This document describes the WICO COMMAND CONTROL line of game controllers, designed to enhance the gaming experience across various platforms. The manual covers several joystick models, a keypad, a digital adaptor, and a trackball, each with specific features and compatibility.
WICO COMMAND CONTROL Bat Handle Joystick
Function Description:
The Bat Handle Joystick is a game controller designed for precise 8-way directional control. It features two fire buttons and a 2-position slide switch to select which button is active at any given time.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Control: 8-way directional control.
- Fire Buttons: Two fire buttons, one on the handle and one on the base.
- Selector Switch: 2-position slide switch on the base to select active fire button.
- Compatibility: Recommended for use with Atari® 2600, 400™, 800™, Sears Arcade, and Commodore 64™. With a WICO adaptor, it is also compatible with Texas Instruments 99/4A.
Usage Features:
- Connection: Plugs into the control port like the system's original controller.
- Operation: For precise 8-way control, the joystick should be positioned with the base fire button in the upper left-hand corner. The two fire buttons cannot be used simultaneously; the slide switch selects the active button.
- 4-Way Control Games: When playing maze games requiring 4-way control, response time can be improved by returning the handle to the center position before moving to another direction. This prevents diagonal signals, which 4-way control software does not recognize.
Maintenance Features:
- A two-year warranty applies to the Command Control Bat Handle Joystick (#15-9714).
WICO COMMAND CONTROL Joystick/Keypad for ColecoVision™ and ADAM™
Function Description:
This unit combines an arcade-sized joystick with a keypad, designed specifically for ColecoVision and ADAM systems. It offers precise 8-way directional control and integrates keypad functionality.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Control: Arcade-sized joystick for quick, precise 8-way directional control (forward, backward, left, right, and 45-degree angles in between).
- Keypad: Sized and laid out like the original controller, compatible with ColecoVision keypad overlays (by cutting off the side tab). Also supports numeric functions of the original ADAM controller.
- Fire Buttons: Side-mounted fire buttons functionally identical to the original controller. An additional stick-mounted arcade-type fire button is provided as an alternative for primary firing or as a replacement for the button furthest from the user.
- Compatibility: Designed for ColecoVision™ and ADAM™ systems.
Usage Features:
- Connection: Plugs into the control port panel of the video system like the original control unit.
- Operation: Hold the unit with the joystick end closest to you. The joystick provides 8-way control. Keypad overlays can be used by cutting off the side tab. The stick-mounted fire button acts as an alternative to the side-mounted buttons.
WICO COMMAND CONTROL Super Three-Way Joystick
Function Description:
The Super Three-Way Joystick offers versatile control with interchangeable grips and a unique gatelock control feature, allowing selection between 4-way and 8-way directional control. It also includes a selector switch for fire buttons.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Grips: Three interchangeable grips (Bat Handle, Grip Handle, Red Ball) designed to slide easily on and off the steel joystick shaft.
- Gatelock Control: Dial at the base of the grip to switch between 4-way and 8-way control.
- Fire Buttons: Multiple fire buttons, with a FIRE 1/FIRE 2 selector switch.
- Compatibility: Recommended for use with Atari 2600, 400, 800, Sears Arcade, and Commodore 64. With a WICO adaptor, it is also compatible with Texas Instruments 99/4A.
Usage Features:
- Connection: Plugs into the appropriate control port like the system's original controller.
- Interchangeable Grips: When mounting the Bat Handle or Grip Handle, pull the grip down as far as possible until the rubber O-ring locks it in place. For the Red Ball, pull it down until it clicks. The fire button should clear the top of each handle by approximately 3/16".
- 4-Way/8-Way Gatelock Control: For 4-way games (e.g., maze games), rotate the dial to "4" over the "gatelock" arrow. For 8-way games, rotate to "8".
- FIRE 1/FIRE 2 Selector Switch: In "Fire 2" position, both joystick fire buttons are operational. In "Fire 1" position, only the grip handle mounted fire button is operational.
WICO COMMAND CONTROL Analog Joystick for Atari® 5200™
Function Description:
This analog joystick is designed for the Atari 5200, offering precise control with spring return and free positioning modes, as well as trim controls for cursor adjustment.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Control: Analog joystick with spring return and free positioning modes.
- Trim Controls: Linear trim controls for each axis (X, Y) to adjust cursor position.
- Fire Buttons: Two base-mounted fire buttons for all firing functions.
- Compatibility: Designed for Atari® 5200™. Can be used with either the WICO Keypad for Atari 5200 or the keypad portion of the system's original controller.
Usage Features:
- Connection: Connects to both the system and keypad via an included Y-cord adaptor when used with the original keypad. Plug the WICO unit and original Atari controller into the two male ends of the Y-cord, then plug the female end into the game control port.
- Operation: Functions like the joystick portion of the original Atari controller.
- Spring Return/Free Positioning Modes: Mode selection switches on the bottom of the unit allow setting the handle to center automatically (Spring Return) or float free (Free Positioning). Modes should only be selected when the joystick is in the center position to prevent unit damage.
- Trim Controls: Slide trim controls to adjust joystick center position and corresponding screen position for efficient use in Spring Return Mode.
- Fire Buttons: Base-mounted fire buttons handle all firing. Game start, reset, and pause are controlled by the keypad.
WICO COMMAND CONTROL Numeric Keypad for Atari® 5200™
Function Description:
A numeric keypad designed exclusively for the Atari 5200, intended to be used in conjunction with the WICO Analog Joystick. It replicates the functionality of the original Atari keypad.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Keypad: 12-key button cluster and 3 auxiliary momentary keys.
- Compatibility: Designed for use ONLY with the WICO Analog Joystick for the Atari 5200. Accommodates all Atari 5200 game overlays.
Usage Features:
- Connection: Plugs the joystick cord into the outlet on the keypad, then plugs the keypad cord into the Atari 5200 control port. The joystick Y-cord included with the analog joystick is not needed when using this keypad unit.
- Operation: Functionally identical to the original Atari keypad, used in the same manner.
WICO COMMAND CONTROL Dual Digital Adaptor For Apple® II Series Computers
Function Description:
A digital adaptor that allows WICO Command Control Joysticks to be used with Apple II Series Computers. It provides directional readings for switch-type joysticks.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Input: 16-pin adaptor plug for game I/O connector.
- Output Readings: 0, 128, and 255 for both vertical and horizontal directions.
- Compatibility: For Apple® II Series Computers. Compatible with WICO Command Control Joysticks (switch-type).
Usage Features:
- Connection: Remove the computer cover and insert the 16-pin adaptor plug into the game I/O connector, with Pin #1 closest to the computer keyboard.
- Operation: Joysticks provide directional readings only (not screen position).
- Trim Pots: Four trim pots inside the adaptor box (accessed by unscrewing cover screws) allow adjustment of the center value for each joystick. Factory-adjusted to 128. To adjust, place the joystick handle in the center position and adjust each pot until "128" is displayed. Movement should then display "0" or "255", and pressing the fire button should display "Fire Button".
WICO Corporation Joystick Limited Warranty
Function Description:
WICO Corporation provides a limited warranty for its joysticks, ensuring they are free from defects in materials and workmanship for a specified period.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Warranty Period: One year from the date of purchase (two years for Command Control Bat Handle Joystick #15-9714).
- Coverage: Repair or replacement of defective parts at no charge.
- Exclusions: Normal wear and tear, abuse, misuse, negligence, excessive wear, modifications, or tampering. Such conditions void the warranty, and the customer will be responsible for parts and labor charges.
- Limitations: Warranty applies only to buyers within the Continental United States or its possessions. Products sold outside these regions are sold "as is." WICO is not liable for incidental or consequential damages. Implied warranties are limited to the duration of the express warranty.
Maintenance Features:
- Obtaining Service: Send the joystick, postage prepaid, with a $3.00 check or money order for handling, and proof of purchase date to:
WICO Consumer Division
Consumer Relations
6400 West Gross Point Road
Niles, Illinois 60648
- WICO will inform the customer of charges if the defect is not covered by warranty and will repair the joystick upon receipt of payment.