50944

Charging The iControlPad

Plugging in the mini-B end of a USB cable (supplied) providing 5V will begin charging the iControlPad and will stop charging automatically once the battery is full. The red LED on the front of the unit will indicate charging status. The light will be on while charging. The iControlPad does not need to be powered on to charge itself.

You should be able to charge the iControlPad from portable batteries, computers or mains with a suitable adaptor.

Firmware

The firmware on the iControlPad is upgradable, future proofing the console and allowing it to include other bluetooth protocols as and when the need arises.

The firmware offers several useful features, controllable/pollable in software:

Several bytes of R/W non-volatile memory
Variable baud rate for serial connections, from 9600 to 115200
7 levels of battery status which can be polled and reported right on your mobile device, battery level checking can be turned off to save power
The ability to force switch the charging feature on/off from your mobile device, in addition to checking whether it is on or off
The power LED can be controlled in software and forced to ON/OFF
The power LED mode can be changed whilst it is being controlled by the iControlPad. Modes include:
- Pulse double: LED is normally off but blinks once every 5 seconds. It will do a double blink if the battery is low.
- Pulse fast: LED is normally off but blinks once every 5 seconds. If the battery is low, it will change blink rate to once every 1 second.
- Pulse inverse: LED is normally on but blinks off once every 5 seconds when battery is low
- No pulse: LED is always on unless battery is low. Then it stays off until battery is recharged (to a certain threshold).
- Low batt ind: LED is always off unless battery is low. Then it stays on until battery is recharged (to a certain threshold).
Firmware upgrading - however this protocol is not made public

Updating The Firmware

Latest firmware and flashing guide: v1.0.1a

iCade simulator firmware: iControlPad iCade BETA

Compatibility

Software compatibility lists: http://pandorawiki.org/IControlPad_Compatibility

The iControlPad uses a bluetooth connection that offers a variety of protocols. One of these is HID which is, by default, compatible with any device that recognises a bluetooth keyboard. In keyboard/HID mode, all digital buttons are supported and mapped to keys, however the analogue sticks will not work.

Additionally, there's a mouse mode which will cause the iControlPad to emulate a mouse. In this mode you can use the Analogue stick acts for cursor control.

On jailbroken and open devices the iControlPad requires support built in to each emulator ( possibly leveraging a shared library in future ) for the analogue sticks to function. ZodTTD is currently known to be updating his emulators with such support.

The iControlPad can be used with any modern Smartphone, your PC/Mac, the Apple TV 2 ( although whether or not any games that support it will be developed remains to be seen ), the OpenPandora console itself and almost any other open device with Bluetooth connectivity.

Software

Wizzley Presto

A version of Wizzley Presto using either the HID/Keyboard method, or distributed via an alternate means to the App Store is possible.

Source: http://boards.openpandora.org/index.php?showtopic=261&view=findpost&p=4701

Programming Guide

There's a comprehensive guide from MWeston on the iControlPad forums: http://boards.openpandora.org/index.php?/topic/27-coding-for-icontrolpad/

Emulators

ZodTTD is currently making his emulators/game ports compatible. Source: http://www.zodttd.com/wiki/index.php/IControlPad ( unverified )

There has been a video demonstration of psx4all/psx4iphone running Wipeout XL and Ridge Racer on the iPhone 3Gs and making full use of the analogue controls. ( See it here )

Robert Broglia (Rakashazi) has already added in iControlPad support for his NES and PC Engine emulators NES.emu and PCE.emu (Source, See it in action)

A quick checklist in order to get his emulators working:

iOS versions:

App version 1.3.13 (Cydia)
iCP with firmware updated to 1.0.1 (Update guide here)
Bluetooth turned OFF in the phone settings

Android versions:

App version 1.3.13 (Android Market)
iCP with firmware updated to 1.0.1 (Update guide here)
Bluetooth turned ON in the phone settings, don't pair using the OS

WebOS versions:

OS version 2.0+
Bluetooth on and paired to iCP in keyboard mode (hold A when turning on)

On iOS and Android, you must scan for the iCP from within my apps after turning it on in SPP mode (don't hold any other buttons down).

He has also expressed interest in further development, doing emulators for either the SNES, Gameboy Color or the MSX system (Source)

Further requests for emulators: http://boards.openpandora.org/index.php?/topic/47-what-emulators-do-you-want-working-first/

Clamps

The iControlPad includes interchangeable clamps which are designed to fit a variety of smart-phones. In future, additional clamp sets will be made to increase compatibility but it is anticipated that two or three clamp sets will cover nearly every device. ( Source Source )

---> Table of iControlPad clamp compatibility <---

Rubber Side Clamps

Smooth, side clamps which simply turn the iControlPad into a phoneless hand-held game controller are currently included with all iControlPads. Consumers who purchased an iControlPad prior to the release of these clamps may obtain them for the price of shipping. ( Source )

Source: http://boards.openpandora.org/index.php?/topic/557-phones-which-fit-clamp-set-1/

Ordering

The iControlPad became open for (pre)orders to forum members and savvy outsiders at approximately 11pm GMT on the 30th January 2011.

Ordetd can be placed using the iControlPad website: Order your iControlPad here.

Price

UK

The iControlPad + Clamps is £46.70 - Ex. VAT

Royal Mail delivery to the UK is £6.25 - Ex. VAT

USA

The iControlPad + Clamps is $74.99

Airmail shipping is $25

UPS Shipping is $50

Europe

The iControlPad + Clamps is €55,20

Airmail shipping is €14.58

UPS Shipping is unknown

(Figures above exclude any applicable taxes. Conversion rate from 1-2-2011)

Delays

Like the Pandora, the iControlPad has not been without its share of delays. A lack of any pre-ordering funding the development, however, has meant that these have gone under the radar.

Apple and the Dock Connector

The most significant delay was the realisation that the dock connector, originally built into production iControlPad boards, could not be used without licensing from Apple, and such licensing wasn't possible to get.

The inclusion of a Dock Connector meant that the first 3000 boards had to be scrapped ( Source ) and production effectively rebooted with a Bluetooth-only design.

Apple Design Patent

Apple patented a design similar to that of the original iControlPad, which caused much uproar within the community. The prior art demonstrated by the early iControlPad design/prototypes, and the differences in operation of the new version mean this is no longer an issue, however. ( Source )

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there "clamps" which turn the iControlPad into a hand-held controller/smooth off the ends?

Yes. An official rubber version of just such a concept has been released and is shipping free with all new iControlPad orders. If you purchased an iControlPad prior to their release, contact Craig to receive them for the price of shipping.

Can I re-arrange the A, B, X, Y buttons to suit my particular taste?

Sure, it'll lead to confusion with the various mode key combinations on the iControlPad, but you can easily open your unit up and swap the A, B, X, Y buttons into any configuration you desire.

How do I update my iControlPads firmware?

See here: http://boards.openpandora.org/index.php?/topic/2018-icontrolpad-firmware-update-v101/

Mac OSX and Linux Firmware updater here: http://boards.openpandora.org/index.php?/topic/2057-firmware-updater-for-linux-mac/

Old Linux flasher here: http://boards.openpandora.org/index.php?/topic/2057-firmware-updater-for-linux/

Step-by-step for Mac

0. Switch the modes in several power cycles from SPP-->HID Joystick-->HID keyboard--->SPP
1. Turn on iCP in firmware update mode (start + select)
2. Under the Bluetooth menu, select Set Up Bluetooth Device. The iCP should be listed with type Unknown
3. Select it and click continue, if you get a popup saying the computer is already paired, select OK
4. After waiting a bit, it lists "Pairing was completed successfully" and "A computer serial port was created", select quit
5. If your iCP has powered itself off at this point, turn it back on in firmware update mode.
6. Run the updater and it should find the device and upload the firmware

( You may also want to attempt pairing with pin 1234 is the above is unsuccessful )

XYZ Emulator supports the Wiimote, does this mean it will support the iControlPad?

Support of the Wiimote in any existing emulator does not guarantee that the iControlPad will be supported in that emulator. The iControlPad does not support the Wiimote protocol, and there's no plan to do this because of potential legal issues. Emulators supporting the Wiimote protocol can, however, be considered more likely to ultimately support the iControlPad. If the developer has bothered to implement Wiimote support, then there's a good chance that they will be motivated to do the same for the iControlPad. Don't forget to ask developers who might not yet know about the iControlPad, and don't forget to donate to support their efforts!

Will the iControlPad charge my phone/tablet/device? What cable(s) do I need?

In most circumstances, yes. Your device needs to be capable of charging from USB. However the iControlPad does not come with the cables necessary to charge your device out of the box.

You will need what's known as a USB OTG (on-the-go) adaptor, to convert the USB port on the iControlPad to a full-sized port from which you can charge your device.

Forum member SOLGarion found a cheap two-pack from DealExtreme: http://www.dealextreme.com/p/mini-usb-on-the-go-host-otg-adapter-2-pack-50944

Will the iControlPad fit my device? What clamps do I need?

See the guide, here

2010-02-06: Currently there is only one clamp set, and very little testing has been done for larger phones/devices. Craig has mentioned that work on a second/third clamp set is under way, and postulated the idea that only a single side of a clamp set need be replaced to achieve a middle ground between clamp sets. That means if you have 2 complete clamp sets, you actually have 3 different size configurations available.

Can I hack the iControlPad firmware to support XYZ protocol?

In theory, yes. The iControlPad firmware is upgradable. But whether or not the source code for the stock firmware will be made available to facilitate modifications is, as of yet, unknown. At the moment the original developers have been successful with emulating the iCade, to a certain extent. However Atari's own apps have checks in place that thwart this. Source

Is the battery in the iControlPad user-replaceable?

Yes and no. At the moment you can't buy a replacement battery for the iControlPad, and it's unlikely you will need one for some time. It's certainly not easy to replace, as you'll have to remove the 4 screws from the iControlPad, and de-solder the existing battery before re-soldering a new one.

It can, however, be replaced by any user experienced with a screwdriver and soldering iron, meaning that a battery purchase in the distant future will revive an ailing iControlPad.

Can I use the iControlPad with my Windows/Linux/OSX PC?

The iControlPad works well-enough in Joystick mode under windows. However no HID drivers are available in OSX to make it work, and I've been unable to get it to appear in emulator enhancer. In keyboard mode the iControlPad will work on all three platforms and is great for classic emulators which don't require the analogue sticks. It also works in keyboard/mouse mode, which makes the analogue stick behave like a mouse cursor.

Will the iControlPad work with an iPad

Yes. It works beautifully with the iPad, and the rubber side clamps are obviously suited well for this. You can just prop your iPad up, fire up nes.emu and break out your iControlPad for some serious great emulation fun.

Will the iControlPad work on a non-jailbroken iPhone

In a word yes. More specifically, the buttons will work, but the Analogue sticks will not work. The iControlPad is capable of emulating a standard bluetooth keyboard, which the iPhone supports natively. Any games which support keyboard input, and are suitably configurable, will work in this mode. There may not be many in existence from the get-go, but it's believed that Apple cannot stop such support from being added.

Attempts to get the analogue sticks working were made, but failed due to restrictions in Apple's implementation of the bluetooth HID profile. Ultimately, keyboard events sent by analogue sticks were rate limited and could not be made useful.

Apps supporting the iControlPad are making their way into the App Store, and Apple have green-lighted this support as long as its done with their own APIs and Bluetooth Stack. The latest word on this is available at: iControlPad.com: Update on official Appstore-Aps supporting the iControlPad

Will there be an app to map iControlPad controls to touch events?

Yes. This very piece of software is the fabled "game changer" for Android and jailbroken iOS devices that Craig tweeted about and later confirmed on the boards Source.

At the moment it has been confirmed for the iPhone, but no date has been given for when it will be available.

This app will allow you to control ordinary store-bought iOS games with the iControlPad on your jailbroken iPhone. It will map analogue stick, or digital control events to simulated touches. You will have to set it up on a per-game basis, but ultimately any game which uses pseudo analogue controls or onscreen buttons will be supported, and probably more besides with "creative" control setups.

My D-Pad isn't working/is unresponsive, what can I do?

The first run of iControlPads used a slightly thicker rubber membrane which has since been fixed. If you are an iControlPad early adopter, it's possible you could have problems with your D-Pad response. This problem should not affect new owners. ( My second iControlPad has no such issue )

If you're having trouble with your D-pad, there are a few things you can do to diagnose the problem. Ultimately it helps if you can figure out whether or not its your keymat, or the controller itself.

If your AB/XY buttons work, you can open up the iControlPad (which we're assured will not void your warrantee) and attempt to use that side of the Key-mat on your D-pad contacts. If that works, then you should ask for a new keymat to be sent out, which should fix your problem. Source

If one of your directions is a little unresponsive (I had trouble with left on mine) then you can, very gently, pry the keymat away from the plastic D-Pad and apply a slightly more liberal amount of adhesive between the two. I used multi-purpose glue, and gave it a pretty significant squirt. I haven't had problems since. The D-Pad came away from the keymat very easily.

If you're not comfortable taking your iControlPad apart and diagnosing/fixing it yourself, then don't be afraid to ask for a replacement. Your returned ailing unit will surely not go to waste.

Links

iControlPad Review and photos at Gadgetoid.com
Another review and photos at ifans.com
Unofficial OpenPandora team news feed
iControlPad forums