How to get controller input with a twist - Using Java 1.8 | Java Community | Help. Code. Learn. | Page 1

dim sage May 22, 2026, 2:35 AM

#

Im working on a project using old Mindstorm NXTs. These are lego robots. They are super old, so all support and software for them is absolutely ancient. I have finally got them working though!

Because of their age, I am stuck using Java 1.8. My environment is Eclipse Photon Release (4.8.0). I have successfully Installed LeJOS NXJ on the mindstorms machine, and have already written programs for them.

I am trying to control my robot with preferably an Xbox One controller. I need help figuring out what libraries I can use to do this. I think Jinput has been around long enough but Im having trouble tracking down older versions.

My plan is to run the controller software on the computer, and connect to the robot via bluetooth. THe robot will recieve intepreted inputs via a data stream- so the robot does not need to do any of the controller handling. If it can though, thatd be super cool.

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

sacred fulcrumBOT May 22, 2026, 2:35 AM

#

⌛ This post has been reserved for your question.

Hey @dim sage! Please use /close or the Close Post button above when your problem is solved. Please remember to follow the help guidelines. This post will be automatically marked as dormant after 720 minutes of inactivity.

TIP: Narrow down your issue to simple and precise questions to maximize the chance that others will reply in here.

silk ginkgo May 22, 2026, 10:58 AM

#

Does it not work with newer Eclipse versions?

#

Does controlling it with a keyboard work already? I think using controller input may work in the same way as keyboard input (but you'd have to figure out which keys I guess)

#

By the way, I think it should be possible to use a newer Java version on the computer and only use the older Java version for the robot if you want to do that

dim sage May 22, 2026, 2:53 PM

#

silk ginkgo Does it not work with newer Eclipse versions?

I do not understand the technical reasons why, but it does not work with newer versions of eclipse, eclipse must be 32 bit.

silk ginkgo May 22, 2026, 2:54 PM

#

ah I see

dim sage May 22, 2026, 2:54 PM

#

Anyway, I may have gotten it working, we will see

#

I have to go to work today, but will try more tonight

plush orbitBOT May 22, 2026, 2:55 PM

#

I was able to find maven archives of old jinput versions, and after much hugin about, settled on 2.0.7

silk ginkgo May 22, 2026, 5:10 PM

#

Are you sure you need old versions for the desktop side?

silent bane May 23, 2026, 12:02 AM

#

@dim sage pls share github or something, i have a mindstorms (31313 i think) robot that id like to try this on

#

🙏

#How to get controller input with a twist - Using Java 1.8