IT'S A STICK-UP

Whatever happened to the days of all joysticks being a small base with a stick in the middle and a fire button that never worked? Today they look more like something from the control panel of an F-16 and get bigger and sillier all the while. Nick Roberts and Mark Caswell delve into the CRASH joystick bin to discover whether the joystick really is a gamesplayer's best friend...

Dynamics
£14.95

MARK: The Competition Pro is another distinctive stick with its red shaft and fire buton. The ball shaped handle is comfortable to hold, though table top use is hampered by the lack of suckered feet. The medium travel of the stick makes it responsive, but I find the use of leaf-switches in the fire buttons very silly. Overall a rugged, comfortable stick that should be considered.

Kempston Micro Electronics
£[PRICE]

JOYSTICK FROM KEMPSTON

Kempston (Micro) Electronics has a joystick of the switch type for the ZX-81 or Spectrum. It is a Competition-Pro joystick and is input/output-mapped by A6 being low. The joystick has a solid metal shaft and is spring-loaded with a black balled top. The two red fire buttons are about one inch in diameter and both produce the same result. The joystick can be in eight positions as the leaf springs used will both operate if moved in a diagonal direction. The joystick gives 8 for down, 4 for up, 1 for left and 2 for right. So up/right will give 6 and the joystick fire buttons both give 16.

The interface is "dead-ended", so it must go on after any other equipment, but it is attached to the joystick by 5ft. of cable, so that should not be a problem. Software is always important to an item like this and Kempston already has four programs which can use the joystick, from Abbex, Quicksilva and Softek. Gulpman has also been converted for use with the joystick. When you buy the joystick you also get the listings of three programs provided free - one Space Invaders, a hi-res drawing program and a program to mix with the Bat and Ball game provided on the Horizon tape. The joystick costs £25 inc. VAT from Kempston Electronics, 180a Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8BL. Tel. 0234 852997.

AIMING TO SPEED THE RESPONSE

Stephen Adams looks at the wide range of joysticks that are now the market.

Joysticks are a favourite weapon against space invaders, pirates and in other fighting games. They are also very useful for flight simulation, maze games like Mazog for the ZX-81 or Escape for the Spectrum. That is because they speed the response to the games by up to 300 percent and if the games have been written to obey joysticks, the response to the keyboard has probably made the game run more slowly.

Most work on one of two principles, the commonest being the switched type like the Atari joystick. The other is the proportional joystick, which instead of just indicating the direction of the joystick also sends back a report on its exact position. It does so by giving an X/Y value for the position of the stick in the vertical and horizontal directions. You can write software for those joysticks but no commercial software uses them.

The Atari joystick set a standard by being the first to be used on a video game and since then the style has changed but the connections to the game have not. The Atari joystick has a 9-pin "D" type socket on the end of it which has five pins at the top and four pins at the bottom. They are numbered from one to nine, starting at the top right-hand side - looking at the plug - and only pins 1-4, 6 and 8 are connected. Those pins are connected to five switches in the joystick, one side of the switch being connected to a numbered socket, and the other being connected to a common point, which is connected to pin on the socket.

Operating the joystick in any of the four directions makes that switch operate, connecting the common pin to the socket pin of that switch. The fifth switch is the fire button. Thus only one switch can be operated at a time, plus the fire button. That kind of switch cannot be used directly in place of the keyboard switches, as all the switches are connected together. Therefore an interface has to be used to connect the joystick to the Spectrum without damaging it.

The interfaces are of various kinds but a standard seems to have been set by Kempston, which contacted software companies before it launched its joystick to pursuade them that there should be a standard way of using a joystick on a Spectrum.

That standard way of working has now been written into some of the software by mos of the big companies as an alternative to using the Sinclair keyboard.

The software is easier to write if you have only one address to look at or to control. It is also not difficult in machine code to take one byte from an address and check that a switch has operated. It is much easier than scanning the entire keyboard for several different keys.

The address the Kempstori uses is very simple; it requires only bit A6 to be low using anIN instruction to operate the chip. Address 31 is used to read the value of the joystick. The joystick switches each operate one bit of the binary data returned from the port and as the Kempston Competition Pro joystick allows you to operate two switches directly instead of one - allowing you to go in diagonal directions as well - it is very useful. Only five of the bits are thus used and all the rest are set to 0. If one of the joystick switches is operated, that bit changes to a binary 1 and the number returned will be greater than zero.

The AGF Interface II allows you to simulate a set of keys on the keyboard but they are fixed to the cursor keys and use 0 for the fire button. It also allows you to use other devices on the back of the joystick and is available in ZX-81 and Spectrum versions.

Unlike the Kempston joystick, which works on both the ZX-81 and Spectrum with the appropriate software, keyboard interfaces for the Spectrum cannot be transferred to the ZX-81 as not only is the edge connector too big - 28 ways instead of the 23 of the ZX-81 - but the expansion port has different connections.

The Protek is also a cursor-type interface but like most of the interfaces reviewed has no PCB edge to which to connect anything else like a sound board.

The Jiles Electronics interface is a three-way, bare-board device which can he made to look like that from Kempston, a cursor-controlled joystick, or to work Psion programs. The selection is via two little pegs and is probably the cheapest solution to fitting joysticks, at £13.95.

The Sinclair joystick port in Interface Two operates either the first five or the last five of the number keys. The only software which works with the system is that from Sinclair or Psion.

Soundboards like the Fuller Box and the ZXM from Timedata also have joystick interfaces but use different addresses for them.

Programmable joystick interfaces have also begun to appear for the Spectrum which allow you to program the positions of the joystick to operate different keys on the keyboard. That allows you to operate it with any software, whether it be designed for the joystick or not.

The simplest to understand is the Pickard controller, a plastic box on which there are 40 sockets, one for each key on the keyboard. Five jack plugs, the same type as the cassette leads, are used to program the five positions of the joystick by plugging them into the appropriate sockets for the game.

At no time is the keyboard disabled. The connection to the joystick is via an Atari socket on the side and the connection to the computer is made by plugging-in plugs to the keyboard sockets inside the case. The power is obtained by plugging the power supply into the unit and then a flying lead is plugged into the computer power socket. It is a very simple and inexpensive way of doing the job and will work for the ZX81 or Spectrum.

The AGF version also programs it manually by using a set of crocodile clips, one for each data line and one for each address line. It now seems a complicated way of doing things, as it is not as easy to understand as the Pickard, but it does not involve entering the computer. A set of cards is provided to mark the positions of the clips for each game, which seems to prove the point. The unit also tends to be unstable and programming it during a game can crash the system.

Cambridge Computing and Stone- chip have employed a different method to program the joystick. They have used 1K of RAM to store the positions of the keys where the joystick should operate. In the Stonechip design you can even have the diagonals operating different keys, giving nine positions.

The Stonechip is also the easiest to operate and has the advantage over the Cambridge in that it will also operate the Microdrive interface, Interface One. To use it all you have to do is push a three-position switch to PROGRAM on the front of the unit and, while holding down the key for that position, operate the joystick. A quick flick is all that is required for each position of the joystick. Then move the switch to NORMAL and LOAD the game.

To use the joystick just switch it to PLAY and the game will respond to the joystick. The review model also disabled the keyboard when in use but the company says a small modification will be done to all the current units to prevent that and will be informing all customers so far as to when to return units for free modification.

The Cambridge unit requires you to LOAD a tape first, which takes you through a menu to program the joystick. If you touch the joystick while LOADing the program, it crashes. It also appears to crash after programming the joystick completely as it NEWs itself to be ready for the next program and that is not mentioned in the instructions - but the joystick still works.

The joystick settings can also be viewed and recorded on tape. The menu program still has to be LOADed first. It has also a rear edge connector so that other things can be plugged-in. The interface is intended to work with the joystick which accompanies it but can still be purchased separately if you want to use an Atari joystick.

The advantage of using your own is that you not only have an eight-position joystick but two independent fire buttons for games at a cheaper price than Atari. Cambridge says it will change software when it can obtain a Microdrive on which to test it.

Electrotech also uses the same system to program its joystick but its interface board is uncased and will work only with its joystick console. The console contains a four-position joystick and three large 1in. fire buttons and looks as if it should belong in an arcade game. It is very robust but costs at least half as much again as the other two.

Joysticks tend to be personal things, so I asked a few friends at a computer club and my children for their options on the range available. The result is clearly for the Kraft joystick, with Cambridge Computing second with its two fire buttons. The Kempston Competition Pro joystick is a good all-rounder with its eight positions.

The others go to show that an increase in price does not always provide easier control. The Jiles Electronic joystick is probably the least helpful, as its stick becomes more like a flexible toy in use. The Atari shows how much joysticks have developed, as it now seems very stiff and unresponsive compared to the newer types.

Price: £14.95 (Standard model)/£15.95 (Clear model).

This was the joystick that started it all. Yep, that's right! The Pro 5000 has been the forefather of what all joysticks should be, sturdy, well-built, fully microswitched, highly responsive and extremely reliable.

The 5000 was the prototype for the Pro Extra and as its counterpart, is of the same design, but is red and black in colour. It is fully microswitched apart from the fire buttons, and has the same performance qualities and characteristics as the Pro Extra and there is also a clear version too. Another joystick which has just come to my attention, which looks identical to the Pro 5000, is actually a Taiwanese import and is constructed in such a way it can only be described as cheap! it can easily be recognised by looking at the of the joystick, there you will seen the words Micro Pro. As well as this, when moving the stick, it gives a stiff and rugged feel. This joystick should be avoided at all costs!

COMPETITION PRO EXTRA/PRO PC

Dynamics Marketing £14.99

This stick is ugly! It's not so much the shape (it's shaped exactly like the old Kempston joysticks) but the colour. Do you really want an acid green joystick? There's also a Day-glo pink version, should you have absolutely no colour taste. Colour aside, though, it's excellent. It can be held in the hand comfortably, responds well and, more importantly, it's strong.

However, there's one problem: the fire buttons. They work well, but the microswitches aren't as durable as the movement ones. Subsequently, if anything does go wrong it's the fire buttons packing up. This happened to us a few times. Although, a good autofire is provided to preserve the buttons.

The PC version is moulded in grey and cream, presumably because PC owners want to match all their peripherals to the colour scheme of their computers. However, to get the stick working with your PC you'll need an interface. Dynamics recommend their own Compro A/D games card. (They would.)

PRICE: £13.50
SUPPLIER: Kempston

Another one for those who like something firm and sensitive is the Competition-Pro. This has a very stout base in which two fire-buttons are set - there's no button on the stick itself.

The large knob and short stick mean that this is one to hold in the palm and direct with short, sharp movements.

ADDING ON YOUR SPECTRUM

Our review team take a brief look at some of the hardware add-ons fir the ZX Spectrum.

Now that the ZX Spectrum has well and truly established itself on the micro market, it is amply supported by a wealth of hardware add-ons. Most of these peripheral devices have been manufactured by the people who supported the ZX81, but just as the Spectrum has attracted new users with its prowess, so too has it attracted a new following from the add-on manufacturers.

In this brief guide, we have not tried to cover all the devices currently available on the market but rather give you a flavour of the technology you can add on to your Spectrum. As joysticks are an obvious favourite, these have been covered in some detail whereas RAM packs are fairly standard and so have only been briefly touched on. Also included in this section area number of quite specialised add-ons like sound units and a digital tracer.

If you own a Spectrum, you will no doubt have begun to realise the potential you hold in your hands. Over the next few pages you will hopefully see further applications for you and your computer to explore.

The Kempston joystick is a very solid looking device. Housed in black plastic, the joystick has a thick stick with a bulbous handle which makes it very easy to grip. There are two firing buttons, each brightly coloured red, supposedly for left or right handed players (Heaven forbid that software games become so complex that you have to choose between the type of laser you blast the aliens with!).

The joystick comes complete with a boxed interface which easily plugs in and out of the rear edge connector of the Spectrum. It does not, however, have any facility for any other add-on to be fitted once the joystick is in position.

The joystick operation is easily programmed for in BASIC or machine code, and full instructions plus a number of demonstration programs are provided for you to get the hang of it. At the time of writing, the Kempston joystick was compatible with at least five games on the market, including those from Quicksilva, Softek, Abbex and New Generation.

Operation of the joystick was a bit stiff at first, but once you get used to it, skillful manipulation was possible.

The cost of the Kempston joystick is £25. Further details on this device are available from Kempston Micro Electronics, 180A Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8BL.

BATTLEFIELD JOYSTICK

Joysticks are your most immediate connection with any game you play - the man-machine interface. The melting joystick makes a nice image for an advertiser who's suggesting that his games can beat anything, but do joysticks in real life really stand up to the beating they receive, are they tough enough for the job, do they move well, are the handles right, will the buttons fire?

The CRASH reviewing team settled down for a weekend of joystick bashing on several types and makes, and here we look at the results...

There are now many makes of joystick available, and almost as many types as there are makes. Each boasts design innovations so that it is better than all the others - and they come in a range of prices too. We all know that joysticks on arcade machines take a battering, so too do those at home. Do they stand up? We tested 19 joysticks from well known manufacturers to see how they all compared.

A joystick must be able to withstand games that require fast and repeated movement, so what better than Ocean's Daley Thompson's Decathlon? We used the Commodore version of the game because it is more violent than the Spectrum! But it isn't only toughness; joysticks must also be capable of fine and positive movement, comfortable to use with sensible fire buttons. Several arcade skill games were used to test four major points for both the stick action and the fire button action.

TRAVEL means the maximum movement between opposite poles (e.g. up/down) on the stick, and how far the fire button had to be depressed. On stick action over 1.5 inches was considered to be very long. Oddly, some of the short sticks had longer to travel than the taller sticks.

ACTION FORCE means the amount of hand or finger pressure required to keep the stick pressed over or the fire button down.

REACTION SPEED indicates how fast contact is made, how quickly the action affects the game, and how well rapid movements can be made (especially rapid fire buttons).

RESPONSE/FEEDBACK indicates how positive the stick or fire action feels and whether there is any physical or audible feedback to tell the player that contact has been made.

ERGONOMICS how useful is the stick for hand held playing, and how well does it operate on a table top. Is the stick well designed for comfort, ease of fire action and general stability.

After preliminary testing, the joysticks all went through ten minutes of the Decathlon to see how long they were likely to stand up to use. During this test, some joysticks broke.

Finally, all the sticks have 9 pin D connectors and are Atari compatible on the pin outs. They all need an interface of one sort or another to work with the Spectrum (except the clip-ons). Some offer 2 independent fire actions, but these only work with either a Cambridge interface or the programmable Comcon from Frei Ltd., which was the interface used for this test.

Each joystick review is split into two halves; firstly a brief technical breakdown; secondly the review team's report.

KEMPSTON PRO 5000

Supplier: Kempston Micro Electronics Ltd., Singer Way, Woburn Road Industrial Estate, Kempston, Bedford MK42 7AF, Tel (0234) 856633

Price: £13.50

Lever Action: Strong steel shall suspended in rubber bush. Leaf contact switches actuated by nylon bush.

Fire Action: 2 large arcade style round fire buttons actuating leaf contact switches

Ergonomics: Average size well rounded enclosure for handheld operation. Rubber feet for table top operation.

Lead: Plastic moulded D type connector and moulded sleeved grommet.

Week point: Body flexes under use.

STICK ACTION

Travel: short
Action force: medium
Reaction speed: instant
Response/feedback: no audible feedback but fairly good response overall.

FIRE ACTION

Travel: very short.
Action force: very light - good rapid fire.
Reaction speed: fast.
Response/feedback: good with hard, positive feel

Ergonomics: not very good for handheld use with the large base but reasonably steady on a table top. The two large arcade style fire buttons on the base are well placed for left or right-hand use, and the round knob shaped stick is comfortable to hold. The slightly stiffer action of the stick on this version of the 5000 make it slightly more tiring to use on the Decathlon.

Life expectancy: Good