How to perform a full cycle of gamepad testing for Gamepadla.com

Gamepad Testing Guide for Gamepadla.com

This guide will help you accurately test gamepads and submit results to Gamepadla.com. Follow these steps to ensure your tests are precise, detailed, and valuable to the community.

1. Preparation for Testing

1.1. Choosing a Gamepad

  • Use a new gamepad or one in pristine condition. Worn sticks or buttons (with drift or damage) will skew results.
  • Ensure the gamepad is updated to the latest firmware. Download the firmware from the manufacturer’s official website and follow their instructions.

1.2. Equipment

  • Prometheus 82: The primary tester for measuring input latency of buttons and the right stick. It’s a mechanical stand with a solenoid for precise input simulation.
  • Computer: For running software and saving results.
  • Cables, dongle, Bluetooth adapter: For testing all available connection modes.

1.3. Software

  • Download Joystick Tester from Gamepadla.com. This program is required for:
    • Measuring polling rate (input frequency).
    • Checking bit depth and resolution of sticks.
    • Detecting unwanted stick drift in neutral position.
    • Testing stick asymmetry using a special plastic clip (optional).
  • (Optional) Watch this video for guidance on using Joystick Tester: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBS_tU-7VqA. It shows how to run tests, draw circles in Trail Constant mode, and use the eraser tool.

1.4. Additional Tools

  • Plastic clip for stick asymmetry tests. Print it on a 3D printer using the STL file: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6639774. It limits stick movement to 20% from the edge, ensuring accurate mid-range testing. This is a custom Gamepadla.com design.

2. Testing the Gamepad

2.1. Equipment Setup

  • Connect the Prometheus 82 to your computer via USB.
  • Secure the gamepad in the tester. Test one button (e.g., A) first, then reposition the gamepad so the solenoid can press the right stick. Tests are done separately, not simultaneously.

2.2. Testing All Connection Modes

  • Test the gamepad in all available connection modes and protocols:
    • Cable: X-Input (mandatory), D-Input, DualShock/DualSense (if supported).
    • Dongle (receiver): X-Input (mandatory), D-Input, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (if available).
    • Bluetooth: X-Input (mandatory), D-Input, Switch Pro Controller, DualShock/DualSense (if available).
  • Priority: X-Input in all modes (cable, dongle, Bluetooth). Without X-Input, the test is incomplete. Also test D-Input, Switch, and DualSense if supported.
  • Each connection mode is tested separately, with results saved as individual records.
  • For each mode, perform 2–3 tests. If two match, choose one. If they differ, do a third and select the one matching a previous result.

2.3. Measuring Input Latency (Prometheus 82)

  • Use Prometheus 82 to measure input latency:
    • Button: Test one button from the A/B/X/Y block (e.g., A) or equivalent (e.g., “Cross” for Sony). Don’t test all buttons in this block, as their latency is similar.
    • Stick: Test only the right stick, as Prometheus 82 is designed for it. Reposition the gamepad so the solenoid can press the stick.
  • The Prometheus 82 software automatically records the time from solenoid press to system registration.
  • After each test, let the solenoid cool for 5–10 minutes to prevent melting the plastic or degrading the sensor (instructions are in the software).
  • Save results for each mode (e.g., X-Input via cable, Bluetooth D-Input). Each test creates a separate record.

2.4. Testing Sticks (Joystick Tester)

  • Remove the gamepad from Prometheus 82 and connect it directly to the computer.
  • Launch Joystick Tester to check:
    • Polling rate for each connection mode. This is mandatory for all tests. Note the polling rate value for use in Prometheus 82 results.
    • Bit depth and resolution of left and right sticks.
    • Unwanted stick drift in neutral position.
    • Stick asymmetry (optional test):
      • Attach the plastic clip to the stick.
      • In Trail Constant mode, move the stick in a circle, staying 20% from the edge. The stick’s movements create a trail of dots showing its position.
      • Use the “eraser” tool in Joystick Tester to remove movements from center to edge and back, leaving only the clean circle.
      • A perfect circle indicates symmetry; distortions show asymmetry between left and right sticks.
    • Outer Dead Zone and Inner Dead Zone: Measure manually per the program’s instructions and note the values for the submission form (see section 3.1).

3. Submitting Results to the Website

3.1. Saving and Submitting Tests

  • Prometheus 82:
    • After testing, each connection mode creates a separate record on the results page at Gamepadla.com.
    • For each test:
      • Select the operating system from the dropdown (e.g., Windows, Linux).
      • Enter the gamepad’s firmware version (e.g., v1.2.3).
      • Input the polling rate from Joystick Tester for that mode (e.g., 1000 Hz for X-Input via cable).
      • Check “Overclocked” if non-standard overclocking was used.
      • Click the arrow next to the test number to open the “Additional Information” block. Add details if the test involved specific conditions (e.g., “replaced right stick” or “custom board”). Leave blank if nothing unusual.
    • Click the blue cloud (Submit Result) on the results page to send tests for moderation. Until then, results are stored only on your computer.
  • Joystick Tester:
    • Wait until the gamepad’s page is created on the site (after Prometheus 82 tests are submitted and moderated). This ensures the gamepad appears in the dropdown menu.
    • Run tests (polling rate, drift, asymmetry, Outer/Inner Dead Zone).
    • Click Submit Result in Joystick Tester to generate a web page with results (e.g., https://gamepadla.com/joyt2/5148af9d24f008a8/).
    • Scroll down and fill out the form: enter Outer Dead Zone, Inner Dead Zone, and test notes. Instructions are in the form. Without this, the test is incomplete.
    • Click Submit for Moderation on the same page. Select the gamepad from the dropdown (if it exists) or enter its full official name (if new). The moderator will add the test to the correct page.

3.2. Specifying the Gamepad Name

  • In Prometheus 82, after completing latency tests, enter the full official gamepad name in the console (e.g., “Beitong Kunpeng 70 RGB”).
    • On the results page, this name appears automatically. If the gamepad exists on the site, select it from the dropdown to link the test. If not, the moderator will create a new page based on your name.
    • Use a standardized name matching the official one (check the manufacturer’s site or online stores).
  • Verify the spelling to avoid duplicates or errors.
  • For Joystick Tester, the gamepad name is specified in the form on the results page after clicking Submit Result.

3.3. Moderation

  • After submitting tests via the blue cloud (Prometheus 82) or “Submit for Moderation” (Joystick Tester), they go to moderation.
  • The moderator will review results and, if needed, create a gamepad page.
  • Check if your test appears by visiting the homepage at Gamepadla.com. New gamepads appear at the top of the list.

4. Completing User Experience Surveys

  • Once the gamepad page is created, visit it and open the User Experience Surveys section.
  • Answer ~40 questions about the gamepad, e.g.:
    • How many hours does the battery last?
    • Are the buttons membrane or mechanical?
    • Are the sticks symmetrical or asymmetrical?
    • Other technical details.
  • Fill out as thoroughly as possible. Use Skip only if you don’t know an answer, but minimize skips for complete specs.
  • These details form the gamepad’s specification block and improve its search ranking on the site.

5. Tips for Quality Testing

  • For each mode (cable X-Input, dongle, Bluetooth), run 2–3 tests. If two match, pick one. If they differ, do a third and choose the one matching a previous result.
  • Prometheus 82 heats the solenoid – let it cool for 5–10 minutes after each test to avoid melting plastic or degrading the sensor (instructions are in the software).

6. Gamepad Verification

  • A gamepad is verified if:
    • Tests are conducted in all available modes, especially X-Input (cable, dongle, Bluetooth).
    • Joystick Tester results include polling rate and Outer/Inner Dead Zone.
    • User Experience Surveys are completed with minimal skips.
  • Verified gamepads gain higher search priority and community trust.

Conclusion

Testing gamepads for Gamepadla.com is a chance to share accurate, useful data with the community. Use Prometheus 82 for latency and polling rate, Joystick Tester for stick performance, and complete all forms and surveys. A correct gamepad name ensures smooth moderation. For questions, join the Discord community at https://discord.com/invite/3JfcfK4rUB for quick answers, or email [email protected] only for critical issues.