hyper%firedart@Sun.COM (Robin Greynolds) (10/24/89)
Ok all you arcade-action game players out there: What joysticks are available for the Amiga 500? What are the best joysticks for games (such as Qix?) Please email me at hyper@Sun.COM Robin Greynolds
stan@teroach.UUCP (Stan Fisher) (10/25/89)
In article <126722@sun.Eng.Sun.COM> hyper%firedart@Sun.COM (Robin Greynolds) writes: > >Ok all you arcade-action game players out there: > > What joysticks are available for the Amiga 500? > What are the best joysticks for games (such as Qix?) If you want the most incredible joystick (I believe) to ever hit the market, you really want to check out the "Advanced Gravis MouseStick(tm)". I just picked one up at AmiEXPO. This thing is amazing! If I may try to summarize briefly (hard to do, as it does so much!). This is an opto-mechanical stick as opposed to switches or pots. It works as a replacement for your mouse and/or a regular joystick. It has a microprocessor module "GMPU" (Gravis Mousestick Processing Unit) in line with the joystick cord. The module has a 16 character LCD display for accessing the menu options for configuring the stick, 16K ROM, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programable R.O.M.) for storage of up to 4 setups for easy recall (one of which becomes the new default powerup setting). It has 1200 line resolution (full travel). Emulates a digital (switch) joystick with configurable fire buttons, one on the handle and two on the base. Any button can be set for any function including definable "Turbo" rapid fire. This can be set from 0.1 seconds to 5.0 repeat cycle with 1/10 second resolution. Independent configuration of both x and y axis for axis reversal, vectoring (0-100), null zone (area of inactivity near/at center) and deflection scaling. You can program any button to "trim" the stick and thereby change the rate/scale of movement on demand or to lock either axis on demand (makes drawing straight lines easy). You can set it up to autocenter the pointer on the screen for any screen resolution. Screens can be configured for with the four defaults (320x200, 320x400, 620x200, 640x400) or for other screen sizes the actual input/output scaling can be redefined for any screen dimension to autocenter. Several mouse modes include direct movement control, vectoring (pointer moves faster the more you deflect the stick) and "combination mode" which uses both at once. In the base is a large tension adjust wheel that gives you 8 centering tensions from free floating to stiff. The suggested list is something like $129 but at the show they were going for $90. If you're a registered Falcon owner you will get or have gotten an offer in the mail allowing you to get it for $69.95, DO IT!!!. I managed to talk the guy at the show into letting me use my Falcon offer card I just so happened to bring with me. B^} I actually didn't cover everything this thing does.... believe it or not ;^) DISCLAIMER - No I don't Stan Fisher - stan@teroach.phx.mcd.mot.com - asuvax!mcdphx!teroach!stan Motorola Microcomputer Division, Tempe, Arizona - Voice (602) 438-3228 Call our User Group BBS "M.E.C.C.A." running Atredes 1.1 @ (602) 893-0804
swan@jolnet.ORPK.IL.US (Joel Swan) (10/26/89)
In article <11882@mcdphx.phx.mcd.mot.com> stan@teroach.UUCP (Stan Fisher) writes: :In article <126722@sun.Eng.Sun.COM> hyper%firedart@Sun.COM (Robin Greynolds) writes: :> :>Ok all you arcade-action game players out there: :> :> What joysticks are available for the Amiga 500? :> What are the best joysticks for games (such as Qix?) : :If you want the most incredible joystick (I believe) to ever hit the :market, you really want to check out the "Advanced Gravis MouseStick(tm)". :I just picked one up at AmiEXPO. This thing is amazing! If I may try to :summarize briefly (hard to do, as it does so much!). [cut to save space] Below you will find a spec sheet I posted to People Link about the MouseStick. Although I had sent Gravis an order back in August (when the thing was first introduced at AmiExpo Chicago) I've not heard back from them. Guess I'll have to give them a buzz. It really is VERY nice. Finally, the equivalent of an analog joystick. : : Stan Fisher - stan@teroach.phx.mcd.mot.com - asuvax!mcdphx!teroach!stan : Motorola Microcomputer Division, Tempe, Arizona - Voice (602) 438-3228 : Call our User Group BBS "M.E.C.C.A." running Atredes 1.1 @ (602) 893-0804 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a description of a product that was unveiled at the AmiExpo in Chicago. I have no connection in any way with the company, so this report is here because I was VERY inpressed with what I saw. They had just received the first couple production units and so I could not get one on the spot. I have one on order through the mail. The product looks like a joystick with about a 4" x 5" base, two buttons on the left-top side, one button on the joystick, 3 control wheels on the left edge. This unit plugs into a small box (approx. 3" x 3") that has a 16 character LCD diplay. This unit then plugs into your amiga (I think into the joystick port, possible the mouse port, or both?). Here is a description of this unusual product from the only brochure they had available (I had to twist an arm to get it. They only had 3 copies!). They had 2 units hooked up to try. They have been making a product like this for some time for the MAC. They've just finished designing this model for the Amiga. Fact sheet follows- ------------------------------------------------------- tm GRAVIS AMIGA MOUSESTICK (feature & benefits) TRUE OPTO-MECHANICAL DIGITAL SYSTEM * increased reliability and accuracy 1200 LINE COUNT RESOLUTION * compatible with monitors of all sizes * precise and accurate cursor control suitable for CAD, DTP and high-end applications ADJUSTABLE OUTPUT RESOLUTION * easily adaptable to any screen resolution * user adjustable cursor movement area MICROCONTROLLER (GMPU) UNIT * components can be easily changed to upgrade to new features * easy selection of standard and user programmable modes * allows signal processing without inserting components into computer case * 16K ROM with full menu system for easy programming 16 CHARACTER LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY * provides convenient and easy to follow menu feedback when customizing settings PRE-PROGRAMMED SETTINGS * 4 basic pre-programmed standard modes * direct tracking with or without auto-centering * fixed or fully variable rate pulse output dependent on handle movement * adjustable null or dead centre zone * X and Y axis disable (for the straightest lines) * X and Y axis can be independently configured (X tracking and Y variable rate) * easily modified into 1000's of other modes BUILT-IN MEMORY TO STORE YOUR SETTINGS * built-in memory (requires no batteries) to store 4 of your own custom settings * can define and save one as the automatic start-up mode 8 POSITION CENTERING TENSION CONTROL * tailors the feel of the stick to your preference * tension can be adjusted to suit software and reaction speed * select one of 8 tension settings for personal comfort THREE PROGRAMMABLE BUTTON DESIGN * allows optimum use of application features and comfort * button selection can be modified to any of the three button position * allows for specialized modification of mouse clicks for click-lock, trim or locking cursor movement to a specified axis FULL TURBO / AUTO-FIRE ACTION * easily select repeat fire action on any button FULL SWITCH JOYSTICK EMULATION * full switch joystick emulation fpr all entertainment software * can function as either a 4 or 8 switch position joystick * you can select amount of handle movement to trigger action * can invert, reverse or turn off an axis * can set turbo repeat action on any of the 8 positions FULL-SIZE FOAM PADDED HANDLE * better, more accurate control * added comfort * metal reinforced * built-in handle fire button for lightning fast finger tip control COMPREHENSIVE USERS GUIDE * quick-start tutorial gets you up to speed fast * step-by-step instructions clearly explain all the various setting options EXTRA LONG SIX FOOT CABLE * alows for extra comfort 1-YEAR "NO-NONSENSE" WARRANTY * Durable and dependable to provide years of value and enjoyment * provides top compatability & performance * retains value and can be upgraded to many computer models The Gravis Moustick (tm) for the Amiga is light years ahead of the mouse, trackball or traditional joystick. Combining design ergonomics with state of the art controller technology, it represents the ultimate in controller precision, durability and versatility. Please call or write us to find the name of your nearest dealer. Advanced Gravis Computer Technology Ltd. 1602 Carolina St. #D12 Washington, 98226 1-800-937-0062 Suggested retail $129.95 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interesting product. Joel [HD still down- no .sig file :-(]