NES Satellite question

[Little Samson]

Just a quick question about the NES Satellite (the wireless four-player controller adapter). I tested one out, and I noticed a tangible delay between pressing/releasing buttons and the NES console recognizing it (on the order of a half-second or so).

Is this normal, or was I just using a bad unit? I wouldn't be surprised if it was normal, given that the wireless technology was pretty young at that point, but I just thought I'd ask.

Maybe the Four Score is the better way to go (not to mention it doesn't need 6 C batteries)...

[Mr. Smashy]

The Satellite uses infrared technology which is pretty terrible for gaming but was pretty much the only option for wireless controls up until the Wavebird and Logitech's line of wireless controllers came on the market. Being based on fast RF technology, the response time is instantaneous.

The only wireless NES controllers that use fast RF are made by Messiah but lots of people really don't care for the d-pad on them.

[InsaneDavid]

I've never had any delay problems with my NES Satellite, you may want to check your batteries. Infrared was bad at the time, but it's not really an issue with the NES Satellite since it's not moving, whereas an infrared controller would always need to be re-aimed at the receiver.

[dcescott]

Another option is Acclaim made a single and double infared controllers. Had them both, they work fine but take out the AAA batteries when not in use, that'll save the battery life. Response was a nano second off maybe, but not a half second.
Some third party controllers have long cords anyways.

I guess I view it as driving a car and having a remote for your radio, even though you are within arms length of the interface.

IMO they are pointless unless my TV that far away or my couch is set back. Some folks like em, some don't

[Little Samson]

Cool, thanks for the helpful replies.

[Sosage]

Gonna thread jack for a second here. Speaking of the satellite, has anyone run into an issue using the zapper with their four score version of this (the wired four player adapter)? I can't play any gun games on mine with either the orange or grey gun. I always have to unplug the four score and replug the zapper into the NES controller ports. It's kind of annoying. =(

[dcescott]

Replying to the threadjack.
It's been a while since I owned a satellite. Does it take up both ports? Also, is there any 4 player zapper games. That would be cool.

[Sosage]

The satellite infrared receiver did take up both NES controller ports (I still have that part, but the actual controller unit is long lost =( ). This four score adapter I am using also takes up both ports. I don't need it for a four player light gun game, as bad ass as that might be, as much as I like keeping it plugged in as a convenience (it unintentionally acts as a nes wire extension...plus I get turbos while using the good ole' square NES controllers =P). I found it odd that none of my zappers would work with it. Just curious if this is user error or something that everyone experiences with their own similar set up.

[InsaneDavid]

I believe the Zapper is unsupported by the Four Score, however the NES Satellite has a lightgun mode accessible via a "CTLR-GUN" switch, and works fine. With the NES Satellite, the Zapper must be in port 2, just as normally with the NES.

[RCM]

The Satellite uses infrared technology which is pretty terrible for gaming but was pretty much the only option for wireless controls up until the Wavebird and Logitech's line of wireless controllers came on the market. Being based on fast RF technology, the response time is instantaneous.

The only wireless NES controllers that use fast RF are made by Messiah but lots of people really don't care for the d-pad on them.

Sorry to thread jack too. Are there any mods for the Messiah D-pad? Certain titles like Contra are unplayable with them. I like the idea and think their console is neato, but as of now I use my original controllers.

[Niku-Sama]

you can always get creatvie with an old D pad and some microswitches.