Newbie question: how do I use a pad on Stepmania?

I'm getting back into DDR for exercise, and I'd like to use SM5 instead of DDR on my PS2. I've been trying to find a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how pads work on computers, but I can't find one. Do pads work on SM? What pad do I use to work with SM? How do I connect it? Is there already a guide out there that I'm not aware of?

I honestly have no clue of how any of this works, any help is appreciated.





....Please don't give me a bad user rating, I'm really honestly confused about this stuff

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http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PS-PS2-Game-Pad-Controller-Female-to-PS3-PC-Standard-Male-USB-Adapter-Cable-Hot/191551234821?_trksid=p2141725.c100338.m3726&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20141212152715%26meid%3D9de6add99b8540ab977e37305a9b8e13%26pid%3D100338%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D29%26sd%3D281349626135

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What system are you on? Windows, Linux, etc.

What connectors do you have on the pads you own? Just PS2, or are your pads multi-connector type?

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I'm on a Mac. I have two really old RedOctane PS2 pads from 2007, but I don't think they're in good condition. I can upload a photo if it would help.

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Unless you want to buy a new Mac-compatible mat with a USB connector, you will need a PS2 to USB adapter like the one Quickman linked to. Compatibility depends on your system drivers, for example my Windows 7 64bit system automatically detects a USB mat and installs Xbox Dance Pad drivers, and it's likely that something similar exists for Mac. A PS2 to USB adaptor will likely require its own drivers that may come with it on CD, or alternatively be downloadable. You also need one that can support a "dance mode" where two opposite directions can be held together (up and down, left and right) as most normal controllers appear to prevent this.

If your current pads are that old, and you feel it's worth the investment, I would advise buying a proper USB mat. I bought two foam-padded ones a good 5 years ago and at least one still works (haven't tried the other in a while). You can also get ones that support multiple adaptors (typically at least PS2 and USB) so you can use them with multiple systems at your leisure.

Have a think, and maybe do some research yourself and tell us what's sounding good to you, and I'd advise consulting with us before making a decision, just in case, though it's obviously up to you.

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Would you consider this pad a good choice? It's hard to find a pad that has Mac compatibility, but this is the only non-Ebay one I found.

http://www.amazon.com/Energy-Foam-Deluxe-Dance-Playstation-2/dp/B000GHG0BA/

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PS2 usb adapters usually work, you only need the drivers, some pads with the adapter won't press opposite arrows (Left/Right for example) some pads won't press more than 2 arrows at the same time.

Is better to buy a multi-system pad like the Energy pad that you've posted.

Y personally use cheap usb controllers that doesn't need drivers, those are compatible with any os generally:



And with the help of someone experimented, change the components with a damaged or new pad. I use SM5 on Linux/Windows and works like a charm. My pad is a custom metal pad.

I would just get an Metal pad I find those better than foam pads like the energy metal pad or the omega pads

Edit: Weird glitch doublepost

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Did something weird happen with the forum? That's the duplicate of a previous post hollandaze posted.

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Oh, that's really weird. I have no idea what that is.

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please don't ever buy ddrgame pads

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Is there something wrong with them?

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Just a few extra notes, make sure the pad is connected BEFORE you open SM5, and remember to configure input in the settings for the pad. It doesn't automatically map inputs for pads as far as I know, and sometimes hooking up the pad while SM5 is open will not detect the pad until you restart the game.