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Its Official: Sony's Bluetooth Wireless Controllers Have Epilepsy

S

Shawnwhann

Banned
I am surprised this fact is being downplayed as much as it has. I just got through playing NBA2K7, and the controller spazing out made me run out of bounds in the last 20 seconds of the game making me lose. Not to mention the several times I got owned online in Resistance because I controller had a seisure for 4-5 seconds. This is not going to fly!! I have heard some other reports of this as well, so I dont think it is my controller. Is there any kind of workaround you guys have been using, or are we S.O.L.? This is really killing my enjoyment of my games right now!! Can I get a witness?
 
Stranger still is it seems to effect only some games...
 
Suikoguy said:
Stranger still is it seems to effect only some games...
Click to expand...

And some people.

I think I MAY have discovered something. The once it happened to me, I started the system remotely. Try starting the system with the controller plugged in and then disconnecting it. I haven't had any freezeups since it happened that one time.

And don't you mean "narcolepsy"?
 
Shaved Moustache said:
Wasn't 1UP going to do a feature on this?
Click to expand...

Luke said Gamevideos had yet unpublished video of it happening, but nothing has come out of anywhere after said problem.

It isn't affecting me though. Weird.
 
I believe the same thing happened to me during Motorstorm demo. The controller got stuck somehow and wouldn't respond. Very frustrating, but it eventually stopped freaking out. I hope this doesn't become a major issue.
 
Could be only happening to people using wireless network?

IIRC, didn`t an approval document show that the wireless packets were interleaved with the bluetooth packets, to avoid interference.
 
Yeah, I don't plan on ever using anything but the USB cable with my controllers on the PS3. I've *always* had trouble with bluetooth hardware on PCs and cell phones, and I'm not surprised at all it's the same with the PS3. The only surprising thing here is why Sony made this choice in the first place. Considering how well the 360 and Wii controllers work, choosing an open technology with well known problems was a tad surprising. Nice in the sense that it allows us to use any standard bluetooth hardware we want, but not nice when it makes us lose a game :(
Y2Kevbug11 said:
Luke said Gamevideos had yet unpublished video of it happening, but nothing has come out of anywhere after said problem.

It isn't affecting me though. Weird.
Click to expand...
I'll check tomorrow, but I still should have the footage of this happening on both Motorstorm (car going straight when I'm turning to the right) and Resistance (turning to th left when I'm not moving)
 
ChrisAllenFiz said:
Could be only happening to people using wireless network?

IIRC, didn`t an approval document show that the wireless packets were interleaved with the bluetooth packets, to avoid interference.
Click to expand...

No, definitely not. The one time I did experience the problem, I was using a wired router. Now I have wireless and I just played a few hours in Resistance...;)

I don't really know what the source of the problem is, but I have to wager it is software implementation. The Wii uses bluetooth as well and it doesn't have the same issues. However, if it was, I guess it would be less detectable...people would just assume their motions weren't registering.

Blim, I'm pretty sure the Wii is bluetooth.

The controller connects to the Wii console using Bluetooth, and features force feedback, 4KB non-volatile memory[54] and an internal speaker.
Click to expand...

From Wikipedia.
 
Shawnwhann said:
I only have two PS3 games right now, and it is happening regularly in both games. Should I try to get another controller?
Click to expand...

Try what Y2Kevbug11 suggested above.

What makes this whole thing so strange is its not really reproduceable,
Btw, do you live in a big city?
 
Shawnwhann said:
I only have two PS3 games right now, and it is happening regularly in both games. Should I try to get another controller?
Click to expand...
There's no point buying one at this stage, if you can borrow one maybe.

However, your first step is to try it for a while with the USB cable - does that solve the problem? If it does, you've got to start eliminating anything that's interfering with the wireless connection - one by one- til you find a culprit.
 
Zave said:
I've experienced the same problem, a few times in Ridge Racer 7 and Resistance.
Click to expand...

The problem definitely exists because at least some people have experienced and reported it-- the question is how do we isolate the problem and what can we do about it?

If Sony's answer is, "lol guyz sry," then I'm going to seriously be angry. I don't...HAVE this problem...but to have the interface device with your major console not work properly (and won't ever work properly) is just inexcusable.

I figure it's just software though.
 
Blimblim said:
Yeah, I don't plan on ever using anything but the USB cable with my controllers on the PS3. I've *always* had trouble with bluetooth hardware on PCs and cell phones, and I'm not surprised at all it's the same with the PS3. The only surprising thing here is why Sony made this choice in the first place. Considering how well the 360 and Wii controllers work, choosing an open technology with well known problems was a tad surprising. Nice in the sense that it allows us to use any standard bluetooth hardware we want, but not nice when it makes us lose a game :(
Click to expand...
Err, Wii uses Bluetooth, and a spectrum analysis of the 360 wireless controller shows remarkably similar frequency usage to Bluetooth.

If it's simply interference, then all three consoles would suffer. Either Sony has done something stupid with its usage of the Bluetooth protocol, they're using retarded (unnecessary) amounts of bandwidth and the controllers are dropping out with the slightest noise, or it's a hardware issue.
 
This is happening to me too, certainly with one of the controllers I have (I am using the other one right now to see if it happens...).

I did a live chat with a Sony rep yesterday in case they had a quick fix for me, but in the end their rep told me to call their customer service, which I haven't had time to do yet. If anyone has any idea, keep us all posted...
 
I have a wireless network in my house, but I have my PS3 hardwired to my router. I live in L.A., but I have never experienced this before with wireless controllers from the PS2, Gamecube, or the 360. I seriously hope the 1up or IGN guys talk about this on the sites or the podcast pretty soon, I want to see someone at Sony acknowledge the problem and assure a solution is coming very soon...
 
If you use the USB cable, does it even transmit the controller data that way? Or could it be that it only charges the controller and it still transmits wirelessly.
 
XMonkey said:
If you use the USB cable, does it even transmit the controller data that way? Or could it be that it only charges the controller and it still transmits wirelessly.
Click to expand...

Pretty sure it's the former. If you connect the controller to your PC using the USB cable, it picks up that it is a sixaxis.
 
I am also having this problem wile playing Resistance. never had this issue with my 360 or my Wavebird. Man Sony, what's up whit these stupid hardware bugs?
 
I remember reading a long time ago that even thought MS is on the Bleutooth board, they went with propreietary because they felt it wasnt suitable for gaming, it was ok for mice etc.


Thing is, the mouse I use is bluetooth, it looses connection every once in a while....
 
Shaved Moustache said:
I remember reading a long time ago that even thought MS is on the Bleutooth board, they went with propreietary because they felt it wasnt suitable for gaming, it was ok for mice etc.


Thing is, the mouse I use is bluetooth, it looses connection every once in a while....
Click to expand...

As indicated above, the bluetooth frequency range is not all that different from the one being used in the 360.

It's either software implementation or Sony shipped a bunch of faulty PS3s. Would either of the two really shock you, coming from Sony?
 
To be honest I haven't had a single problem with my console or controller and pray to god I don't because i'm buying another sixaxis next week.

games played

F1
Motorstorm
Resistance
Marvel
Gundam
 
Not sure what to say.
I have logged many hours in Resistance in campaign and multi, and the Motorstorm demo and have never had any issues with the sixaxis so far.
Though I am a creature of habit and always start it like Y2Kevbug11 mentioned with the controller connected and then I disconnect the controller and go to it.
 
quadriplegicjon said:
ive never had any problems with bluetooth.

are you guys in apartment buildings? maybe you are getting interference from a neighbor?
Click to expand...

It's definitely not that though. I live in a dorm and haven't had the problem (other than the one time I mentioned, and that was the same day I got my PS3). I don't know if it was coincidence or what have you, but I now start the system hooked in and then disconnect. I haven't had the problem since.

It doesn't sound like interference...what could cause interference?
 
Y2Kevbug11 said:
As indicated above, the bluetooth frequency range is not all that different from the one being used in the 360.

It's either software implementation or Sony shipped a bunch of faulty PS3s. Would either of the two really shock you, coming from Sony?
Click to expand...


Frequency range isnt the only deciding factor in a wireless device. Like you said, hopefully it is something that can be patched. On the other hand this controller was finalized by E3, that a lot of time for testing...
 
Shaved Moustache said:
Frequency range isnt the only deciding factor in a wireless device.
Click to expand...

I'm not an expert on these matters, but what else could cause signal drops other than A) faulty implementation (in either hardware or software) or B) interference, which should be a frequency issue.
 
OokieSpookie said:
Not sure what to say.
I have logged many hours in Resistance in campaign and multi, and the Motorstorm demo and have never had any issues with the sixaxis so far.
Though I am a creature of habit and always start it like Y2Kevbug11 mentioned with the controller connected and then I disconnect the controller and go to it.
Click to expand...

sounds like something I will try. if this is the work around for it, than I'm ok with this. I will NOT be playing a game on my PS3 while tethered to the unit by a wire.
 
Shaved Moustache said:
Frequency range isnt the only deciding factor in a wireless device.
Click to expand...
Of course not, but if they all use the frequency range in a similar way, and only the PS3 is suffering from interference, then it can't be the air interface technology. If Sixaxis has prevalent problems and Wiimote doesn't, then it can't be the Bluetooth protocol itself that's fundamentally flawed. The logical conclusion is either how the protocol is being implemented (fixable) or a hardware defect (****ed).
 
Y2Kevbug11 said:
I'm not an expert on these matters, but what else could cause signal drops other than A) faulty implementation (in either hardware or software) or B) interference, which should be a frequency issue.
Click to expand...

C) The technology utlized wasn't intended to be used in it's current implementation?

The bluetooth headsets for the X360, are pretty bad. They have static and the sound quality isnt as good as the connection used in the X360's wireless controller connection.

I really want a wireless headset, but won't get one since it has so many issues, and again it's bluetooth.
 
Mmmkay said:
Of course not, but if they all use the frequency range in a similar way, and only the PS3 is suffering from interference, then it can't be the air interface technology. If Sixaxis has prevalent problems and Wiimote doesn't, then it can't be the Bluetooth protocol itself that's fundamentally flawed. The logical conclusion is either how the protocol is being implemented (fixable) or a hardware defect (****ed).
Click to expand...

Recall time! Chugga chugga chugga chugga wooo woo! All aboard the Sony factory train!

Shaved Mustache, I'd just point you at the wii.
 
Shaved Moustache said:
I remember reading a long time ago that even thought MS is on the Bleutooth board, they went with propreietary because they felt it wasnt suitable for gaming, it was ok for mice etc.


Thing is, the mouse I use is bluetooth, it looses connection every once in a while....
Click to expand...
I was about to post this. Sony's alarms should have gone off when a member of the Bluetooth association (Microsoft) wouldn't use the technology for their console. I've literally taken a piss with the X360 controller in one hand and it still worked.

In case you're wondering why I took a piss with a controller in my hand, I was doing the Dorian cheat in Oblivion. And yes, I washed my hands afterward.
 
I must be blessed by the Sony with a Sony seal... I have never had an issue with a single Sony product... This is the first time I've heard of this anyways... Why not try reprogramming it to another slot, then switching it back to spot 1 or something? Also, was the battery low by chance? I did notice mine got a lil sluggish a couple mins before it died... After the charge, perfect... Other than that, it's one of the most responsive wireless controllers out of the lot for me I've ever used...

MS controller working well? If you consider it does the same thing as what people are saying the SIXAXIS is doing it is "well", or losing sync totally... And the Wii......... well...
 
TobitheCat said:
I was about to post this. Sony's alarms should have gone off when a member of the Bluetooth association (Microsoft) wouldn't use the technology for their console. I've literally taken a piss with the X360 controller in one hand and it still worked.

In case you're wondering why I took a piss with a controller in my hand, I was doing the Dorian cheat in Oblivion. And yes, I washed my hands afterward.
Click to expand...

...why would you taking a piss with it suddenly disable its functions? Are you pissing on it?
 
If it is from starting it up without being connected, then its probably a software issue or firmware issue.
 
Shawnwhann said:
Nah I think Epilepsy is more appropriate. My controller is not falling asleep. It starts having a seizure every 30 mintues!!
Click to expand...

Ah, I see. I was thinking, falling asleep and dropping signal.
 
Y2Kevbug11 said:
...why would you taking a piss with it suddenly disable its functions? Are you pissing on it?
Click to expand...
Me taking a piss implies that I don't have a urinal in my living area. I can go to another room in the house and my X360 controller still responds without a (noticable) hitch.
 
Y2Kevbug11 said:
...why would you taking a piss with it suddenly disable its functions? Are you pissing on it?
Click to expand...

his point is you can walk around the house and not have an issue. I actually leveled up my altereation skill in oblivion from across teh house by casting a spell repeatedly. I've also chatted on the headset outside while having a cigarette, works perfect.


My bluetooh mouse is finicky and it's right next to my laptop. it will skip every now and again. And again, the reports about the bluetooh X360 headset arent encouraging.
 
I remember reading something from Sony about how the controller has to be connected to the PS3 when you turn it on, so it can re-recognise it or something. This is probably the problem.
 
TobitheCat said:
Me taking a piss implies that I don't have a urinal in my living area. I can go to another room in the house and my X360 controller still responds without a (noticable) hitch.
Click to expand...

But that's a range thing...of course it should work! I walked down the stairs in my house over Thanksgiving and was still able to start up my wii from downstairs.

ionicbluebird said:
I remember reading something from Sony about how the controller has to be connected to the PS3 when you turn it on, so it can re-recognise it or something. This is probably the problem.
Click to expand...

Don't know if it is, but it works great for me.

I really love the way the SixAxis feels in my hands...if it had rumble, it'd be the best controller. I'm a sucker for the dual shock setup. When I'm just sitting down with my hands in my lap, they conform to the dual shock setup :lol

Mmmkay said:
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360wirelessheadset/
Click to expand...

I'm sure the bluetooth consortium had something to do with this.
 
Shaved Moustache said:
I was under the impression it used Bluetooth, I am pretty sure this was mentioned when the headset was first announced. If I am wrong about this then my mistake.
Click to expand...

How would it use Bluetooth when the 360 doesn't have Bluetooth onboard?

Weren't Wii owners experiencing difficulties with the Wiimote, but once they shook the remote things went back to normal?
 
Just to make sure, I am going to swap out my controller. Good thing is that my local Gamestop is telling it is cool to swap out my controller tomorrow, I'm done with this tonight. I gotta watch USC whoop up on Notre Dame!!
 
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