A guide to using a GPDL tester to measure gamepad latency
1. What is a GPDL tester?
GPDL Tester (Gamepad Latency Tester) is a tool for measuring the latency between pressing a button or moving a gamepad stick and registering this action on a computer. This device helps gamers evaluate the performance of their gamepad and make sure it is working optimally.
2. Required hardware and software
- GPDL tester (homemade or purchased)
- GPDL.exe program
- Gamepad for testing
- Gamepad disassembly tools
- Connection materials (soldering iron or conductive tape)
3. Preparing for the test
- Download and install the GPDL.exe program
- Disassemble the gamepad to access button and stick contacts
- Connect the GPDL tester to the USB port of your computer
4. Testing the latency of buttons
- Connect the two GPDL tester pins to one of the gamepad buttons (preferably A, B, X, or Y)
- Run the GPDL.exe program
- In the program:
- Select the GPDL port of the device
- Select a gamepad from the list
- Select the button test mode (1)
- If the test does not start, swap the red and black contacts of the tester
5. Testing the latency of sticks
- Run the GPDL.exe program and select the stick test mode
- Connect the black (or blue) pin of the GPDL tester to ground, use an usb port metal cover (more variants)
- Find the correct contact on the stick:
- Connect the red pin in sequence to the different pins of the stick
- Watch the progress bar move in the program
- Check the movement of the stick at hardwaretester.com/gamepad
- The correct contact is the one that moves the pointer from the center to the right (or left) edge
6. Features of testing wired gamepads
- No need to connect the blue pin (black pin) when testing via cable
If the sticks move unpredictably:
Add a resistor (100-1500 ohms) between the joystick and the red contactSelect the appropriate resistance experimentally
- Starting with GPDL version 3.0.7, no additional resistors are required
7. Useful tips
- For the convenience of repeated testing, bring the necessary contacts from the buttons and sticks outside the gamepad body with a conductive tape
- Check the latency regularly after gamepad firmware updates
If you have any questions, feel free to write to me in private at Reddit