Programmable joysticks could be the gameplayer's best friend. David Rosam plugs these three into his Spectrum

Finding a joystick interface that lets you play almost any piece of software on your Spectrum is like finding a needle in a haystack.

One solution to the problem, for instance, could be a programmable joystick interface. Three new joysticks try to tackle different approaches to programmable interface design.

Most programmable interfaces work by fooling the computer that it is receiving information from the keyboard. This is done by connecting the joystick into the port dedicated to the keyboard.

Comcon is by far the easiest to use of the three interfaces, but its construction is a let-down.

The unit is large for a Spectrum add-on, needing a fair amount of space behind the machine to accommodate the unit. On top is a dummy keyboard, consisting of rows or two-pronged connectors. Six wires protrude from the rear (four for the directions and two fire button options) which you simply push onto the desired keys.

The crude plastic plugs give the unit something of an amateur air.

The unit is compatible with Microdrives, and takes standard Atari-type joysticks. The manufacturer claims that the duplicate edge connector on the unit is suitable for the Currah Microspeech unit, and there's probably no reason why you can't connect any other add-ons.

Opening the box reveals three components - the interface itself, a joystick and a cassette tape. The interface and cassette are available without the joystick, if you already have an Atari-type joystick. The interface itself is a small black box, about the size of a non-programmable interface, allowing one joystick to be connected. There's also a duplicate edge connector at the rear of the unit so you can connect other add-ons simultaneously.

To use the interface, connect the hardware, and then load the tape. Instructions are given as the program runs, so the whole process is quite simple.

The package is the most attractively presented of the three, and it's well made, but it's the most expensive.

Another small unit allowing the connection of a joystick with a standard Atari-type plug is the Rainbow Electronics Interface. And it offers a small loudspeaker to supplement the small noises struggling from beneath the Spectrum. The Spectrum'e edge connector is reproduced on the latest model.

No extra software is needed to program the interface. Instead, you must press keys, move the joystick, and operate a small switch on the interface, all at the same time. Sounds complicated? - Well, it is. If you happen to be an octopus, it's no problem - otherwise just borrow an extra pair of hands...

The speaker on the unit doesn't have good sound quality, and you'd be better off if you disconnect the 'load' wire, and engage 'record' on your tape recorder's speaker.

That way, you also gain control over the volume.

If you're in the market for a joystick interface, the programmable types are not quite as attractive as they sound on paper.

The biggest drawback with most programmable interfaces is that as soon as you turn off the power they lose their programming.

Therefore, before playing any game, you must plod through all the preliminary palaver. This takes time, and can be quite a frustrating process. Personally, I find having to load up a tape or wrestle with three separate pieces of hardware puts me off playing a game in the first place.

The Comcon, with its crude connections will allow you to use the same programming day after day. Also, it is much the quickest to program.

Unfortunately, the standard of construction is rather worrying, particularly the way in which the wires connect with the plugs. But it's the cheapest of the three and if you're spoilt for choice it's the one to buy.