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Deluxe Joystick: Difference between revisions
(Added video link and repair notes with links to Scott Kelly facebook file posts.) |
(Doublespace, add two version notes, patent link and infobox updates) |
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| Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
| name = | | name = | ||
| photo = Deluxe joystick.jpg | | photo = Deluxe joystick.jpg | ||
| caption = | | caption = TRS-80 Deluxe Joystick (single button) | ||
| date = | | date = November 5 | ||
| year = | | year = 1982 | ||
| notes = | | notes = Radio Shack Catalog Number 26-3012B | ||
| infosource = | | infosource = US Patent 4490710 | ||
| interface = Joystick Port | | interface = Joystick Port | ||
}} | }} | ||
The '''Deluxe Joystick''' differed from the [[joystick|original]] in a number of ways | The '''Deluxe Joystick''' differed from the [[joystick|original]] in a number of ways. | ||
All [[joystick|joysticks]] sold by Tandy for the CoCo were analog joysticks | |||
This feature allows the user to select the best stick configuration for whatever program they're using. | The Deluxe Joystick was offered in two versions for Color Computers: | ||
* a single red fire button and '''TRS-80 Deluxe Joystick''' label | |||
* two 'fire' buttons -- a red one and a black one -- and '''Tandy Deluxe Joystick''' label | |||
The red one was button one, and corresponded to the button on the original joystick. | |||
The two-button stick can be used on a CoCo 1 or 2, but the black button number 2 will not be functional as earlier Color Computers lacked the sixth hardware pin in the joystick port to test it. | |||
In addition to the second button, the base of the joystick is larger. | |||
More significantly, the Deluxe joystick included hardware that could automatically center the stick on the X axis, the Y axis, or both. | |||
By holding the stick to the lower-right corner, flipping the unit over, and latching or unlatching two spring-loaded clamps internal to the stick, one could select which axes were self-centering and which were free-floating like the original joystick. | |||
This feature allows the user to select the best stick configuration for whatever program they're using. | |||
NOTE: The instruction to hold the stick to the corner is also molded into the plastic of the bottom base as a reminder when you flip the joystick over to adjust the tabs. | |||
For maze-type and platform games, gameplay is often enhanced with self-centering joysticks that more closely mimic a digital stick. | |||
For paint programs and games like [[Polaris]] where you are moving a cursor around on the screen, a free-floating stick is preferable. | |||
And for flight simulators, it is nice to have a throttle control that is centered in the X axis, free in the Y axis, and a control stick that is centered in both. | |||
Though generally more robust than the original CoCo joystick, the centering mechanism in these joysticks is somewhat fragile and can break or come apart. | Though generally more robust than the original CoCo joystick, the centering mechanism in these joysticks is somewhat fragile and can break or come apart. | ||
The design of the stick seems to be nearly identical to a stick marketed for the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_2 Apple II] by Kraft, so it was probably licensed by Tandy. | The design of the stick seems to be nearly identical to a stick marketed for the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_2 Apple II] by Kraft, so it was probably licensed by Tandy. | ||
A joystick of the same design was also branded by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM IBM] for use on the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_PCjr PCJr]. | |||
== Photos == | == Photos == | ||
| Line 34: | Line 58: | ||
On Facebook, Scott Kelly posted 3d printable models of the arms that can be used to print replacements along with permission to print them. | On Facebook, Scott Kelly posted 3d printable models of the arms that can be used to print replacements along with permission to print them. | ||
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2359462640/permalink/10157935495317641/ Deluxe Joystick Vertical Arm v3] | |||
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/2359462640/permalink/10157935494617641/ Deluxe Joystick Horizontal Arm v3] | |||
== External Links == | == External Links == | ||
* [http://www.colorcomputerarchive.com/coco/Documents/Manuals/Hardware/Color%20Computer%20Deluxe%20Joystick%20(English)%20(Tandy).pdf Manual at the Color Computer Archive] | |||
* [http://www.cocopedia.com/wiki/index.php/Sampling Programming reading joystick] | * [http://www.cocopedia.com/wiki/index.php/Sampling Programming reading joystick] | ||
* [http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4490710.html U.S. Patent 4490710 Control Stick Assembly by Kraft Systems, Inc.] | |||
[[Category:Joysticks]] | [[Category:Joysticks]] | ||
Revision as of 13:51, 15 February 2020
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This page was last updated on 02/15/2020. Total Pages: 744. Total Files: 994.
Home / Hardware - Deluxe Joystick
|
| |
| Name | Deluxe Joystick |
|---|---|
| Date | November 5 |
| Year | 1982 |
| Interface | Joystick Port |
| Notes | Radio Shack Catalog Number 26-3012B |
| Info Source | US Patent 4490710 |
| About the Hardware Info Box | |
The Deluxe Joystick differed from the original in a number of ways.
All joysticks sold by Tandy for the CoCo were analog joysticks
The Deluxe Joystick was offered in two versions for Color Computers:
- a single red fire button and TRS-80 Deluxe Joystick label
- two 'fire' buttons -- a red one and a black one -- and Tandy Deluxe Joystick label
The red one was button one, and corresponded to the button on the original joystick.
The two-button stick can be used on a CoCo 1 or 2, but the black button number 2 will not be functional as earlier Color Computers lacked the sixth hardware pin in the joystick port to test it.
In addition to the second button, the base of the joystick is larger.
More significantly, the Deluxe joystick included hardware that could automatically center the stick on the X axis, the Y axis, or both.
By holding the stick to the lower-right corner, flipping the unit over, and latching or unlatching two spring-loaded clamps internal to the stick, one could select which axes were self-centering and which were free-floating like the original joystick.
This feature allows the user to select the best stick configuration for whatever program they're using.
NOTE: The instruction to hold the stick to the corner is also molded into the plastic of the bottom base as a reminder when you flip the joystick over to adjust the tabs.
For maze-type and platform games, gameplay is often enhanced with self-centering joysticks that more closely mimic a digital stick.
For paint programs and games like Polaris where you are moving a cursor around on the screen, a free-floating stick is preferable.
And for flight simulators, it is nice to have a throttle control that is centered in the X axis, free in the Y axis, and a control stick that is centered in both.
Though generally more robust than the original CoCo joystick, the centering mechanism in these joysticks is somewhat fragile and can break or come apart.
The design of the stick seems to be nearly identical to a stick marketed for the Apple II by Kraft, so it was probably licensed by Tandy.
A joystick of the same design was also branded by IBM for use on the PCJr.
Photos
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Deluxe Joysticks
-
Deluxe Joysticks
-
IBM PC Jr and Deluxe Joysticks
Video
How it Works including Assembly Code [1]
Repair
Multiple people have reported that the inner arms of the joystick break during shipping, possibly due to inadequate packaging.
On Facebook, Scott Kelly posted 3d printable models of the arms that can be used to print replacements along with permission to print them.