What is it besides bulky size and fancy price tags that other computers have that our own T/S doesn’t? Joysticks — those marvelous little devices that spice up any game. Well our cup runneth over because joysticks are available for the T/S. No longer need we cramp our fingers using movement keys that are too close together.
To begin with, what exactly is a joystick? A joystick is a moveable control device shaped like a paddle, used to control movement in computer games. How do they work? Joysticks are connected to your computer in conjunction with a digital analog converter (which may be found in the computer or in the joystick itself), thus actually allowing your digital computer to be used as an analog device.
I tested two joysticks: the Atto Soft and the Atari. Essentially both look, feel, and handle the same. The Atari is relatively easy to install with the use of the Zebra Joystick Adaptor. This adaptor will work with most Atari joysticks and it is simple to use. To install, plug the joystick into the connector on the Zebra adaptor. The adaptor then plugs into the rear edge connector on your computer, and there is a rear edge connector on the adaptor that accommodates other peripherals.
The Atto Soft joystick is initially more complicated to use as it requires some assembly to install. Assembling the Atto Soft involves removing approximately one inch of the outer insulation from the joystick cable, then removing one-quarter-inch of the insulation from each of the six wires in the cable. You have to tin the ends of each wire to prepare them for soldering on to the printed circuit board. After removing the computer case, solder each of the color-coded wires to diagrammed points on the board. Route the main cable out through the case, re-assemble the case, and you’re ready to go.
Both the Atari and Atto Soft joysticks offer increased control and accuracy when playing video games. Once installed they are easy to manage and are self-centering. They each have one control button as well as the paddle. I found these two joysticks to be equally satisfying in performance and maneuverability. Were it not for the more complicated assembly procedure required to install the Atto Soft, these two joysticks could be deemed equal in all respects.
Not many joystick games are yet available for the T/S computer, but they are on the way. To convert your regular software games to joystick games, you must change subroutines within the program. Warning: Directions for program modifications are included in both joystick packages. Or if you prefer, you can always write your own.