Micromys V4 featuring auto-detect

[Schoenfeld]

Micromys V4 is here, and it comes with a world's first: Auto-detect of the computer that it's connected to. While Micromys V3 was configured using two DIP-switches, the new V4 version eliminates these switches and makes the adapter a lot more user-friendly.

There are five modes of operation:

1. Amiga wheel mode:
   Just plug in and switch on. Device will auto-detect that it's connected to an Amiga and switch to 2-button mode with wheel support. Wheel and middle-mouse button can be activated with the driver from www.micromys.de
2. Amiga 3-button mode without drivers:
   User keeps middle mouse button (or wheel) pressed while switching the Amiga on. This mode stays active until the next power cycle. A machine reset does not alter the mode of operation - only a power-cycle does.
3. Atari ST/STe/Falcon:
   Just plug in and switch on. Micromys will auto-detect that it's connected to an Atari and switch to that mode. Micromys will stay in Atari-mode until the next power-cycle.
4. C64 or C128 in joystick port 1:
   This is the usual port for a 1351 mouse. Most programs use it for the proportional mouse, because the GEOS operating system expects the mouse there. If Micromys V4 is plugged into port 1, it detects the machine and switches to 1351 mode. Should the user hold down the right mouse button during power-up, the unit goes to joystick emulation mode, just like the real 1351 mouse would do.
5. C64 or C128 in joystick port 2:
   This is a rather unusual port for a proportional mouse. However, the popular music programs MSSIAH and Prophet64 use the mouse in that port, so it must be covered. If the user wants to use joystick port 2, then Micromys must be attached to port 2 after power-up and after the program has been started. The program must be set to use the mouse, and then the adapter can be attached to port 2. Since auto-detect in port 2 is highly depending on software (thus may not always work), Micromys V4 can be configured to be C64-only by removing the auto-detect jumper inside the case. Once the jumper is removed, the auto-detect sequence is bypassed and the unit will work in C64-only mode on any port of any computer. This will also let you use the joystick emulation mode on other computers than the C64.

Micromys V4 comes with a new, longer cable, which improves usability for Atari users, where the mouse connector is located underneath the keyboard. The "dongle design" is a drastic improvement over competitor's solutions, where the use of PS2->USB adapters creates a long lever that can put a lot of mechanical stress on the computer's mouse port.

The new, smaller case allows much cheaper shipping methods, reducing the overall cost for the user. There are two target machines with space constraints around the mouse port: Amiga 600 and C128 require an adapter (or extension cable) with a smaller plug, or mechanical modification of the Micromys DB9 connector.

[Jope]

Hmm, auto detect, eh.. I wonder what's so different in port 1.

If only I could be bothered to dig out a C-64. The multimeter is already on the table beside me. :-)

[wilshy]

Damn, just bought a v3 and having problems with MSSIAH working with it.

[Schoenfeld]

Originally Posted by wilshy

Damn, just bought a v3 and having problems with MSSIAH working with it.

V3 is actually better-suited for MSSIAH, as it can be set to C64-mode with the DIP switches (no need to open the case). There are hundreds of Prophet64/MSSIAH users who use Micromys V3. However, it may not be obvious as to what setting you need to choose from the options of the program. Please consult the manual of MSSIAH for that.

Jens

[Schoenfeld]

Originally Posted by Jope

Hmm, auto detect, eh.. I wonder what's so different in port 1.

If only I could be bothered to dig out a C-64. The multimeter is already on the table beside me. :-)

They're discussing that same topic over at a1k.org, but I won't reveal company secrets just like that. However, there's some interesting ideas already :-)

Jens

[UncleSpam]

Jens,

I just ordered the Indivision AGA MKII for the A1200 and the Micromys V3, both of which are on backorder at AmigaKit. Do you think I will get the V3 or the V4 of the device?

[Schoenfeld]

I'm not delivering Micromys V3 any more - the units that are left here are just for possible warranty cases. If AmigaKit has V3 on backorder, they will most probably send you V4. However, I can't tell for sure - only AmigaKit can do that.

Jens

[UncleSpam]

That sounds fine. I'd rather receive the v4 version of the product.

I opened a support ticket with AmigaKit on that topic.

Thanks Jens.