QuickShot 1 - Joystick for Commodore, Atari, Sinclair Spectrum, by SpectraVideo

The "QuickShot 1" is a joystick manufactured by "SpectraVideo" in approximately 1984 for use with the following home computers and games consoles.

• Commodore VIC 20
• C64
• Sinclair Spectrum
• Atari Video Game System
• Sears Video Arcade
• Atari 400 / 800
• NEC PC-6001
• SVI 318 / 328

Plug / Connector

Although it works with a wide range of consoles, an adapter is required to interface the joystick with the computer in question. To use it with the Sinclair Spectrum you will need the Sinclair Spectrum Joystick Interface Add-on Adapter, which connects to the PCB expansion slot at the back of the computer.

Red Button

There was a firing button to the base, which required a free left hand, assuming you held the joystick with your right hand. If you were left-handed then you would not have been able to use it.

It is a very tight joystick, and there is not much movement. Inside there are some micro-switches. If you are used to some of the modern joysticks, then this one will feel almost like a toy however it was one of the few joysticks compatible with a wide range of 1980s home computers and games consoles.

Trigger Control

A trigger on the stick was the ultimate in fly and shoot games. In 1984, everyone wanted to be the "Top Gun" and there were many games with interesting graphics on the packaging showing an F16 cockpit. However, once loaded, all you saw was a dot on the screen!

Cost / eBay

These joysticks still have some value, as there are always people who collect vintage computers, or make them. They were mass-produced at one time; however, they should increase in value over time.

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