# Adafruit Mini I2C STEMMA QT Gamepad with seesaw
## Overview
Make a game or robotic controller for any I2C microcontroller or microcomputer with this _tiny_ gamepad breakout board. This design has a 2-axis thumb joystick and 6 momentary buttons (4 large and 2 small). The board communicates with your host microcontroller over I2C so it's easy to use and doesn't take up any of your precious analog or digital pins. There is also an optional **interrupt pin ** that can alert your feather when a button has been pressed or released to free up processor time for other tasks.
[You can use our Arduino library to control and read data](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Seesaw) with any compatible microcontroller. [We also have CircuitPython/Python code](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_seesaw) for use with computers or single-board Linux boards.
To get you going fast, this board comes with a [**STEMMA QT**](https://www.adafruit.com/?q=stemma%20qt%20sensor "STEMMA QT form factor") connector, making them easy to interface with. The [STEMMA QT connector](https://learn.adafruit.com/introducing-adafruit-stemma-qt/what-is-stemma-qt) is compatible with the [SparkFun Qwiic](https://www.sparkfun.com/qwiic) I2C connectors. This allows you to make solderless connections between your development board and the gamepad or to chain it with a wide range of other sensors and accessories using a [**compatible cable**](https://www.adafruit.com/?q=stemma%20qt%20cable) and a ['hub' board](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5625). [QT Cable is not included, but we have a variety in the shop](https://www.adafruit.com/?q=stemma+qt+cable&sort=BestMatch).
[This board features Adafruit **seesaw** technology](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_seesawPeripheral) - a custom programmed little helper microcontroller that takes the two analog inputs from the joystick, and 6 button inputs, and converts it into a pretty I2C interface. This I2C interface means you don't 'lose' any GPIO or analog inputs, and it works with any and all microcontrollers or microcomputers - even if they don't have an analog input for the thumbstick!
If you have an I2C address conflict, or you want to connect more than one of these to a board, there are two address-select jumpers so you have 4 options of I2C addresses.
There's an optional IRQ (interrupt) line that you can use if you'd like the gamepad to let you know when a button has been pressed. Since it's optional, you will need to connect a separate wire for the IRQ line, or just leave it disconnected.
Comes with one assembled and programmed Gamepad, and some 0.1" header. If you aren't using Stemma QT cables, some soldering is required to attach the header for breadboarding.
# Adafruit Mini I2C STEMMA QT Gamepad with seesaw
## Pinouts
## Power Pins
- **VIN** - This is the power pin. To power the board, give it the same power as the logic level of your microcontroller - e.g. for a 3V microcontroller like a Feather RP2040, use 3V, or for a 5V microcontroller like Arduino, use 5V.
- **GND** - This is common ground for power and logic.
## I2C Logic Pins
The default I2C address is **0x50**.
- **SCL** - I2C clock pin, connect to your microcontroller I2C clock line. There's a **10K pullup** on this pin.
- **SDA** - I2C data pin, connect to your microcontroller I2C data line. There's a **10K pullup** on this pin.
## STEMMA QT Connector
The default I2C address is **0x50**.
- [**STEMMA QT connector**](https://learn.adafruit.com/introducing-adafruit-stemma-qt) **-** This connector is located on the front of the board, at the top in the center. It allows you to connect to development boards with **STEMMA QT** / Qwiic connectors or to other things with [various associated accessories](https://www.adafruit.com/category/619).
## Buttons
There are two small buttons towards the center of the board, and four large buttons arranged in a diamond on the right side of the board.
- **Start** - This is a small button, located to the left of center. It is pin **16** in the seesaw firmware.
- **Select** - This is a small button, located to the right of center. It is pin **0** in the seesaw firmware.
- **A** - This is a large button, located to the right in the diamond. It is pin **5** in the seesaw firmware.
- **B** - This is a large button, located at the bottom of the diamond. It is pin **1** in the seesaw firmware.
- **X** - This is a large button, located at the top of the diamond. It is pin **6** in the seesaw firmware.
- **Y** - This is a large button, located to the left in the diamond. It is pin **2** in the seesaw firmware.
## Joystick
This is the 2-axis joystick located on the left side of the board.
- **X-axis** - The joystick x-axis (horizontal) is on pin **14** in the seesaw firmware.
- **Y-axis** - The joystick y-axis (vertical) is on pin **15** in the seesaw firmware.
## Power LED
- **Power LED - ** On the front of the board, to the right of the STEMMA connector, is the power LED. It is the green LED.
## Interrupt Pin and LED
- **IRQ** - This is the optional interrupt pin. It is pin **5** in the seesaw firmware. This pin will let you know when a button on the gamepad has been pressed. You can use it to alert the Feather to the button press or release, to free up processor time for other tasks. Since its optional you will need to connect a separate wire for the IRQ line, or simply leave it disconnected.
- **IRQ LED** - On the front of the board, to the left of the STEMMA connector, is the IRQ LED. It is the red LED. It turns on whenever the interrupt is detected.
## Address Jumpers
On the back of the board are **two address jumpers** , labeled **A0** and **A1** , on the back of the board above the "w" in the "seesaw" label. These jumpers allow you to chain up to 4 of these boards on the same pair of I2C clock and data pins. To do so, you cut the jumpers "open" by separating the two pads.
If you happen to need more than 4 addresses, it's possible to set the I2C address with a special address-change command that is saved to the onboard non-volatile EEPROM memory.
The default I2C address is **0x50**. The other address options can be calculated by "adding" the **A0/A1** to the base of **0x50**.
**A0** sets the lowest bit with a value of **1** and **A1** sets the next bit with a value of **2**. The final address is **0x50 + A0 + A1** which would be **0x53**.
If only **A0** is cut, the address is **0x50 + 1 = 0x51**.
If only **A1** is cut, the address is **0x50 + 2 = 0x52**.
If _both_ **A0 and A1** are cut, the address is **0x50 + 1 + 2 = 0x53**.
## UPDI Pin
- **UPDI** - This is the single-pin **U** nified **P** rogram and **D** ebug **I** nterface. This pin is for external programming or on-chip-debugging for the ATtiny816 running the [seesaw firmware](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_seesawPeripheral). We have a [page in the ATtiny Breakouts with seesaw Learn Guide](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-attiny817-seesaw/advanced-reprogramming-with-updi) detailing how to reprogram these chips with your own firmware (at your own risk). We don't provide any support for custom builds of seesaw - we think this is cool and useful for the Maker community.
# Adafruit Mini I2C STEMMA QT Gamepad with seesaw
## CircuitPython and Python
It's easy to use the **Mini I2C STEMMA QT Gamepad** with Python or CircuitPython, and the [Adafruit\_CircuitPython\_seesaw](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_seesaw) module. This module allows you to easily write Python code that reads the joystick analog values and the six button presses (X, Y, A, B, Start, and Select).
You can use the Gamepad with any CircuitPython microcontroller board or with a computer that has GPIO and Python [thanks to Adafruit\_Blinka, our CircuitPython-for-Python compatibility library](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-on-raspberrypi-linux).
## CircuitPython Microcontroller Wiring
First wire up the Gamepad to your board, exactly as shown below.
The following is the Gamepad connected to a Feather RP2040 using STEMMA QT:
Simply connect a [STEMMA QT cable](https://www.adafruit.com/category/619) from the **STEMMA QT connector on the Feather** to the **STEMMA QT connector on the Gamepad**.
The following is the Gamepad connected to a Feather RP2040 using a solderless breadboard:
- **Board STEMMA 3V** to **Gamepad** **VIN (red wire)**
- **Board STEMMA GND** to **Gamepad** **GND (black wire)**
- **Board STEMMA SCL** to **Gamepad** **SCL (yellow wire)**
- **Board STEMMA SDA** to **Gamepad** **SDA (blue wire)**
## Python Computer Wiring
Since there's _dozens_ of Linux computers/boards you can use we will show wiring for Raspberry Pi. For other platforms, [please visit the guide for CircuitPython on Linux to see whether your platform is supported](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-on-raspberrypi-linux).
The following is a Raspberry Pi wired with I2C using the Gamepad STEMMA connector:
Using a [STEMMA QT to socket cable](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4397) plugged into the **STEMMA QT connector on the Gamepad** , connect the wires to the Pi as follows:
- **Red wire** to **Pi** **3V**
- **Black wire** to **Pi GND**
- **Yellow wire** to **Pi SCL**
- **Blue wire** to **Pi SDA**
The following is a Raspberry Pi wired with I2C using a solderless breadboard:
- **Pi 3V** to **Gamepad** **VIN (red wire)**
- **Pi GND** to **Gamepad GND (black wire)**
- **Pi SCL** to **Gamepad SCL (yellow wire)**
- **Pi SDA** to **Gamepad SDA (blue wire)**
## Increase the I2C Bus Speed
The Pi OS default I2C baudrate is 100 kHz, but the Gamepad works best at 400 kHz.
Modify the **i2c\_arm\_baudrate** variable in the **/boot/firmware/config.txt** file to look like this:
```auto
i2c_arm_baudrate=400000
```
## Python Installation of seesaw Library
You'll need to install the **Adafruit\_Blinka** library that provides the CircuitPython support in Python. This may also require enabling I2C on your platform and verifying you are running Python 3. [Since each platform is a little different, and Linux changes often, please visit the CircuitPython on Linux guide to get your computer ready](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-on-raspberrypi-linux)!
Once that's done, from your command line run the following command:
- `pip3 install adafruit-circuitpython-seesaw`
If your default Python is version 3 you may need to run 'pip' instead. Just make sure you aren't trying to use CircuitPython on Python 2.x, it isn't supported!
## CircuitPython Usage
To use with CircuitPython, you need to first install the **Adafruit\_CircuitPython\_seesaw** library, and its dependencies, into the **lib** folder on your **CIRCUITPY** drive. Then you need to update **code.py** with the example script.
Thankfully, we can do this in one go. In the example below, click the **Download Project Bundle** button below to download the necessary libraries and the **code.py** file in a zip file. Extract the contents of the zip file, and copy the **entire **** lib ** ** folder ** and the ** code.py ** file to your ** CIRCUITPY** drive.
Your **CIRCUITPY/lib** folder should contain the following folders and file:
- **adafruit\_bus\_device/**
- **adafruit\_seesaw/**
- **adafruit\_pixelbuf.mpy**
## Python Usage
Once you have the library `pip3` installed on your computer, copy or download the following example to your computer, and run the following, replacing **code.py** with whatever you named the file:
`python3 code.py`
# Example Code
**If running CircuitPython:** Once everything is saved to the **CIRCUITPY** drive, [connect to the serial console](https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/kattni-connecting-to-the-serial-console) to see the data printed out!
**If running Python:** The console output will appear wherever you are running Python.
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_seesaw/blob/main/examples/seesaw_gamepad_qt.py
## Reading Joystick Values
The joystick is made up of two potentiometers at a 90 degree angle to each other, creating an x and y axis across it, each of which produce analog values ranging from 0 to 1023. To read the values, you use the seesaw firmware `analog_read` and provide it the seesaw firmware pin to which each axis is connected. The x axis is on pin 14, and the y axis is on pin 15.
Due to the physical orientation of the joystick on the gamepad, it is necessary to reverse the analog values so that when x is to the left or y is down, both report `0`, and when x is to the right or y is up, both report `1023`. This is done by subtracting both axis' values from 1023 when reading the value.
```python
x = 1023 - seesaw.analog_read(14)
y = 1023 - seesaw.analog_read(15)
```
The values printed to the serial console are printed within an `if` block. This code is used to only print the values when they have changed more than 3. This avoids constant printing in the event of noise or vibration of the gamepad itself. That way, it only prints when you are actively and deliberately moving the joystick around.
```python
if (abs(x - last_x) > 3) or (abs(y - last_y) > 3):
print(x, y)
last_x = x
last_y = y
```
## Reading Button Presses
The button variables are created and set to be equal to the pin to which they are connected in the seesaw firmware (as shown [on the Pinouts page](https://learn.adafruit.com/gamepad-qt/pinouts#buttons-3148452)). For example, the X button is connected to pin 6 in the seesaw firmware, and therefore `BUTTON_X = const(6)`.
```python
BUTTON_X = const(6)
BUTTON_Y = const(2)
BUTTON_A = const(5)
BUTTON_B = const(1)
BUTTON_SELECT = const(0)
BUTTON_START = const(16)
```
Then the button mask is created. This is what tells the seesaw on the Gamepad which pins are of interest, e.g. only the pins connected to each of the six buttons.
```python
button_mask = const(
(1 << BUTTON_X)
| (1 << BUTTON_Y)
| (1 << BUTTON_A)
| (1 << BUTTON_B)
| (1 << BUTTON_SELECT)
| (1 << BUTTON_START)
)
```
The button mask is then used in two places. It is first used to set all the buttons up as inputs with pullups.
```python
seesaw.pin_mode_bulk(button_mask, seesaw.INPUT_PULLUP)
```
It is then used inside the loop to begin looking for button presses.
```python
buttons = seesaw.digital_read_bulk(button_mask)
```
The remainder of the loop checks for button presses, one at a time, with an `if` block for each. For any button that is pressed (can be more than one) a print statement is output.
```python
if not buttons & (1 << BUTTON_X):
print("Button x pressed")
if not buttons & (1 << BUTTON_Y):
print("Button Y pressed")
if not buttons & (1 << BUTTON_A):
print("Button A pressed")
if not buttons & (1 << BUTTON_B):
print("Button B pressed")
if not buttons & (1 << BUTTON_SELECT):
print("Button Select pressed")
if not buttons & (1 << BUTTON_START):
print("Button Start pressed")
```
### Using the Gamepad Demo
This example prints the x and y analog joystick values to the serial console, as well as the button presses. Try moving the joystick to see the x and y values change, and press the buttons to see the button name.
# Adafruit Mini I2C STEMMA QT Gamepad with seesaw
## Python Docs
# Adafruit Mini I2C STEMMA QT Gamepad with seesaw
## Arduino
Using the Mini I2C STEMMA QT Gamepad with Arduino involves wiring up the Gamepad to your Arduino-compatible microcontroller, installing the [Adafruit\_Seesaw](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Seesaw) library and running the provided example code.
## Wiring
Wire as shown for a **5V** board like an Uno. If you are using a **3V** board, like an Adafruit Feather, wire the board's 3V pin to the Gamepad VIN.
Here is an Adafruit Metro wired up to the Gamepad using the STEMMA QT connector:
- **Board 5V** to **Gamepad** **VIN (red wire)**
- **Board GND** to **Gamepad** **GND (black wire)**
- **Board SCL** to **Gamepad** **SCL (yellow wire)**
- **Board SDA** to **Gamepad** **SDA (blue wire)**
Here is an Adafruit Metro wired up using a solderless breadboard:
- **Board 5V** to **Gamepad** **VIN (red wire)**
- **Board GND** to **Gamepad** **GND (black wire)**
- **Board SCL** to **Gamepad** **SCL (yellow wire)**
- **Board SDA** to **Gamepad** **SDA (blue wire)**
## Library Installation
You can install the **Adafruit\_Seesaw** library for Arduino using the Library Manager in the Arduino IDE.
Click the **Manage Libraries ...** menu item, search for **s**** eesaw **, and select the** Adafruit seesaw **** Library** library:
If asked about dependencies, click "Install all".
If the "Dependencies" window does not come up, then you already have the dependencies installed.
Warning:
## Example Code
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Seesaw/blob/master/examples/Mini_I2C_Gamepad_QT/Mini_I2C_Gamepad_QT.ino
Upload the sketch to your board and open up the Serial Monitor ( **Tools -\> Serial Monitor** ) at 115200 baud. You'll see the seesaw firmware recognized by the code. Then, when you press any of the buttons or move the joystick, it will print to the Serial Monitor. You'll also see the interrupt LED light up with each button press.
For details on the concepts used in this example, check out [Reading Joystick Values](https://learn.adafruit.com/gamepad-qt/circuitpython-and-python#reading-joystick-values-3148970) and [Reading Button Presses](https://learn.adafruit.com/gamepad-qt/circuitpython-and-python#reading-button-presses-3149078) on the CircuitPython and Python page in this guide.
# Adafruit Mini I2C STEMMA QT Gamepad with seesaw
## Arduino Docs
# Adafruit Mini I2C STEMMA QT Gamepad with seesaw
## Downloads
## Files
- [ATtiny816 Datasheet](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/118/838/original/ATtiny816-Datasheet.pdf?1677164075)
- [EagleCAD PCB Files on GitHub](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit-Mini-I2C-Gamepad-PCB)
- [3D models on GitHub](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CAD_Parts/tree/main/5743%20Mini%20Gamepad%20STEMMA%20QT)
- [Fritzing object in the Adafruit Fritzing Library](https://github.com/adafruit/Fritzing-Library/blob/master/parts/Adafruit%20Mini%20I2C%20STEMMA%20QT%20Gamepad.fzpz)
# Schematic and Fab Print
The x-axis (`JOY_X`) and y-axis (`JOY_Y`) are swapped on the schematic. In the seesaw firmware, X is pin 14, and Y is pin 15.
## Primary Products
### Adafruit Mini I2C Gamepad with seesaw - STEMMA QT / Qwiic
[Adafruit Mini I2C Gamepad with seesaw - STEMMA QT / Qwiic](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5743)
Make a game or robotic controller for any I2C microcontroller or microcomputer with this _tiny_ gamepad breakout board. This design has a 2-axis thumb joystick and 6 momentary buttons (4 large and 2 small). The board communicates with your host microcontroller over I2C so...
In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5743/guides)
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This 4-wire cable is 50mm / 1.9" long and fitted with JST SH female 4-pin connectors on both ends. Compared with the chunkier JST PH these are 1mm pitch instead of 2mm, but still have a nice latching feel, while being easy to insert and remove.
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[STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-Pin Cable - 200mm Long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4401)
This 4-wire cable is a little over 200mm / 7.8" long and fitted with JST-SH female 4-pin connectors on both ends. Compared with the chunkier JST-PH these are 1mm pitch instead of 2mm, but still have a nice latching feel, while being easy to insert and remove.
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This 4-wire cable is a little over 300mm / 11.8" long and fitted with JST-SH female 4-pin connectors on both ends. Compared with the chunkier JST-PH these are 1mm pitch instead of 2mm, but still have a nice latching feel, while being easy to insert and remove.
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[STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-Pin Cable - 400mm long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5385)
This 4-wire cable is a little over 400mm / 15.7" long and fitted with JST-SH female 4-pin connectors on both ends. Compared with the chunkier JST-PH these are 1mm pitch instead of 2mm, but still have a nice latching feel, while being easy to insert and remove.
In Stock
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[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5385/guides)
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