Xbox Controller Setup

8 min

Requires AMICS 5.2.0 or newer.

Connect an Xbox-style gamepad to control the SEM stage, zoom, focus, and other functions directly from the controller. This is useful for hands-free stage navigation during specimen survey and measurement setup.

{{FIG: Xbox Controller Setup dialog showing button mapping configuration with gamepad diagram | IDD_XBOX}}

Supported Controllers

AMICS supports standard Xbox-compatible controllers connected via USB or Bluetooth, including:

Xbox One / Series X controllers

Xbox 360 controllers (wired)

Third-party Xbox-compatible gamepads

Accessing Controller Setup

From the Investigator ribbon, click the Controller Setup button to open the configuration dialog.

Controller Mapping

All controller inputs are configurable through the setup dialog:

Joysticks

Input	Default Function	Description
Left Stick	Stage X/Y movement	Move the stage in any direction
Right Stick	Fine adjustment	Fine-tune stage position

Triggers and Bumpers

Input	Default Function	Description
Left Trigger	Zoom out	Decrease magnification
Right Trigger	Zoom in	Increase magnification
Left Bumper	Focus down	Lower focus
Right Bumper	Focus up	Raise focus

D-Pad

Input	Default Function	Description
D-Pad Up	Stage up	Move stage in Y+ direction
D-Pad Down	Stage down	Move stage in Y- direction
D-Pad Left	Stage left	Move stage in X- direction
D-Pad Right	Stage right	Move stage in X+ direction

Buttons

Input	Default Function	Description
A Button	Confirm / Select	Confirm current action
B Button	Cancel	Cancel current action
X Button	Capture image	Take a snapshot of the current view
Y Button	Auto-focus	Run the SEM auto-focus routine

Note: All mappings can be customized in the Controller Setup dialog. The defaults above are starting suggestions — configure them to match your workflow.

Tips

Use the left stick for coarse navigation and the D-pad for precise single-step movements

The controller works alongside keyboard and mouse — you can use both simultaneously

Controller input is only active when the Investigator application has focus

Disconnect the controller when not in use to prevent accidental stage movements