Autopsy:
Testing the SIO2SD interface for Atari
The SIO2SD is a device that allows you to load games/applications into any 8-bit Atari XL/XE computers via SIO interface from SD/MMC cards.
Device abilities:
- Works with SD (not SDHC) and MMC(FAT12,FAT16 and FAT32 formats)
- Handles ATR (rw), XFD (ro) and COM/XEX (ro) file types.
- 16×2 LCD display allows to “walk” catalog tree and choose files to load.
- Handles SIO with turbo (allows to set speed index from 1 to 16, default is 6 (69kb/s), in versions 1.x speed index was always 10 (51kb/s))
- All densities with 128B and 256B sectors, including 16MB disks.
- Handles drives D1 to D8.
- Can be configured using ATARI (it’s possible to load configuration tool directly from MCU flash memory, so no SD card is needed)
SIO2SD in Action:
source: sio2sd.gucio.pl marcinprusisz.pl
Autopsy:
The Atari 800XL was the third version of the Atari 8-bit line of computers introduced in 1983. The system contained a full 64K of memory, had all the standard VLSI chips (Antic, GTIA, Pokey, PIA) and was in a smaller and more compact design. The keyboard was good, not as good as the 1200XL keyboard, but it had a solid feel to it.
The cartridge port had been move to the top center of the system and used special metal spring loaded doors to allow the insertion and removal of ROM cartridges. This system of spring loaded doors also kept dirt and objects from falling into the cartridge slot when it was not occupied.
Overall the system is basically a cost reduced Atari 800 with a fuzzier picture. The system came with built-in diagnostics and a HELP key. The OS was still slightly incompatible with many original Atari 400/800 software titles, but Atari began to distribute a “Translator” disk which would load up a 400/800 compatible OS into memory so that the 800XL could support those programs.
A never version of the 800XL was being readied called the 800XL-F which included the new “FREDDY” memory management chip that would have allowed for more use of free memory for programs and geater use of graphics by the “ANTIC” video processor.
from: atarimuseum.com
Autopsy:
from Wikipedia:
The Minitel (Videotel) was a Videotex online service accessible through the telephone lines, and is considered one of the world’s most successful pre-World Wide Web online services.
It was launched in France in 1982 by the PTT (Poste, Téléphone et Télécommunications; divided since 1991 between France Télécom and La Poste). From its early days, users could make online purchases, make train reservations, check stock prices, search the telephone directory, and chat in a similar way to that now made possible by the Internet.
source: wikipedia linux terminal
Autopsy:
from Wikipedia:
This is a Atari XC12 tape drive (small model like the 1010, sold worldwide). Similar models were released, mainly in Eastern Europe. These included:
- XCA12 (same case as XC12)
- CA12 (same case as XC12)
- XL12 tape drive (an XC12 with minor changes)
- XC13 – “T2000 ready” version of XC12
source: wikipedia
My Atari 65 XE can show only Black & White pictures, i have found the problem when i have open it, someone has put a screw in the wrong place and the trimmer which adjust the color is broken.
Autopsy:
from Wikipedia:
Jack Tramiel’s Atari Corporation produced the final machines in the 8-bit series, which were the 65XE and 130XE (XE stood for XL-Expanded). They were announced in 1985, at the same time as the initial models in the Atari ST series, and resembled the Atari ST. Originally intended to be called the 900XLF, the 65XE was functionally equivalent to the 800XL minus the PBI connection.
The 65XE (European version) and the 130XE had the Enhanced Cartridge Interface (ECI), a semi-compatible variant of the Parallel Bus Interface (PBI). The 130XE shipped with 128 KB of memory, accessible through bank-selection.
An additional 800XE was available in Europe (mostly Eastern Europe), which was essentially a 65XE repackaged in order to ride on the popularity of the original 800XL in Europe. Unfortunately, the 65XE and 800XE machines sold in Eastern Europe had a buggy GTIA chip, specifically those machines made in China in 1991.
Finally, with the resurgence of the gaming industry brought on by Nintendo, Atari Corp. brought out the XE Game System (XEGS), released in 1987. The XE Game System was sold bundled with a detachable keyboard, a joystick and a light gun (XG-1), and a couple of game cartridges (Bug Hunt and Flight Simulator II). The XE Game System was essentially a repackaged 65XE, and was compatible with almost all Atari 8-bit software and hardware as a result. Bad marketing and a lack of newer releases hampered sales.
On January 1, 1992, Atari corp. officially dropped all remaining support of the 8-bit line.
source: wikipedia
Autopsy:
from old-computers Homepage:
The Atari 800XL, together with the 600XL, were successors of the Atari 400/800 series and the unsuccessful Atari 1200 XL in a more compact case. They could use almost the same software, just so long as the program was written correctly, because of some slight differences between OS versions.
The 800XL had 64 KB of RAM, two joystick ports and kept all the custom chips (Pokey, GTIA, Antic) of the previous models. It also featured the new Parallel Bus Interface (PBI) providing high speed access to the system bus. The new version of the graphic Antic chip offered 16 graphics modes instead of 12 for the 800.
An enhanced version, called 800XLF, appeared in summer 1984. It was equipped with the new “Freddie” chip which allowed faster memory management, especially for graphics display. This version was released in Europe with SECAM video interface.
Alongside the Commodore 64 and the Apple II, the 600 and 800XL were among the most popular home computers.They would be replaced in 1985 with the XE series when Atari launched the ST.
source: old-computers.com wikipedia atari 8 bit collection
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from Wikipedia:
The Atari Flashback was released in 2004. The console resembled an Atari 7800 in appearance, and came with a pair of controllers which resembled those of the Atari 7800 but were slightly smaller.
The system had twenty games built-in, all originally developed by Warner Communication’s Atari Inc. and Atari Corp. for the 2600 and 7800 game systems. The games which originally required analog paddle controllers were made to work with the included joysticks. It was designed by Atari veteran Curt Vendel, whose company Legacy Engineering Group designs other home video game and video arcade products.
Atari Inc. gave Legacy Engineering ten weeks to design the product, produce its games, and ready it for the 2004 Winter holiday season. The Atari Flashback was based on “NES-on-a-chip” hardware, not resembling either of the Atari systems which the Flashback was supposed to represent. As a result, the games it contained were ports and differed in varying degrees from the original games, and therefore the Flashback was unpopular with some purists.
source: wikipedia
Autopsy:
Thanks to recompute33 for the donation.
The Protek Joystick Interface allow to use a Digital joystick in place of analog joystick for BBC Computers.
Thanks to recompute33 for your donation.
Today i picked up a MS Pacman cartridges for Commodore 64 (Like new).
Autopsy:
For a new review see the italian version of this article.
from C64Scene Homepage: This project is interesting not only because it’s another mass-storage solution but because it combines already existing solutions to a new and fresh product. Damiano has always followed all the Commdore related websites and forums especially concerning the MMC and SD2IEC projects.
That’s when he got the idea to build a solution for which one doesn’t need soldering, wire cutting or the IEC cable. C64SD utilizes the Datasette connector to power the SD2IEC circuit. An IEC connector connects right into the IEC port.
The whole module stand vertical along the back of the C64 (or VIC20). The module is fitted with two rather large buttons, one reset and one diskswap/multi-function button.
SD-CARD Tested:
SANDISK SD-CARD 2GB = 100% WORKING.
CORSAIR SD-CARD 512MB = 100% WORKING.
source: c64sd.roxer.com c64wiki sd2iec c64wiki sd2iec firmware
Autopsy:
Lexibook has released a portable game console with 100 games included in it to play freely wherever you are.
The console integrates controlpad, volume control, power button (auto shutdown), reset. The console is very small it is powered by 3 AAA batteries and can be played on its bright LCD display. I recommend to buying this console for all lovers of the portable console with classic 80′ years games (see console Blaze). Pricing is good, only 20 Euro.
Lexibook JL2000 Demostration:
source: lexibook.com
Autopsy:
Today i picked up some retro stuff.
- Super 8 Supersound 885 (Year: 1980)
- Irradio Astrosound Twen Tape Recoder (Year: 1980)
- Gundig EW3/EN3 portatle Tape Recorder (Year: 1966)
This is a Joystick Adapter for Apple IIc, with this adapter you can use the Apple ][ Plus Joystick.
Joystick Adapter Pinouts:
Thanks to monkimann.
Click here for my Acorn Electron computer.
Click here for the Acorn Electron Software cassette (#1)
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