Commodore 64 Joystick problem

[Marspants]

Alright so I finally got a game for my C64 (Bad Dudes) and when I load it up I can't do anything with the keyboard so I plug in an Atari Joystick. Port 1 does nothing and port 2 let's me do everything but go right

After testing various controllers (Sega, 3DO, ect) I can never get him to go right.
Is it that I need an official C64 Joystick? Is there a problem with my port? Or am I not doing something assigning buttons? Haha Basically I'm a noob when it comes to this Computer so any C64 gurus please help me!

[CRTGAMER]

Any 2600 controller will work. Atari stick might have a bad contact inside that bubble switch. Make sure you have it plugged in before turning the C64 on. Test various games to be sure. Not sure about those Sega and 3DO being compatible. C64 can also take 2600 paddles for emulating Spinner Knob in Omega race.

[Hobie-wan]

C64/2600 sticks are simply buttons that connect the wires. Genesis pads have encoders and things in them, so you can't use without the potential for problems with a C64. If you have access to another C64/2600/Wico stick, try that. If it's the stick, its probably some crap under the dome switch in the stick or a break in the wire for right. Check the plug end and port on the C64 to see if its dirty or corroded.

[CRTGAMER]

C64/2600 sticks are simply buttons that connect the wires. Genesis pads have encoders and things in them, so you can't use without the potential for problems with a C64.

C64 can read a paddle potentiometer and also Lightpen, could be why the Sega Pad troubles as "Hobie-wan" pointed out. If you don't have a spare 2600 compatible stick, see if another game gives you the same problem on that questionable Atari Stick.

[Hatta]

Strangely enough, port 2 is commonly used for single player games on the C64. So at least port 1 isn't a problem. Unfortunately, if you know your Atari stick is good, it probably is the joystick port. I haven't had to repair one myself so it's hard to advise. This might be of some help. Good luck!

[Hobie-wan]

Port 1 could interfere with the keyboard, that's why most games used port 2. It looks like the game is single player only on C64, so I just assumed this was a game using port 2 only.

[Lord_Santa]

if you have only 1 game, try starting the C-64 (without any game, just BASIC) then plugging the joystick into port 1:

move the stick *right*; if the number "2" comes up, your joystick is fine; then it *might* be your gameport

[Marspants]

Thanks for the replies! After more extensive testing and trying port one I know the controllers work so I'm thinking it could actually be the port. I'm tonight going to try the test Hatta linked and see if that gives me any more answers

[Hatta]

Looking around, a common problem with the c64 joystick port is a CIA chip going bad inside. If this turns out to be the case, you can get a new one here, or possibly scavenge from other Commodore machines if they are available.

[CRTGAMER]

Looking around, a common problem with the c64 joystick port is a CIA chip going bad inside. If this turns out to be the case, you can get a new one here, or possibly scavenge from other Commodore machines if they are available.

I don't think the Joystick won't work at all, if a bad chip, but you might be right.

Just to make sure, does the joystick fully work in port 1 and only partially in port 2?
If the joystick is completely working in port 1, "Marspants", have you tried another game that utilizes port 2 just to be sure?

Or try that Basic Joystick test program in "Hatta"s link before taking apart that 64?
I put it here for all to see,

Type in and press RETURN
10 PRINTCHR$(147)
20 PRINT"PORT 1:"PEEK(56321),"PORT 2:"PEEK(56320)CHR$(19):GOTO20
Type RUN and press RETURN

Here are the number values that you look for.

Function ... PORT 1 .................. PORT 2
NONE...........255..........................127
1 UP.............254 (1).....................126 (C= & F3)
2 DOWN.......253 (LEFT ARROW)...125 (C= & S)
3 LEFT......... 251 (CTRL)..............123 (C= & F)
4 RIGHT.......247 (2).....................119 (C= & H)
6 FIRE..........239 (SPACEBAR)........111 (C= & K)

You should see the numbers change on the screen as you move the joystick around.

Screen will look like this scrolling continuously until you move that stick.
If you don't see 255 and 127, you might have a stuck key on the keyboard.

PORT1: 255 PORT2: 127
PORT1: 255 PORT2: 127
PORT1: 255 PORT2: 127
(continues to scroll)

This might be of some help.