Pair a controller with Microduck

Put the controller in pairing mode

The upstream guide distinguishes switching a controller on from making it discoverable. On an Xbox controller, power it on and then use the small Sync button until the light flashes quickly. On DualSense, hold Create and PS together until the light bar flashes.

Have only the intended controller in pairing mode for the first attempt. Follow the guide for your specific hardware if the controller behaves differently.

Pair, then inspect the connection

On the robot, the documented pairing command is:

sudo robotctl pad pair

Then inspect the connection:

robotctl pad status

The reference explains that controller connectivity and the gamepad service are separate states. A connected pad does not by itself prove the driver is working. Check both lines of the status output.

Troubleshoot the smallest possible problem

Write down whether discovery, pairing, reconnection or driving is failing. These are different stages. A report that says only “the controller does not work” makes it hard to know where to start.

Try one change and recheck the same stage. Preserve the original error message. The upstream pairing guide includes trust and radio-specific cases; use those instructions for the matching symptom instead of changing Bluetooth configuration at random.

Before the first movement

Finish reading the current operating instructions before driving. Choose a clear test area and understand how to stop movement. Begin with a short, simple input so that you can see whether the response matches your expectation.

Keep the owner documentation nearby for the current button mapping and subsequent setup.