IPEGA PG-9017 Wireless Bluetooth Controller Review (Android / iOS)

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In this review, we would like to talk about the IPEGA PG-9017, a Bluetooth controller specially designed for Android and iOS smartphones, such as iPhone, Samsung Galaxy S II, HTC One S, Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Motorola Droid Razr and many others. The reason for this is that the IPEGA PG-9017 has an extendable grip to support different smartphone sizes (below we talk about limits), so you can attach you smartphone, synchronize devices through Bluetooth and play your favorite games using a gamepad.

By the way, our IPEGA PG-9017 was bought on Dealextreme (sku.172963) and the package came with the following items:

1x IPEGA PG-9017 Bluetooth controller.
1x 85cm USB cable (used to recharge the Bluetooth gamepad).
1x User manual (English and Chinese).

Features of the IPEGA PG-9017

4 modes of use: iCade, Mouse, Keyboard and Joystick (details later).
Bluetooth 3.0 (it works with older Bluetooth devices too).
6~8 meters of wireless range (useful if the grip will not be used).
Compatible with iOS and Android tablets and smartphones (it worked on Windows 7 too).
Built-in lithium battery.
Buttons: A, B, X, Y, L, R, Select, Start and HOME.
Pads: one D-Pad and two Analogs (true analogs when in JOYSTICK mode - see note 1).
Power saving mode when no use.
Material: plastic
Offered in two colors: black or white (links below).

Check our YouTube channel for more IPEGA PG-9017 videos.

Will my smartphone fit in the IPEGA PG-9017 grip?

ipega pg-9017 bluetooth controller grip

As you can see on the picture above, the IPEGA PG-9017 grip (or clamp/holder) extension is limited, so you only will be able to attach smartphones with width around 7.5cm. If your smartphone width (smartphone + case thickness) is bigger than that, then you will not be able to use this wireless Bluetooth controller. However, there are workarounds, like the guy in this video who managed to attach a Samsung Galaxy Note (8.3 cm of width) to the IPEGA PG-9017 using a plastic case mod. Also, there is the option to use this wireless Bluetooth controller without the grip, which is the option for those who have tablets (Android or iPad).

How to use the IPEGA PG-9017 Bluetooth Controller

In order to use this Android Bluetooth controller (also works on iOS), you only need to own a device with Bluetooth. However, not every device will pair with the IPEGA PG-9017 due to some Android bugs. For instance, this Bluetooth gamepad did not work with the HTC Desire HD running Android 2.3.3. However, after installing the Blackout v3.2 ICS ROM (Android 4.0.4), they worked fine. So, try to find information from other IPEGA PG-9017 owners on the Internet or buy it and try for yourself.

Getting back to the how-to, follow the steps below to pair and connect IPEGA PG-9017 to your Android smartphone (iPhone, iPad and iPod should be similar):

Step 1: Make sure the Bluetooth gamepad is OFF (SEARCH LED should be off). If on, hold HOME button for a few seconds to turn it off.
Step 2: Attach the smartphone in the Bluetooth gamepad grip.
Step 3: Go to Bluetooth settings of your smartphone and turn on Bluetooth.
Step 4: Now, depending on the mode you want turn it on, hold down A, B, X or Y (details in the next section).
Step 5: Still holding one of those four buttons (ABXY), hold down HOME button for a few seconds until the SEARCH LED start blinking, which means the Android controller is on and searching for devices to pair.
Step 6: Now, release the pressed buttons, get back to the smartphone screen and click on the option to scan for Bluetooth devices. That option may be hidden depending on Android version, so maybe the MENU button of your smartphone can help.
Step 7: After finding the IPEGA PG-9017, your smartphone will list a new device: "Bluetooth Gamepad".
Step 8: Touch this new item. A menu will popup asking for pair. Just confirm the pairing process and wait for conclusion.
Step 9: After successful pairing, wait again until your Android smartphone try to connect to Android gamepad automatically. If it fails, see note 2.
Step 10: After successful connecting (SEARCH LED will stay on and smartphone will mark this Android gamepad as connected), you are ready to try to use this Android gamepad with your game or emulator. If it fails connecting, see note 2.

The next part is to try to use IPEGA PG-9017 wireless Bluetooth controller with your game or emulator. Most of the retro emulators (for SNES, Mega Drive, Nintendo 64, Playstation, NES, Master System, Arcade, Neo Geo, etc.) allow you to configure a Bluetooth controller, at least in KEYBOARD mode. However, just a few Android games accept these Bluetooth controllers (currently), so you will have to try the modes until find something playable. By the way, make sure to unpair, turn off, turn on in other mode and pair again the IPEGA PG-9017 to avoid Bluetooth bugs. If Android do not unpair it in either way, reboot your smartphone.

Which MODE should I use?

As we mentioned, the IPEGA PG-9017 has 4 modes of use: Joystick, Keyboard, iCade and Mouse. You pick one of them when turning on this Bluetooth gamepad. Just hold down A, B, X or Y (according to the table below) and then hold HOME button for a few seconds (SEARCH LED will start blinking).

Each mode has some features, as shown in the table below, so try different ones when having problems while mapping button or testing games. As recommendation, start trying JOYSTICK mode. If no success, try the other modes. For Android users, there is an app on Google Play called GameKeyboard, who claims to allow users to play touch-only games with a gamepad (like this Bluetooth gamepad), but unfortunately we did not have a chance to test it (paid app).

To help you know the features of each mode, and which button (ABXY) to hold before turning on the wireless Bluetooth controller, we compiled the table below using the tool "Controller diagnostics" from Mupen64 Plus AE Free (v2.2.0), a Nintendo 64 emulator (go to "Settings" -> "Input" -> "Controller" -> "Controller diagnostics").

Mode	Button	Notes
Joystick	X	true analogs D-Pad and left analog are separated (different events)
Keyboard	A	D-Pad and left analog are the same (no true analog) no right analog
iCade	Y	D-Pad and left analog are the same (no true analog) no right analog no START / SELECT (those two white buttons of a real iCade are not mapped)
Mouse	B	L or R used as mouse click right analog used to move mouse cursor no left analog no D-Pad no ABXY buttons no START / SELECT

Where can I buy this IPEGA PG-9017?

This IPEGA PG-9017 Bluetooth controller is for sale at Dealextreme for about $24. We bought the black version, but there is also a white version with the same features.

IPEGA PG-9017 compatibility list

Again, to help those looking for compatible games and emulators, we compiled the list below showing app/game name, version, notes, modes used, device and Android version. Obviously, it is a little list right now, but with your help it can get bigger and more accurate. Use the comments section below to share your experience with this Android Bluetooth controller.

Game/App (ver.)	Notes	Device
Mupen64 Plus AE (2.2.0)	all OK (including true analogs) after mapping keys - JM	Desire HD 4.0.4 (Blackout 3.2)
aFBA (1.6)	all OK after mapping keys - KM	*
Snes9x EX+ (1.5.10)	all OK after mapping keys - KM	*
GENPLUSDroid (1.9.3)	all OK after mapping keys - JM and KM	*
My Boy! Free (1.3.6) GBA emulator	all OK after mapping keys - KM	*
SuperGNES Lite (1.3.9)	all OK after mapping keys - KM	*
Sonic CD Lite (1.0.4)	all OK - JM or KM	*
Zenonia 4 (1.1.4)	action button only in START - KM	*
Zenonia 4 (1.1.4)	ABXYLR, START and SELECT as action button - JM	*
Avenger (1.04.00)	only D-Pad works - JM or KM	*
Assaulter (1.08.01)	only D-Pad works - JM or KM	*
Chrono & Cash Free (1.2.8)	it seems ok - IM	*
Recess Riot (1.2.1)	holding buttons not handle properly - IM	*
Mupen64 Plus AE (2.2.0)	all OK (including true analogs) after mapping keys - JM	Samsung Galaxy S II 4.0.3
Cordy (1.70)	all OK - JM	Desire HD 4.0.4 (ViperDHD 2.2.0)
Tiger Arcade (3.1.2)	all OK after mapping keys and clearing unused buttons - KM	*
N64oid (2.7)	true analogs, but didn't recognize mapped D-Pad and right analog in game - JM	*
N64oid (2.7)	all OK with limitations (no true analogs, D-Pad and left analog are the same and no right analog) - KM	*
FPse (0.11.87)	no right analog, slow input handle in "Analog pad" and normal input handle in "Digital pad" - JM	*
FPse (0.11.87)	all ok with limitations (no true analogs, D-Pad and left analog are the same and no right analog) - KM	*

Legends:

JM -> Joystick Mode.
KM -> Keyboard Mode.
IM -> iCade Mode.
MM -> Mouse Mode.
* -> Same device as before.

Note that graphic, performance or sound problems are not in the scope of this IPEGA PG-9017 review.

Problems

Now we will list some problems that we found while using this wireless Bluetooth controller:

Stiff D-Pad (not a big problem for most of the games).
Stiff analog sticks (maybe they will be more flexible with use).
Low visibility by developers (currently), but probably more games/apps will be compatible with IPEGA PG-9017 in future.
iCade mode does not have mapped those two white buttons of the real iCade.

IPEGA PG-9017 Information for Developers (for Android)

In order to help Android developers to add IPEGA PG-9017 support in their games and apps (show this table to your prefered developers), we compiled the table below with information regarding KeyEvent and MotionEvent classes (comment if something is missing).

If you are an Android developer and need a tester who owns the IPEGA PG-9017, feel free to contact us by email or comment below.

KeyCode / Button	Mode
	Keyboard	Joystick	iCade (Down/Up)
A	38(J)	189(Button 2)	49(U)/34(F)
B	39(K)	190(Button 3)	36(H)/46(R)
X	41(M)	191(Button 4)	38(J)/42(N)
Y	37(I)	190(Button 3)	53(Y)/48(T)
L Shoulder	45(Q)	192(Button 5)	37(I)/41(M)
R Shoulder	44(P)	193(Button 6)	39(K)/44(P)
Select	46(R)	196(Button 9)	-
Start	53(Y)	197(Button 10)	-
D-Pad Up	19(DPAD_UP)	AXIS_HAT_Y(-)	51(W)/33(E)
D-Pad Down	20(DPAD_DOWN)	AXIS_HAT_Y(+)	52(X)/54(Z)
D-Pad Left	21(DPAD_LEFT)	AXIS_HAT_X(-)	29(A)/45(Q)
D-Pad Right	22(DPAD_RIGHT)	AXIS_HAT_X(+)	32(D)/31(C)
L-Analog Up	19(DPAD_UP)	AXIS_Y(-)	51(W)/33(E)
L-Analog Down	20(DPAD_DOWN)	AXIS_Y(+)	52(X)/54(Z)
L-Analog Left	21(DPAD_LEFT)	AXIS_X(-)	29(A)/45(Q)
L-Analog Right	22(DPAD_RIGHT)	AXIS_X(+)	32(D)/31(C)
R-Analog Up	-	AXIS_RZ(-)	-
R-Analog Down	-	AXIS_RZ(+)	-
R-Analog Left	-	AXIS_Z(-)	-
R-Analog Right	-	AXIS_Z(+)	-

Note 1: For Android users, it is required that your device has Android 3.1 or higher to support analog sticks. Check our YouTube video showing the IPEGA PG-9017 being tested in all 4 modes.

Note 2: As we already mentioned, not every device will work with IPEGA PG-9017. If you are an unlucky whose smartphone failed to pair or connect to this Android gamepad, and you really want to use it, try to search for official or unofficial Android ROM's, as it worked for our HTC Desire HD running Android 2.3.3.

VAP11G WiFi Bridge Review (LAN to Wireless adapter)

adapter, dealextreme, ethernet, lan, review, software, tutorial, vap11g, wifi, wireless No comments

In this review, we would like to talk about the VAP11G (bought on Dealextreme), a WiFi bridge that can be used as a LAN to wireless adapter. For instance, lets say that you have a 1080p media player capable of connect to Internet only through LAN port (Ethernet interface - RJ45). Configuring the VAP11G to connect automatically to your WiFi network and then plug it in the LAN port (media player in this example), makes possible to the media player connect to Internet wirelessly (presuming that your WiFi network is working properly). For better understanding, check the image below.

vap11g wifi bridge scheme

The VAP11G is compatible with a lot of devices with LAN port, such as IP camera, smart TV, Xbox 360, Playstation 3 (PS3), Playstation 2 (PS2), DVB set top box, satellite receiver, TV receiver, bluray player, media player and computer (laptop or desktop). Instructions for install and use (specially supplying power for it) will be shown further in this VAP11G review.

Features of the VAP11G

Below are some of the features of the VAP11G WiFi bridge (check DX product's page for more details):

LAN to wireless adapter (aka LAN to WiFi, LAN to WLAN, Ethernet to WiFi and Ethernet to wireless).
1x DC 2.0mm female power port. (*)
1x DC 2.0mm male power connector. (*)
1x DC 2.0mm female to USB extension.
IEEE 802.11g/b compliant (VAP11N is IEEE 802.11n compliant).
Compatible with WEP (64 bit and 128 bit), WPA and WPA2 security access.
Supports SSID broadcast.
Supports any VoIP ATAs and VoIP phone.
Dimensions: 1.5cm x 4.5cm x 9cm.

Where can I buy this VAP11G (LAN to Wireless adapter)

This Vonets VAP11G WiFi bridge is for sale at Dealextreme for about $25, more specifically in this link.

Tutorial: How to Setup the Vonets VAP11G

In order to use the VAP11G, you must follow these 3 steps:

Install the software (CD included).
Configure the VAP11G using that software.
Plug the VAP11G properly in your LAN device (use only one power supply method).

Case you need help, following are the detailed instructions for installing, configuring and using the VAP11G.

Installing the Software (CD included)

There is no secret in this step: just insert the CD in your computer, execute the installer (if autorun is disabled) and follow the install wizard. Just pay attention to two things:

VAP11G software only works on Windows (required for configuration only).
During installation, install wizard will ask if Winpcap must be installed too - yes, it should (as shown here).

Configuring the VAP11G (using software)

After installation, plug VAP11G to the LAN port (motherboard or PCI card), power the VAP11G using the USB extension (connect to a USB port of your computer) and execute VAP11G software. Now, follow these steps:

Step 1: Select the WiFi bridge (VAP11G) connected to PC (as in this image). Use the refresh button case show none. If more than one are shown, confirm the MAC address by looking on the back of the VAP11G.
Step 2: After clicking on "Next", select your WiFi network (check the SSID) and click on "Next" (as shown here). Also, WiFi network data (SSID and channel) can be put manually in case SSID broadcast is enabled (network is hidden).
Step 3: Now, put the WiFi password (if there is one) and "Next" again (as in this image).
Step 4: Confirm the configuration and click on "Next" to finish (VAP11G software will show this screen).

Using the VAP11G

Now that configuration was finished, plug the VAP11G in your device with LAN port (IP camera, media player, gaming console, etc.). Also, power the VAP11G, but you have 3 ways to do that (choose only one):

Using the USB port (most common).
Using the DC 2.0mm male power connector.
Using a DC 2.0mm power adapter (not included).

Again, you must choose only one method to power the VAP11G.

Regarding the WiFi range, it is not great, but probably will fit for in-home use.

Note 1: According to the VAP11G box.

Qanba Q1 Arcade Stick Review (for PS3 and PC)

arcade stick, dealextreme, fighting, game, pc, ps3, qanba, sanwa, seimitsu, usb, windows No comments

Presentation of the Qanba Q1 Arcade Stick

It is time for arcade stick review! We bought the Qanba Q1 arcade stick (Cut version) from Dealextreme (sku.169538) and would like share our experience with it. So far, is a great arcade stick for PS3 and PC. I, the person who is writing this review, was used to play fighting games on keyboard, PS2 and Xbox 360 wireless controller, until I decided to get this Qanba Q1 arcade stick. Not sure how it performs compared to a Mad Catz or other famous arcade sticks that come with Sanwa or Seimitsu parts, because it is the first that I bought. However, for me, it was a good deal since I am starting on fighting games. Continue reading this Qanba Q1 arcade stick review to know more about it and conclude for yourself.

The product cost about $100 and comes with the following items inside the package:

1x Qanba Q1 Arcade Stick (Cut version).
2x Table clamps (check the image gallery above to understand its usefulness).
3x Restrictor gates/plates (square, circle and octagonal) - 1 installed and 2 spare.
2x Dummy buttons (dummy mounting hole cover used to fill empty button holes - no function).
1x Cleaning cloth.
1x Chinese manual (and some others Chinese papers).

Check the Qanba Q1 unboxing video below to see those items.

Features of the Qanba Q1 Arcade Stick

As you probably already know, this Qanba Q1 arcade stick is for PS3 and PC, which is a good feature (it would cost more money to support Xbox 360), but that is not the only feature to a serious fighting gamer looking for a new arcade stick. So, we put below its main features (our opinion):

Arcade stick for PS3 and PC (Qanba Q4 RAF is compatible with PS3, PC and Xbox 360).
185cm USB cable (there is a compartment on the left).
13 buttons (8 on the right of the stick).
Turbo function (2 modes - detailed later in this Qanba Q1 arcade stick review).
Equipped with Qanba buttons and Qanba stick (Omron microswitch).
Anti-slip bottom pad (on the arcade stick and on the table clamp).
Adjustable / removable table clamps (check image gallery for dimensions).
Weight: about 2.0 Kg (2.7 Kg packaged).
Dimensions: 33.5cm x 21cm x 5.5cm (without clamps).

Case those features are too much for your needs, the Dealextreme also sells other arcade sticks. Try to find a cheaper one that fits your needs, but know that it probably will have an inferior overall quality (stick, buttons, features, etc.).

What are the Compatible Fighting Games?

There are a lot of fighting games compatible with this cheap arcade stick. Actually, every game tested so far worked fine. If you have problems, try to go on "button config" menu of your game and configure for yourself.

Case you are curious about the online fighting games library, know that this Qanba Q1 arcade stick can be used for you to play some PS3 games, like:

Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition.
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3.
The King of Fighters XIII.
Street Fighter x Tekken.
Tekken 6.
Blaz Blue.

For PC users, there are a lot of online fighting games options, most of them are classic fighting games that can be played on GGPO/Supercade (or similar software). Some of these PC games are:

Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition.
Street Fighter x Tekken.
The King of Fighters 2002.
The King of Fighters 98.
Super Street Fighter Alpha 3.
Garou: Mark of the Wolves.
Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo.
Marvel vs Capcom.
Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike.
Vampire Savior (aka Darkstalkers).

Obviously, the lists above are only examples. There are many other fighting games for PC and PS3.

How to Turn ON the Turbo Function (2 modes)

This Qanba Q1 arcade stick has 2 turbo modes: one that will activates when holding a button (manual turbo) and one that will keep a button in turbo (automatic turbo). Each button can have only one of those two modes activated per time and the turbo function is activated per button. When USB cable is disconnected, the turbo memory will be lost.

Now, to turn ON the turbo in one button, do the following:

Step 1: Press and hold the turbo button (top-left).
Step 2: Press and hold the button that you want to activate turbo.
Step 3: Release the picked button.
Step 4: Release the turbo button.

After that, the turbo light should be on. That means that button you pressed is in "manual turbo", which means when you press and hold it, the turbo on it will activate.

If you repeat all the previous steps, for the same button, it should enter in "automatic turbo", which means that button will keep in turbo automatically. If you press it, the turbo on that button will off temporary. If you release it, the automatic turbo will come back.

Finally, to disable the turbo in one button, do the same previous steps. Briefly, these are the orders of the states in one button:

1. Button starts with turbo OFF.
2. Do the steps above. The button will enter in manual turbo.
3. Do the steps again. The button will enter in automatic turbo.
4. Do the steps for the third time. The button will turn OFF turbo function.

Square Gate vs Circle Gate vs Octagonal Gate

As mentioned early, the package contains 2 restrictor gates (or restrictor plates). Case you do not know, the stick has one of it inside it to limit the movements (check the last image above for better understanding). Depending which restrictor gate you use (square, circle or octagonal), and depending which fighting game you are playing, you will probably have different experiences. For instance, this Qanba Q1 arcade stick came with the square restrictor gate. After some time playing SSF4AE, I (person writing this Qanba Q1 review) noticed that I was missing too much commands (hadouken, shoryuken, special moviments, etc.), so I decide to switch the restrictor gate. After removing the square restrictor gate and plugging the octagonal restrictor gate, my command execution got better.

Anyway, you should try different restrictor plates. It is easy to switch them (check the image gallery above) and the results can be satisfying.

Modding the Qanba Q1 Arcade Stick

Thinking that some fighting gamers would buy this Qanba Q1 arcade stick and, in future, mod it to add Sanwa parts or Seimitsu parts (or any other compatible parts), we decided to take a look inside it. As you can see on the images above, it is very organized internally and the wires and buttons are plugged by crimp-on quick disconnects, which means no problems for electronic enthusiasts. Also, the button hole is 30mm, so compatible with Seimitsu or Sanwa buttons.

So far, we have not had the need to mod the Qanba Q1 arcade stick, but we hope that those information and images help you case you intend to mod it.

Where can I buy this Qanba Q1 Arcade Stick?

Case you got interested after reading this Qanba Q1 arcade stick review, know that it is for sale on Dealextreme for about $100. Buy it on this link. Also, take a look in other Qanba arcade sticks for sale on Dealextreme.