Set Up a PS4 Controller for FPVSIM
Connect, map, and calibrate a PlayStation 4 controller for smooth flying in the FPVSIM drone simulator.
Connect and configure a compatible DJI controller so its sticks and switches work correctly in FPVSIM.
What this tutorial covers
DJI controllers need an extra preparation step before FPVSIM can receive them as a joystick. This guide installs the matching DJI Assistant 2 package, connects the controller, and calibrates it in both the desktop and browser simulators. The demonstration uses a DJI FPV Remote Controller 3; other DJI models may require a different Assistant 2 package.
Match the software to the controller. DJI publishes several Assistant 2 editions. Use the product-family download page specified for your exact controller instead of assuming every edition contains the same drivers.
Before you begin
- A supported DJI controller and its data-capable USB cable.
- A Windows or macOS computer supported by the appropriate DJI Assistant 2 edition.
- Permission to install the DJI software and sign in when requested.
- FPVSIM desktop or browser access.
Prepare the DJI controller
Download the correct DJI Assistant 2 edition
Find the official DJI support page for your controller. The video uses the Consumer Drones Series edition for the Remote Controller 3 shown, then downloads the Windows installer. Choose the installer for your own operating system and product family.
Install and open DJI Assistant 2
Complete the installation, launch the application, and sign in if prompted.
Power on the controller
Use DJI's normal two-part power sequence shown in the video: press the power button once, then press and hold it.
Connect by USB
Attach the controller to the computer with a data cable. Wait until DJI Assistant 2 recognizes it before moving to FPVSIM.
Calibrate in FPVSIM desktop
Open Calibrate Gamepad
Launch FPVSIM, open Options, and select Calibrate Gamepad. The same action is also available from the Radio and Gamepad tab.
Capture the complete range
Move every stick to its extremes so FPVSIM can measure the available range.
Follow the directional prompts
Move throttle fully up, roll fully right, pitch fully up, and yaw fully right when those directions are requested by the calibration sequence.
Apply and test
Apply the calibration and make a controlled test flight. Recalibrate if the input display does not center or reach its endpoints.
Pair and calibrate in FPVSIM web
Open the browser simulator
Start Fly in Browser on FPVSIM. When the simulator asks for controller access, accept the prompt. You can also open Settings, choose Controller, and select Pair controller.
Choose the correct device
Select the controller in the browser's device chooser and connect it. Some operating systems expose a generic name such as HID interface. If more than one entry appears, test them one at a time.
Verify live input
Move the sticks and confirm that the controller display responds before starting calibration.
Complete calibration
Select Start calibration, move through the full range, and follow the roll, pitch, yaw, and throttle prompts.
Troubleshooting tips
- If DJI Assistant 2 does not see the controller, confirm the exact Assistant edition, cable, USB port, power sequence, and any driver prompts.
- If the browser shows several generic HID entries, connect each candidate and keep the one whose live axes move with the controller.
- Do not skip calibration. Drone control requires accurate centers, ranges, and axis directions even when the operating system already recognizes the device.
- Keep DJI Assistant 2 available while troubleshooting initial detection; reopen it if the controller disappears after reconnecting.
Edited transcript
This transcript has been cleaned for clarity while preserving the demonstrated setup sequence.
00:00–00:38
This video explains how to use DJI controllers with both FPVSIM desktop and web. DJI setup is more involved than many OpenTX-based radios because extra software is needed before the controller is recognized as an external gamepad or joystick.
00:38–01:32
The software is DJI Assistant 2. Search results show several editions, including Consumer Drones and Enterprise. For the Remote Controller 3 in the demonstration, use the Consumer Drones Series edition. Download the installer that matches Windows or macOS, install it, sign in, and open the application.
01:33–02:13
Power on the controller by pressing the power button once and then pressing and holding it. Connect it to the computer. Once DJI Assistant 2 recognizes the controller, continue to FPVSIM. The desktop workflow is shown first.
02:14–03:47
In FPVSIM desktop, open Options and click Calibrate Gamepad. The same button is available in the Radio and Gamepad tab. Calibration is required because precise drone control depends on accurate ranges. Move every stick to its extremes, then follow the prompts for throttle, roll, pitch, and yaw. Apply the result and test it in flight.
04:21–05:14
For the browser version, go to FPVSIM and choose Fly in Browser. Accept the request to pair a controller, or open Settings, Controller, and Pair controller. The device name depends on the operating system and may be as generic as HID interface.
05:15–06:07
Pick a device and connect it. If multiple entries appear, try each until stick movement appears in FPVSIM. Then start calibration and follow the same range and axis prompts. After that, the DJI controller is ready to fly in the browser simulator.
Frequently asked questions
Which DJI Assistant 2 edition should I install?
Use the official edition listed for your exact controller. The video uses Consumer Drones Series for the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 shown, but another model may require another package.
Why does the browser list only HID interface?
That generic name comes from the operating system. Connect the candidate entry and move the sticks; the correct device will produce live input in FPVSIM.
Why is calibration mandatory if DJI Assistant already sees the controller?
Recognition only makes the device available. Calibration gives FPVSIM accurate centers, endpoints, and axis directions for flight control.
What if DJI Assistant 2 does not recognize the controller?
Check that the controller is fully powered on, the cable carries data, the USB port works, and the installed Assistant 2 edition matches the controller's product family.
Can I use the same procedure on macOS?
The video notes that DJI Assistant 2 supports both Windows and macOS. Download the correct installer and follow the same recognition and FPVSIM calibration sequence, allowing for operating-system-specific device prompts.
