Re: //c (&clone) game port (?)

[dempson@actrix.gen.nz (David Empson)]

In article <379t33$kve@gap.cco.caltech.edu>,
Nathan Mates <nathan@cco.caltech.edu> wrote:
> In article <1994Oct9.174251@aspen>, Paul Neubauer <neubauer@uwplatt.edu> wrote:
> >  Is it possible to use the mouse port on a //c or clone as a game port
> >such as on the ][, ][+, //e ?   I have set a simple control system using
> >the game port on a ][+ and a friend (with no net access) wants to do the
> >same with a Laser 128.
> >  If this is possible what is the pinout of the connector? We would be
> >using both the pushbutton sensors and the annunciators.
> 
>    The original connector was 16 pins, all of them used.

All except two (pins 9 and 16).  In the IIgs, pin 9 is used as a
fourth switch input (SW3).  The IIgs doesn't implement the STROBE
output.

> The game port is only 9 pins, and they aren't multiplexed, so some
> signals are no longer supported. Joysticks can be plugged into that
> port, with the following connections:

Correct, for a IIe or IIgs.

The IIc doesn't support PDL2, PDL3 or SW2.  These pins are either mouse
control signals or not connected.

The PDL0, PDL1, SW0 and SW1 inputs also double as mouse control
signals.  The mouse is detected by hard grounding SW1 (a pushbutton
should either leave it floating or connect the input to +5V).  SW0 is
used for the mouse button.

>    Where Paddles 0/1 are the x & y of the primary joystick, 2/3 of
> the secondary (were there ever many games or joysticks which actually
> supported such a thing?) joystick.

You could make up an adaptor to connect a standard joystick as the
second joystick.  I don't know of any mainstream programs that support
the second joystick, but I'm sure there must be some.
-- 
David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz
Snail mail: P.O. Box 27-103, Wellington, New Zealand