How do I read input from controllers?

[Pantomchap]

So I have a reference on the 2600's specs and I found these here. Are they for reading input from the controller? If so, how do I read it? If not, what do I use to read the input?

 

 

38 INPT0 1....... read pot port

39 INPT1 1....... read pot port

3A INPT2 1....... read pot port

3B INPT3 1....... read pot port

3C INPT4 1....... read input

3D INPT5 1....... read input

 

Thank you for reading this far.

[alex_79]

If you haven't already, get the Stella Programmer's Guide" here. That's the official programming guide for the 2600.


The answer to your question depends on what controller you're trying to read (joystick, paddle, driving, trackball, keypad...).

For joystick, which is the most common case, the firebuttons are read from TIA registers INPT4 (left port) and INPT5 (right port).
Only bit 7 is used (bit7="0"-> button pressed; bit7="1"-> button released).

Joystick directions are read from RIOT register SWCHA. Bits 7 to 4 are for left port, bits 3 to 0 for the right one. See section 5.3 in the Stella guide.

Check the Collect tutorial to see example code. Each step include a fully commented source.
http://atariage.com/forums/blog/148/entry-13884-collect-tutorial-index/

Edited May 19, 2017 by alex_79