Zap! Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 Looking to buy a nice working one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vattari Posted March 22, 2018 Share Posted March 22, 2018 Looking to buy a nice working one. Where are you located? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zap! Posted March 23, 2018 Author Share Posted March 23, 2018 Where are you located? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Staten Island, New York Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Loguidice Posted March 23, 2018 Share Posted March 23, 2018 In my search for good Atari-style joysticks, I've been hearing a lot about this one of late. Too bad the eBay prices are relatively high. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+-^CrossBow^- Posted March 23, 2018 Share Posted March 23, 2018 I have managed to find at least 4 in the wild here locally and usually for less than $10 each. One of them doesn't work, but I'm inclined to think it is an issue with the cord and not the innards since the TAC-2 is built like a tank inside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Loguidice Posted March 23, 2018 Share Posted March 23, 2018 I have managed to find at least 4 in the wild here locally and usually for less than $10 each. One of them doesn't work, but I'm inclined to think it is an issue with the cord and not the innards since the TAC-2 is built like a tank inside. Do you like it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
accousticguitar Posted March 23, 2018 Share Posted March 23, 2018 There is one on ebay right now with a bid of $35 plus $6.70 shipping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+-^CrossBow^- Posted March 23, 2018 Share Posted March 23, 2018 Do you like it? Yes.... Yes I do. My preferred controllers for Atari 2600 and 7800 playing are actually the newer NES like pads from Danthwander but the TAC-2 and Epyx 500XJ are pretty close. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Loguidice Posted March 23, 2018 Share Posted March 23, 2018 Yes.... Yes I do. My preferred controllers for Atari 2600 and 7800 playing are actually the newer NES like pads from Danthwander but the TAC-2 and Epyx 500XJ are pretty close. I tend to shy away from the gamepads for Atari-style systems, but I do sometimes use Sega six button pads. My favorite is the Epyx 500XJ as well, but I'm always on the lookout for quality alternatives. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zap! Posted March 24, 2018 Author Share Posted March 24, 2018 eBay prices on this are crazy. I see you're in NJ Bill. I'm next door and I have to say you guys have the best flea markets around. Can't wait for the warmer weather! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hydro Thunder Posted March 24, 2018 Share Posted March 24, 2018 I have a couple of Tac-2s, and I just absolutely love them. Accurate, feel great, built great, can't say much more about them. If you find one, nab it. I had one that I got for $5 years ago at a vintage game store that was broken, but even with my nonexistent skills at fixing things, I managed to open it, clean it, and get it working fine. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zap! Posted April 12, 2018 Author Share Posted April 12, 2018 I just won this eBay auction. $60.86 with shipping for two is a little steep, but whatever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Loguidice Posted April 12, 2018 Share Posted April 12, 2018 I just won this eBay auction. $60.86 with shipping for two is a little steep, but whatever. Not bad. I just paid $38.57 shipped for one. I think we were inadvertantly bidding against each other for the two TAC-2s, though towards the end it was probably someone else bidding against you since I set a lower cap. Let's just hope these are all 100% functional! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zap! Posted April 13, 2018 Author Share Posted April 13, 2018 Not bad. I just paid $38.57 shipped for one. I think we were inadvertantly bidding against each other for the two TAC-2s, though towards the end it was probably someone else bidding against you since I set a lower cap. Let's just hope these are all 100% functional! Well, hopefully they all work. Either way I'll be taking mine apart for a good cleaning, as they look a little dirty. I'm glad I have two, because I'll be hooking one up to my 800XL and the other one to my Mega STE. No need to share a joystick. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zap! Posted April 14, 2018 Author Share Posted April 14, 2018 Mine came in the mail today. Both work, although I have to press a little hard for the buttons to function. I will give both a good cleaning later on tonight. Let me know how yours turns out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
accousticguitar Posted April 15, 2018 Share Posted April 15, 2018 Mine came in the mail today. Both work, although I have to press a little hard for the buttons to function. I will give both a good cleaning later on tonight. Let me know how yours turns out. I have to periodically clean the brass washer that makes the contact for the fire button. It's really the only problem I've ever had with the Tac-2. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zap! Posted April 15, 2018 Author Share Posted April 15, 2018 I have to periodically clean the brass washer that makes the contact for the fire button. It's really the only problem I've ever had with the Tac-2. I actually did that last night, and pressed each spring down for 30 seconds. Now the fire button works with a simple push, rather than pressing it hard like before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Loguidice Posted April 23, 2018 Share Posted April 23, 2018 Mine arrived last week, but I didn't get a chance to really try it until today. The left button was non-functional, but I was able to open it up and spray clean it internally, so it's now fully functional (it has weird square hole screws, but fortunately I had the correct head available). In my limited play testing, it seems quite nice, although I need more time with it to determine if I'll like it more than my Epyx 500XJ. Internally, though, you can definitely see how it has more premium parts that your typical Atari-style joystick. Anyone try the similar Starfighter joystick? Externally, it looks more or less the same as this controller, save for a bat joystick instead of a ball top. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zap! Posted April 23, 2018 Author Share Posted April 23, 2018 Mine arrived last week, but I didn't get a chance to really try it until today. The left button was non-functional, but I was able to open it up and spray clean it internally, so it's now fully functional (it has weird square hole screws, but fortunately I had the correct head available). In my limited play testing, it seems quite nice, although I need more time with it to determine if I'll like it more than my Epyx 500XJ. Internally, though, you can definitely see how it has more premium parts that your typical Atari-style joystick. Anyone try the similar Starfighter joystick? Externally, it looks more or less the same as this controller, save for a bat joystick instead of a ball top. Yeah, after a good cleaning they work so much better. It's an odd setup inside. Those copper washers lose contact and have to be cleaned good. I have the 500XJ connected to my Mega STE. It's ok, but the design always felt a bit off to me. It's like I have to grab it like a vice in my left hand. I'm gonna connect my second Tac-2 to my Mega and put the 500XJ in the closet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onlyinajeep Posted April 29, 2018 Share Posted April 29, 2018 .... Anyone try the similar Starfighter joystick? Externally, it looks more or less the same as this controller, save for a bat joystick instead of a ball top. The StarFighter and it's siblings, SlikStik and Blaster, are basically single button, smaller versions of the TAC-2. Internally, the mechanics are the same. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onlyinajeep Posted April 29, 2018 Share Posted April 29, 2018 (edited) Check out e5frog's tip in the comment section about the fire buttons. "If you solder the fire wire to the brass ring on the button and ground both the metal pieces under the button - that will help a lot." The one gripe I've had with my TAC-2's was the fire button wasn't 100% responsive, like 1 of 437 times it would miss an action, even after sanding the contacts. I did e5frog's tip on one of my TAC-2 sticks, problem solved. Edited April 29, 2018 by onlyinajeep 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lokidchser Posted April 29, 2018 Share Posted April 29, 2018 Just picked up a pair of non-working Slick Sticks in a Craigslist ad for a bunch of free stuff. Cracked them open, and was surprised at the mechanics behind them. Looked like they took a lot of abuse, since some of the wires were disconnected and a few metal contacts came loose from the plastic tabs. After cleaning and reassembly, both work really well. Think I found my new Go-to sticks 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IgnacyO Posted January 6, 2020 Share Posted January 6, 2020 I just found a brand new pair of the Tac-2's on ebay! For a pretty good price. https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-VINTAGE-TAC-2-SUNCOM-JOYSTICKS-TOTALLY-ACCURATE-CONTROLLER-COMMODORE-64-ATARI/223834144064?hash=item341d8dfd40:g:8zAAAOSwOEJeEW9u 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
AtariAge on Instagram
Watch us on YouTube
Chat on Discord
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.