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Retrogameboyz 7800 Controller


Ron Flesher

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  • 3 weeks later...

Looks nice at first blush, but the *entire* thing looks 3D printed. Even the thumbpads and buttons! Not my cup of tea. Wonder if the decal will actually stick for long on such a surface too...

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/717785607/atari-7800-robotron-2084-controller?ref=landingpage_similar_listing_top-4

 

 

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I am intrigued by the Robotron controller but I don't know if I'd want to pay $50 for it.  I'm not putting down the build quality or idea of it but it just seems a lot to pay for a controller for one game.  

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He sent me a early "prototype" of the robotron controller, and I was worried about the 3d printed case and d-pads,  to my surprise it didn't feel bad at all and had a nice "weight" to the controller.  Also the 3d printed "handle" the nes style controllers go into make longplay sessions much more comfortable.   If you play a lot of Robotron, its a winner for sure.

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  • 3 weeks later...
On 7/2/2019 at 10:00 AM, SS said:

I am intrigued by the Robotron controller but I don't know if I'd want to pay $50 for it.  I'm not putting down the build quality or idea of it but it just seems a lot to pay for a controller for one game.  

Two games! I imagine that would be quite handy for Time Salvo.

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On 7/2/2019 at 9:00 AM, SS said:

I am intrigued by the Robotron controller but I don't know if I'd want to pay $50 for it.  I'm not putting down the build quality or idea of it but it just seems a lot to pay for a controller for one game.  

It's definitely worth it. I just bought the latest Robotron one and it came in last week. Solid construction and worth it for Robotron / Time Salvo. Also, there's a switch there which allows it to be used for other games like StarMaster, Raiders, etc. Very happy with it!

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17 minutes ago, Kaboomer said:

Also, there's a switch there which allows it to be used for other games like StarMaster, Raiders, etc. Very happy with it!

I saw him mention the possibility of adding this on his YouTube video but didn't realize that he had already done so. Where did you buy it from? I don't think that the eBay listed ones have the switch. Do you have a link for the mew model?

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On 7/23/2019 at 9:02 PM, SS said:

I saw him mention the possibility of adding this on his YouTube video but didn't realize that he had already done so. Where did you buy it from? I don't think that the eBay listed ones have the switch. Do you have a link for the mew model?

I've bought before from him on ebay and contacted directly there. I think I might have been his beta tester! ;) 

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  • 1 month later...

Hello Everyone - ? - first a BIG thank you for all your kind words and support.  I finally got some time to be a part of this awesome community. People who have bought from me have been contacting me / asking me / encouraging me to be a part of the forums - just so much has gone on this summer I have not had time  (father and grandmother died recently within months of each other - to just name a few) - things have started to even out a bit and I'm getting back to this NEW NORMAL as they say - so hopefully I can spend some more time here, contribute and answer any questions you may have. I pride myself in customer service and quality first. I believe in happy customers over profit - just check my eBay feedback. I have sold over 1000 controllers in different configurations (Atari (2600 / 7800), Colecovision, Commodore 64, Commodore 64 GS, Omega Race, MSX, Amiga, Odyssey 2 and the Robotron) since March 2018. I attempted a digital Atari 5200 model and got as far as Starting the game, action button and directional and then "things" happened and never got back to it) I use all new parts. I created all new circuit boards, used with 10ft cords and a mix of factory injection molded pads, OEM parts and 3D Printed ones. I own all the original hardware and test all actions and make sure everything moves smoothly with little pressure. Basically, if I don't like it - I would not give it to you. It's like that Discover card commercial - I treat you the way I would wanted to be treated etc. 

 

I am open to all feedback, take suggestions, take custom requests and offer a 30 day free return guarantee if you are unsatisfied for any reason. I am working on new vinyl decals with a graphic artists as well. AND Yes I understand about the Atari Fuji Logo (originally I had no idea there was so much hate for that one -lol - that one came up as public domain so I assumed it was ok to use) - I will be changing that in the future as well.

 

I am making more Robotron controllers but make them to order - these take some time to make - about 6 hours for the grip to print and 4 hours for the case. Then there is assembly as well. I currently have 1 available at the moment listed in eBay.  Check out the reviews or watch the videos - the 3D printing has gotten so much better - they are sturdy / strong / attractive and functional.

 

If you need to get in touch with me or want to save a few bucks by bypassing feeBay here is how I can be reached:

 

  • http://retrogameboyz.com - just redirects to my eBay listings 
  • I am mostly on Twitter this is the best way to reach me: https://twitter.com/retrogameboyz (I share some fun stuff - I am a retrogaming collector)
  • I have a YouTube channel (but I don't stream / monetize ) - it is just to host product demonstration videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGh4dLMALa5mQyb5NPj-oxw
  • I do sell on Amazon, Etsy, FB Marketplace and eBay - just expanding different e-commerce sites - most sales are on eBay or through PayPal friends and family
  • I don't solicit reviews - people have done this on their own or have invited me to their twitch streams just to chat - happy to do so

There have been some 3rd party YouTubers that have reviewed my controllers and I am very thankful for that.

 

  1. Atari Creep - Robotron: 
  2. Retro Games Fan: 

 

I am current offering a 3D Printed controller giveaway - with the drawing happening later this month. It is being sponsored by the Atari Creep and benefits Alzheimer's Association details here:

 

 

 

Thanks for your support and time.

 

Thanks for taking the time to read all this and if there is any way I can be of service, I will do my best to accommodate. 

 

Cheers!

 

Regards,

Mike

 

 

 

Edited by RetroGameBoyz
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I really like the look of your controllers and I think a twin stick style like you have would be ideal.  I have every intention to catch up with you to make a Smash TV (decor) version and get one of your Robotron ones.  The Amiga version of Smash TV is twinstick compatible for 2 players and is a fun version in my opinion.  Is there any chance of you adding 2 top clone trigger buttons for games like twin stick battlezone that uses the fire button a lot?

 

My ideal twin controller would be one that I can use for games like Robotron and also have one of the trigger buttons act as the spacebar when not playing twin stick games.  On the Commodore 64 (and Amiga??? Not sure) the fire button on the other joystick port is also the space bar button.  This button is often used as the 2nd fire button in many Commodore games (grenades, jump etc)

 

I think the trigger buttons on top may solve that however but I am not 100% sure.

 

I have been wanting to do a research project to see if I can ping the keyboard chip in an Amiga or Commodore to get direct access to the spacebar or any key.  My goal was to either create a tiny add on board or IC clip to drag that signal off to an external jack or piggyback(like the Omega race add on for the Atari 2600) to the joystick port if possible to give someone access to an extra button(s) of their choice simulating a keyboard press.  Of course I have seen little boards on Ebay where someone has mapped the Genesis controller to Amiga Spacebar and UP for jump so this may be a pointless project.

 

In any case thanks for joining the group and I am looking forward to being one of your customers as soon as I find my job.

 

 

 

 

 

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Hi IMSTAR - thank you, just let me know how I can help. At this time - I don't have much time for more R&D - as I need to focus on family and my kids education - damn priorities - lol. If my engineer friend and I have some time I will let you know. So the Amiga version of the controller I have - does have 3 buttons - action 1, action 2 and 1 mapped to push up to jump - similar to the C64 model I have - but the Amiga has an action 2 button.

 

In regards to the c64 and space bar combo (which I think is different than the Amiga) - just another one of those things I'd like to try one day. <sigh>

 

I noticed that the Action 2 button on the Amiga simulates the space bar - you can see that in the video here: 

 

 

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IMSTAR - I just tested my updated Robotron controller with the micros-witch on my C64C with Contra - I plugged in the left cable (Dpad) to port 2 and the right cable into port 1 - when the micros-witch is flipped to the right it enables both buttons to act like fire 1 on port 1 - when both buttons are pressed at the same time (but it seems you have to also push up on the controller - is that how Contra was designed?). Seems a bit kludge and it is not the most comfortable experience. A bit more tweaking on the design (which I would love to do one day) and it would be very versatile. Just thought I'd let you know.

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  • 2 weeks later...

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