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Joystick Tester.

Started by Bryce, 08:45, 06 November 18

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Bryce

Hi all,
       I've been asked to build a few joystick testers for someone on another forum, so as I have to order boards and make a batch, I thought I'd ask here if anyone is interested in having one. It will be a small (about 3 x 5cm) PCB with a 9V battery at one end and a 9pin Sub-D at the other and lots of LEDs to show the directions/fire are working. It will test Atari type joysticks, both fire buttons (if the jostick has two) and the Auto-fire circuitry.
If anyone is interested, then let me know here so that I can judge the batch size.

Bryce.

Emashzed

Hi Bryce
It just so happens I'm working on building my own joystick lately, so I sure could use a way to test it safely before plugging it onto my precious CPC.
Count me in !


Bryce

The person who asked me to build it has a similar situation. Firstly, nervous not to damage his valued collection, but also to check which is broken, the joystick or the joystick port. As he is a refurbisher/reseller, he also wants to be able to quickly test joysticks without having to fire up a computer and load a game (although thanks to Alan sugar, the game loading isn't necessary on our CPC'S :) ).

Bryce.

robcfg

I think that's a handy thing to have si, as usual, count me in!  ;D

Gryzor

Usually my joystick testing consists of throwing the thing against the wall or out the window. If it survives it's good, if it doesn't it never was. So far only the PacMan and Tomahawk series have passed this test.


...but for friends of friends who have dozens of random controllers, this is very useful... do count me in for one :)

GUNHED

The CPC's Joystick port is super save - just don't feed Power IN.

Now, to test joystick you need just to switch on the CPC and move they joystick. This will show you X, Z for the fire buttons and arrows for the four directions.

And if you really need to test Fire 3 (spare signal) then use the "Show keys" utility from the FutureOS System Utilities disc.  :)
http://futureos.de --> Get the revolutionary FutureOS (Update: 2023.11.30)
http://futureos.cpc-live.com/files/LambdaSpeak_RSX_by_TFM.zip --> Get the RSX-ROM for LambdaSpeak :-) (Updated: 2021.12.26)

Bryce

All correct, but the person who asked me to build them doesn't have a CPC, he specialises in Amiga hardware, which are known to have joystick port problems on several models, hence the need to establish if the problem is the joystick or the computer.

Bryce.

GUNHED

And in addition... I'm sure it will look damn great!  :) :) :)  (where is the thumbs up smiley when you need it?).  :)
http://futureos.de --> Get the revolutionary FutureOS (Update: 2023.11.30)
http://futureos.cpc-live.com/files/LambdaSpeak_RSX_by_TFM.zip --> Get the RSX-ROM for LambdaSpeak :-) (Updated: 2021.12.26)

Bryce

Unfortunately the schematic/layout software I use doesn't do fancy 3D renders of the device, but as soon as I have one built I'll post a picture of the real one.

Bryce.

Audronic

Hi All


here is one I use, Purchased locally.


Ray
Procrastinators Unite,
If it Ain't Broke PLEASE Don't Fix it.
I keep telling you I am Not Pedantic.
As I Live " Down Under " I Take my Gravity Tablets and Wear my Magnetic Boots to Keep me from Falling off.

GUNHED

http://futureos.de --> Get the revolutionary FutureOS (Update: 2023.11.30)
http://futureos.cpc-live.com/files/LambdaSpeak_RSX_by_TFM.zip --> Get the RSX-ROM for LambdaSpeak :-) (Updated: 2021.12.26)

Bryce

Quote from: Audronic on 23:32, 07 November 18
Hi All


here is one I use, Purchased locally.


Ray

That's pretty much what my one will look like, however, mine will also be able to test the Auto-fire function which yours can't.

Bryce.

Gryzor

Also: put more lights on it.

Bryce

#13
Here's a sneak-preview of the board. It has 7 LEDs on it: 1x Power, 4x directions, 2x Fire. That enough for you @Gryzor ?


I've kept it minimalistic at the moment, so power on/off is -> connecting the battery, but I have a feature on the PCB to allow a power switch to be added if required. It's 31mm x 46mm, so about the same size as the battery itself (A PP3 battery is 26x48). The battery tabs are mounted directly on the PCB so there's no straggling wires that tend to break off as soon as you put the device in a drawer. All the components are shorter than the connectors at each end, so they are well protected too.

It's also possible to mount the battery tabs downwards, so the PCB sits on the battery.


Bryce.

Gryzor

7 LEDs only? Pffft! Xmas is coming man, make it play some tunes and light them up in order!

Bryce

Quote from: Gryzor on 13:55, 08 November 18
7 LEDs only? Pffft! Xmas is coming man, make it play some tunes and light them up in order!

It doesn't have a processor.

Bryce.

Gryzor


yannis_uno

Count me in Bryce!  :)

Bryce

Yesterday the PCBs arrived. Unfortunately my supplier for the 9pin sub-d connectors messed up and sent me female instead of male connectors, but I had a spare connector so that I could at least build one. So here's what the finished product looks like. The small chip is a regulator so that autofire can also be tested. It has a yellow LED to remind you that you've left the battery connected, two red LEDs for fire 1/2/autofire and four green LEDs for the directions. I can do custom colours for those who have colour fetishes, but that will cost extra :D


I'll build the rest later and finish them when the correct connectors have arrived. From the battery/connector you can see approximately how big (small) it is. They are not all sold yet, so if you are still interested, then let me know. They will cost €19 each plus postage/paypal.


Bryce.



Gryzor

Nice thinking, keeping the LED on to remind you of the battery; although if you do forget it, it's game over (for the battery) pretty fast :D


Wouldn't it make sense to position the LEDs in a cross layout?

Bryce

The battery would last around 120 Hours if you forgot to disconnect it, but only around 15 hours if autofire was switched on.

The LEDs are in a cross layout:

Bryce.





Gryzor

I don't know what the heck I was looking at then :D

Bryce

Have you had your third coffee yet?

Bryce.

Gryzor

Still on the first one, must be why. Effin' Mondays...

Stwert

I'd be interested in one, depending on the cost and shipping and blah, blah blah.


But I do like a gadget, so any I can add to my toolbox I like. Even if I can't find a good excuse for it :D

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