Category: Atari ST

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Amiga Joystick Adapters – Complete Guide to Classic, USB & Modern Options

Looking to use modern joysticks or controllers with your classic Amiga? This guide covers everything about Amiga joystick adapters, including USB, PS/2, and wireless options, compatibility with all models, troubleshooting, and recommended adapters.

What Is an Amiga Joystick Adapter?

Classic Amiga joysticks use a DE-9 (DB9) port with digital signals for X/Y movement and buttons. Modern joysticks (USB, wireless, or console controllers) require an adapter to interface with these ports.

  • Compatible with A500, A600, A1200, A2000
  • Adapters convert USB, PS/2, or wireless signals to DB9 format
  • Enables use of modern controllers in retro games

Types of Amiga Joystick Adapters

USB-to-Amiga DB9 Adapters

Allows connection of USB joysticks/gamepads to Amiga. Works with most PC gamepads and modern controllers. Some adapters are plug-and-play, others require firmware.

PS/2-to-Amiga Adapters

Converts PS/2 joysticks or mice to DB9. Reliable, low latency, and supports classic PS/2 controllers.

Wireless & Bluetooth Adapters

Allows modern wireless controllers to work with Amiga. Usually requires a USB-to-DB9 interface. Check compatibility for latency-sensitive games.

Amiga Joystick and Gamepad Compatibility Table

Adapter Type Compatible Amiga Models Supports USB/Wireless Notes
USB-to-DB9 Adapter A500, A600, A1200, A2000 ✔ USB Compact, plug-and-play, reliable
Bluetooth Adapter + USB DB9 A600, A1200 ✔ Wireless gamepads May require firmware updates

How to Connect a USB Joystick to Your Amiga

  1. Turn off your Amiga.
  2. Connect your USB joystick to the USB-to-DB9 adapter.
  3. Plug the adapter into the joystick port.
  4. Power on your Amiga.
  5. Test in your favorite games or Workbench apps.

Tip: Some adapters include sensitivity settings — adjust them for smoother control.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Joystick Not Working

  • Ensure adapter compatibility with your Amiga model
  • Try a different USB controller
  • Do not use hubs for USB connections

Buttons Don’t Register

  • Check if adapter supports extra buttons the Trumouse CD32 adapter allows upto 7 buttons in cd32 mode
  • Some adapters only map the one or two buttons to DB9 – most amiga games only support 1 fire button

Which Amiga Joystick Adapter Should You Buy?

Adapter Pros Cons Best For
USB-to-DB9 Adapter Plug-and-play, reliable Limited to first two buttons for some adapters Most users
PS/2 to DB9 Adapter Very low latency No USB support Classic joystick feel
Bluetooth Adapter + USB Wireless, flexible May require firmware updates Wireless convenience, casual gaming

FAQ

Can I use a modern USB joystick on an Amiga?

Yes, using a compatible USB-to-DB9 joystick adapter.

Does the adapter work with A500, A600, and A1200?

Most USB adapters work across these models, but always check the product details.

Can I use wireless controllers?

Yes, with Bluetooth or USB-to-DB9 adapters designed for wireless input.

Do all adapters support all buttons?

No, some only map the first two buttons; check the adapter specs for extra button support.

Recommended Products

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clean 3.5 floppy drive head

clean 3.5 floppy drive head

PC head cleaning utilities, along with a cleaning disk are a simple way to clean contaminated magnetic read write heads without needing to disassemble the drive

During normal use and using old disks causes dust, dirt and contamination to build up on the drive heads, this can cause read and write errors

A cleaning disk can be used dry or wet by adding a few drops of isopropyl alcohol, the spinning cleaning media in the disk cleans the heads and removes contamination allowing the heads to function correctly

Links to Windows software to clean your disk drive with a TruMouse cleaning disk

There are two versions of the software available one is for older PC’s with floppy drives that are connected directly to the motherboard by ribbon cable and the second is for external USB floppy drives commonly used with more modern PC’s and laptops

USB Drive cleaner is compatible with Windows 7 onwards

Download Links

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Atari ST Joystick Pinout

Atari ST 9 pin Male D Sub Mouse and Joystick Port pinout / Port 1 is shared with Mouse – Port 2 is Joystick Only

  • Pin 1  = Up (Also acts as mouse direction on port 1)
  • Pin 2 = Down (Also acts as mouse direction on port 1)
  • Pin 3 = Left (Also acts as mouse direction on port 1)
  • Pin 4 = Right (Also acts as mouse direction on port 1)
  • Pin 5  = Not Connected on Joysticks (Acts as middle mouse button / scroll-wheel button on port 1)
  • Pin 6 = Fire Button 1 (Also acts as mouse button on port 1)
  • Pin 7 = 5 Volts DC- Power Supply from computer
  • Pin 8 = Ground
  • Pin 9 = Fire Button 2 (Also acts as mouse button on port 1)

Atari ST computers have two 9 pin D SUB type connectors with male pins, Port 1 is  used for connecting a mouse, but for two player gaming the mouse can be unplugged and two joysticks or other game controllers can be connected at the same time.

The controller needs to be compatible with the Atari or Kempston standard such as Competition Pro, ZipStick, QuickShot, Atari, Cheetah etc are supported

For two player games with two controllers you will have to unplug the mouse, unless you use a joystick switcher

Atari ST mouse adapters are now available than allow modern USB mice to be used with the 9 pin mouse port

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Guide how clean floppy disk drive without disassembly

An easy way to clean the magnetic read / write heads on a 3.5″ floppy drive is to use a trumouse cleaning disk

The disk can be used dry or wet, to use wet just add a couple of drops of isopopyl alchohol to the white disk material before inserting into the drive

Below are download link for Amiga, Atari ST and PC DOS software that will work with the cleaning disk

Floppy Drive Head Cleaning Software Download 

Amiga Floppy Drive Head Cleaning Software

Atari ST Floppy Drive Head Cleaning Utility

DOS DISK DRIVE CLEANING UTILITIES

The DOS cleaning utilities are for vintage systems that run MS DOS, the .ZIP archive contains two drive cleaning tools Cleaner.exe and Floppy Disk Scrubber.com

typing Cleaner.exe into the DOS command line will start the drive cleaning program

To run floppy disk scrubber you need to type flopscrb.com followed by the disk drive letter A or B and then the amount of seconds you want to clean the disk, example commands below cleans drive A: for 25 seconds

“flopscrb.com a 25”

   Screenshot of Cleaner.exe – PC drive cleaning software

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3.5″ floppy disk cleaning kit

How to clean a floppy disk drive, the easy way

Floppy cleaning disks for any 3.5″ floppy drive are now available, our cleaning disks can be used wet (with isopropyl alcohol) or dry and can clean the read write heads, recommended if you are using old floppies that have deteriorated with age

The cleaning disks are supplied on there own, if you want to use them wet just use 2 drops of 100% isopropyl alcohol to the white inner disk material, this can be purchased online or from a chemists shop in the UK, it is flammable so please read the warning label and take care when using it.

FREE Floppy Disk Cleaning software for Amiga, Atari ST and PC

Not required but you can download these free disk cleaning utilities that move the heads over the cleaning disk to ensure a thorough clean of the magnetic read/write heads

Download link below contains floppy disk head cleaning software for the Commodore Amiga, you will need to extract the archive onto a disk and run the “HeadCleaner” executable in Workbench

Amiga Floppy Drive Head Cleaning Software

Atari ST Floppy Drive Head Cleaning Utility

 

Alternatively on an Amiga, ST or Archimedes just insert the disk and wait a few seconds, eject and then repeat the drive will try to read the cleaning disk and this will clean the heads.

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Create Amiga Disks with FluxEngine on Windows or Mac

With FluxEngine software  you can read, write and access files directly on Commodore Amiga floppy disks and is compatible with the Trumouse Greaseweazle drive kit

First download the latest version of FluxEngine from the website below, there are Windows and Apple Mac Versions

https://github.com/davidgiven/fluxengine/releases

When intstalled and run you will see the main Fluxengine menu screen shown above

 

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atari mouse on amiga

Atari mouse on amiga

Atari ST mice do share the same design as the Commodore Amiga but are pin incompatible due to Commodore and Atari’s rivalry the pins for the mouse signals are in different positions so that they could not be shared between brands

The simplest way to use a mouse on the Atari ST or Amiga is to use a dedicated mouse or a modern USB Mouse adapter, that allows standard PC USB mice to be connected

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Gotek Rotary Encoder Install for FDD-UDD U144K / ELS34E

The U144k Gotek pcb does not havy any connections on a header like the standard board, but you can solder the correct connections directly onto the Microcontroller if you have a steady hand

The 3rd and 4th pin from the right are connected to the encoder as shown in the hi resolution photo below

 

 

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USB Gamepad for Commodore Amiga and Atari ST Computers

Special Offer for Atari ST or Amiga users who want a mouse adapter and gamepad type controller, instead of a joystick

The V2 adapter is now available with a compatible new & boxed Gamepad for just £5 more

**NOTE the adapter ONLY supports the included gamepad it wont support other model game controllers from other manufacturers

Gamepad gives 4 direction D PAD and a single fire button

Free UK Delivery – Worldwide Shipping

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TruMouse V2 stylish Amiga and Atari ST mouse adapter for wired and wireless mice

TruMouse V2 3D Printed case to match your system

Use the majority of wired and some wireless mice with your classic home computer

Fully compatible with the recreated wireless Tank Mouse

Compatible with all models of Commodore Amiga and Atari ST

Worldwide Tracked Shipping  / Free Delivery in the UK

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Use a Wii Nunchuck controller as a one handed Joystick on your vintage computer or console

If you have a vintage computer or console that uses the 9 pin DE9 socket like the Amiga, Atari ST, Atari 2600 etc

You can now use a standard nunchuck controller as one handed joystick using the ThumbStick adapter, just connect your wii nunchuck and plug in

The nunchuck thumb stick is used for direction control and the 2 trigger buttons are mapped to Fire button 1 and Fire button 2 as independent fire buttons ideal for games that can support one or two fire buttons on classic hardwar

 

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Retro Mouse Mat

We have a range of custom retro computing and retro-gaming themed mouse pads, ideal for use with you vintage home micro

A mouse mat, also known as a mouse pad, is a small pad that is placed on a desk or table to provide a smooth surface for a computer mouse to move on. The use of a mouse mat can provide a number of benefits for both the mouse and the user.

One of the main benefits of using a mouse mat is that it can improve the accuracy and precision of the mouse. A smooth surface allows the mouse to move more easily and accurately, which can be especially important for tasks such as gaming or graphic design. In addition, a mouse mat can also protect the surface of a desk or table from wear and tear caused by a mouse moving across it.

Another benefit of using a mouse mat is that it can help to reduce the amount of friction between the mouse and the surface it is moving on. This can help to make the mouse feel more responsive, and can also help to reduce the amount of wear and tear on the mouse itself.

In addition to these benefits, a mouse mat can also help to improve the overall comfort of using a computer mouse. Many mouse mats are designed with a soft, padded surface that can help to reduce the strain on the hand and wrist caused by prolonged use of a mouse. This can be especially helpful for people who spend a lot of time working on a computer.

Finally, a mouse mat can also be a stylish accessory for your work setup. Many mouse mats come in a variety of designs, colors and with different materials. Some mouse mats have designs that match with the gaming setup or office setup.

In conclusion, a mouse mat is a simple but effective accessory that can provide a number of benefits for both the mouse and the user. Whether you’re a gamer, graphic designer, or simply someone who spends a lot of time working on a computer, a mouse mat can help to improve the accuracy, precision, and comfort of using a mouse. It can also protect your desk or table from wear and tear and give a stylish look to your work setup. So, it is important to choose a suitable mouse mat to match your needs.

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History of 16 Bit Home Computers

The 16-bit computer era began in the early 1980s, with the introduction of several new personal computers that were more powerful and capable than their 8-bit predecessors. These computers were built with 16-bit microprocessors, which allowed them to process more data and perform more complex tasks than the 8-bit computers that came before them.

One of the most significant 16-bit computers of this era was the Commodore Amiga, which was first introduced in 1985. The Amiga was known for its advanced graphics and sound capabilities, and it was popular among gamers, graphic designers, and musicians. It featured a custom chipset that provided advanced features such as sprites, blitter and a custom audio processor, that allowed it to produce high-quality graphics and sound, that was not available on other computers at the time.

Another popular 16-bit computer of the era was the Atari ST, which was introduced in 1985. The Atari ST was a direct competitor to the Amiga and it also had advanced graphics and sound capabilities. The Atari ST was primarily marketed as a business computer, but it also found a following among musicians and gamers. It featured a Motorola 68000 CPU and a custom sound chip, that allowed for high-quality audio.

In the United Kingdom, the Acorn Archimedes was a 16-bit computer that was introduced in 1987. It was developed by Acorn Computers and it was primarily used in schools and universities. The Archimedes featured a 32-bit ARM CPU and its own custom OS (RISC OS), that made it a powerful machine, especially in math and scientific calculations.

These 16-bit computers brought significant advancements in technology and they were popular among a wide range of users. They allowed users to perform complex tasks, such as graphic design, music composition, and video editing, that were previously not possible on 8-bit computers. The Amiga, Atari ST, and Acorn Archimedes were all considered to be cutting-edge technology at the time of their release and they helped pave the way for the development of more powerful computers in the years to come.

Overall, the 16-bit era of personal computers was an important time in the development of technology and it marked a significant advancement in the capabilities of personal computers. The Amiga, Atari ST, and Acorn Archimedes were all significant players in this era, and they helped to shape the future of computing by introducing new features and capabilities that were not available on previous 8-bit computers.

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History of the computer Mouse

The computer mouse is a device that is used to point, click, and select items on a computer screen. It was first invented by Douglas Engelbart in the 1960s as a way to improve the way people interact with computers.

Before the invention of the mouse, the main way to interact with a computer was through the use of a keyboard. While this was effective for typing and entering commands, it was not very efficient for navigating and selecting items on the screen. Engelbart recognized this limitation and set out to create a more intuitive and efficient way to interact with computers.

In 1963, Engelbart began working on his invention at the Stanford Research Institute. He experimented with different shapes and designs, eventually settling on the classic “ball mouse” design that is still in use today. The ball mouse used a small ball inside the device that could be rolled in any direction, which would in turn move the cursor on the screen. This design allowed for much more precise movement and control than was possible with a keyboard.

In 1968, Engelbart and his team demonstrated the mouse for the first time at a computer conference. The demonstration was a huge success, and the mouse quickly became an essential tool for computer users everywhere. In the 1970s, the mouse began to be included with personal computers, and it has since become one of the most widely used input devices in the world.

In the 1980s, the mouse underwent several improvements, including the introduction of the optical mouse. This type of mouse used a small camera to track movement rather than a ball, which made it more precise and reliable. Today, most mice use this technology, and they have become even more advanced, with features such as added buttons, wireless connectivity, and gesture recognition.

Overall, the computer mouse has played a crucial role in the development of modern computing. It has greatly improved the way we interact with computers, making them much more accessible and user-friendly. The invention of the mouse has been a significant step in the evolution of human-computer interaction and it continues to be an essential tool for many people today.

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Guide to using Greaseweazle Floppy Disk Hardware Kit

This guide shows how to install Greaseweazle software (created by Keir Fraser) with an easy to use graphic user interface on a Windows PC

Main Greaseweazle Windows Software

https://github.com/keirf/greaseweazle/releases/download/v1.23/greaseweazle-1.23-win64.zip

Graphic User Interface for Greaseweazle from Desert Sage Solutions

https://desertsagesolutions.com/software/greaseweazle/windows/GreaseweazleGUI-v2.128.zip

Unzip the main Greaseweazle folder to your Windows desktop from the first download link

Unzip all the files  from the second download link and copy it into the first Greaseweazle folder you just extracted

**Note (ALL GUI file need to be inside the main Greaseweazle Folder to work correctly)

Now open GreaseweazleGUI.exe, by double clicking and you will see the  menu screen below

Greaseweazle GUI Settings

If your Greaseweazle hardware is connected it will show as a device inside the USB Serial ports window, to ensure the hardware is working reliably you first need to check the  data speed, It’s recommended to only use a direct connection to your PC motherboard USB 2 or faster ports, front panel USB ports and hubs may slow down the connection and cause problems and errors.

Now to test the connection speed, select “Measure Bandwidth” from the middle row, then click the “Select” button

You will now see a command window and it will give a speed reading, the test will tell you if your connection is too slow to be reliable, run the test a few times to get a consistent reading, if your connection is too slow try a different USB port on your computer or use different or shorter usb cable.

Once the speed test has passed successfully you are then ready to read and write floppy disc images, if you get verify errors when trying to write a disk try a different disk, many Double Density disks will now be over 30 year old and may be contaminated with dirt or dust or have degraded magnetic coating this  can cause verify read and write errors, for older disks try using the “erase disk” function first before trying to write an image to disk.

Setting DiskDefs 

To update  Disk image Definition’s  supplied with the greasweazle gui download,  select “Globals” – then choose “Use DiskDefs File“, then select diskdefs.cfg  – now latest disk definitions  will then be available in the the “Format” drop down box when writing disk images

Mac and Linux Greaseweazle Host Tools Software Direct Download Link

https://github.com/keirf/greaseweazle/releases/download/v1.23/greaseweazle-1.23.zip

FloppyBridge Support – Use Real Disks with WinUAE & Amiberry Emulators

You can also use your Greaseweazle to read Amiga floppy disks directly into WinUae Emulator using the the floppybridge plugin, see guide linked below

https://trumouse.com/use-real-floppy-disks-on-winuae-amiga-emulator-with-floppybridge/

Double Density Vs High Density Floppy Disks

**Note you will need to use the correct disk type for writing disk an example Amiga and Atari ST use Double Density disks, later IBM PC’s usehigh density disks, the floppy drive can tell if the wrong disk in inserted because they have write protect holes on different sides of the disk

Greaseweazle Github Page is https://github.com/keirf/greaseweazle

 

 

 

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Copy floppy disk from ANY computer with your PC (USB Flux Hardware)

USB flux hardware can allow any modern PC to read and write back ANY floppy disk drive regardless of protection or format, these devices can also be used to write back download disk images in a multitude of disk image formats such as adf. ipf, hfe  and scp

These devices ignore the disk formatting structure of the specific system eg Amiga or Atari ST and read the raw magnetic flux data from the disk

This means that all data is captured along with the protection See Image below it shows a representation of the flux data from an Amiga  game – captured from a 3.5″ Double Density Floppy Disk game

 

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Amiga Mouse Adapter

 

Mouse adapter’s for the commodore Amiga have been available for some time, the first adapters usually used a Microcontroller that did not contain a USB interface and relied on the mouse being PS/2 mode, many shapes and sizes of adapter were available some were very large and stuck out of the rear of the socket due to using through hole components requiring  a long circuit board.

The latest mouse adapters such as TruMouse were designed to be as small as possible and offer a high compatibility with most USB mice and even some wireless models from philips and Logitech

The TruMouse got its name as it’s a True USB adapter the dimension are just 30mm in Length and only 20mm Wide, its really tiny and fits ALL Amiga Models including the tightly spaced ports on the Amiga 600

              TruMouse Amiga USB Mouse Adapter

 

The TruMouse adapter is heat-shrinked to protect against static, various colour options are available, the image above shows the adapter with transparent shrink. The adapter is compatible with ALL Models of Commodore Amiga and the Amiga CD32 Console.

The TruMouse does not need any drivers or software and works when plugged in like any standard Amiga mouse, its supports 3 mouse button left click, right click and middle mouse button, this is the scroll wheel button on most PC mice

Wireless Mice on the Amiga ?

TruMouse supports most Logitech and the Philips M200 Series wireless usb mice from covering a range of budgets, starting at the Logitech M170 right up to the MX Master series

Checkout the Demonstration Video of the TruMouse Mouse Adapter from the Amiga Retro Cast on YouTube Channel

The TruMouse adapter is also available for ALL models of the Atari ST and Falcon 030