Missile Command TB Question (CX-80 vs. CX-22 Trak-Ball)

[rennervision]

I just ordered Missile Command TB from AtariAge (the CX-80 version). I realize some CX-80 Trak-Balls are really CX-22s inside - and I wasn't entirely sure which one I had so I thought I would take a chance with this one.

 

When my cartridge finally arrived to try out, I thought if I had the wrong version there would be no movement with the Trak-Ball. Instead what happened was in TB mode (or JS for that matter) there was minimal movement allowed with the Trak-Ball, but it was in no way as responsive as I thought it would be.

 

I'm wondering if anyone else has tried a CX-80 version of the game with a CX-22 Trak-Ball and experienced the same thing? Should there still be movement - just not very smooth/responsive movement?

 

I'm asking because before I order the CX-22 version, I want to be sure this sounds like I do, in fact, have a CX-22 Trak-Ball and it's not a situation where the TB mode on my controller is just defective.

[chas10e]

I have a cx-80 trak-ball ( one with triangle fire buttons) & a Harmony cart

 

quite awhile ago I downloaded the cx-80 version of the game just to try & had erratic play in both TB mode & JS mode (trak-ball mode & joystick mode)

 

then later on I read to try the cx-22 version of the game for this trak-ball ... & plays terrific in TB mode (erratic in JS mode)

http://www.atari2600homebrew.com/missile-command-tb.html

 

 

NOTE: Some Atari CX-80 trak-balls behave as a CX-22 trak-ball instead. These CX-80s require the CX-22 version of Missile Command TB. Unfortunately there is no way to tell these two different versions apart on the outside. However, the CX-80 trak-ball will function as an Atari ST mouse (if you happen to have an Atari ST).

 

the only way I know it's a cx-80 is the manual that came with it , no markings on the box (little mark on back of box) or the controller

[Albert]

I think it might be time to make a selectable version of this game that has the CX-80, CX-22, and Amiga Mouse versions all in one cartridge with a simple menu that you select which version to play on startup.

 

..Al

[Thomas Jentzsch]

Might be a good idea. When I made the hacks, I wasn't aware how big the chaos is Atari had created back then (effectively the CX-22 and CX-80 versions of my hack differ by only two bytes).

 

With a menu, the cart would have to become 16k. How much more would it cost then?

 

IMO it should come a least with a piece of paper explaining the differences between the trackballs. Plus the extra 2 player/single trakball game modes.

Edited March 14, 2015 by Thomas Jentzsch

[rennervision]

My CX-22 version arrived today and it plays great.

 

I have just one more question - the AtariAge Store mentions different Trak-Ball speeds are available with the game. Does anyone know how I go about changing it between normal/fast/kid?

 

EDIT: Never mind. Just realized the original manual actually tells you which games use which speeds. I may have been overthinking this.

Edited March 28, 2015 by rennervision

[Thomas Jentzsch]

The hack has 3 x 17 levels. Each 17 work like described in the original manual, 18..34 are two player/two controller games, 19..55 are two player/single controller games.