USB game controllers and mice

[Maniac]

Imperium Solo firmware update v1.0.1
Changes:
Fix issue with MS mice (@Maniac)
Download:
https://www.spinpoint.org/files/ImperiumSolo_Amstrad_v101.zip
Instructions:
Unpack the file IMPERSOL.BIN to root directory of a USB stick (FAT32).
Insert it to Imperium Solo USB port and power it on. LED will be on shortly and once it starts flashing (few seconds later) firmware is updated.
Remove USB stick and insert mouse/gamepad.
File will be deleted from USB stick if succesful.

Worked a treat and the mouse now provides output. Thank you so much as always. Mouse however doesn't seem to work very well which is not down to the Imperium Solo as you will see below.

Mouses are supported, but only as AMX mouse. I guess it's just as good or crap as existing interfaces, maybe someone who has both can tell. As I don't have AMX or  Bryce PS/2 interface.
My custom proportional  mode is not added to the release firmware, as there is no point since no software supports it.

Now that the mouse support is working I've managed to put a quick and dirty comparison video together using Advanced Art Studio as the test bed. I have an AMX mouse for my Plus which I hooked up and then did the same with the Imperium Solo and a number of USB devices. The Microsoft IntelliMouse is the worst of the lot! Hope this is useful to someone as a guide!

[Duke]

I flashed my imperium Solo with the update and it works now perfectly with MS branded mouses.  I tested successfully following Microsoft models:

Cool! Thanks for checking all those. Will see to add some "database" over tested mice & joypads.

this two report are about my main mouse yes ... and the other mouse that I would like to work with symbos

Ok, but both reports are the same, so some mistake must have happened:
File from https://1fichier.com/?nxqylz7of98wsixoo9nr is the same as https://1fichier.com/?jtgayabpz73jw841rnw2.
Can you try to email me the correct reports (the 1fichier is very annoying as you have to wait 1 hour to download the next one). Thanks.

Now that the mouse support is working I've managed to put a quick and dirty comparison video together using Advanced Art Studio as the test bed. I have an AMX mouse for my Plus which I hooked up and then did the same with the Imperium Solo and a number of USB devices. The Microsoft IntelliMouse is the worst of the lot! Hope this is useful to someone as a guide!

Thanks for the video, very nice to have a comparison with the original AMX mouse.

[GUNHED]

Mouses are supported, but only as AMX mouse. I guess it's just as good or crap as existing interfaces, maybe someone who has both can tell. As I don't have AMX or  Bryce PS/2 interface.
My custom proportional  mode is not added to the release firmware, as there is no point since no software supports it.

You could use a proportional mode, being compatible to the AtariST mouse adapter for the CPC (see Wiki). There is some software for it, including G-Paint, IMHO even better than OCP Art Studio. 

[Duke]

I put together a small info site for Imperium Solo here:
https://www.spinpoint.org/imperium/

And made the database I mentioned earlier, directly accessible here:
https://www.spinpoint.org/imperium/database.php

Thanks to @Maniac, @slugman and @XeNoMoRPH for providing feedback. I used some of your info (and pictures) to fill into the database.
Any feedback on USB devices tested will be much appreciated, so I can enter into the database and also make fixes if not working or the button mapping is not as desired etc.
Of course the idea is that the database will help other users find what is a good mouse / controller.

Please provide "make and model" + vendor id (vid) and product id (pid) and any useful notes.
THANKS!

If your USB device is not working at all, as mentioned earlier in this thread, USB HID reports are needed.

You could use a proportional mode, being compatible to the AtariST mouse adapter for the CPC (see Wiki). There is some software for it, including G-Paint, IMHO even better than OCP Art Studio. 

Yes I know I know... It's just my mode is better

[Maniac]

Thanks to @Maniac, @slugman and @XeNoMoRPH for providing feedback. I used some of your info (and pictures) to fill into the database.
Any feedback on USB devices tested will be much appreciated, so I can enter into the database and also make fixes if not working or the button mapping is not as desired etc.
Please provide "make and model" + vendor id (vid) and product id (pid) and any useful notes.
THANKS!

You're most welcome. Least I could do after your contribution to the community!

One suggestion I'd like to make if I may; would it be possible to configure the speed of input per device? For instance the MS IntelliMouse is not quick in Windows until you adjust the settings so if something similar were configurable on the Imperium Solo that would great.

[MiguelSky]

Hi, Duke! I received my adapter, it works great with my PS4 controller. I have an old Trust Predator gamepad for PS2 that I usually use with my PC, but it doesn't work. I join the report.

[Duke]

One suggestion I'd like to make if I may; would it be possible to configure the speed of input per device? For instance the MS IntelliMouse is not quick in Windows until you adjust the settings so if something similar were configurable on the Imperium Solo that would great.

Unfortunately, the general problem is that mouses are too slow using the generic mouse as joystick method.
In software it is easy to change sensitivity, but I cannot do much from the hardware side without using variable data (ie. my 5 bit mode, where you could add a multiplier in the hardware to increase sensitivity/speed).
Right now I can only set signals UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT and let the software interpret it.
I can do some smoothing and keep the signal a little longer than it actually is, but nothing that will speed it up significantly in current software.

Hi, Duke! I received my adapter, it works great with my PS4 controller. I have an old Trust Predator gamepad for PS2 that I usually use with my PC, but it doesn't work. I join the report.

Thanks. But I think the HID reports are for your mouse and not the Predator gamepad. Please select correct device and dump it again.

[MiguelSky]

Thanks. But I think the HID reports are for your mouse and not the Predator gamepad. Please select correct device and dump it again.

You're right! Sorry, I chose the wrong device. I join the proper one now.

[GUNHED]

Yes I know I know... It's just my mode is better

Well, I'm pretty positive that PDT and me will support it in our projects. 


Of course it would be somehow a good thing to be able to "sense" if the device at the joystick port works as joystick or as proportional device.

[Duke]

Imperium Solo - Amstrad firmware v1.0.3

   
• Added support for Trust Predator Joypad, thanks to @MiguelSky

[Duke]

Well, I'm pretty positive that PDT and me will support it in our projects. 


Of course it would be somehow a good thing to be able to "sense" if the device at the joystick port works as joystick or as proportional device.

Sounds good

Was just having a play with entering and leaving enhanced mode (+/- 5 bit delta mode) and this seems to work well.

1. send 2xkeyscans for joystick x row, after each other to clear a comparator counter in Imperium Solo.
2. wait 3-4 ms, send keyscan for joystick x row.
3. wait 3-4 ms, send keyscan for joystick x row.
4. wait 6-7 ms, send keyscan for joystick x row.
5. wait 6-7 ms, send keyscan for joystick x row.
Return value of the read is now "JOY_UP | JOY_DOWN | JOY_LEFT | JOY_RIGHT" meaning it entered enhanced mode. (0xF0)

Repeating the sequence will return it to regular "AMX/Joystick"-mode, only the return value is different (no keys pressed, 0xFF).

Any wrong doing in the sequence, will reset an internal counter and it has to be started from 1. So accidental sequence should be very unlikely.

So that should work pretty well for enabling and detection ?

[GUNHED]

That's a good way to do it! Just to be sure, you're talking about milli seconds, (not micro seconds), right?

[Duke]

Imperium Solo firmware update v1.0.4
Changes:

   
• Added support for iNNEXT SNES WIRELESS
• Added support for Microsoft XBOX 360 Wired
• Added support for Power A Batarang Wired Controller

Big thanks to Roxe for testing and reporting.

Download:
https://www.spinpoint.org/files/ImperiumSolo_Amstrad_v104.zip

Instructions:
Unpack the file IMPERSOL.BIN to root directory of a USB stick (FAT32).
Insert it to Imperium Solo USB port and power it on. LED will be on shortly and once it starts flashing (few seconds later) firmware is updated.
Remove USB stick and insert mouse/gamepad.
File will be deleted from USB stick if succesful.

--------------------------------------------
As mentioned earlier the wireless iNNEXT USB controller, I bought from ebay here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Wireless-USB-SNES-Retro-Controller-Gamepad-for-PC-MAC-Raspberry-Pi-US-SHIP/153413332769
- It's a very slick solution for CPC I think, if you want to get rid of the wires, has a nice long reach too and I did not notice any lag playing Fruity Frank (fast mode)

That's a good way to do it! Just to be sure, you're talking about milli seconds, (not micro seconds), right?

Yes milli-seconds - just use halts. Will add it soon.

[francouai]

Hi duke
I'm not surr to understand why there are two versions for the CPC?
Regular got two fire and cpc+ got 3?


I have one old and one cpc+, so I need to buy your two version?
I only need your adapter to use mouse on symbos.
Thanks!

[Duke]

I'm not surr to understand why there are two versions for the CPC?
Regular got two fire and cpc+ got 3?

There is not two versions for CPC, only one version.
The difference between regular CPC & CPC plus is just the Y-Splitter powercable, since Amstrad used different DC power sockets.
Furthermore, the CPC plus is missing Fire 3 on the Joystick ports. So regular CPC gets Fire 1, Fire 2 and Fire 3. Where CPC plus only got Fire 1 and Fire 2.

I have one old and one cpc+, so I need to buy your two version?

You can buy an extra Y-splitter cable (+1 euro), so you can connect to both regular CPC and CPC plus.

[francouai]

I finally has spare time this weekend to use mine and tested on my 6128 CPC PLUS.
I used my Xbox One controller connected via wire to the Imperium, VERY funny to play on Burning Rubber.The instant "XY" function is very nice when playing with NAVYSEAL or ROBOCOP.. (JUMP and SHOOT on the same time)

I also used a generic cheap wired mouse with SYMBOS but I had no luck with it since the cursor did not move.  So I used another small Bluetooth LOGITECH successfully.But the cursor is moving verrrryyyy slowly so it wasn't easy but still better than the Pad controller.This interface is still not "THE" interface to use with SYMBOSS at this time with out specific driver, but this is the "best" solution at the moment. (I have another USB/DB09 interface from TALREK to compare)

The firmware upgrade has been completed but nothing happen due to last FW already in I believe.Very easy upgrade method with a USB stick connected in. (FAT16 + FW file on and BOOM...)
@Duke, how to see what FW the Imperium is running without start the upgrade process?
M4+IMPERIEUM = POWWWAAA! 

[Duke]

This interface is still not "THE" interface to use with SYMBOSS at this time with out specific driver, but this is the "best" solution at the moment.

Thanks for the feedback

Extended mode is coming as well as more controller support, I am just pressed for time and energy for the time being.

@Duke, how to see what FW the Imperium is running without start the upgrade process?

There isn't a method yet, but may in a future update, the extended mode would allow for sending the version upon request.

[francouai]

Do you mean you are working on another Imperium interface?or just a new FW upgrade?

PS: I wrote SYMBOSS 

[Duke]

Do you mean you are working on another Imperium interface?or just a new FW upgrade?

Just FW upgrade.

[Duke]

Small update (I realize I forgot to post some here - see the other updates/changelog here: https://imperium.spinpoint.org).

Imperium Solo firmware update v1.0.7
Changes:

   
• Added support for Luminous Wired USB
• Added support for Switch Pro Wired

Other Switch and generic USB controllers with same VID/PID likely work now too.

Download:
https://www.spinpoint.org/files/ImperiumSolo_Amstrad_v107.zip

Instructions:
Unpack the file IMPERSOL.BIN to root directory of a USB stick (FAT32).
Insert it to Imperium Solo USB port and power it on. LED will be on shortly and once it starts flashing (few seconds later) firmware is updated.
Remove USB stick and insert mouse/gamepad.
File will be deleted from USB stick if succesful.

[Duke]

Another firmware update.

Imperium Solo firmware update v1.0.8
Changes:

   
• Fix issue with XBOX One S controller - crash when using analog sticks.
• Added support for Retro-bit Sega Gensis (mini) Arcade Pad
• Added support for Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Download:
https://www.spinpoint.org/files/ImperiumSolo_Amstrad_v108.zip

Full change log at:
https://imperium.spinpoint.org/

[Arnaud]

Hi Duke,
this firmware solves the compatibility problem with my generic Xbox360 pad.

Arnaud.

[Duke]

this firmware solves the compatibility problem with my generic Xbox360 pad.

Great, thanks for reporting back.
I did get an XBOX 360 clone controller, but I still lack an original (with USB).

[Syncmaster319]

Hi Duke,

Just been glancing your USB Controllers support page. I have a Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas X!!  Whats the game experience like with that???

I notice you say the analog lever doesn't work which I assumes means the throttle?

Mark

[Duke]

Just been glancing your USB Controllers support page. I have a Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas X!!  Whats the game experience like with that???

I notice you say the analog lever doesn't work which I assumes means the throttle?

Tbh. I only tried it briefly (borrowed it from a friend, shortly so I could add it). Probably the large movement of the stick is not ideal for quick moves, needed in many games.
Yes it is the throttle that is not used.