Controller Lab // Outer Travel Diagnostics
STICK CIRCULARITY & RANGE
Rotate an analog stick around its full outer edge. GearCheck Lab maps the furthest browser-reported reach in each direction so you can spot weak sectors, incomplete travel and an uneven outer profile.
LOCAL TESTStick readings and the captured profile stay in this browser session.
How to run a repeatable circularity and range test
- Use a stable wired or wireless connection, close controller-remapping tools you do not need, and keep the same browser for comparison runs.
- If the page reports a non-standard mapping, open the Full Controller Test and confirm which raw axis pair belongs to the physical stick.
- Select the left or right stick, press Reset profile, then move the stick to its outer edge without forcing it beyond the normal gate.
- Rotate slowly through two or three complete circles in the same direction. Avoid cutting across the centre.
- Reach at least 90% angle coverage before interpreting the directional-spread result.
- Record the weakest sector, X/Y range, average reach and spread. Reset and repeat in the opposite direction.
- Compare repeat runs and the other stick before changing calibration, deadzone or hardware.
What this browser test measures
The plot stores the greatest browser-reported radius reached in 72 directional bins. Angle coverage shows how many bins received a useful sample; average outer reach summarizes covered bins; directional spread compares the strongest and weakest covered sectors with the stick's own average.
The test compares the stick with itself. It is best at revealing repeatable weak sectors and uneven travel, not proving one universal ideal circle.
Worked interpretation examples
- 96% coverage, 7% spread: the sampled outer profile is relatively even. Repeat once; a similar shape is useful evidence.
- 94% coverage, 16% spread: review the plot for a repeatable short sector. Recalibrate where supported and compare another connection.
- 62% coverage, 24% spread: do not treat the warning as a hardware verdict. The incomplete rotation can exaggerate variation; reset and run the full edge again.
- X −0.98 to 0.63 on repeat runs: positive horizontal travel is consistently shorter. Confirm the axis mapping, then compare the other stick and the full controller readout.
These examples explain the page's broad guidance bands; they are not manufacturer specifications.
Symptom-led troubleshooting
- One wedge stays short: repeat more slowly, inspect for physical obstruction, then compare calibration and another device or connection.
- The whole profile is small: check operating-system calibration, controller mode, remapping software and whether the stick actually reached the gate.
- The outline changes every run: stabilize the connection, avoid rapid rotations and compare wired versus wireless results.
- The wrong stick moves: the device has a non-standard mapping. Verify raw axes before interpreting left or right labels.
- Movement near centre is the problem: use the Stick Drift Test and Deadzone Test; outer-range data answers a different question.
Why diagonal reach can exceed 100%
Gamepad axes are commonly exposed as separate X and Y values. If both approach their maximum together, the radial calculation can exceed 1.0. Some controllers, drivers or remapping layers normalize that diagonal; others do not.
A square-looking or above-100% diagonal is therefore not automatically a failure. Look for repeatable asymmetry, missing sectors and one-sided range loss.
Browser, firmware and hardware limits
- The browser sees processed Gamepad API values, not raw potentiometer or Hall-sensor voltage.
- Left or right labels are authoritative only for a standard Gamepad mapping; other devices can expose axes differently.
- Firmware, operating-system drivers, controller modes, deadzones and remapping layers can reshape the reported axes.
- The test does not measure physical gate geometry, input latency, centre drift, spring force or in-game response curves.
- A fast, incomplete or centre-cutting rotation can leave bins unsampled and exaggerate spread.
- PASS, WARNING and FAIL describe this captured browser profile only; they are not a repair decision or manufacturer certification.
Controller circularity test FAQ
What is a good controller stick circularity result?
There is no universal percentage that certifies every controller. Complete at least 90% angle coverage, then compare repeat runs for weak sectors and directional spread. Consistent results up to roughly 10% spread are a useful browser-visible reference, not a manufacturer tolerance.
Why does diagonal reach go above 100%?
The browser exposes separate X and Y axis values. When both approach their maximum together, the calculated radius can exceed 1.0. Firmware and drivers may normalize this differently, so compare the shape and repeatability rather than forcing a perfect circle.
Is a square-looking stick profile automatically bad?
No. Some controllers intentionally report stronger diagonal radius or use a square physical gate. Investigate repeatable asymmetry, missing sectors, or one direction stopping short instead of judging the outline alone.
Should I compare the left and right stick?
Yes. Test both sticks with the same browser and connection. A repeated weak sector on only one stick is more informative than a small difference between two incomplete runs.
Does this test replace stick-drift or deadzone testing?
No. Drift and deadzone concern unwanted or ignored movement near the center. Circularity and range concern outer travel. Use the focused tests together when diagnosing an analog stick.
Can this page calibrate or repair my controller?
No. It reads processed Gamepad API values and cannot change firmware, operating-system calibration, deadzones, or physical parts. Use it to gather repeatable evidence before choosing calibration or repair steps.
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