Using an X Box Controller on a Centroid CNC system

**rgsparber** · Aug 28, 2017, 08:34 PM

The X Box Controller has a lot going for it. Been around since 2001 so is now a solid design. Great human/machine interface, rugged, and low cost ($15 Wal-Mart). Add to it a software driver ($6) from reWASD and you have a great handheld pendent for CNC use.

If you are interested, please see

http://rick.sparber.org/XBCA.pdf

and

Your comments are welcome. All of us are smarter than any one of us.

Thanks,

Rick

**Frank S** · Aug 28, 2017, 09:37 PM

now that is something that I would never be able to use I can see it's potential for some, but one of them in my hands would be a full fledged disaster i'd push the wrong button and the machine would go into destroy mode then while trying to undo what I'd done I would wind up twisting the X thingy into pieces if none of that happened one of the cats or the dog would play with the cord and try dragging it off

**rgsparber** · Aug 28, 2017, 09:44 PM

Originally Posted by Frank S

now that is something that I would never be able to use I can see it's potential for some, but one of them in my hands would be a full fledged disaster i'd push the wrong button and the machine would go into destroy mode then while trying to undo what I'd done I would wind up twisting the X thingy into pieces if none of that happened one of the cats or the dog would play with the cord and try dragging it off

It quickly became as automatic as touch typing.

Rick

**Frank S** · Aug 28, 2017, 10:02 PM

Maybe but you have to have feelings in the tips of your fingers even for touch typing I have skin on my fingers and palms that is as thick as the bottoms of most bare foot beach goers feet

**Frank S** · Jan 24, 2019, 09:09 AM

I'm kind of like agent "K" though, when it comes to those things WHAT IS A GAMEBOY LOl
I tried out one of those things my sister's grand kids have. I don't what 6 thumbed alien species invented them but it became painfully clear to me that those things will create long term neurological damage

**rgsparber** · Jan 24, 2019, 03:53 PM

Originally Posted by Frank S

I'm kind of like agent "K" though, when it comes to those things WHAT IS A GAMEBOY LOl
I tried out one of those things my sister's grand kids have. I don't what 6 thumbed alien species invented them but it became painfully clear to me that those things will create long term neurological damage

Long term continuous use will cause harm. But with CNC it is used mostly during set up. Lots of buttons and joy sticks but use only one at a time. It becomes similar to touch typing. Think where you want the cutter and it goes there.

**Frank S** · Jan 24, 2019, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by rgsparber

Long term continuous use will cause harm. But with CNC it is used mostly during set up. Lots of buttons and joy sticks but use only one at a time. It becomes similar to touch typing. Think where you want the cutter and it goes there.

I can do the touch typing thing well enough but when it comes to my thumbs on one of those contraptions I'm all thumbs so to speak, don't have the dexterity.
It takes both my hands to try and text on a phone or take pictures most times Just another reason why I wear shirts with snaps. A button shirt might get worn once before I rip it

**Jon** · Sep 1, 2017, 04:29 PM

Congratulations rgsparber - your Xbox CNC Pendant is the Homemade Tool of the Week!

This is a well-documented CNC addition that I think we're going to be seeing more of in the future. I know there are a lot of awards under your avatar, but I believe this is your first Homemade Tool of the Week win.

Other nice entries this week: a Setup Block by Frank s, a Mill Locking Lever by Canobi, a Ball Turner by takkleberry, an Arduino Indexer by Neil Jensen, a CNC Cutter by darkoford, and Circle Cutting Tools by Frank S. There was also a Tool Touch Off by rgsparber, and an Arbor Press Modification.

You'll be receiving a $25 online gift card, in your choice of Amazon, PayPal, Giftrocket, or bitcoin. Please PM me your current email address and gift card choice and I'll get it sent over right away.

We've added your tool entry to our All Homemade Tool of the Week winners post. And, you'll now notice the wrench-on-pedestal award in the awards showcase in your postbit, visible beneath your username:

Congrats again and nice job!