Conference hydra::amiga_v1

3087.0. "Hot new joy(mouse)stick from Advanced Gravis" by LODGE::LEN (David M. Len) Thu Nov 09 1989 15:12

    
    For those of you who do not regularly read the Usenet info,  here is
    some info on a new hi-tech joystick from Advanced Gravis for the Amiga. 
    It is called a MouseStick,  it apparently can function in place of the
    mouse or as a digital joystick.  It has a built in processor with 16K
    or ROM, a LCD display, buttons that can be programmed for rapid-fire,
    and a lot more.
    
    Now the bad news, how much does it cost, list is $129.95,  someone on
    Usenet said it was being sold at AmiExpo for $90.00.  Now some better
    news, I got a flyer from Spectrum Holobyte for a special offer to get
    the Gravis MouseStick for $69.95 + 5.00 S&H. 
    
    While the flyer claims this is a special offer for registered Falcon
    owners, apparently anyone calling the 800 number can get it.  I am
    currently using my old Atari 2600 joysticks, and have been looking for
    something better for some time.  This looks like it to me, I placed my
    order today.
    
    According to the flyer this offer expires on November 15, 1989.
    The Gravis phone number is 1-800-937-0062.  They said to allow
    3-4 weeks for delivery, so I can't do a review before the offer
    expires.
    
    The single review on Usenet was a rave, and here is the note on the
    technical info about the MouseStick.
    
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    
Path: shlump.nac.dec.com!decwrl!wuarchive!brutus.cs.uiuc.edu!apple!sun-barr!newstop!texsun!pollux!attctc!jolnet!swan
From: swan@jolnet.ORPK.IL.US (Joel Swan)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga
Subject: Re: Which joysticks are good?
Keywords: games joysticks good fun arcade Gravis MouseStick
Message-ID: <1872@jolnet.ORPK.IL.US>
Date: 26 Oct 89 07:03:12 GMT
References: <126722@sun.Eng.Sun.COM> <11882@mcdphx.phx.mcd.mot.com>
Reply-To: swan@jolnet.UUCP (Joel Swan)
Organization: Media Specialties LTD
Lines: 151
 
In article <11882@mcdphx.phx.mcd.mot.com> stan@teroach.UUCP (Stan Fisher) writes:
:In article <126722@sun.Eng.Sun.COM> hyper%firedart@Sun.COM (Robin Greynolds) writes:
:>
:>Ok all you arcade-action game players out there:
:>
:>  What joysticks are available for the Amiga 500?
:>  What are the best joysticks for games (such as Qix?)
:
:If you want the most incredible joystick (I believe) to ever hit the
:market, you really want to check out the "Advanced Gravis MouseStick(tm)".
:I just picked one up at AmiEXPO.  This thing is amazing!  If I may try to
:summarize briefly (hard to do, as it does so much!).
 
[cut to save space]
 
Below you will find a spec sheet I posted to People Link about the MouseStick.
Although I had sent Gravis an order back in August (when the thing was first
introduced at AmiExpo Chicago) I've not heard back from them.  Guess I'll
have to give them a buzz.  It really is VERY nice.  Finally, the equivalent
of an analog joystick.
 
:
:  Stan Fisher -  stan@teroach.phx.mcd.mot.com -  asuvax!mcdphx!teroach!stan
:  Motorola Microcomputer Division, Tempe, Arizona   -  Voice (602) 438-3228
:  Call our User Group BBS "M.E.C.C.A." running Atredes 1.1 @ (602) 893-0804
 
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This is a description of a product that was unveiled at the AmiExpo in
Chicago.  I have no connection in any way with the company, so this report
is here because I was VERY inpressed with what I saw.
 
They had just received the first couple production units and so I could not
get one on the spot.  I have one on order through the mail.
 
The product looks like a joystick with about a 4" x 5" base, two buttons on
the left-top side, one button on the joystick, 3 control wheels on the left
edge.  This unit plugs into a small box (approx.  3" x 3") that has a 16
character LCD diplay.  This unit then plugs into your amiga (I think into
the joystick port, possible the mouse port, or both?).
 
Here is a description of this unusual product from the only brochure they
had available (I had to twist an arm to get it.  They only had 3 copies!).
They had 2 units hooked up to try.  They have been making a product like
this for some time for the MAC.  They've just finished designing this model
for the Amiga.
 
Fact sheet follows-
        -------------------------------------------------------
                                                tm
                         GRAVIS AMIGA MOUSESTICK 
                          (feature & benefits)
 
TRUE OPTO-MECHANICAL DIGITAL SYSTEM
      * increased reliability and accuracy
 
1200 LINE COUNT RESOLUTION
      * compatible with monitors of all sizes
      * precise and accurate cursor control suitable for CAD, DTP and high-end
            applications
 
ADJUSTABLE OUTPUT RESOLUTION
      * easily adaptable to any screen resolution
      * user adjustable cursor movement area
 
MICROCONTROLLER (GMPU) UNIT
      * components can be easily changed to upgrade to new features
      * easy selection of standard and user programmable modes
      * allows signal processing without inserting components into computer
            case
      * 16K ROM with full menu system for easy programming
 
16 CHARACTER LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY
      * provides convenient and easy to follow menu feedback when customizing
            settings
 
PRE-PROGRAMMED SETTINGS
      * 4 basic pre-programmed standard modes
      * direct tracking with or without auto-centering
      * fixed or fully variable rate pulse output dependent on handle movement
      * adjustable null or dead centre zone
      * X and Y axis disable (for the straightest lines)
      * X and Y axis can be independently configured (X tracking and
            Y variable rate)
      * easily modified into 1000's of other modes
 
BUILT-IN MEMORY TO STORE YOUR SETTINGS
      * built-in memory (requires no batteries) to store 4 of your own
            custom settings
      * can define and save one as the automatic start-up mode
 
8 POSITION CENTERING TENSION CONTROL
      * tailors the feel of the stick to your preference
      * tension can be adjusted to suit software and reaction speed
      * select one of 8 tension settings for personal comfort
 
THREE PROGRAMMABLE BUTTON DESIGN
      * allows optimum use of application features and comfort
      * button selection can be modified to any of the three button position
      * allows for specialized modification of mouse clicks for click-lock,
            trim or locking cursor movement to a specified axis
      
FULL TURBO / AUTO-FIRE ACTION
      * easily select repeat fire action on any button
 
FULL SWITCH JOYSTICK EMULATION
      * full switch joystick emulation fpr all entertainment software
      * can function as either a 4 or 8 switch position joystick
      * you can select amount of handle movement to trigger action
      * can invert, reverse or turn off an axis
      * can set turbo repeat action on any of the 8 positions
 
FULL-SIZE FOAM PADDED HANDLE
      * better, more accurate control
      * added comfort
      * metal reinforced
      * built-in handle fire button for lightning fast finger tip control
 
COMPREHENSIVE USERS GUIDE
      * quick-start tutorial gets you up to speed fast
      * step-by-step instructions clearly explain all the various setting
            options
 
EXTRA LONG SIX FOOT CABLE
      * alows for extra comfort
 
1-YEAR "NO-NONSENSE" WARRANTY
      * Durable and dependable to provide years of value and enjoyment
      * provides top compatability & performance
      * retains value and can be upgraded to many computer models
 
The Gravis Moustick (tm) for the Amiga is light years ahead of the mouse,
trackball or traditional joystick.  Combining design ergonomics with state
of the art controller technology, it represents the ultimate in controller
precision, durability and versatility.
 
Please call or write us to find the name of your nearest dealer.
 
Advanced Gravis Computer Technology Ltd.
1602 Carolina St.  #D12
Washington, 98226
1-800-937-0062
 
Suggested retail $129.95
 
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Interesting product.  
 
Joel
 
[HD still down- no .sig file :-(]