mouSTer: USB Mouse to Atari Adapter
My Mega ST 4 "Low" machine uses a mouSTer, a universal USB HID to DB-9 adapter that lets me connect a modern USB mouse to the Atari. The original Atari mouse isn't in use here, instead the mouSTer gives the machine a far more comfortable USB mouse.
What the mouSTer is
mouSTer is the first fully configurable USB adapter for old computers, created by willyvmm. It plugs into the DB-9 mouse/joystick port of an Atari ST (and many other old computers) and lets you use a modern USB mouse. It's open source, with firmware updates done easily via a USB memory stick.
What it can do
- Atari mouse emulation, so a USB mouse behaves like the original Atari mouse.
- Full configuration, adjustable mouse speed, full button mapping, and configurable autofire on any button.
- Wide USB support, it works with essentially all USB mice and gamepads.
- Easy firmware updates via USB memory.
My Setup
On the Mega ST 4 "Low" machine the mouSTer connects a USB mouse to the DB-9 port, giving a much better feel than the original Atari mouse. It works alongside the Cloudy/Storm ST combo, the Gotek, the UltraSatan, the SidecarTridge and the Wi-Fi modem. The original Atari keyboard is still used on this machine.
Worth a warning: before settling on the mouSTer I tested the PS/2 mouse adapter from Polyplay, but it simply didn't work. I wrote to the shop several times and they even sent a second unit, but that one failed too. The shop still sells it, and despite asking the operator several times whether they had ever tested it themselves, I got no answer. If you're tempted, I'd test before you commit, or just go straight for a mouSTer.