I can finally walk+text talk in Second Life at the same time!
Posted on: August 25, 2007A DREAM OF MINE HAS COME TRUE.
WATCH THE VIDEO!
Previously, I pined and pined again to find a set of pedals that would be available and affordable enough for me to acquire and recommend to others, and allow me to walk+text talk in Second Life simultaneously. (The reason I specifically mention "text talk" is to avoid confusion with voice — literal "talk".)
After my dream buzzed back to life during the purchase of my new computer, I investigated the Saitek R440 Force Feedback Wheel + Pedals…
and found it to meet my specs. I was hesitant to shell out on the wheel too, since I didn't think I'd need it — but they aren't sold separately, and besides, I have future plans to practice my road skillz via a driving simulator (Test Drive Unlimited has really been nice thus far). So, not being able to find another suitable alternative (and not caring much for some of the pricey, narrow-market dictation pedals I saw on eBay), I bought the R440.
The first few days went rougher than I thought, because the current Saitek drivers don't let you edit the pedals (argh!). Eventually, I contacted support, where I was helpfully helped, and downloaded the beta drivers. More frustration followed, because their profile editor's interface isn't exactly intuitive. Still, I wrestled on, learning how to map bands to keypresses via their video tutorial (you'll need to register to download), and here I am today, with a Second Life profile designed for navigation:
I haven't added any shiftstates (nor do I know how to do that yet), but if you happen to be in the market for something similar, beyond the rough start, I'm having a lot of fun with my Saitek R440.
BTW, the force feedback rocks, it's so visceral. I've only used the test mode and experienced it with TDU, but haptics are an emerging interest of mine and I hope Second Life eventually supports more varieties of input devices, especially for the disabled and those with special needs. I got these pedals in part because my feet felt so lazy under the desk. Now I can give them a little more to do. 
ALSO… if you're Canadian and you decide to buy from NCIX like I did, depending on what's in your order (since some stuff qualifies you for cheaper or free shipping), you may alternatively want to order from DirectCanada.com (a sister company of NCIX's), where it's currently going for Cdn$73.67, or price-match at the checkout. SAVE YERSELF SOME BUCKS!
And let me know in the comments if you have a R440 and find my profile useful, or if you have anything else to say about new and exciting ways to control yourself in Second Life!
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Be my friend!
August 25th, 2007 at 4:20 PM PDT
"…I play Test Drive Unlimited…" I play MotorStorm!
Surprisingly it uses Second Life's physics engine! WAZZA! (Havok). Nice pedals! I got me PS2 ones + wheel and a PS2/PSX -> PC converter, so i'm hunky dory!.
P.S.: Several programs support Force Feedback, and special stuff. For example, there's this program I forgot which I programmed to have my avatar run (Append Ctrl+R before and after) when I nudge the joystick itself all the way for There and Second Life. It's trial and doesn't fully work with my XBOX 360 controllers (WIRELESS!! Even works from behind the main house door!) for PC though, worked with a PS2 fake one though! lol. I REALLY wanna buy that software, but, i'm saving for a new PC. Why don't you send me your old one, Torley? :p lol.
-Smiles.
P.P.S.: I just watched Transformers: The Movie! that was A-W-E-S-O-M-E!.
August 26th, 2007 at 4:26 AM PDT
you next avatar needs some good tires
August 26th, 2007 at 8:38 AM PDT
@Smiley: Speaking of gaming consoles, I'd also like to try a Wii. I'm still using my old PC but thanks for asking!
@starcomber: Like MELONZILLA?
August 26th, 2007 at 11:20 AM PDT
I've actually noticed that SL kinda sorta works with a 360 controller outside of joystick flycam. If you move one of the sticks (I forget which one) forward, backward or side to side, the avatar will rotate or move a little, but you have to keep clicking it in that direction over and over to get anywhere, and it's really slow. Anyway, between that and joystick flycam, SL kinda has joystick support. Somebody should really finish that. It would be cool to be able to control SL with a USB controller and stuff, and the 360 controller allows you to plug a headset right into it, so you can talk to most people, at least. It's getting a keyboard attachment, soon, too, so maybe it could totally replace the keyboard and mouse as an input device for people who just want to walk around and talk to people.
August 28th, 2007 at 2:04 PM PDT
Congrats on getting this working, Torley, I know how long you've been wanting it. ^_^
As for generalized control… We've got a few ideas on how to do it, but nothing solid yet. Really, chat-feed control is actually more accurate until we get analog values coming from the client.
September 2nd, 2007 at 8:03 AM PDT
@qDot: YOU ARE, of course, one of my original inspirations behind all of this! So thank you!
@Ante: I always enjoy hearing of experiments people try to interact with Second Life better… I'd like to correlate analog values to variable walk/run speeds instead of it being a binary state.
September 8th, 2007 at 4:02 PM PDT
So how do I get joysticks to work in something like the Joystick Flycam?
My joystick doesn't even seem to register in SL. It registers on my laptop, but in Joystick Flycam it does nothing…
September 9th, 2007 at 10:19 AM PDT
@Dillon: Hm, what joystick? I have a Saitek P2600 and I use the drivers to set it up for Second Life. It works fine with the joystick flycam.
February 8th, 2008 at 11:40 PM PST
/me wants that to work too
I have a Joytech Nitro (Turbo?) Wheel and Pedals, I managed tog et it to work with AHK, but I want my joystick to work too