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Archive for the ‘Atari family’ Category

Unboxing SIO2SD Micro by Panos Santos

July 14th, 2012 1 comment
SIO2SD Micro (testing)

Autopsy:

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 cards.

This version is like the original SIO2SD (based to latest schematic “version 2″) but in a smaller form with some improvements by Panos.

Panos improvements:

  • As for the cpu the latest “low consumption” ATMega32A microcontroller in smd form.
  • The 74LVC245 who guarantees good data transfer between the microcontroller and SDcard, in proper voltage levels also.
  • New 47nf capacitors for better button response.
  • Extra resistor and capacitor added in output of low dropout voltage regulator, for better voltage stability particularly at “no load” condition. As result of that is much higher reliability and compatibility with more SD cards.
  • New tactile switches with smooth feeling for more comfortable use.
  • Push on-Push off type SD connector.

source: atariage.com/forums

Atari XE-System (XEGS) with Accessories

June 15th, 2012 No comments
Atari XE-System (XEGS) with Accessories

Autopsy:

from Wikipedia:

The Atari XE Video Game System (Atari XEGS) is a video game console released by Atari Corporation in 1987. Based on the Atari 65XE computer, the XEGS is compatible with the existing Atari 8-bit computer software library.

Additionally, it is able to operate as a stand alone console or full computer with the addition of its specially designed keyboard. In computer mode, it’s able to use the full line of peripherals released for the 8-bit computer line. Shipping in a console with joystick only and a deluxe model with a separate keyboard, joystick and light gun, the console failed in the marketplace, and was succeeded by the Atari Jaguar.

The XEGS shipped with the Atari 8-bit version of Missile Command built in, Flight Simulator II, and Bug Hunt which was compatible with the light gun. As the XEGS is compatible with the earlier 8-bit software, many games released under the XEGS banner were simply older games rebadged, to the extent that some games were shipped in the old Atari 400/800 packaging, with only a new sticker to indicate that they were intended for the XEGS.

The XEGS was released in a basic model with a grey colored standard CX-40 joystick, and the deluxe model bundled with the joystick and two peripherals: a keyboard, which allowed it to function as a home computer, and the XG-1 light gun – the first light gun produced by Atari, which is also compatible with the Atari 7800 and Atari 2600. Packages containing only a console and a joystick were also available, with the keyboard and the lightgun available separately.

source: wikipedia

Matra 3600 (Atari 2600 Jr Clone)

June 8th, 2012 1 comment
Matra 3600 (Atari 2600 Clone)

Autopsy:

Matra 3600 Console is a Atari 2600 Jr Clone distributed in Italy by GRA.DI. S.r.l. Milan.

from Wikipedia:

The Atari 2600 is a video game console released in October 1977 by Atari, Inc. It is credited with popularizing the use of microprocessor-based hardware and cartridges containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor dedicated hardware with all games built in.

The first game console to use this format was the Fairchild Channel F; however, the Atari 2600 receives credit for making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.

source: wikipedia

Atari 2600 (CX-2600 P)

May 28th, 2012 No comments
Atari 2600 (CX-2600 P)

Autopsy:

from Wikipedia:

The Atari 2600 is a video game console released in October 1977 by Atari, Inc. It is credited with popularizing the use of microprocessor-based hardware and cartridges containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor dedicated hardware with all games built in. The first game console to use this format was the Fairchild Channel F; however, the Atari 2600 receives credit for making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.

The console was originally sold as the Atari VCS, for Video Computer System. Following the release of the Atari 5200, in 1982, the VCS was renamed “Atari 2600″, after the unit’s Atari part number, CX2600. The 2600 was typically bundled with two joystick controllers, a conjoined pair of paddle controllers, and a cartridge game—initially Combat and later Pac-Man.

The Atari 2600 was wildly successful, and during much of the 1980s, “Atari” was a synonym for this model in mainstream media and, by extension, for video games in general.

The Atari 2600 was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame at The Strong in Rochester, New York in 2007. In 2009, the Atari 2600 was named the second greatest video game console of all time by IGN, who cited its remarkable role as the console behind both the first video game boom and the video game crash of 1983, and called it “the console that our entire industry is built upon.”

For the first year of production, the VCS was manufactured in Sunnyvale, California. The consoles manufactured there had thick internal RF shielding, and thick plastic molding around the sides and bottom. These added weight to the console, and because all six switches were on the front, these consoles were nicknamed “Heavy Sixers”. After this first year, production moved to Hong Kong, and the consoles manufactured there had thinner plastic molding. In 1978, only 550,000 units from a production run of 800,000 were sold, requiring further financial support from Warner to cover losses. This led directly to the disagreements that caused Atari Inc. founder Nolan Bushnell to leave the company in 1978.

source: wikipedia

Unboxing Harmony Cartridge for Atari 2600 & Composite Mod

February 12th, 2012 3 comments
Harmony Cartridge for Atari 2600

Autopsy:

1 Cents Atari 2600 Video Composite Mod: This very simple/cheap and functional mod adds a Video Composite output to the Atari 2600 console. I have shorted the five contacts Luma/Chroma and Sync for get a decent composite Video Signal. I have also cut a  resistor (R55) to get better colors, for the Audio signal see the picture.

The Harmony Cartridge is a simple, affordable, time-saving, space-saving, hassle-free way to play hundreds of games on your Atari 2600 console.

Using a Harmony cartridge is easy. Just insert the Harmony cartridge into your console slot the same way you would with any ordinary Atari game cartridge. Put your favorite game binaries on an SD card, pop it into the Harmony Cartridge and you’re ready to go. Turn on the console, select the game you want to play from the list and start having fun.

source: harmony.atariage.com

Atari 2600 Jr (Long Rainbow)

January 30th, 2012 No comments
Atari 2600 Jr (Long Rainbow)

Autopsy:

This version of Atari 2600 console was missing in my collection.

from Wikipedia:

The Atari 2600 is a video game console released in October 1977 by Atari, Inc. It is credited with popularizing the use of microprocessor-based hardware and cartridges containing game code, instead of having non-microprocessor dedicated hardware with all games built in.

The first game console to use this format was the Fairchild Channel F; however, the Atari 2600 receives credit for making the plug-in concept popular among the game-playing public.

The console was originally sold as the Atari VCS, for Video Computer System. Following the release of the Atari 5200, in 1982, the VCS was renamed “Atari 2600″, after the unit’s Atari part number, CX2600. The 2600 was typically bundled with two joystick controllers, a conjoined pair of paddle controllers, and a cartridge game—initially Combat and later Pac-Man.

source: wikipedia

Atari SF 354 Floppy Drive (second release)

August 17th, 2011 No comments
Atari SF 354 Floppy Drive

Autopsy:

This is a single-sided 3.5″ Floppy Drive for Atari ST series. This Floppy Drive can hold 360K of data on a disk.

Atari SF 354 Floppy Drive (first release)

August 17th, 2011 2 comments
Atari SF 354 Floppy Drive

Autopsy:

This is a single-sided 3.5″ Floppy Drive for Atari ST series. This Floppy Drive can hold 360K of data on a disk.

Cumana & Power Computing Atari ST Floppy Drive

August 15th, 2011 1 comment
img_9763

Autopsy:

Cumana & Power Computing are two hardware supplier for Amiga, Atari, Oric and so on. Here we present two examples of Floppy Drive compatible with the Atari ST series computers.

Atari Megafile SH 205

August 15th, 2011 No comments
Atari Megafile SH 205

Autopsy:

The SH 205 also known as Atari Megafile 20 has a capacity of 20 MB and a ACSI interface. The Atari SH 205 uses an old 20 Mb 5.25″ MFM (Modified Frequency Modulation) Hard Drives Seagate or Tandon.

Atari ST 520+ (Low serial Number)

August 14th, 2011 No comments
Atari ST 520+

Autopsy:

from OldComputers:

The Atari 520ST was introduced at the Winter CES in January of 1985, 6 months before the Commodore Amiga. Atari did take some shortcuts, though, as the Operating System did not yet exist in ROM, and had to be loaded from floppy-disk when powered on (but then again, so did the Amiga). The 520ST also had no internal floppy drive, but later versions included it.

Bundled with an external 360K single sided 3.5 inch floppy drive, mouse and monochrome monitor, it costs $799. Both Amiga and 520ST are based on the Motorola 68000 CPU, which has a 16-bit external bus, and 32-bit internal, thus the 520′ST’ means ‘sixteen / thirty two’. The Operating System is ‘TOS’, or ‘Tramiel Operating System’.

The 520ST (and Amiga) have a graphical operating system, or GUI, similar to the Apple Macintosh, which was released one year earlier. The 520ST utilized Digital Research’s GEM GUI, although it is not nearly as nice as the Macintosh or Amiga.

One thing that IS very nice is the built-in VT52 emulation. The 520ST can act as a dumb terminal, communicating through its serial port to another system. There was a huge rivalry between Amiga and Atari users, each positive that their computer system was superior, or at least hoping it was.

In addition to the 520ST, Atari release the 1040ST, with built-in floppy drive, and 1Meg of RAM (the 520ST has 512K). Four years later in 1989, the portable ST computer appeared, the Stacy.

source: oldcomputers.net

Atari Gold RGB Scart Cable

August 9th, 2011 No comments

Atari ST and Atari 7800 (Secam RGB) Gold RGB Scart Cable.

source: hardwarebook.info ebay coolnovelties.co.uk

Atari Megafile 30

August 2nd, 2011 1 comment
Atari Megafile 30

 Autopsy:

The Megafile series (produced by Atari) is based on RLL (MFM) Hard Disk, the MFM technology today has become obsolete.

The system includes the Hard Disk (Seagate ST-157R), controller RLL (MFM) 32D5321 and the power supply. The Megafile was connected to the host through the door ACSI, ACSI is Atari’s proprietary hard drive connector. It is similar to SCSI which was standardized later, but not directly compatible.

The other door instead allows you to connect other devices (eg. other Megafile).

Atari Monitor SM124

July 31st, 2011 2 comments
Atari Monitor SM124

Autopsy:

The Atari SM-124 is a high-resolution monochrome monitor designed to be used with the ST series of computers. It is capable of 640×400 resolution at 72Hz in black and white and has a very sharp picture, though the actual viewing area onscreen is quite small, a large black border of about .5 inches or more surrounding the entire screen.

For serious work on the ST, including MIDI sequencing, telecomunications, word processing, etc. the SM-124 is a much nicer monitor than it’s color counterpart

Atari Mega ST2 (PCB Rev 5.0)

July 31st, 2011 3 comments
Atari Mega ST2 (PCB Rev 5.0)

Autopsy:

The Mega ST was Atari’s first major enhancement to the ST line of computers. With 1MB or 4MB memory (expandable with add-on cards), built in BLITTER graphics chip, and MegaBUS expansion Slot all packaged into a nice clean pizza-box case the ST line of computers received a boost in power, expandability and professional looks.

Atari was moving forward in the right direction. Also introduced along with the Mega ST line was Atari’s direction into the desktop publishing field.

Atari introduced the SLM804 Laser Printer which attached to the Atari DMA interface port and also the desktop publishing package. Also introduced was the Atari Megafile hard drive system to add stackable harddrive modules onto the Mega ST.