smc_pad - controller helper for the Super Mecha Champions community server
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The game cannot read a controller on PC by itself. smc_pad_helper.exe reads it (with SDL2) and hands
it to the game over a local connection (127.0.0.1 only - nothing leaves this PC). The game starts it
by itself when it needs it and it closes itself after the game exits. You never need to start it.

Check what it sees (in a terminal, game closed or open):

    smc_pad_helper.exe --list

smc_pad_helper.log (written beside it each time it starts) lists the controllers it found.

A flight stick or other controller that --list shows as "NO GameController mapping" can be made one with
a mapping line (mappings.txt here explains the format and holds the VKB Gladiator EVO line). To see its
GUID and which axis / button / hat moves:

    smc_pad_helper.exe --probe

Put your own lines in package\Documents\smc_pad.json as "sdl_mappings": ["..."] (this folder is
replaced by kit updates).

If Windows Security quarantines it, run "CONTROLLER - allow in Windows Security.bat" from the kit.
To remove it: delete this folder (leave.ps1 does it for you).

SDL2.dll: Simple DirectMedia Layer, https://libsdl.org - zlib licence. Built 2026-10-13, SDL 2.32.10,
Python 3.13.6, PyInstaller 6.22.3.
