Steam Controller Singer : Playing music with the Steam Controller

[Pila]

Hello !
I have been spending some time during theses days trying to understand how the communication between Steam and the Steam Controller works.
I was especially interested in driving the haptic actuators, so I could see their full potential.
I finally managed to get full control over the actuators, so I wrote a small piece of software to have fun with them, check this out :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUVga1mYhLY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBgMV1fqaKg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bwq2btaPio0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dIwXf30ZsU

You can try this by yourself, I made an archive with my software compiled for windows : https://sourceforge.net/projects/steam-controller-singer

You can check Peppy's quick start guide to get familiar with the software :
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=636019968

And here you can find all the source code : https://gitlab.com/Pilatomic/SteamControllerSinger

My software now supports wired & wireless mode, playback on both haptics and MIDI files as input
It will play MIDI channel 0 on the right haptic, and channel 1 on the left haptic
There should be only one active note per channel at the same time

You can use MidiEditor to edit your midi files

To start, simply drop a MIDI file on the Steam Controller Singer .exe

[Bigbeau]

Opprinnelig skrevet av KittyPause:

Opprinnelig skrevet av LoupDuQc:

rubble is known to shutdown the controller when the battery are too low, using the cable is a good idea to get rid of that issue

This. Low battery can especially become apparent as the haptics can drain the battery faster.

Big Picture says my controller is 3/4 bars (so I'm assuming its anywhere from 70-80% give or take some), so I'm not sure why It'd be shutting itself off. But anyway I can just use the cable until the batteries really do need replacing, so its not that big of a deal. Just a bit odd that 3/4 counts as "low".

[Lez B Ann]

Opprinnelig skrevet av The100guy:

Opprinnelig skrevet av KittyPause:

This. Low battery can especially become apparent as the haptics can drain the battery faster.

Big Picture says my controller is 3/4 bars (so I'm assuming its anywhere from 70-80% give or take some), so I'm not sure why It'd be shutting itself off. But anyway I can just use the cable until the batteries really do need replacing, so its not that big of a deal. Just a bit odd that 3/4 counts as "low".

Battery readings have been innacurate for a while, actually. Instead of the cable, try a fresh pair and see if that resolves the issue. If not, that's outta the way .3.

[Sweet N Low]

Hey Im getting the same issue with ' No Device Found '. I have windows 10 and ive tried the following and all have failed to work.

-Dragging midi file over the exe (the command prompt opens up for a split second and dissapears)
-Right clicking the exe, Going to properties>compatibility and checking run as admin (it asks if i want to allow, click yes and again opens and closes)
-I through all my files and midi songs into my C: / Users / (insert system name here) then opening command prompt and typing for example: ' steamcontrollersinger.exe Robots_FTW.mid ' (Gives me ' No Device Found ' and is the closest ive gotten)

Ive tried both wired and dongle as well as steam open and closed. Im not sure what else to do and would love to get this working. Suggestions?

[lem]

Opprinnelig skrevet av Tjtheman3:

Hey Im getting the same issue with ' No Device Found '. I have windows 10 and ive tried the following and all have failed to work.

-Dragging midi file over the exe (the command prompt opens up for a split second and dissapears)
-Right clicking the exe, Going to properties>compatibility and checking run as admin (it asks if i want to allow, click yes and again opens and closes)
-I through all my files and midi songs into my C: / Users / (insert system name here) then opening command prompt and typing for example: ' steamcontrollersinger.exe Robots_FTW.mid ' (Gives me ' No Device Found ' and is the closest ive gotten)

Ive tried both wired and dongle as well as steam open and closed. Im not sure what else to do and would love to get this working. Suggestions?

See my response to you on the help guide ;)

[Anonymous =D]

Steam Controller Singer by Pila
Found wired Steam Controller
Interface claim Error -12

I keep getting this error, changed between usb but no luck
Admin rights
Compatibility with Win7
Steam was closed

I'm using Win10 64bit but no luck

[Bigbeau]

Opprinnelig skrevet av Anonymous =D:

Steam Controller Singer by Pila
Found wired Steam Controller
Interface claim Error -12

I keep getting this error, changed between usb but no luck
Admin rights
Compatibility with Win7
Steam was closed

I'm using Win10 64bit but no luck

If you have an antivirus, disable it for a moment and then try it. I had to do the same thing when I first tried this and everything worked like a charm (after the first time, my usb 2.0 works but not the two 3.0s that I have)

[VRG]

I always get Interface claim Error -12
I have tried all the method commented in this thread.
Please help me or suggest a workaround.

[Mr_Flou]

Nice program... sadly I can't get it to work at all. Have tried every port, wired and dongle. Only one USB (wired) port gives me error -12. I really want this to work! -.- Win10 64bit (with and without Anit-virus)

[CCRR]

FIX for Windows 10 users

On the Internet you can find a way that requires the use of "Zadig" program to modify drivers. It did not work for me.
After many hours of trial and error, I found a way to make Singer program work on Windows 10, at least for me. I also used "Zadig" program, but in another way. ;)
In advance sorry for my not good english. :D

Before you try... (formality)

I am NOT responsible for any damage to the controller and/or controller/system drivers!
If you done something wrong when modyfying driver and/or revert driver method does not work for you, don't blame me, and I will NOT help you.
Continue only on your own risk!

I tested it on my own controller, and it works on Windows 10 64bit with latest updates.
For you may not work and may cause damage to system and controller.
After you do everything below, Steam Controller will NOT WORK as a controller when connected via cable. You can't play via cable anymore unless you reinstall original driver or system!

Ofcorse, you can still use controller and play when conected wirelessly.
It is fine for me, I always play wirelessly.

Think again if you want to continue.

Instruction

• Download and run the program called "Zadig" from here: http://zadig.akeo.ie/
  
• Connect Steam Controller via cable.
  
• Expand "options" menu above and select "List all devices".
  
• Expand again and select "Advanced Mode".
  
• Expand again and deselect "Ignore Hubs and Composite parents".
  
• Expand list of devices...
  
• Make sure you have only one "Wired Controller" on the list and make sure it is your Steam Controller. If you have two or more then disconnect all gaming controllers you have from PC.
  
• To make sure that it is your Steam Controller, disconect and connect again cable and see if "Wired Controller" dissapears and then apears again.
  
• Select "Wired Controller" on the list.
  
• On the left you see actual driver.
  
• On the right use small up/down arrows and select "libusb-win32 (v1.2.6.0)".
  
• THINK AGAIN IF YOU WANT TO CONTINUE, you can stiil turn back. ;)
  
• Click big button "Replace Driver".
  
• If it takes too long don't worry and read carefully debug log on the bottom of window.
  
• If says that it needs to restart computer just open Task Manager and kill "installer_x64.exe", you will see that install failed but it's not.
  
• Disconect and connect again Steam Controller.
  
• DONE! :]
  
• SteamControllerSinger should now work. ;)

Revert changes

• Run Device Manager: use "Win" + "R" shortcut, type "mmc devmgmt.msc" and click ENTER.
  
• Expand "libusb-win32 devices".
  
• Right click on "Wired Controller" and update driver (should be first).
  
• ## Now I'm starting guessing cuz i don't have english in Device Manager.
  
• Don't search driver automatically, choose second option to select it manually.
  
• On the next screen ignore path and click to select driver from list on computer.
  
• You should see small list of compatible drivers.
  
• "Wired Controller" is the modified driver, you should select "USB composite device" or something like that (i have non-english name).
  
• When you selected "USB composite device" click "Next".
  
• Now it's done, driver should be reverted to normall.
  
• Don't forget to Disconect and connect controller again.
  
• If desktop controls don't work after revert, open Big Picture mode, explore some menus to test if controller works and close Big Picture. Now desktop controls should work.

If it works for you, and you are very grateful, send me a gift... xD
http://steamcommunity.com/id/ccarderr
...just kidding (or maybe not?). You can always say thanks or something. :D

[Ralphmove]

I used Zadig to change my drivers and was able to get the steam controller singer working, however I am not able to return to normal controller operation afterwards. My controller will work when plugged in for some games but it wont work at all when wireless. Ive tried manually reinstalling the drivers via windows, via Zadig, and also by dropping the file into the controllers "storage" and flashing via commands and still nothing. Has anyone else been able to fix this issue or my controller bricked for the most part?

[Pila]

Hi Ralph,
It's not bricked, since Zadig does not modify the controller, only the drivers.
Use Device Manager to deinstall ant Steam Controller related devices (if available, check the "uninstall driver" box), then unplug your steam controller, reboot and replug it.
Windows should reinstall default drivers

[CCRR]

Opprinnelig skrevet av Ralphmove:

My controller will work when plugged in for some games but it wont work at all when wireless.

Wired controller and wireless controller uses different drivers. When you modified driver for wired controller, wireless controller should not be affected. I hope you did not use my tutorial for wireless.

Opprinnelig skrevet av Ralphmove:

Has anyone else been able to fix this issue or my controller bricked for the most part?

I think is not, controller firmware is not affected, only windows drivers.Try uninstall driver via Device Manager like Pila said above.

[Ralphmove]

Come to think of it, I think the issue might be coming from switching to windows 10 and a new pc. It worked on my old machine which was running win 7, but the first thing I did with the SC on win 10 was trying the singer - its most likely because of win 10 rather than the singer

Some clarification: the controller will turn on when wireless, the light will turn on and haptics will work but it will not connect in BP mode (holding steam button and x does not work, the light flashes for a few seconds and turns off)

Heres a screen of my devices to give an idea of what drivers I am seeing. I saw a lot of posts regarding Razer devices causing an issue. I do use a Razer Deathadder but it is not affecting me in the same way ive seen it affect others

https://imgur.com/TJxYV5U

[Pila]

Did your controller ever worked wireless on your new PC ?
There are issues when using dongle on / close to USB 3.0 ports, try using the small dock you got with the controller to move the receiver away from your PC

[Ralphmove]

Opprinnelig skrevet av Pila:

Did your controller ever worked wireless on your new PC ?
There are issues when using dongle on / close to USB 3.0 ports, try using the small dock you got with the controller to move the receiver away from your PC

I don't think it did work with my new PC, I think I tried once shortly after putting it together then forgot about it for a bit due to other issues. I tried using the docking station and switching to USB 2.0, moving it away from my pc, plugging it directly into 2.0.

I sent in a ticket and it looks like they will be replacing the dongle at least. It might be a hardware issue considering I received one of the first or 2nd shipments when the SC first came out.

Thanks for your help, I will let you know if I get it up and running with the new dongle.