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ZX81 Joystick interface

Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2020 1:40 am
by AN7805
Hi,

Is possible to find today a new joystick interface for the ZX81?
Or only used from Kempston and clones?
Is the ZX Spectrum Joy interface are compatible?

Thanks

Matt :-)

Re: ZX81 Joystick interface

Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2020 10:51 am
by XavSnap
1) Yes.
2) It's better. :D
3) Yes, and No !
Only the Zx81 interfaces based on IO data cards.
The easy way to know if a card is compatible, you had to have a look to the socket BUS.
A 2x23 pins connectons are compatible with the Spectrum and Zx81/TS1000, but you need to check the connector key to avoid to kill your power supply or mother card components.

Zx81 & Spectrum:
pin_81.JPG

Spectrum:
pin_Spectrum.JPG
zx_wirring.JPG

Re: ZX81 Joystick interface

Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2020 2:15 pm
by 1024MAK
Kempston and Kempston compatible joystick interfaces that have a ZX81 sized edge-connector are compatible.
There are some (but not many) joystick interfaces that are specific to the ZX81 (ZX80, TS1000 etc...) (some details of the interfaces available in the 1980s are here).

In terms of modern hardware, there are two that I know of:
The Chroma 81 Interface supports the ‘cursor’ standard.
And the ZXpand/ZXpand+ interfaces can also support joysticks.

However, there is no common standard that is supported by games.

Mark

Re: ZX81 Joystick interface

Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2020 5:06 pm
by avrovulcan
I still have an AGF joystick interface. Its programmed by 10 wires with crocodile clips on the end.
Quite handy as it meant you can map any keyboard commands.
Can't remember if this version of the interface was zx80/81 only though

Kind regards

Andy

Re: ZX81 Joystick interface

Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2020 7:18 pm
by AN7805
Thanks at all.

Xav you have PVT.

Thanks,

Matt :-)

Re: ZX81 Joystick interface

Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2020 8:32 pm
by XavSnap
All of them are ok (eBay links sent in PM) to be use on the Zx81 and the Spectrum!
Just count the pins on the connector, 23x2 for the Zx81 and 25x2 for the Spectrum.
If the card is ok for both computer, the socket is a 23x2 (zx81) socket.

Have a look to the KEY (the little peace of plastic in the socket!), count the pin column.
2 for the ZX81, and 4 for the Spectrum.

If a Spectrum card is a Zx81 socket (2 pins at the left of the socket key), it will work on both computers !
zx81_socket.JPG
Note: An7805, your PM is disabled !

Re: ZX81 Joystick interface

Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2020 8:39 pm
by AN7805
Thanks so much Xav :-)

How to enable PM?

Thx

Matt

Re: ZX81 Joystick interface

Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2020 8:44 pm
by XavSnap
PM.JPG
If this option is check, delete some massages…
Click on the message to read it, and clic on [X] … to Make room in your private mail box !

Re: ZX81 Joystick interface

Posted: Sat Dec 05, 2020 9:10 pm
by AN7805
Thanks Xav you have PM.

Matt :-)

Re: ZX81 Joystick interface

Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2020 6:50 pm
by zx-heinz
Have a look here:
https://forum.tlienhard.com/phpBB3/view ... 739#p43739
It is designed for the ZX Spectrum, but it would be easy to adapt it to the ZX81. The advantage: It is programmable, so you can play even all games which are designed only for keyboard use.