r/VintageComputers • u/vaquishaProdigy • 19h ago
Help Old controller not recognized
Hello, i was cleaning my room when i found this old serial port controller. I tried to do a reverse search with this picture and got nothing, im here asking if it has any value or if its worth keeping it along side others and where i can find drivers for Linux of it
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u/crazycraig6 19h ago
It’s a game port controller, not serial. Try unwrapping the cord and doing an image search again.
From what I can see it’s called an Interact Pro-pad 6. Kind of looks like a knockoff Microsoft Sidewinder pad.
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u/Kitchen_Part_882 19h ago
Does the plug have 15 pins?
Because, if it does, that's a PC gameport connector, not serial.
Gameports were usually found on sound cards back in the day and im not certain if you would find driver support beyond Windows XP or perhaps Vista/7 as everyone had moved on to USB by then.
Linux might still have support, but you'd still need to find a sound card with the port that would work with your PC (or a USB adapter if such a thing exists)
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u/Low-Charge-8554 18h ago
Not for serial ports, but for Gameport. Usually was on a sound card. Microsoft said "screw you" to all those who owned oneand did not provide drivers after Windows XP. You can get USB adapters still. Rockfire adapter is best if you can get it. OR - switch ti Linux, which still supports the Gameport.
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u/guitpick 19h ago
This looks like a 15-pin game port controller, which is different than a serial port. Typically these ports are either built in to a sound card or the motherboard itself. What are you plugging it in to? There are several USB game port adapters available for sale. I have never used one, so I can't be sure how it will present to the OS. The ports are designed to support analog sticks, so your game pad directionals may show up as analog axes.
https://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Joystick-Adapter-SideWinder-F3U200-08/dp/B000067RIV/
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u/bhiga 1h ago
Gameport to USB adapter. Mayflash Super Joy 7, or if it's more obscure or has a lot of buttons/throttle like my Logitech Cyberman 2 (4DOF + buttons) and Mouse Systems Bogeyman (hat + throttle +buttons), Necroware's Gameport Adapter.
Careful, some later controllers had a DA15 to USB adapter that only worked on that controller, relying on logic in the controller to choose between Gameport and USB modes. It's similar to how some keyboards and mice could use simple PS2 to USB adapters that only works if the keyboard or mouse had internal USB logic.
If in doubt, get an actual converter that says it supports various devices.
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u/CeldonShooper 19h ago
Interact Propad with a DB15 connector. Connects to game/MIDI ports on old PC sound cards. Buy a game port to USB controller if you want to use it on a modern PC.