Comment on C64 Retro Battlestation
f4f4f4f4f4f4f4f4@sopuli.xyz 4 weeks agoI thought this only applied to Mega Drive/Genesis controllers, as many two-button joysticks back in the day were advertised as compatible with “Atari, Commodore, and Sega”.
I opened my Master System controller (Model 3020) and verified that there are no resistors or components, and the Sega’s +5V pin (pin 5), and the C64’s +5V pin (pin 7) are the two wires that are not connected to anything. So this particular pad is safe. Other pads may be wired differently!
captain_aggravated@sh.itjust.works 4 weeks ago
Then I see no reason that shouldn’t work. It may be Mega Drive/Genesis controllers I’m thinking of.
Even among old microcomputer joysticks you have to keep an eye out, I think those made for Sinclair and/or Amstrad were also pinned differently.
f4f4f4f4f4f4f4f4@sopuli.xyz 4 weeks ago
Agreed, cheap DB-9 used for all kinds of different connections. I used this site for info: wiki.icomp.de/wiki/DB9-Joystick
In the US, Sinclair and Amstrad seem to be rare. We do have the problem where Master System was uncommon but Genesis was massively popular, so many people refer to the Genesis as “the Sega”. You can’t say, “Sega controllers are OK for C64” with Master System implied, because someone will use a Genesis pad and blow up the CIA when pad buttons and keyboard keys are pressed at the same time.
captain_aggravated@sh.itjust.works 4 weeks ago
I’m reaching back a little before my time but I believe some Sinclair microcomputers were imported to the US under the Timex brand, but between the popularity of Japanese video game consoles and the domestic market of Atari, Commodore, Apple, Tandy and IBM, European microcomputers weren’t that popular.
f4f4f4f4f4f4f4f4@sopuli.xyz 4 weeks ago
You’re right. I got a “Timex Sinclair 1000” at a garage sale, it’s a 2KB modified ZX81. The other manufacturers you mention had more software available, and Commodore often played dirty.
Image
I’m tempted to replace the TS1000’s failing keyboard with one of those new ones with tact switches, but that’s a bit of an investment for what would sit on the shelf anyway. My C64 at least still gets played and demoscene stuff showed off!