5200 Trackball + Masterplay + Starplex = Win

[boxpressed]

I hope I'm not the only one on AA with this combination because it is the best way to play trackball games on the 5200! I just oiled up the bearings on the trackball, and it moves perfectly. However, the buttons on the trackball are not the best. They're more like the CX-40 button with a spring and a dome contact, but they're still not very precise. Plus, they're difficult to use for a long time with the button-mashing trackball games.

 

Hook up the trackball to the Masterplay, switch the analog on, hook up your Starplex (or other 2600-compatible controller with an arcade-like fire button) to the Masterplay's DB9 port, then set the Starplex to the left of the trackball. I'm right handed, so I use my left thumb for the fire button and right hand for the trackball.

 

If you've got a little time to hook up this contraption, you won't regret it, especially if you love Galaxian, Missile Command, Centipede, and Space Invaders on the 5200.

[Ataritard]

Interesting work around. The 5200 trackball fire buttons are pretty bad.