Need Xbox 360 Chatpad driver

ok, this may be regarded as a little off-topic (ish). But here's my reasoning. I'm not interested in a Windows Driver, but I am interested in the usb protocol used. Why? Well, I'm an embedded hardware engineer and I make "things" (not Windows software) that use all manner of Input/Ouput. The Xbox360 gamepad is a pretty useful input device for all manner of other things other than the Xbox360 or a Windows PC.

I have the protocol for the buttons, joysticks, triggers and LEDs. But the chatpad remains a mystery. Even with a USB protocol analyser trying to figure out keypress data on the chatpad is a chore that as yet eludes me. Now Micrsosoft may not want to bother writing a driver for the PC. I can see why they can't be bothered that much. But at least putting online somewhere the USB protocol for the gamepad would

a) allow others to write their own Windows Drivers if that's what they want to do OR

b) allow me to write code that makes use of the Xbox360 gamepad + chatpad in areas Microsoft don't even know exist! After all, if I make something that uses a gamepad as it's input device then Microsoft only benefit from more sales!

It's not hard to make available the protocol. I mean, I'm not asking for that part of the gamepad USB protocol regarding the security chip that identifies the gamepad as an authentic Microsoft product, I have no interest in that and wouldn't expect MS to publish that. But the generic portion of the USB protocol that anyone can use would be really useful in the public domain. It just means more sales for MS for people wanting to make use of the Gamepad as an input device.

The Xbox360 Gamepad+Chatpad is, "bang-for-buck" and size wise as really useful little device!

I am surprised such an old topic is still being discussed, but more surprised at all the naysayers on the topic. Why would you want a mini keyboard on a pc with a full size keyboard? Why would you want to slouch over a desk rather than sit back with a controller in your hand? My back would love for this thing to work with the my pc. Not to mention all the people who would like it for their in-car pc systems and home theaters, it would make a brilliant solution if you could use the thumb sticks as the mouse and type with a chatpad. MS apparently doesn't care about this topic OR there is some horrible compatibility issue (though I don't see why there would be). If another company made a similar product for the pc I would likely buy it, but in the meantime, if you don't have anything to contribute to the discussion please don't even post on it or this will be a never-ending debate on whether or not original packaging was misleading 3 years ago rather than something productive.

@JohnD

 

  You're right about the discussion being about an Xbox 360 accessory, but the discussion is also about making said accessory work within Windows making it still relevant within this forum. If we had had this exact same discussion in the forum you suggested they would have told us to come here.

@Mattetch

 

  It seems Microsoft seems to refuse to acknowledge that the first chatpads released had packaging that said Works with Windows Live Messenger. Instead of saying something along the lines of, chat with friends on Windows Live Messenger via the Xbox 360 Live Messenger interface. They later changed the packaging to correct this oversight. Also if you can get window to recognize the device, you can use third party software to emulate key functions for just about any game out there. This software works by intercepting the keystroke on the game pad or chat pad in this case and telling the game that it came from the key board.

lastly there is a video on youtube of a programmer using the XNA studio to send information from his chatpad to the 360, and then from the 360 to his PC. Crude, but effective. There is however a notable delay which would be an issue with gamers. For those who don't know the XNA studio is a programming environment for the 360 on windows that allows you to program and run games designed for the xbox on your pc. It has an annual subscription fee. But its the same platform used to make the "Community Games" that you see in the marketplace.

I've concluded that it's not that Microsoft Can't make the chatpad work within Windows, but rather Microsoft doesn't want to make it work, and is refusing to tell us why.

Well actually, it says that it will work with xbox 360 and windows live games (aka - Halo 2 on Vista).

Snaulty is right on every point... I personally would invest in two of each of the wireless controllers, pc wireless adapters, and chatpads if there were just chatpad drivers for PC.  This would be awesome for media center PCs. but oh well. i give up for now.

But for those that are interested... i hear the PS3 controller and their wireless keypad DOES work via bluetooth.  im prolly gonna give this a try instead

I want to reiterate a few points on why people are pursuing Windows Drivers for the 360 Chatpad.

1. The Chatpad is smaller, functional, and wireless. It has a back lit display for use in the dark. These features on a full size keyboard usually land you in the $100+ Category.
2. The Original Packaging lead many to believe that the device was compatible with Windows, by mentioning Window's Live Messenger.

3.This added functionality, would increase the usefulness of the product, increasing it's sales, as a similar product does not yet exist, particularly in it's price category.

Also the reason so many people are frustrated is Microsoft won't give anyone an answer on the subject. The 360 accessories people say, talking to the Windows development team. The Windows Guys say to talk to the Xbox 360 accessories and peripherals developers. This is about Customer Care and Service. If this message is in the wrong place to be properly acknowledge, then YOU PEOPLE WHO WORK FOR MICROSOFT, should forward it to the proper department.