[Aki] had a broken TAC-2 joystick that was just begging for some new and improved use. Since it was the cable that was broken, [Aki] had the idea to make it wireless. He designed custom boards for the transmitter and receiver. Each is controlled by an ATTiny2313. He fitted it with the stock connector so it could possibly even still work on a commodore 64. He hasn’t tested that yet though.
[via the Hack A Day flickr pool]
Hi,
last year I’ve designed a such a piece of hardware for all Commodore Amiga, C64, Atari VCS and similar computers with D-Sub 9pin connector.
Our device has two DSub 9pin connectors at the sender side. This ensures that all(!) joystick can be connected and used wireless. The receiver will be plugged via Dsub 9pin connectors directly to the computer.
see http://www.joca-tech.de for more information. Here’re some pics:
http://www.joca-tech.de/sender_action.jpg
http://www.joca-tech.de/receiver_action.jpg
What is really important is up time and latency. We’ve managed a latency less than 8ms. Running time of our device is about 30 hours. It uses only two AA batteries.
If you’re interested leave me a message at info@joca-tech.de
Bye,
Jochen
now this is a nifty hack. I approve. Makes me think of all the things I really ought to make wireless.
What an ingenious hack. Excellent work.
nice hack and some beautiful work
very clean
TAC-2 was by far the best joystick ever made… now I just need to find mine again.
Agreed – the TAC2 was by far the best joystick I have ever used… I wish I could get hold of another one :(
I tested this with a C64 today and it seems to work but not very far as the receiver seems to be taking some interference. But good to continue from here and I’m happy that it works.
I love my TAC-2. I looked at this article because I couldn’t believe that one actually broke!
I like the wireless. Very cool reuse.
The contacts in my TAC-2 seem to be a bit worn out and less responsive than they used to be. Anyone know where I can get a replacement and/or other hacks to hook one of these up to a modern computer with VICE?