blog.world3.net » Retro Adapter

Mouse+Joystick “computer” mode for the Retro Adapter

mojo — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:18:31 +0000

I have just finished updating mouse support on the Retro Adapter so that it now supports a mouse and joystick simultaneously. I am still trying to think of a good name for it but for the moment I am calling it “Computer Mode” because it is ideal for emulating machines like the Amiga or Atari ST which use both a mouse and joystick. No need to unplug or re-configure anything, it just works.

Hopefully the next batch of RAs will arrive soon and I can get on with selling them.

MAME and paddle controllers

mojo — Mon, 03 May 2010 20:02:32 +0000

I just got a Sega Master System paddle controller working with the Retro Adapter. It works perfectly but there is a compatibility problem with some MAME games I had not anticipated.

I tried to use it with Arkanoid. That game uses a spinner control which can rotate endlessly clockwise or anti-clockwise, unlike a paddle which has a set range it can cover (typically 360 degrees). MAME does not support absolute positioning for spinner controls (or dials as it calls them). The Sega controller reports back a position from 0 to 255 but MAME needs left/right pulses as you would get from a decoded optical Gray code sensor of the type commonly used in mice.

Apparently absolute positions are usable with mice so I will try to set the controller up in that mode tomorrow.

This kind of problem seems to be common with emulators.

2nd DB9 Connector in the works

mojo — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:24:43 +0000

I am doing the code for a 2nd DB9 Connector for the Retro Adapter. It converts the DB15 into another DB9 so you can connect two controllers simultaneously for 2 players.

Atari/Commodore/Sega controllers are working and I will add support for NES and SNES too. I will probably do N64 as well. The button mapping is not ideal but is usable. I experimented with having the RA re-enumerate as two separate controllers but it is not ideal to do on the fly. The current system is a good compromise.

Retro Adapters now on sale!

mojo — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 21:00:24 +0000

I finally got there – Retro Adapters are on sale!

Everything is at http://retro.world3.net, including an online shop where you can buy ready made adapters and kits via Google Checkout.

I’ll add more stuff to the shop side in the next few days. In particular I hope to have some extension cables for sale for making connectors. They are hard to come by, but if there is demand I’ll get them.