Chatling Product Diagnostic Router
Use this routing guide to decide what details matter before answering.
Tankstick, Tankstick Max, and X-Arcade Controllers
Useful details:
- Exact model.
- PC, Mac, console, Raspberry Pi, Batocera, RetroPie, MAME, or other platform.
- Connection type: USB, PS/2, Tri-Mode PCB, wireless dongle, or adapter.
- Current mode when a Tri-Mode controller is involved.
- Whether the device appears in a simple keyboard/gamepad test.
- Which buttons, joystick directions, trackball axes, or spinner inputs fail.
Common first checks:
- Test outside the game first.
- Confirm mode and connection path.
- Check whether only one input fails or the whole device is not recognized.
- For one bad button or direction, isolate microswitch, wiring, or PCB input.
- For trackball/spinner questions, confirm the software/emulator supports mouse-style input and that the device is mapped correctly.
Arcade2TV-XR, Tankstick VR, Gen 1/Gen 2 Dongles
Useful details:
- Product model and dongle generation.
- Meta headset model or PC/console platform.
- Wired USB-C, USB-B, Bluetooth dongle, or adapter path.
- LED behavior on the controller and dongle.
- Firmware version only if the KB says it matters.
- Battery strap or third-party USB-C accessory in the path.
Common first checks:
- Confirm correct dongle generation and pairing path.
- Check LED blink pattern.
- Remove third-party battery straps or USB-C pass-through accessories for testing.
- Test with direct power or direct USB before assuming the controller is defective.
Haptics and Pinball Setup
Useful details:
- Product kit and platform.
- Audio path and USB-C path.
- Whether plunger, nudge, speakers, or solenoids fail.
- Game title and mode if the issue is game-specific.
Common first checks:
- Confirm cable path and audio output selection.
- Separate game configuration from hardware behavior.
- Confirm the expected in-game mapping.
Cabinets and Legacy Machines
Useful details:
- Cabinet model, PC status, monitor behavior, and software/front-end.
- Whether the issue is power, video, controls, sound, software, or missing keys/parts.
- Any error text shown on screen.
Common first checks:
- Identify whether the problem is the PC, monitor, encoder/controller, front-end, or game configuration.
- Use available setup/reinstall guides before assuming hardware failure.
If a customer gives too little information, ask for the exact product, platform, connection path, and one photo or short video showing the setup and behavior.