socrates63 Posted August 22, 2020 Report Share Posted August 22, 2020 Prior to assembling my Atari 5200 SuperSystem setup, I did a little homework into the infamous 5200 controller issue. Based on the what I heard on The Atari 5200 Podcast and Wired-Up Retro, I decided early on to order the DB9 controller adapter for the 5200 made by AtariAge user ikonsgr (he also sells on ebay but I can't find his ebay link right now). Atari 5200 Podcast https://theatari5200superpodcast.libsyn.com/episode-1-getting-started-and-new-beginnings Wired-Up Retro The adapter arrived a few days ago from Greece (it's times like this when I love how technology has brought us closer together to share a hobby). Today, I got a chance to use it with my Atari 7800 controller (made by Retrogameboyz) and a few games. Now I was aware that 7800 controllers would not work perfectly with this adapter and the 5200, but that's the DB9 controller I had on hand (Genesis arcade stick on the way). I tried three 5200 games (via AtariMax cartridge). Berzerk didn't like it -- the man wouldn't move and continuously fired shots. In Moon Patrol, the joystick worked well, and the fire button too, but both 7800 buttons registered to fire the gun only -- no jump button. Pac-Man worked flawlessly. The conclusion of my limited testing? I'm very happy as I had expected. Since nearly all 5200 games do not require analog controls, the ikonsgr adapter is a very affordable solution to enabling digital joystick/gamepad on the 5200 platform. Once the Genesis arcade stick arrives, my 5200 setup will be complete. Atari 5200 controller issues are really overblown and overstated IMO and shouldn't stopped anyone who wants to experience arcade action at home on the beautiful Atari 5200 SuperSystem. nosweargamer, Justin and RickR 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
socrates63 Posted August 25, 2020 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2020 (edited) I picked up the Genesis arcade controller yesterday to use with the DB9 adapter. I tried it out with Moon Patrol and Pac-Man and it worked perfectly without any fuddling around. Initially I was a little concerned about the softness of the joystick (I've gotten used to leaf switch sticks) but it felt great and was responsive. My 5200 controller setup is now complete 🙂 and in my 5200 controller stable are controllers rebuilt by Best Electronics, trak-ball, Wico joystick, and now the Genesis arcade joystick. Edited August 25, 2020 by socrates63 Justin and RickR 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickR Posted August 25, 2020 Report Share Posted August 25, 2020 Sounds like you have it covered. But boy, it sure takes up a lot of space, doesn't it? I have a trackball, a digital joystick (not Wico), and also a 5200 controller where the stick is replaced with a paddle knob. I'll have to take some pictures sometime, but at the moment, it's all in boxes in the attic. Justin and socrates63 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
socrates63 Posted August 25, 2020 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2020 A 5200 controller with a paddle knob? Sounds very intriguing, and yes, please do share a pic when you get a chance. What games do you use that with? Tempest? Yes, all these 5200 and 2600/7800 controllers are taking up a lot of space. Fortunately, I have a large display cabinet/shelf right next to the TV and consoles but I do need to reshuffle things a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickR Posted August 25, 2020 Report Share Posted August 25, 2020 The paddle controller works with the "side to side" joystick games (Super Breakout, Space Invaders, Galaxian, etc). socrates63 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDN Posted August 25, 2020 Report Share Posted August 25, 2020 26 minutes ago, RickR said: The paddle controller works with the "side to side" joystick games (Super Breakout, Space Invaders, Galaxian, etc). So a paddle controller would work with this adapter? Intriguing. Well, if I ever get a 5200 you know what I'm getting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickR Posted August 25, 2020 Report Share Posted August 25, 2020 1 minute ago, HDN said: So a paddle controller would work with this adapter? Intriguing. Well, if I ever get a 5200 you know what I'm getting. No, that's not what I meant. I have a 5200 controller where the joystick has been removed and an extender and knob added to the horizontal movement potentiometer. I'll try to get a picture after work today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDN Posted August 25, 2020 Report Share Posted August 25, 2020 12 minutes ago, RickR said: No, that's not what I meant. I have a 5200 controller where the joystick has been removed and an extender and knob added to the horizontal movement potentiometer. I'll try to get a picture after work today. Ah. Thanks for clarifying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin Posted August 25, 2020 Report Share Posted August 25, 2020 I love that Sega Genesis Arcade Stick. I've been wanting to get one to use on the 7800 with the Edladdin Seagull 78 Adapter, or rewire it entirely. What I like even better than the Genesis Arcade Stick is the original Neo•Geo Gold Arcade Stick. For the longest time I've been tempted to get one and rewire it with a Happ or Sanwa joystick and buttons wired into a 7800 cable. That would be a real dream. socrates63 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickR Posted August 25, 2020 Report Share Posted August 25, 2020 I've got that same Genesis arcade stick modified for use on a Vectrex. It's kind of a wild story...I bought the stick as part of a Vectrex lot via Craigslist, and in researching it a bit, I discovered I knew the guy that modified it! I had no idea he made those sticks. Justin and socrates63 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Justin Posted August 26, 2020 Report Share Posted August 26, 2020 5 hours ago, RickR said: I've got that same Genesis arcade stick modified for use on a Vectrex. It's kind of a wild story...I bought the stick as part of a Vectrex lot via Craigslist, and in researching it a bit, I discovered I knew the guy that modified it! I had no idea he made those sticks. Cool story @RickR! How does it perform on Vectrex? And doesn't Vectrex need 4 buttons? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDN Posted August 26, 2020 Report Share Posted August 26, 2020 12 minutes ago, Justin said: Cool story @RickR! How does it perform on Vectrex? And doesn't Vectrex need 4 buttons? Start button? I don't know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickR Posted August 26, 2020 Report Share Posted August 26, 2020 Yes, the start button. socrates63 and Justin 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickR Posted August 26, 2020 Report Share Posted August 26, 2020 Here is the 5200 paddle! Justin, socrates63 and HDN 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airshack Posted March 30, 2021 Report Share Posted March 30, 2021 On 8/22/2020 at 11:26 AM, socrates63 said: Atari 5200 controller issues are really overblown and overstated IMO The 5200’s native controllers are prone to failure, and they hurt your hands when used as intended. The fact that you have to buy a cable from Greece and hook up another consoles controllers, though worthwhile, is a giant kludge inconvenience. Many players have abandoned this console due to the controllers. I’ve rebuilt two myself. They are fully functional yet horrible. Honestly, I don’t see how these controllers got past play testing at Atari. - Ω - 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickR Posted March 30, 2021 Report Share Posted March 30, 2021 (edited) On 8/22/2020 at 11:26 AM, socrates63 said: The conclusion of my limited testing? I'm very happy as I had expected. Since nearly all 5200 games do not require analog controls, the ikonsgr adapter is a very affordable solution to enabling digital joystick/gamepad on the 5200 platform. Once the Genesis arcade stick arrives, my 5200 setup will be complete. Atari 5200 controller issues are really overblown and overstated IMO and shouldn't stopped anyone who wants to experience arcade action at home on the beautiful Atari 5200 SuperSystem. I should report that I got my adapter from Greece as well, and my experience matches yours. It works really nicely IMO. I will admit it feels kind of flimsy and I wonder how long it will last. I was thinking of putting a plastic case around it, but the clearance needed for the plug that goes into the 5200 makes that more difficult. 5200 sticks aren't the best things in the world, but they are fine once you get used to them. I like them more than Intellivision controllers, and less than Colecovision controllers. The fact that all those systems use a similar design tells you the "why" for Atari. True controller innovation didn't come in a big way until the NES. Edited March 30, 2021 by RickR socrates63 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
socrates63 Posted April 9, 2021 Author Report Share Posted April 9, 2021 @Airshack I completely agree that the native 5200 controllers are problematic on multiple levels. As clunky as the ikonsgr adapter is, it works very well, and I saw it as only a minor inconvenience that opened up a great console and its library. For sure, it is a barrier to entry into the world of the SuperSystem. Whether it great or minor hindrance is up to the individual's motivation 🙂 @RickR I also thought about putting the ikonsgr adapter in a case and actually ordered two to have one as a spare (or for player 2). Good news is that a new controller alternative surfaced. After much lobbying from customers, Retro-game-boyz recently designed a digital 5200 controller, and I got one. I haven't actually used it yet but it feels good, just like his 2600/7800 controllers that I have. It has a connector to allow the use of the native 5200 controller for keypad functionality (shown in photo below). He also makes a matching keypad that mounts on the controller base near where the cable out. You can see the bracket for either left or right side positioning. I ordered the keypad a couple of days ago. The joystick and keypad combo goes for $110 according to his website. Compared to what a Best Electronics refurbished 5200 controller costs, that's a very reasonable price, I think. This is definitely a step up from the ikonsgr adapter in terms of both price and function. I know Edladdin is working on a 5200 controller, and I have no doubts it will be beautiful and magnificent as Ed's controller are. I believe he will release it soon? It'll be good to see another 5200 controller option on the market. RickR 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atari 5200 Guy Posted July 19, 2021 Report Share Posted July 19, 2021 On 3/30/2021 at 10:45 AM, Airshack said: The 5200’s native controllers are prone to failure, and they hurt your hands when used as intended. The fact that you have to buy a cable from Greece and hook up another consoles controllers, though worthwhile, is a giant kludge inconvenience. Many players have abandoned this console due to the controllers. I’ve rebuilt two myself. They are fully functional yet horrible. Honestly, I don’t see how these controllers got past play testing at Atari. I guess I'm one of the weirdos. I grew up with the 5200 being my first console. I never had controller issues the whole time I owned it (from its initial release until 1987). I learned to love those controllers and found ways around imperfect controls to find happy spots in every 5200 game I owned at the time. 7800 controllers hurt my hands worse than 5200 controllers ever did. I guess I'm one of few people that have a passion for everything 5200. It is what it is, it's what Atari big wigs decided was enough to put it into production mode...even when it wasn't ready. I might be the only one who's passion for the 5200 is far greater than anyone else's. I have yet to meet anyone else who has has the passion I have for that console. I will defend it until my dying breath. I play mine a lot with just the standard controllers. I keep hoping to find a controller holder for it someday. That and a trackball controller. socrates63 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
- Ω - Posted July 19, 2021 Report Share Posted July 19, 2021 2 hours ago, Atari 5200 Guy said: I keep hoping to find a controller holder for it someday. Leave @Airshack a message. I got my 3D printed one from him, he might be able to hook you up with his source. Quote <<< My YouTube Page >>> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
socrates63 Posted July 19, 2021 Author Report Share Posted July 19, 2021 Michael of Retrogameboyz has added a new product to his store. He has partnered with ikonsgr and created a keypad that encases the adapter. This eliminates the need to connect an OEM 5200 controller with the ikonsgr adapter. It's very elegant all around. https://retrogameboyz.com/products/atari-5200-db15-to-db9-adapter-with-keypad-sega-genesis-amiga-amstrad-commodore-joystick-pad?variant=39399140720695 image from the store: RickR 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrossBow Posted July 19, 2021 Report Share Posted July 19, 2021 This is pretty cool actually. It basically is like having an old AA redemption adapter and 5200 keypad in one box. I currently use my AA remdemption adapter with a 3 button Genesis pad when I want the digital control. However, I actually attach my Wico keypad command control into the redemption instead of a 5200 controller as the keypad on that is built like a tank and can fit the overlays. But those keypad command controls for the 5200 along with getting a redemption is difficult and would cost more than this alone. So this is an excellent thing to see! socrates63 1 Quote See what I'm up to over at the Ivory Tower Collections: http://www.youtube.com/ivorytowercollections Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickR Posted August 1, 2021 Report Share Posted August 1, 2021 I printed out the 3D case for the ikonsgr adapter using the files provided by user Gonzo952 over at AtariAge: https://atariage.com/forums/topic/311118-ikonsgrs-5200-adapter-3d-printed-case/?tab=comments#comment-4628746 It turned out well and makes the thing feel much less fragile. And it was a fun little project. - Ω - 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
intellicolecovisonary Posted October 19, 2021 Report Share Posted October 19, 2021 (edited) My OCD also compelled me to create a DIY case for my IKONSGR adapter Edited October 19, 2021 by intellicolecovisonary RickR 1 Quote ⚠️ THIS MEMBER HAS BEEN BANNED FOR THE FOLLOWING INCIDENT:https://forums.atari.io/topic/6133-my-secret-identity-is-known-as-astomiman-destroyer-of-worlds/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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