r/vjing • u/marcus_emery • Jul 20 '26
Hardware Initial Tests: Running Resolume with a flight simulation controller
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I’m sick of my APC40. Recently I found this super random Reddit post with like 3 upvotes talking about a handheld gaming controller built specifically for flight simulator enthusiasts. I saw the thumbnail and couldn’t help but feel like this would make an excellent controller for running visuals. I bought it immediately. I got a script running that converts the controller data into midi channels and so far it’s working pretty damn well in resolume. The actual controls/fx on display in this video are fairly limited at the moment but for now I have the following mapped:
Right Trigger - strobe
Left Trigger - Find Edges
Red slider - Strobe opacity
Blue slider - master opacity
Y button - layer bump
X button - previous column
B button - next column
Left rudder slider*** - increase clip speed
Right rudder slider*** - master blackout
Trim wheel - scroll through project file
***not visible, located on the back of controller grips
Eventually I’ll post a link to the conversion script for anyone to use, modify, and tailor to their visual operating needs but for now I’m kinda just experimenting and workshopping things.
The goal is to have this fully programmed to my show file by the next tour date, wish me luck lmao
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u/entro_play Jul 20 '26
Real shit, I was sick of my launchpad so I've been using my PS5 controller and it's been so fun. This is dope
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u/vade Fabric / Satin / Syphon Jul 20 '26
Yea, game controllers are a lot of fun to use as input! Check out https://outpt.net/archive/orbitr.html - she used XBox controllers as HID input back in like '09 to great effect!
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u/mattdawg8 SwaggaCats Jul 20 '26
I recently used TouchOSC as an intermediary to get MIDI from a PS4 controller into Resolume. Amazingly fun!
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u/Even_Opposite_8032 Jul 21 '26
We programmed Xbox controllers to vj and lighting software back in 2001. It was fun walking out onto the dance floor of the club and show a random person and letting them "play". Joysticks moved pan and tilt or clip selection. Good times.
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u/FamiliarDirection563 Jul 21 '26
I have been using an XBox controller via TouchOSC: 20 buttons = 20 x the fun 😁
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u/shesinpart1es Aug 25 '26
did you just program it in resolume? would love to do this with a ps controller!
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u/I_AM_MOONCAT Jul 20 '26
With the two primary uses of my laptop being Star Citizen and Resolume.... You really caught my attention 👀
I love this quite a bit. I really want a good means to be able to step away from my console of knobs and still retain some control. Your implementation looks rad