Page 30 - http://www.apple2.org

(C)1991-98 By Tony Diaz

The Apple ][ Information Resource @ http://www.apple2.org

Game I/O Devices

Koala Pad

The Koala Pad is an input device, like a joystick but it is a flat surface that you use a pointer on. It plugs in the way a joystick plugs in and is mainly used for things like painting or drawing. Possibly, even working with something like Mouse Desk or GEOS. It is not good for playing games.

Joystick

A joystick is an input device that is mainly used for playing games. It has 2 buttons, in most cases, adjustment knobs so you can adjust the center axis. It can also be used for such things like GEOS or MouseDesk.

NOTE:
Keep in mind, a joystick or Koala Pad is NOT considered a REPLACEMENT for a mouse and should NOT be considered where a mouse can be used. You may be disappointed if you go this route. In keeping with the same guidelines, a mouse will not do what a joystick will do.

Paddles

Paddles for the Apple are really nothing less than a joystick "split in half", and instead of the stick, it's a wheel you turn. Tennis type games used these,and music programs would use these for inputting data. If you are REAL good, you might be able to use paddles instead of a joystick, but that is highly doubtful.

Joystick/Paddle Usage Chart

IMAGE imgs/A2Reference77.gif

Apple ][/][+ Apple //e
Apple //c,//c+ Apple IIgs

IMAGE imgs/A2Reference78.gif

16 Pin connector only. DB-9 and 16 Pin* DB-9 connector only. DB-9 and 16 Pin*

* The use of a 16 pin type joystick or other input device on a //e or IIgs is limited by the type of cable used for the device. Most 16 Pin devices have a fat strain relief sleeve on the cable that is meant to slide into a 'slot' on the backplane of the ][+ case. If this is the device you intend to install has this sleeve, it is quite possible it may not reach the 16 pin connector on the IIgs motherboard. It is also possible that the packaging around the 16 pin DIP header may be to large to fit through any of the holes in the back of the //e or IIgs case making the device unusable. They can be made to fit by slowly sticking it through the round holes, but this is not always the case.

Page 30 - http://www.apple2.org

(C)1991-98 By Tony Diaz