INTERFACITS - JOYSTICK INTERFACING INVESTIGATED

A comprehensive round up of the units available - checked out by our team of reviewers.

One of the first add-ons that a computer owner may contemplate buying is a joystick of some kind. The increase in control that this provides is of obvious benefit to the dedicated games player. In addition it is becoming increasingly necessary for some of the complex graphics packages that are appearing for the Spectrum. However if you have not yet taken the plunge and are now contemplating the purchase of some form of controller you have a difficult choice ahead of you. In essence, most of the actual joysticks are very similar, and your eventual purchase will be based upon personal preferences for shape, size, ease of use etc., but the biggest decision to make will be that concerning the vital link between your joystick and the computer i.e. the INTERFACE.

Interfaces allow the use of joysticks with compatible software, and although there is a great variety of material available for use with all the more common interfaces no single one will give you control over every game, unless, of course you opt for a PROGRAMMABLE INTERFACE. These claim to give you joystick compatibility with ALL software.

One of the cheapest interfaces on the market, this one operates on the Kempston standard and is claimed to be wobble free. Sold complete with a Quickshot-style joystick for £15.50.

Even more useful is that should you forget to change the switch or get the wrong option then you can safely change the option once the program has been loaded and is actually running!

An interface which I would recommend to any dedicated games player who requires a simple, effective means of joystick control.

Protek also market a presentation pack of joystick, interface and their own flight simulation program for £24.95.