voiddweller

The Joypads just came in this morning. I hooked both of them up and tried several games with and without the thumbstick attached. The ergonomics are much better than the 7800 Crampline joysticks. The fire buttons respond well and it fits comfortable in my hand. While I think they feel cheap, after two hours of play, my hands still feel fine! Unfortunately, the thumb pad feels sloppy. The output is never exactly where I depress, unless a good amount of force is applied. I tried Ms.Pac-Man, Commando, and Winter Games. Ms. Pac-Man experienced momentary delays when changing directions that I would describe as a slight to pronounced hesitation in movement. Commando was O.K., but it was VERY difficult to quickly change directions. Winter Games...well...it was not playable. I REALLY wanted to like the Joypads, but they were an experience in frustration! Custom hardware hacks, here I come! - VD Now...if I could only find and adapter to utilize the X-Arcade....bah...who would be interested in that?

No chads this year... all systems are fully electronic...but I'm sure SOMETHING will happen with the next election - VD

Hi, I sent mine out this past Tuesday, right after I voted. You'll see what I mean.... - VD

Here you go 7800 Games Listing with Controller and Button Designations (Thanks Mitch!)

Yeah, those were the scans from Joystick! That was a good article. - VD BTW - The BUNNY was simply a comment on the longevity of the topic. Nothing more...Nothing less...

Everytime I see this topic, I think... - VD

Here are my pics for this week. Please check back as they change often Top 5 1. Centipede 2. Missile Command 3. Berzerk 4. Montezuma's Revenge 5. Gyruss Bottom 5 1. Frisky Tom 2. Beam Rider 3. StarWars: Death Star Battle 4. Kangaroo 5. Galaxian

Hi, Just got Super Pac-Man for my 4 port from AtariAge. It works fine after several days of use. Starts right away and colors look fine. - VD Note: I have the 5200 4 Port with VCS adapter modification.

That's wonderful! Would you mind sharing any of the details? I'm just starting to learn about electronics and would love to see how far you have progressed. Thanks! - VD

I received a response from the company regarding the 9 pin adapter for the Atari consoles. Here it is: Think about all the different systems that could benefit from an adapter. This is an ARCADE QUALITY controller with a LIFETIME WARRANTY for $150. Sure, it may seem a little high, but not when you consider the materials and time invested. Plus, it can be repaired or modified with off-the-shelf parts. This ensures it's longevity, even if the company goes belly up. Ok, i'm done - VD

Well...I spoke to Yiddle this morning and he is sending me some joypads. I should have them in about a week. I'll follow-up with my take on the ergonomics after a few hours with them. -VD

OK, I think we can work something out. I'll start looking for the schematics. I have two bat controllers. One works, the other one doesn't. I think the non-working Wico just needs a new cable, but I'm no expert in electronics. PM me when you have a minute! Thanks! - VD

OK, wiseguy! IM me back so we can work something out. Thanks! - VD

I prefer the text for the simple reason that ..... hmmmm.... I don't know why I like them better.... WAIT!!!... it's because they look older? Seriously, I think the labels have a greater value because the first cartridges were of the text variety. They simply had the benefit of listing the different variations of the game on the cartridge. I liked that approach and each time I look at one it reminds me of the first time I saw a VCS cartridge as a kid. That's my 2¢ - VD

Can I mod a non-7800 joystick to accept separate (L+R) fire controls from a Crampline controller without using the 7800 internals? Thanks! - VD

Hmmmmm...That's pretty open ended How about cash? Do you collect 5200 stuff or need any 2600/7800 hardware? - VD

Hello, Here's the link to the PayPal Policy - VD

Isn't there a 30 day window and then your SOL? - VD

Good points!

Thanks for the advice. I am going to Ebay right now to get the euro controllers. I have heard they are not very accurate, but I'll give them a try. I REALLY want to like this system... Expect a follow-up in a couple of weeks. - VD

Just kidding!!! The pain from the Crampline controllers is killing me! I just finished playing Commando for about 20 minutes and this just should not be happening. I just started collecting 7800 items and I am considering getting rid of it because of this anti-ergonomic design. I know I can use other controllers (and I do) but I NEED to have both fire buttons for Commando. I like the CX40 mod , but want to go a little further. If a home brew person would be willing to set me up with instructions on a HAPP controller or a more comfortable Wico bat controller (modified to handle the Aux fire button) or even a game pad, I would be most appreciative! - VD

Ah...O.K. That's interesting... Atarius Maximus: I like the controller mods, now let me challenge you with this proposal. How about the Wico bat controller and make it so you can use the top and bottom as primary and secondary fire-buttons? It looks like you can do it with similar mods, but the internals are a little different. What do you think??? Come on! Give it a try! : - VD

Good site! As a general rule the AVERAGE rate of inflation is usually 3.5 to 4 percent per year when looking at the past 40 years. I remember having to save my money for over a year to get my 4 Port! When I look at the new consoles today, they really are a fair price for $199 or less. When you calculate the price of games back then ($20 to $30), they really haven't changed that much in today's dollars. It seems the manufacturers are placing more and more emphasis on the software for profit, rather than the hardware. This is a very smart way to do business. -VD

From what I've been reading, you might want to consider purchasing a plane ticket and taking a few days off to pay him a visit - VD

Mitch, Thanks! That's a good link, but it doesn't show which games require both buttons to be pressed at the same time Thanks! - VD