CX42 Atari 2600 Remote Control Joysticks FCC ID and info

[+x=usr(1536)]

Information regarding these controllers is out there, but scattered all over the place.  As a result, it's being collated into a single thread here for ease of searching.  Photos follow at the end.

 

The Atari 2600 Remote Control Joysticks (model number CX42) are a peripheral released in 1983 by Atari for use with any computer or console compatible with Atari's 9-pin joysticks.  The bundle consisted of a receiver and two wireless joysticks.  Power for the receiver was provided by the power supply normally attached to the user's 2600, with a passthrough from the receiver to power the 2600.  The joysticks each require a single 9V battery, with a power switch for turning them on or off.  Antennas are fibreglass whips on both of the joysticks, with the receiver having a telescopic metal unit.  Joysticks are designated as left or right controllers on their base.

 

Although sold under the Atari name, the units were developed by Cynex, Inc., 28 Sager Pl., Hillside, NJ 07205 for Atari.

 

A Cynex-branded variant was also sold under the GameMate 2 model name, with the only significant differences between it and the Atari version being a white directional ring and 'TOP' text on the joystick bases, changes to the mouldings to reflect the GameMate 2 name, and the GameMate 2 logo prominently displayed on the front of the receiver where the '2600 Remote Control Joystick' text would have been.  Functionally, the units are identical.  

 

The receiver and joysticks were each issued their own FCC ID numbers of CKQ78SGM1982R and CKQ78SGM1982T, respectively, on 12/23/1982 for the receiver and 05/23/1983 for the joysticks.  FCC records also indicate both as operating between 49.83 and 49.89 MHz, which translates to 60kHz of RF bandwidth.  This is Channel 22 within the 49MHz band and is typically used for remote control applications, but is also shared with baby monitors, cordless phones, etc.  The grant was in the name of Planum Technology Corporation, 1413 Chestnut Avenue, Hillside, NJ 07205, approximately 1.5 miles away by car from Cynex' office address. These appear to be the only devices for which Planum was granted FCC authorisation.

 

Photos:

 

Atari-branded receiver and joysticks.  Note that the joysticks are the same all-black design as those sold with the 4-switch 'Vader' 2600 models:

 

 

 

 

 

Cynex-branded GameMate 2 bundle.  Note that the joysticks have a white directional ring and 'TOP' text:

 

 

 

 

General shot showing that the joysticks are configured to act as one left and one right controller (left controller not shown):

 

 

Warranty card giving Cynex, Inc.'s address:

 

 

And, finally, the FCC grant paperwork:

 

 

 

 

 

[SoundGammon]

Curious, is there any lag?

[+x=usr(1536)]

19 hours ago, SoundGammon said:

Curious, is there any lag?

From what I recall, not any noticeable lag, if any - but I also haven't owned a set of these in about a decade, so my memory may be off.

[Forrest]

The Atari branded wireless joystick work great with an Atari 400.

[phreak97]

Do we know which variant came first? Was the cynex version sold in a different region or alongside the atari version?

[DavidD]

For some reason, I didn't realize these were RF units... it seems like most of the other 80s-era wireless controllers (for the NES to SNES systems) used infrared.  It wasn't until the GameCube Wavebird that we had RF units again...

 

Was licensing a bigger pain for RF, I assume?

[+x=usr(1536)]

On 7/21/2023 at 9:27 PM, phreak97 said:

Do we know which variant came first? Was the cynex version sold in a different region or alongside the atari version?

No idea.  Anecdotally, I've found information implying that the Gamemaster-branded units came first, but I've also found information implying that they were sold after Atari cancelled orders for them when they weren't a sales hit.  Either one is a plausible explanation, but could just as easily be wrong.

On 7/22/2023 at 2:49 PM, DavidD said:

Was licensing a bigger pain for RF, I assume?

Yes, because at the time devices like this had to be run through FCC certification - exemptions for low-powered devices as we know them today just didn't exist in the same way.

[nadir]

On 5/26/2023 at 12:58 AM, SoundGammon said:

Curious, is there any lag?

No noticeable lag.  They only oddity with them is that a few games are not compatible.  For reasons I don't understand, those games act as if the fire button is being held down all the time.  Most games work just fine.

[+x=usr(1536)]

2 hours ago, nadir said:

No noticeable lag.  They only oddity with them is that a few games are not compatible.  For reasons I don't understand, those games act as if the fire button is being held down all the time.  Most games work just fine.

If you happen to know which ones, would you mind giving a quick list?  It'd be good to track this if at all possible.

[nadir]

2 hours ago, x=usr(1536) said:

If you happen to know which ones, would you mind giving a quick list?  It'd be good to track this if at all possible.

I'm afraid I never kept a list.  Since receiving my Edladdin Super 78 a couple weeks ago the wireless controllers have gone into storage too.  Next time I get them out I'll make a point to note working/not working games.  I also recall there were one or two where it zips through the intro/menu like the button is held down but then plays fine otherwise.