Fix: HuiJui USB Gamepad Axes Not Detected In Gopher64

Hey everyone! So, you've stumbled upon a cool piece of software called Gopher64, and you're super excited to dive into some retro gaming. That's awesome! But, like many of us, you might be facing a frustrating issue: your HuiJui USB gamepad axes aren't being detected. Don't worry, you're not alone! This is a common problem, and we're here to break down the issue, explore potential causes, and, most importantly, provide you with a step-by-step guide to get your gamepad working smoothly with Gopher64.

Understanding the Issue: Why Aren't My Axes Being Detected?

Let's get to the heart of the problem. Why aren't those axes being detected in Gopher64? There could be several reasons, so let's investigate some of the common culprits:

• Driver Compatibility: The first suspect is often driver compatibility. Your HuiJui USB gamepad relies on drivers to communicate with your operating system, and Gopher64, in turn, interacts with your OS to receive input. If the drivers aren't properly installed, outdated, or simply not compatible with Gopher64, you might run into this detection issue.
• Input API Conflicts: Gopher64, like many emulators, supports different input APIs, such as DirectInput and SDL. These APIs are essentially different ways for the software to talk to your gamepad. Sometimes, there can be conflicts between these APIs, leading to certain inputs (like axes) not being recognized. This is often the case when a device works partially, like the buttons being recognized but the analog stick not functioning.
• Configuration File Issues: Gopher64 stores its configuration in a file, often named config.json or something similar. This file dictates how the emulator interprets your gamepad inputs. If there are incorrect mappings or configurations within this file, your axes might not be detected correctly. This is especially relevant if you've tried manually tweaking settings.
• Hardware or Adapter Problems: While less common, the issue could stem from the USB adapter itself, especially if you're using an adapter to connect older controllers. A faulty adapter might not be correctly translating the analog stick movements, or there might be connectivity issues. It's also worth considering if the gamepad itself is functioning correctly, although if it works in other emulators, this is less likely.
• Operating System Specific Quirks: Different operating systems handle input devices in slightly different ways. What works perfectly on one OS might require extra steps or configurations on another. For example, Linux systems, like the Arch Linux mentioned in the original problem, often require specific configurations for gamepads to be recognized universally across applications.

Initial Troubleshooting Steps: Let's Get the Basics Right

Before we dive into more complex solutions, let's make sure we've covered the basics. These initial troubleshooting steps will help us rule out some of the simpler causes and provide a solid foundation for further investigation.

1. Check the Physical Connection: This might seem obvious, but it's always worth verifying. Ensure your HuiJui USB gamepad is securely connected to your computer. Try using a different USB port, as sometimes a port might be faulty or not providing enough power.
2. Restart Your Computer: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches or conflicts that might be interfering with gamepad detection. It clears the system's memory and ensures that all devices are properly recognized upon startup.
3. Verify Gamepad Functionality: Test your gamepad in another application or game. This will help you determine if the issue is specific to Gopher64 or a more general problem with your gamepad or its drivers. You can use tools like jstest-gtk (mentioned in the original problem) on Linux, or the built-in gamepad testing utility in Windows, to check if the axes and buttons are registering correctly.
4. Update Drivers: Outdated drivers are a common cause of gamepad issues. Visit the manufacturer's website (HuiJui or Mayflash, depending on your adapter) and download the latest drivers for your gamepad and adapter. Install them and restart your computer.
5. Try a Different USB Port: Sometimes, a particular USB port might not be providing enough power or might have compatibility issues. Try plugging your gamepad into different USB ports on your computer, including both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports, if available.

Diving Deeper: Advanced Solutions for Axis Detection

Okay, so you've tried the basic troubleshooting steps, but your HuiJui USB gamepad axes are still stubbornly refusing to be detected in Gopher64. Don't despair! It's time to delve into some more advanced solutions.

1. Input API Tweaks: DirectInput vs. SDL

As we mentioned earlier, Gopher64 might be using a different input API than the one your gamepad is best suited for. The two main contenders are DirectInput and SDL (Simple DirectMedia Layer). DirectInput is an older API that's often more compatible with older gamepads and adapters, while SDL is a more modern API that's generally preferred for its better cross-platform compatibility and features.

The original problem mentioned that the D-pad works in DirectInput but the analog stick doesn't, and vice-versa when DirectInput isn't checked. This is a classic sign of an input API conflict. Here's how to tackle it:

• Experiment with the Settings: Gopher64 should have a setting to choose between DirectInput and SDL. This setting might be in the input configuration menu or in a general settings section. Try switching between the two APIs and see if it resolves the axis detection issue.
• Consider a Wrapper: If neither DirectInput nor SDL works perfectly on their own, you might want to consider using a wrapper like XInput. XInput is the API used by Xbox controllers, and there are wrappers available that translate DirectInput or SDL inputs into XInput. This can sometimes provide a more standardized input experience and resolve compatibility issues. A popular wrapper is x360ce, which you can find online.

2. Configuration File Editing: The config.json Deep Dive

If Gopher64 isn't correctly interpreting your gamepad inputs, it's time to get your hands dirty with the configuration file. This file, often named config.json or something similar, is where Gopher64 stores its input mappings and other settings. Carefully editing this file can often resolve axis detection problems.

• Locate the Configuration File: The first step is to find the configuration file. It's usually located in Gopher64's installation directory or in a user-specific configuration folder. Check Gopher64's documentation or online forums for the exact location.
• Back Up the File: Before you make any changes, always back up the configuration file. This way, if you mess something up, you can easily restore the original settings.
• Understand the Structure: Open the configuration file in a text editor. It's likely in JSON format, which is a human-readable format that uses key-value pairs. Look for sections related to input devices or gamepad mappings. The structure might be a bit complex, but try to identify the entries that correspond to your HuiJui USB gamepad.
• Manual Mapping: This is where things get a bit technical. You'll need to identify the correct axis numbers and button mappings for your gamepad. Tools like jstest-gtk (on Linux) or the Windows gamepad testing utility can help you with this. They'll show you the axis numbers and button IDs that your gamepad is sending. Cross-reference these with the configuration file and make sure the mappings are correct. For example, if the configuration file says that the X-axis is mapped to axis 0, but jstest-gtk shows that it's axis 1, you'll need to change the configuration file accordingly.
• Save and Test: After making changes, save the configuration file and restart Gopher64. Test your gamepad to see if the axes are now being detected correctly. If not, carefully review your changes and try again.

3. Addressing Adapter Quirks: Mayflash and Beyond

If you're using an adapter like the Mayflash adapter mentioned in the original problem, the adapter itself might be the source of the issue. Adapters often have their own quirks and compatibility issues.

• Firmware Updates: Check if there are any firmware updates available for your adapter. Manufacturers often release updates to improve compatibility and fix bugs. Visit the Mayflash website (or the website of your adapter's manufacturer) and look for the latest firmware.
• Adapter Modes: Some adapters have different modes that can be switched using a physical switch or a button combination. These modes might emulate different types of controllers (e.g., DirectInput, XInput). Experiment with different modes to see if one works better with Gopher64.
• Adapter-Specific Configuration: Some adapters require specific configuration steps, such as installing drivers or using a configuration utility. Check the adapter's documentation or the manufacturer's website for instructions.

4. Linux-Specific Solutions: Udev Rules and More

If you're using Linux, like the Arch Linux mentioned in the original problem, there are some additional steps you might need to take to ensure your gamepad is properly recognized.

• Udev Rules: Udev is the device manager in Linux, and it uses rules to determine how devices are handled. You can create a udev rule to ensure that your gamepad is recognized correctly and has the correct permissions. This is a more advanced solution, but it can be very effective.
  • First, you'll need to identify your gamepad's vendor and product IDs. You can use the lsusb command to find this information. Plug in your gamepad and run lsusb. Look for the entry that corresponds to your gamepad, and you'll see the vendor and product IDs in the output (e.g., Bus 001 Device 005: ID 0079:0006).
  • Then, create a new udev rule file. You'll need to create a file in the /etc/udev/rules.d/ directory. The filename should end in .rules (e.g., 99-gamepad.rules).
  • In the rule file, add a line that looks like this (replace the vendor and product IDs with your gamepad's IDs):

    SUBSYSTEM==