I was pondering the same, seemed a normal calibration function of early PC games.Hmmm. I wonder if there is firmware that some code lines can be adjusted on RM's Joystick Shield?
For example, if the Joystick Shield detects that it is not reading up to 255,255, compensate so that it sends up to 255,255 out via USB to the modern computer.
As I mentioned in this earlier post, Henry from ReactiveMicro saw an issue on his end and he altered something in the firmware and sent me this HEX file. I downloaded and flashed that file to my Joystick Shield, but it did not resolve the problem (when two capacitors are installed).Hmmm. I wonder if there is firmware that some code lines can be adjusted on RM's Joystick Shield?
I would recommend you email Henry about that, mentioning specifically that you have a CH MACH joystick and have been experiencing the same issue as I (James Wages) have been. Maybe he can alter the firmware again, which can ultimately lead to a resolution of the issue.
The only one thing I never asked him is perhaps something you still can... What part of the code affects the outer reach of the stick when it's pulled right and pulled down. If we know how to fiddle with the code, then compile it, we already know how to program a HEX file, so it would then be a matter of playing with a few numbers (I guess) until the right numbers are plugged into the code to fix the problem. I suppose Henry could do that for us, but he might tire of if after a few iterations, so if he is able to instruct us how to do it, that might prove to be the best solution overall.
By the way, @JDW, MECC is Minnesota Educational Computing Consortium that was formed in 1971 to provide various programs in educational circles. Some of their programs, like Oregon Trial and Computer Inspector, are great!
Great idea, although beyond my capabilities. I do appreciate that link though. Interesting to see Karateka can accommodate two players now, although both are stuck with the keyboard....debugging with Virtual ][ to see what is happening when the X and Y positions are being registered to Virtual ][ showing up in the joystick calibration module of the MECC Computer Inspector program?
Well, I have a big enough headache right now with just the one joystick, at least when it comes to getting Joystick Shield to JustWorkâ„¢ with my Mach III's internal capacitors. And while I could drill holes in my joystick to accommodate a mechanical switch to enable/disable the caps, it's far better to just hack the firmware of the Joystick Shield to make it do what it should do, regardless of caps being there.
I've had a couple projects going, amd this week has been a lot at the day job, but I'll reach out to him ASAP and follow up here. You can also feel free to point him to my posts here in the mean time if it helps.
