In addition to using the in-Command controls available for the CP52-E PTZ, users can use their favorite hand-held controllers for an enhanced experience. Two options are available for all CP52-E users: 3rd party joysticks and Microsoft Xbox controllers. Through this article, we will explain how to connect and use various controllers with your CP52-E PTZ.

Verkada has developed a customized experience specifically built for Xbox controllers. Without any configuration or button mapping required, Command users can easily control their CP52-E PTZ with their own Xbox controllers. As long as the controller is recognized as an Xbox device, it will automatically be paired to your computer with the pre-configured button mapping outlined below.

To connect an Xbox wireless controller to a Mac you need to complete two tasks:

Note: The Xbox controller cannot be used when it is charging or connected via USB to an iOS computer. If you encounter any difficulties connecting the controller, please contact our support team at [email protected].

In the following section, we will outline a couple methods to connect and control different joysticks to the CP52-E PTZ. We will demonstrate this process using two joysticks: the Vivotek AJ-001 and the Thrustmaster joystick.

By using a keyboard mapping software, we will show how users can customize the controls to fit their specific needs and preferences. The same process can be used with any 3rd party joystick.

1. Start by downloading Joystick Mapper from the iOS App Store

2. Connect the AJ-001 joystick to your iOS device through a USB connection.

3. Once connected, open up the Joystick Mapper application.

4. Select “Add a new preset…” to create your customized button mapping. Note: Notice the “1 joystick connected” message which appears at the bottom of the screen. If you do not see this message, ensure the joystick is properly connected via USB to your computer.

5. This will open up a new window to edit the preset and build your customized button mapping. Give the preset a name and an optional tag for easier management of your presets. Users will be able to create bindings between the keyboard keys and joystick controls by clicking “Add a new bind” at the bottom of the window.

6. Create new binds using the “Scan” button. Once pressed, users will have a few seconds to use a joystick input (either an axis or a specific button), which will be automatically detected by Joystick Mapper. Once the input is detected, users will be able to associate a specific keyboard arrow key to that input using the drop down menu on the right side of the window.

7. Create binds for all of the joystick’s buttons and axes using the scan feature or by manually entering the button and/or corresponding axes. The following image shows the fully built out mapping recommended with the CP52-E.

8. Once the mapping is complete, close the “Edit Preset” window. This will save all changes and update the home window to match the newly created preset. To use the joystick, select the preset checkbox and open up your CP52-E PTZ in Command.

The same instructions outlined above can be used to create the joystick controls mapping for the Thrustmaster flight stick. The recommended mapping can be found in the image below. However, the mapping can be built in such a way that is unique to each deployment to satisfy various user preferences.

1. Start by downloading JoyToKey from their website.

2. Connect the AJ-001 joystick to your Windows computer through a USB connection. You should get a message indicating that a USB connection was established.

3. Once connected, open up the JoyToKey application.

4. In the bottom left corner of the JoyToKey window, click on “Create” and give the profile a name that will be easy to recognize later on (ie. “Vivotek AJ-100”). Once you have decided on a profile name, click “Ok” to save the profile.

5. Now that the profile has been created, you will be able to map any of the joystick's buttons or axes to keyboard keys. The mapping configuration menu can be found by either double clicking on the joystick inputs or using the “Edit button assignment” at the bottom of the window.

6. The following window will open separately to configure the button and axis mapping. Using the box highlighted in yellow, choose the desired keyboard key to be binded to the joystick’s input (example: when configuring the left tilt axis, shown in the image below, press the left arrow on the keyboard to pair the controls). Once the input has been mapped, press OK at the bottom of the window.

7. Create binds for all of the joystick’s buttons and axes using the above method. The following image shows the fully built out mapping recommended with the CP52-E.

8. Once the mapping is complete, navigate to the “Options” menu at the top of the window and click on “Refresh”. This will save your current profile and apply the mapping to the connected joystick. The CP52-E is now ready to be controlled with the joystick!

The same instructions outlined above can be used to create the joystick controls mapping for the Thrustmaster flight stick. The recommended mapping can be found in the image below. However, the mapping can be built in such a way that is unique to each deployment to satisfy various user preferences.