Joysticks for Spectrum +2?

Retro_eido

I have a +2a, with a joystick that came with it. Interface II compatibel fo course, the ususal. The yostick itself is a bit of a pain, it's overly resistant, making it a fight with it playing each game. I generally prefer keyboard control, but I find that uncomfortable too, due to the height of the keyboard from the table.

Anyway, its the older games that don;t support Interface II that are the real problem, such as Atic Atac. I just don't get on with Ultimate's awkward keyboard controls layout.

So what is the best solution. Which is the most widely compatible, Kempston or Cursor? And is there a way to attach them to my model of Spectrum? Thanks.

joefish

Definitely Kempston. Best for you would be one made by Kempston themselves as they tended to sit flat behind the computer.

Most of the ones that stood up at the back, the lower row of legs on the connector can often be persuaded to bend a bit (the edge of a steel ruler might help) to allow the interface to lean back a bit to fit the bigger cases of the later Spectrums.

Any sort of keypress-based interface (cursor or IF2) won't work with a +2A anyway.

Also, you'll need a normal joystick. The ports on the +2 and later machines are deliberately wired differently, and only the official Amstrad/Sinclair joysticks (or the Cheetah ones with two plugs, one black and one grey) would work.