5200 Trakball video review and Missile Command cross-console comparison

[ave1]

Here's my latest video presentation that shows the 5200 Trakball in action along with some other system's trackballs (ie. 2600, Colecovision, Genesis, Dreamcast, and Playstation). When it comes to accuracy of control- the 5200 Trakball is my #1 pick.

 

 

[alex_79]

Nice video!
Regarding the 2600 trackball, there are hacks of several games that use it in real analog mode (And also versions supporting Atari St mouse and Amiga mouse). If you have an Harmony Cart or other means to play roms on real hardware I suggest you to check them out (they will also available in the store in the future):

http://atariage.com/forums/topic/243453-atari-2600-trak-ball-games/

[BigO]

I enjoyed the video.

 

The CX22's such as was shown in the video, in some cases at least, have a true trackball mode in addition to the joystick emulation mode, so he may be all set to try those hacks.

 

I totally understand what the video is getting at, but where it says "analog" control, I tend to want to use the term "proportional" control. Possibly, my brain is stuck in the technical aspects. The CX53 is "technically" analog in its output, the CX22 is not.

 

I would second Alex's recommendation to try those hacks if his CX22 supports the proper mode.

(If his CX22 doesn't have the TB mode, I happen to know a guy who could help make his CX53 work with the 2600 in addition to the 5200. )

Edited January 21, 2017 by BigO

[ave1]

So, BigO, I have a question. My CX-22 has a switch on it. Does that confirm I have trackball mode capability? I have a 2600 emulator on my modded Xbox, so I need to see if playing true-trackball 2600 Missile Command with the CX-22 plugged into my 9-pin to USB "Blissbox" which would then get plugged into my USB to original Xbox controller adapter to attain the proportional controls.

Edited January 23, 2017 by ave1

[BigO]

So, BigO, I have a question. My CX-22 has a switch on it. Does that confirm I have trackball mode capability? I have a 2600 emulator on my modded Xbox, so I need to see if playing true-trackball 2600 Missile Command with the CX-22 plugged into my 9-pin to USB "Blissbox" which would then get plugged into my USB to original Xbox controller adapter to attain the proportional controls.

I have only owned one, and it has the switch but I have read that there are some without the switch and those emulate the joystick.

On the underside of the controller near the switch, mine has the words Joystick and Trak Ball to indicate which switch position is which. If yours is like that then it should output an encoded signal directly proportional to the movement of the ball when in Trak Ball mode.

 

I don't know anything about the Blissbox. It would need to have been programmed or have circuitry to recognize the specific pattern of signals from the CX22 and subsequently translate that to the proper USB output. It would also need to be able to provide sufficient power to run the Trak Ball circuitry.