2600-daptor II firmware

3/22/13 - new firmware version adds trak-ball support

This firmware adds what I call mouse mode.  You can use a CX22 or CX80 trak-ball (as-well as some other controllers) to move the mouse pointer.  While there is a lack of 2600 games for the trak-balls, this can be used with emulators that support mouse input for trak-ball emulation, such as MAME for arcade games like Missile Command, Centipede, Millipede, etc.  (Note for MAME: the mouse as to be enabled in the .ini file).

Mouse mode is entered by first plugging in the USB with both switches DOWN.  The 'daptor will then appear to the computer as a USB HID mouse.  (Note: sometimes when switching controllers while the USB is plugged in, the computer may reset the USB connection and this could kick the 'daptor out of mouse mode.  Avoid this by plugging in the controller you would like to use before connecting the USB.)

Once in mouse mode, the switch settings are -

Mode Switch 1 (next to USB) Switch 2  
Joystick/Paddle UP UP

Use 2600 joystick or paddles to move the mouse pointer.  Paddles act as velocity control - speed of mouse pointer is determined by how far the paddle is moved off center.  Center paddles to hold mouse stationary.  As there are no marks on the paddles, you just have to play with it a bit to find out where center is.

Amiga DOWN UP

Amiga mouse - only button 1 supported.

Atari ST UP DOWN

ST mouse (2nd button on ST mouse not supported) and possibly some later CX80. Also works with the Driving controller, but it's extremely low resolution does *NOT* make it a good spinner for Tempest, Arkanoid, etc. in MAME.

CX22/CX80 DOWN DOWN

CX22 & CX80 trak-balls native mode.

Note on CX80 - word is there are two verions.  Original is a repackaged CX22, but there may be a later Atari ST version, and no way to visually identify which you have as they look exactly the same.  So try Atari ST mode if yours is not working with CX22 /CX80 mode.

6/09/13 - updated Amiga mouse

12/01/14 - Mouse (for trak-ball support) marked as a "boot mouse" for MIST 

2/20/17 - added Atari Flashback 1

1/05/18 - added AtariVox-daptor firmware - see the AtariVox-daptor page

02/19/23 - added 2600-daptor PDL.  Improved dejitter for the 2600-II.

03/11/23 - added support for Joy2B controllers

05/29/23 - update 2600-daptor PDL.  Mister 7800/2600 scaling set for Atari7800_20221227 core. 

Firmware Programming Instructions

You can install the 2600-PDL firmware into a 2600-II.  You can also install the 2600-II firmware into a 2600-PDL, however 7800 controllers may not work.

Download the firmware version you want (right click, Save Link As) -

2600-daptor II 230311.hex  - latest version

2600-daptor II stripped 230311.hex - try this if you want to use with emulators other than Stella & EMU7800.  This gets rid of the z-axis and disables button 1 when in 7800 mode - these can confuse the controller mapping in other emulators.

2600-daptor PDL 230529.hex  - latest version

And the utility to load it -
Windows - HIDBootLoader.exe
Mac OS X, Linux - MPHidFlash executables in the "binaries" folder

To install:
1) Unplug the USB.
2) Open the 'daptor by inserting a small flat blade screw driver into the slots on the side and turning the screw driver as if you are turning a screw to pop the halves apart.


3) There is a terminal block along the edge of the circuit board marked 1-6 & C.  Insert a jumper wire between terminals C (on end closest to DB9) and 4 (in the middle).  If you don't have a wire, you can use a paper clip.  The terminals have spring locking clips.  Since this jumper is temporary, it is not necessary to try to jam the jumper down to where it is secured into the lock clip.  Just needs to be in to where it feels like it is making contact.


4) Plug in the USB. The LED should remain OFF. If it turns on/flashes, then the jumper is not making contact. Unplug the USB, check the jumper, and try plugging the USB back in again.
5) Once the USB is plugged in with LED staying off, then there is no need for the jumper any more - it can be removed.
6) Use the utility to program the firmware

Windows

Execute HIDBootLoader.exe. You should see "Device attached." in the message area.
Click "Open Hex File" button and select the above .hex file you downloaded.
Click "Program/Verify" button. You should see "Erase/Program/Verify Completed Successfully" after a couple of seconds.

Mac OS X, Linux

Enter command line mode.  For Mac: from the Finder, select Go->Utilities from the menu and double-click the Terminal application.
Execute the binary for your platform.  Mac example: 

mphidflash-1.6-osx-64 -write 2600-daptorIITB.hex 

7) All done - unplug the USB and snap the 'daptor shell back together.  

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