Archive

Author Archive

(Italian) Jurassic News numero #46

March 8th, 2013 No comments

Sorry, this entry is only available in Italian.

Categories: Magazine, News & Rumors, Today

Stella v3.81 (multi-platform Atari 2600 VCS emulator)

March 7th, 2013 No comments

Stella release v3.8.1 for Linux, MacOS X and Windows is now available.

Changelog:

  • Added support for TIA RSYNC writes, thanks to Omegamatrix of AtariAge. This allows the recently released “Extra Terrestrials” ROM to run, as well as improving emulation of “Fatal Run” and several other test ROMs.
  • Fixed typo in TIA HMOVE writes, thanks to Thomas Jentzsch. This fixes the constant collision issues in “Kool-Aid Man”, and several other homebrew ROMs.
  • Fixed sound issues on OSX PPC machines (all sound was in little-endian format, but PPC is big-endian).
  • The OSX DMG archive now contains proper modification dates.

Download: Stella v3.81 (1215)

source: stella.sourceforge.net

Javatari v3.10 (Atari 2600 emulator)

March 6th, 2013 No comments

Javatari is a multiplayer Atari 2600 emulator written in pure Java with no external libs.

Features:

  • Unique Client-Server multiplayer mode. Runs great in low-latency networks such as LANs.
  • Cheat and turn off Collisions. Finally discover the ending of River Raid!
  • Complete Save State/Load State functions.
  • Scanlines and TV screen emulation modes.
  • Real Atari console user interface.

Changelog;

  • Better compatibility in Linux and Mac OSX.
  • AdAdded Joystick support (Windows and Linux):
    • Fully selectable axes with deadzone adjustment.
    • Paddles analog emulation with adjustable sensitivity and centering
    • Other console controls can be mapped to Joystick buttons

Download: Javatari JAR v3.10 (Needs Java 6) (831)

source: javatari.org

New donation: Super Riteman C+ a Printer for C64/128

March 5th, 2013 No comments
Super Riteman C+

Autopsy:

Super Riteman C+ is a Printer for Commodore 64/128 donated by Damiano Colombari (Manosoft). Thanks Damiano.

C64 Game: Q-hop +4GD / Assembloids +2HD / Shaolin+ +2HD…

March 5th, 2013 No comments

Sinclair ZX Interface 1 + ZX Microdrive

March 4th, 2013 No comments
ZX Microdrive and Spectrum close-up

Autopsy:

from Wikipedia:

ZX Microdrive

The ZX Microdrive was a magnetic tape data storage system launched in July 1983 by Sinclair Research for its ZX Spectrum home computer. The Microdrive technology was later also used in the Sinclair QL and ICL One Per Desk personal computers.

Microdrives used tiny (44 × 34 × 8 mm including protective cover) cartridges containing a 5-metre (200-inch) endless loop of magnetic tape, 1.9 mm wide, driven at 76 cm/second (30 in/second); thus performing a complete circuit in approximately 8 seconds. The cartridges held a minimum of 85 kB when formatted on a ZX Microdrive (exact capacity depended on the number of “bad” sectors found and the precise speed of the Microdrive motor when formatting). The data retrieval rate was 15 kB/s, i.e., 120 kbit/s. It was possible to “expand” the capacity of a fresh microdrive cartridge by formatting it several times. This caused the tape to stretch slightly, increasing the length of the tape loop so that more sectors can be marked out on it. This procedure was widely documented in the Sinclair community magazines of the 1980s.

ZX Interface 1

A peripheral from Sinclair Research for its ZX Spectrum home computer, the ZX Interface 1 was launched in 1983. Originally intended as a local area network interface for use in school classrooms, it was revised before launch to also act as the controller for up to eight ZX Microdrive high-speed tape-loop cartridge drives. It also included a DE-9 RS-232 interface capable of operating at up to 19.2 kbit/s — a rare instance of Sinclair using an industry-standard connector. At hardware level it was mainly a voltage adapter, the serial protocol being implemented in software by bit-banging. This led to problems when receiving data, but not when transmitting.

A wedge-shaped device fitting underneath the ZX Spectrum, ZX Interface 1 contained 8 kB of ROM comprising the control software for the Microdrives, RS-232 port and network interface. This extended the error handler in the Sinclair BASIC to allow extra keywords to be used. As this became an official standard, other developers quickly used this mechanism to create language extensions to Sinclair BASIC.

Download: ZX Microdrive and Interface 1 Manual (PDF) (1094)

source: wikipedia

CBM FileBrowser v1.5 by NBLA000

March 3rd, 2013 No comments

This program works as a program launcher for Commodore machines. Even if it was originally intended for a device with sd2iec firmware, it works also with any CBM drive (without sd2iec functions of course).

It is a multi-system version derived from the discontinued sd2brwse v.0.6 by Hannu Nuotio (fork() of sdbrowse v.0.7)

The Vic-20 Mega-Cart Installer is based on sys.asm sources of mega-tools by Daniel Kahlin, sort routine by Michael Kircher.

Current supported machines:

  • C64.
  • C64DTV.
  • Vic-20 unexpanded.
  • Vic-20 +3K RAM.
  • Vic-20 +8K RAM or plus (for FE3 use this version)
  • Vic-20 with Mega-Cart.
  • C16 / C116 / Plus4.
  • C128 in 64 mode.
  • C128 80 Columns.

Changelog:

  • v.0.1 – 01-Sep-2009 (Start of project, C64/C64DTV only)
  • v.0.2 – 21-Oct-2009 (First working version for Vic-20 +8K RAM)
  • v.0.3 – 06-Jan-2010 (Added memory config auto-detection for Vic-20 selected program)
  • v.0.4 – 19-Jan-2010 (Added support for Vic-20 with Mega-Cart and manual start mode)
  • v.0.5 – 10-Feb-2010 (Added support for Vic-20 unexpanded and Vic-20 +3K RAM)
  • v.1.0 – 05-Mar-2010 (First public version, minor issues fixed, C64 and Vic-20 supported)
  • v.1.1 – 22-Jun-2010 (Added support for D41 and DNP file images, sd2iec firmware v.0.9.0 or higher required)
  • v.1.2 – 09-Oct-2010 (Added SJLOAD speed-up option to the manual mode of the Mega-cart version)
  • v.1.3 – 31-May-2012 (Added support for C16/C116/Plus4, Sort directories, cosmetic changes)
  • v.1.4 – 19-Jul-2012 (Added JIFFYDTV speed-up support for C64-DTV, Clear screen before RUN)
  • v.1.5 – 03-Mar-2013 (Added support for C128, and uppercases disk images D64,D81,D71 etc.)

Download: CBM FileBrowser v1.5 (3724)

source: vic20.it/cbmfilebrowser

Enterprise 64 & Archimedes 310: A few things to repair for a friend.

March 3rd, 2013 No comments

A few things to repair for a friend.

  • Enterprise 64
  • Archimedes 310

Defect: unknown.

Atari 800XL repaired for a friend

March 3rd, 2013 1 comment

I have repaired an Atari 800XL for a friend. The failure was caused by a faulty cpu, the computer freezes after 10 minutes of operation, using an oscilloscope i have noticed that the clock pin of the cpu did not give me more signal but when i have used the synthetic ice spray on the cpu has resumed to work.

This type of cpu (Atari customized 6502 – C014806-12 Sally) is not easy to find but fortunately a friend of mine (Carlo) has found a spare part for me.

TRS-80 Coco Plug’n'Power Appliance and Light Controller Boxed

March 3rd, 2013 No comments
TRS-80 Coco Plug'n'Power Appliance and Light Controller Boxed

Autopsy:

Thanks to Paolo Cognetti for giving me this device in good conditions.

Plug ‘n Power Programmable Appliance/Light Controller it’s an old device for the TRS-80 Color Computer for home automation.

Object consists of Plug ‘n Power, Appliance and Light Controller, two cords, a manual, and battery test card.

Download: Plug & Power Appliance and Light Controller (PDF) (2645)

Mattel Intellivision (PAL) RGB Video Mod

March 2nd, 2013 5 comments
Testing the RGB Video Mod

Details:

Jump here for the commercial RGB mod for the Mattel Intellivision

I have found this RGB mod for the Mattel Intellivision console fom a site, i have searched on the net if anyone has tried this mod, but nothing, so, i have tried to do it myself.

This mod is not easy to do, especially if one has no experience in electronics, however the result at the end is spectacular.

Schematics (click to zoom):

Unboxing D2K Arcade cartridge for Mattel Intellivision

February 26th, 2013 No comments
D2K Arcade cartridge for Intellivision

Autopsy:

from Elektronite Homepage:

One smart ape has escaped from his cage. Mario, the zookeeper, is in a real fix! The gorilla Darwin has captured a very special lady and made his way onto a construction site and up bewildering, unfinished structures and a veritable King Kong! Leap for your life over bouncing barrels, ride fast-moving platforms to dizzying heights, scurry under runaway springs, and avoid roaming flames and dangerous balls of gas as you make your way up. It will take not only Mario but one of his brothers Toni and Bruno to outsmart the big ape and return the girl to safety.

It’s TWO games in one! The first arcade game, PLUS a second game with five all NEW levels inspired by the arcade hit D2K: Jumpman Returns! 9 Screens in total!

Features:

  • New graphics and sound effects. Hear DK growl for the first time!
  • Separate high scores for Game 1 and Game 2. Perfect for high-scoring competitions!

Video D2K ARCADE review for IntelliVision:

source: elektronite.com

Commodore Free Magazine Issue #67

February 26th, 2013 No comments

Commodore Free Magazine Issue #67

Free to download Commodore magazine dedicated to Commodore Computers.

In this issue you can find:
Editorial
Commodore Free E-Cover Tape #3
NEWS
2013 C64-Retroinvaders Calendar
Arc64 V2.3 Released
MiniMig and Arm Controller Back
New Articles on Obligement
Flimsoft News Update
SuperCPU Emulator Software
4K Game Secret Tunnel
PDXCUG.org Meeting
VFLI – VIC-20
Ask Me Up for AmigaOS 4
AmigaOS 4.1 Update 6 Released
“World Without A Sky”
WinUAE V2.5.0 Released

 

New Assembly Programming Blog
Avalache for the PET Released
Review: Avalanche for the PET
Readers Comments – Magazine Ideas
One-Liners Competition
Homebrewing Computers in the 21st Century
Book Review: Terrible Nerd
Review: Subhunter (Cartridge)

Download:

source: commodorefree.com

Categories: Magazine, News & Rumors, Today

C64 Game: Space-Devil +2ED / Snake +2 / Asteroids Emulator +1D …

February 25th, 2013 No comments

Donation of the sunday (Commodore 1085S and Amiga 500)

February 24th, 2013 No comments

Material donated:

  • Commodore Monitor 1085S (The 1085(S) is a cost-reduced version of the 1084, with lower resolution (.52 mm dot pitch) and no non-glare screen treatment.)
  • Commodore Amiga 500 + 512k Expansion.