Jean-François DEL NERO (who’s behind the HxC SD Floppy Emulator) recently has released a version of the HxC emulator firmware that is compatible with the STM32 chip used in the Gotek floppy emulators.

This means that the great functionality of the HxC SD emulator is now available on cheaper and more widely available hardware.

The bootloader to convert the Gotek floppy drive in HxC compatible must be purchased on the website HXC 2001 by sending an email to Jean-François DEL NERO. The price of the bootloader is one-off 10 Euro per Gotek that you want to update. Future updates of the software are free and can be made from a USB stick

The HXC Usb (Gotek) firmware supports: + many more….

USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware v3.3.1.2a -> v3.4.4.6a cumulative changelog:

• QuickDisk support : Fixes/Timing improvements. Data masked outside the read window.
• OSD : Keys/Rotary regression fixed.
• QuickDisk support : Various write enhancement for Roland machines support (Roland S-10,S-220,…)
• OSD : Keys/Rotary wake-up behavior changed/enhanced.
• QuickDisk support : More Fixes again ! Blank.qd image : Ready window increased from 5s to 5.5s
• QuickDisk support : More important write support fixes !
• QuickDisk support : Write support fixed (DMA descriptors fixed).
• Work in progress : QuickDisk emulation support added !
• A new build variant is now available to emulate QuickDisk drive !
• The Gotek floppy port to the QuickDisk interface is:
  • – Shugart pin –          — QuickDisk Machine–
  • Pin  2 (/DC)           ->  /MS (/MediaSense)
  • Pin 10 (/DS0)          ->  Connect it to GND/VSS
  • Pin 16 (/MotorOn)      ->  /MO
  • Pin 20 (/Step)         ->  /RS (/Reset)
  • Pin 22 (/WriteData)    ->  /WD (/WriteData)
  • Pin 24 (/WriteGate)    ->   WG (WriteGate)
  • Pin 28 (/WriteProtect) ->   WP (WriteProtect)
  • Pin 30 (/ReadData)     ->   RD (ReadData)
  • Pin 34 (/Ready)        ->  /RY (/Ready)
  • Pins 4,6,8,12,14,18,26 and 32 can be left unconnected on the Gotek.
  • Odd pins Gotek pins (1,3,5,7,…,33) should be connected to the GND/VSS.
  • The jumper must be set to “MO”.
  • A Blank QuickDisk floppy disk can be found in the firmware archive in the /QuickDisk folder.
• Fix 3.3.8.14a PC Floppy interface mode regression.
• Faster disk-change state head-step clear and mask ready during the diskchange delay. (Fix Yamaha Clavinova diskchange issue)
• USB stick browser : Faster/smoother files/folders browsing.
• USB stick folder Auto mount : Faster files copy/image generation.  
• You can hide HXCSDFE.CFG, AUTOBOOT.HFE and /mount/emptyfat.img files on the stick now.
• Default 7 segments screen standby / powerup can changed on the custom firmware page : https://hxc2001.com/custom_fw/
• Fix non-working v3.3.6.1a firmware !
• On screen display : Separated HSYNC/VSYNC signals support added:
  • For machines without CSYNC (Composite Sync) signal.
  • Once this option is enabled the Gotek video IOs are mapped as this :
  • OSD Video out : Gotek U8 Pin 5 (PB15).
  • OSD Video HSYNC in : Gotek “JTCK-SWCLK” pin (PA14).
  • OSD Video VSYNC in : Gotek U8 Pin 1 (PB12).
• New system family raw file support : Roland W30/W50/S50/S330/S550. (7 digits display menu entry -> 019)
• Fix floppy IO pins state when the select line is permanently low (v3.3.4.1a regression).
• Write codes speed optimizations.
• HFE : Format support : Fix the “too early index” issue.
• Raw files : Fix interface mode settings. (v3.3.4.4a regression)
• File sorting : Ignore file name case.
• Direct access : Fix the “set index” command.
• OSD : CSYNC Pull-up enabled.
• Fix some possible format issues.
• Some more optimizations.
• Head settling time default value fixed on the custom firmware page : https://hxc2001.com/custom_fw/
• “Interface CFG” LCD/OLED/OSD menu entry fixed.
• OSD:
  • Code speed optimizations (CPU pipeline + Flash prefetch optimizations).
  • OSD Polarity can be now set with the “OLED screen polarity” parameter.
• Better/lower lines jitter while floppy emulation is running.
• USB : Code speed optimizations (read & write Fifos, ISR).
• ASM ISR (Step, Drive Select…) : Many code speed optimizations (CPU pipeline + Flash prefetch optimizations).
• The firmware is now stable with both OSD and floppy emulation working in the same time !
• “Normal mode” / Direct disk browsing : Files entries are now alphabetically ordered. Folders appears first then the files images.
• “Load Last selected image” : Fix reload issue with some long file names.

This is only a little part of the changelog. The original one is very long and you can read it here. (instruction manual here)

The HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware Customization page: https://hxc2001.com/custom_fw/

Download: USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Firmware v3.4.4.6a (914)

source: hxc2001.com

The Atari XE Video Game System (Atari XEGS) is a home video game console released by Atari Corporation in 1987.

Based on Atari’s 8-bit 65XE computer, the XEGS is compatible with the existing Atari 8-bit computer software library. Additionally, it is able to operate as either a stand-alone console or as a full computer with the addition of its specially designed keyboard.

In computer mode, it may utilize the majority of peripherals released for Atari’s 8-bit computer line. Atari packaged the XEGS as a basic set consisting of only the console and joystick, and as a deluxe set consisting of the console, keyboard, joystick and light gun.

Gallery:

source: wikipedia

Some retro-things received from my friend Gerben.

• 2 x Commodore 64 Manual
• 1 x Commodore 64 Programmer’s Reference Guide
• 1 x Sony HITBIT MSX-Basic Manual
• 1 x Sony HITBIT MSX-Disk Basic Manual
• 1 x Sony HITBIT Manual
• 1 x Jack Nicklaus Accolade game for Macintosh
• 1 x Commodore 64 Tune-up Book
• 1 x Getting More from your Commodore 64 Book
• 1 x Commodore VIC-1541 Manual
• 2 x Commodore Mouse 1351 Manual
• 3 x Spare Manuals of Coleco Vision Cartridge (Mouse Trap / Turbo / Time Pilot)
• 1 x 16k Memory Module for ATARI 800 (Boxed)
• 1 x Radio Shack TRS-80 Ribbon Daisy Wheel Printer II (Boxed)
• 1 x Donkey Kong Junior Coleco Vision Cartridge (Boxed)
• 1 x Narco Police C64 & C64GS Game Cartridge
• 1 x Simons’ Basic C64 Cartridge
• 1 x Power Cartridge for Commodore 64
• 1 x 16K Expansion Memory for Commodore VIC-20 (RED CASE)
• 1 x Homemade Joystick Interface for ZX-80/81
• 1 x Commodore 64 RS-232 Interface
• 1 x Multi Cartridge for VIC-20
• 1 x Protek Joystick Interface
• 1 x Philips MSX Mouse
• 1 x S.C.N. Modem for Commodore 64
• 1 x Modem House Spectrum VTX 711 for ZX Sepctrum (Boxed)
• 1 x Intel 8087
• 9 x IBM 2164-20 (RAM)
• 1 x Sony HITBIT HB-75P (MSX)
• 1 x Philips 8245 (MSX2)
• 1 x Frankenstein ZX-81 (Homemade wood case for ZX-81 with a ACORN Electron Keyboard) + Expansion Memory Inside. The worst thing i’ve ever seen.

Some RS-232 Gender Changer, Null Modem, RS-232 Tester and unknown cables.

The Frankenstein ZX-81 it works! the keyboard not but is not a problem of the keyboard but of the missing connections of the matrix, maybe an unfinished project ?

Gallery:

Yes, it’s a long story, because i have modded this Atari 2600 JR many times.

The first time have made a simple composite video mod without adding any external components, so i have made the composite mod with 1 transistor and a couple of resistors, the last composite mod is the UAV (Ultimate Atari Video) made from a dude of AtariAge that was given to me by my friend Charlie and today i have put 3 x RCA for video/audio output in place of a cable passed through the RF hole.

I used the same hole as the RF output for the VIDEO output and soldered a RCA connector in the same pcb pad of the RF RCA connector, i have used the same pcb track that was needed for the RF signal for the Composite signal, i have also removed a resistor (R19) to isolate the pcb track.

Gallery:

Atari 2600 (4-switch units) PAL Composite Video Mod for my friend Charlie.

Gallery:

Jean-François DEL NERO (who’s behind the HxC SD Floppy Emulator) recently has released a version of the HxC emulator firmware that is compatible with the STM32 chip used in the Gotek floppy emulators.

This means that the great functionality of the HxC SD emulator is now available on cheaper and more widely available hardware.

The bootloader to convert the Gotek floppy drive in HxC compatible must be purchased on the website HXC 2001 by sending an email to Jean-François DEL NERO. The price of the bootloader is one-off 10 Euro per Gotek that you want to update. Future updates of the software are free and can be made from a USB stick

The HXC Usb (Gotek) firmware supports: + many more….

USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware v3.1.60.5a -> v3.3.1.2a cumulative changelog:

• Fix multi-screens support (OSD + 7 segments screens)
• New Major feature !!! : On screen display support (OSD overlay)
• The HxC firmware for Gotek now support the On Screen Display !
• You can now select images and see the drive status on the machine’s screen without any additional software or LCD/OLED !
• No need to make holes in the machine case anymore ;).
• Picture: https://hxc2001.com/download/floppy_drive_emulator/HxCGotek_OSDAmiga1.jpg
• You only need 2 wires and a resistor to connect the Gotek to the machine’s video signals :
• One wire is used for the CSYNC video signal (Composite Sync), the other wire for the red, green (prefered) or blue signal.
• One resistor must be put in serie on the color signal between the Gotek and the machine.
• You can use a value between 220 and 470 ohms for this resistor. A potentiometer can be also used to tune the OSD brightness/contrast.
• This was currently tested on Amiga 500, Atari STE and Amstrad CPC 6128 machines, but should work with any machines having a composite sync signal.
• HxC Firmware for Gotek OSD wiring:
• Gotek wiring:
  • OSD Video out : Gotek U8 Pin 5 (PB15)
  • OSD Video CSYNC in : Gotek “JTCK-SWCLK” pin (PA14)
  • Picture: https://hxc2001.com/download/floppy_drive_emulator/HxCGotek_OSD_Mod.jpg
• Amiga 500:
  • OSD Video out : Gotek U8 Pin 5 (PB15) -> 220 / 470 ohms resistor (or a 1k ohms potentiometer) -> Amiga 500 Ferrite bead E432 (see picture).
  • OSD Video CSYNC in :  Amiga 500 U41 Pin 8 -> Gotek “JTCK-SWCLK” pin (PA14) (near the serial tx programming pin, please see HxCGotek_OSD_Mod.jpg picture).
  • Picture: https://hxc2001.com/download/floppy_drive_emulator/HxCGotek_Amiga500_OSD_Mod.jpg
• Amstrad CPC6128:
  • OSD Video out : Gotek U8 Pin 5 (PB15) -> 220 / 470 ohms resistor (or a 1k ohms potentiometer) -> CPC6128 R128 (see picture).
  • OSD Video CSYNC in :  CPC6128 IC116 Pin 5 -> Gotek “JTCK-SWCLK” pin (PA14) (near the serial tx programming pin, please see HxCGotek_OSD_Mod.jpg picture).
  • Picture: https://hxc2001.com/download/floppy_drive_emulator/HxCGotek_AmstradCPC6128_OSD_Mod.jpg
• Atari STE:
  • OSD Video out : Gotek U8 Pin 5 (PB15) -> 220 / 470 ohms resistor (or a 1k ohms potentiometer) -> Atari STE R420 (see picture).
  • OSD Video CSYNC in :  Atari STE R475 -> Gotek “JTCK-SWCLK” pin (PA14) (near the serial tx programming pin, please see HxCGotek_OSD_Mod.jpg picture).
  • Picture: https://hxc2001.com/download/floppy_drive_emulator/HxCGotek_AtariSTE_OSD_Mod.jpg
• Power supply voltage measurement:
  • You can now see/read the power supply voltage incoming to the floppy emulator.
  • This feature is quite useful to check the machine power supply state/working condition.
  • If you want to use this feature you must add this voltage divider to measure
  • the power supply on the JC jumper input :
  • VSS/GND|—| 1Ko Resistor |–(JC pin)–| 4.7Ko Resistor |—< 5V Power Supply input.
  • ( See https://hxc2001.com/download/floppy_drive_emulator/HxCGotek_voltage_system_monitor.jpg )
  • Notes:
  • Use +/-1% Resistors if possible.
  • This voltage divider support up to 18V.
  • Use the embedded menu to access the system monitor :
  • Press both buttons to enter the menu. Choose “System Monitor” or “E  ” if you have the original 7 segments display.
  • “Temperature” menu renamed “System Monitor”.
• On-die STM32 temperature sensor support : You can get the current CPU core temperature from the embedded menu :
• press both buttons to enter the menu. Choose “temperature” or “E  ” if you have the original 7 segments display.
• Blackberry trackball : Sensitivity reduced/better usability.
• External/Additional select button support :  Behavioral fix -> remove glitch-like effect when selecting images.
• Fix the short and long read emulation pipeline buffer size options (custom fw web page).
• HFEv3 : Weakbits support added.
• Fix the files extensions display option : you can now also hide the file name extensions in selector/indexed mode.
• New major feature ! : Auto mount USB stick folder to a FAT/DOS compatible virtual floppy !
• This feature allows you to directly put your files in a stick’s folder and mount this folder as a FAT/DOS floppy disk !
• You can use it with any machine compatible with the FAT file system (PC, Atari ST, lots of keyboards/samplers and CNC machines…).
• To use this feature, copy an empty/preformatted DOS IMG image to the stick path “/mount/emptyfat.img”
• This image can be a 720KB or 1.44MB blank DOS image or any other FAT compatible blank image.
• You can use the HxC Floppy Emulator software Disk Browser to create it or take the ones present in the firmware archive.
• Once you select a “mount source” folder on the emulator, the emptyfat.img file is duplicated to a “MOUNTED.IMG” file.
• Then all files/subfolders present into the selected folder are added into this duplicated image.
• (Note : the emptyfat.img remains untouched).
• Your “mount sources” / root folders should have the extension “.mnt” to be mounted by the emulator :
• example : “myvirtualdisk.mnt”
• This new feature can be used with the “normal”/direct browsing (oled/lcd screen usage) and indexed modes.
• For the indexed mode just put the DSKAXXXX prefix in the mount point folder name.
• example : “DSKA0000_MyMidiFiles.mnt”
• Please note that the image duplication and files copy operations can take some seconds.
• I will try to optimize/speedup the mount operations in the next releases.
• Let me know if you have any problems or any suggestions/questions/comments on the HxC forum or by email.
• FAT 12/16/32 layer write support enhanced to create entries (files & folders) and allocate clusters.

This is only a little part of the changelog. The original one is very long and you can read it here. (instruction manual here)

The HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware Customization page: https://hxc2001.com/custom_fw/

Download: USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Firmware v3.3.1.2a (837)

source: hxc2001.com

Robotron 2084 (TI-99/4a) – Cartridge by Fabrizio Corpetti [FACELE.EU]

I thank Fabrizio Corpetti [FACELE.EU] for giving me the assembled version of the PCB of Robotron 2084 cartridge for TI-99/4a through Ciro Barile [TI99IUC.IT].

As Ciro writes, this cartridge has never been released by AtariSoft, the only thing can you found on the net is the ROM DUMP.

Gallery:

Atari 800XL Hardware Enhancements.

I have decided to upgrade my Atari 800XL with some hardware interfaces available on the Lotharek website.

Current situation of my Atari 800XL:

• Ultimate 1MB from Sebastian Bartkowicz (Candle) with the latest FJC Bios.
• VBXE + DIN Connector for RGB/Audio Output (RF Modulator Removed)
• Simple Stereo + U-Switch + Jack 3.5 Stereo for auxiliary Audio Output.
• SIDE 2 / AVG Cartridge

New interfaces installed:

• P-Covox + 3.5 Stereo Jack for Audio Output.
• SRAM 64Kb.

After installing the SRAM 64Kb module i have removed also this series of IC which are no longer used from the Atari 800XL.

• 8 X RAM NEC 4164C
• 2 x SN74LS158N
• 1 x DM74LS51N
• 1 x SN74LS375N
• 1 x Delay Line EP8212 (C060472-D)

Gallery:

Atari 800XL with a missing delay line EP8212 (CO60472) Repair.

Thanks to the SRAM 64Kb Module by Lotharek, i have been able to resurrect a Atari 800XL which lacked the EP8212 delay line (CO60472) which is no longer available as spare parts.

More information of the SRAM 64Kb Module visit the lotharek site.

Gallery:

The TONEL PC is basically a ZX-81 clone. Made in Hong-Kong (by Lambda Electronics LTD? DEF?), it was designed as a cheap computer for initiation and was licenced to many companies throughout the world. This explains why the same computer can be found under many different brands and names (DEF 3000, Power 3000, Basic 2000, Basic 3000, PC 2000, PC 8300, Marathon 32K, IQ 8300, Futura 8300, Your Computer, etc.). But on all mainboards is written a generic “PC 8300″, which explains why 8300 or 3000 are often used in licenced names.

The system is thus a cloned ZX-81 with a modified ROM (to avoid legal problems), a better keyboard, more RAM (2 KB), sound features, a composite video output and even a joystick connector (Atari compatible). These represent in fact all the upgrades ZX-81 users usually wanted to add first to their system, but all bundled for a cheaper price.

With its modified ROM, the Tonel PC was only ZX-81 compatible with Basic programs. But soon, a ZX-81 ROM was available to turn your system into a real Sinclair ZX-81 machine, being able to run all software including machine code.

Different addons were available : 16 KB and 32 KB RAM upgrades, color (and high resolution graphics ?) expansion, joysticks, printers… The expansion bus is supposed to be compatible with the ZX-81 one (to be confirmed).

Gallery:

Tonel PC (Lambda 8300) Loading Game (GIF)

Download:

• Some Tools/Emu/Games for Tonel PC (Lambda 8300) (604)
• Different ROMs for Lambda 8300 (Tonel PC) (625)

source: old-computers.com

Atari 2600 (4-switch units) Repair.

Defect:

• Black Screen.

Replaced parts:

• 1 x CPU 6507 (A200)

Gallery of the repair:

Jean-François DEL NERO (who’s behind the HxC SD Floppy Emulator) recently has released a version of the HxC emulator firmware that is compatible with the STM32 chip used in the Gotek floppy emulators.

This means that the great functionality of the HxC SD emulator is now available on cheaper and more widely available hardware.

The bootloader to convert the Gotek floppy drive in HxC compatible must be purchased on the website HXC 2001 by sending an email to Jean-François DEL NERO. The price of the bootloader is one-off 10 Euro per Gotek that you want to update. Future updates of the software are free and can be made from a USB stick

The HXC Usb (Gotek) firmware supports: + many more….

USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware v3.1.38.2a -> v3.1.60.5a cumulative changelog:

• GeneralMusic S2/S3 : Undocummented floppy format support added + *.gem file extension support.
• Non-gated interface : Ignore the floppy selection line for the head step + Some fixes.
• Motor-ON signal support to emulate properly the “READY” and “INDEX” signals.
• OLED : SSD1305 2.23″ 128×32 OLED screen support added.
• Internal enhancements. (WIP)
• New direct raw format support : Yamaha QX3 format (*.IMG,*.DSK)
• 7 segments screen menu : Add missing system family entries :  
  • 15 = Robox RC9400
  • 16 = Kawai
  • 17 = Yamaha QX3
  • 18 = User defined format
  • Gotek I/O Lines Diagnostic/Test mode Since this hardware is quite sensitive to ESD and other electrical issues, the floppy lines can be easily damaged.
  • This new mode allows you to test/check all Gotek’s Input/Output lines with a simple wire.
  • The test must be run with floppy ribbon disconnected from the machine.
  • Once enabled/flashed with the diagnostic firmware, all outputs will toggle every 2 seconds.
  • All inputs states are displayed on the screen.
• Input lines test method :
  • The default input states should be High (1), so to test an input line you have just to connect it to the ground/vss. On the floppy port you just need a jumper to make a contact between the line and the ground.
  • Once the jumper is placed between the line pin and the ground/vss pin the corresping input state should turn to Low (0).
• Output lines test method :
  • All outputs are toggling every 2 seconds during the test.
  • (Note : A 1 ms pulse is sent to the JB output at each toggle to test the buzzer ouput)
  • Connect the output line to test to one input line (use a tested input by the above method) with a simple wire.
  • If the corresponding input status is toggling with the outputs line, then this means that the output line/driver is working properly.
• LCD / OLED / 7 segments screens output/input status definition :
  • LCD/OLED input lines status format : “IN:123456 789AB”
  • 1 or Digit-1-segment-a : Floppy Drive Select line (Pin 10 or 12 or 16 -> Depend on the S0/S1/MO jumper !).
  • 2 or Digit-1-segment-b : Floppy -Direction In (Pin 18)
  • 3 or Digit-1-segment-c : Floppy -Step (Pin 20)
  • 4 or Digit-1-segment-d : Floppy -Write Data (Pin 22)
  • 5 or Digit-1-segment-e : Floppy -Write Enable (Pin 24)
  • 6 or Digit-1-segment-f : Floppy -Head 1 Select (Pin 32)
  • 7 or Digit-1-segment-g : Down push button (left)
  • 8 or Digit-2-segment-a : Up push button (right)
  • 9 or Digit-2-segment-b : Select push button (JA)
  • A or Digit-2-segment-c : Rotary CK (J7-2)
  • B or Digit-2-segment-d : Rotary DIR (J7-1)
  • 7 Segments Digit-3 : ‘h’ when the outputs are high and ‘L’ the outputs are low.
  • 7 Segments Digit-2-segments e,f & g : ON when the outputs are high and OFF the outputs are low.
• Floppy connector pinout :
  • Pin Signal     Pin  Signal
  • 01  Ground – (O)02  -High Density Select
  • 03  Ground – 04   Reserved
  • 05  Ground – 06   Reserved
  • 07  Ground – (O)08  -Index
  • 09  Ground – (I)10  -Drive Select 0 (*)
  • 11  Ground -  (I)12  -Drive Select 1 (*)
  • 13  Ground -  14   Reserved
  • 15  Ground -  (I)16  -Motor Enable (*)
  • 17  Ground -  (I)18  -Direction In
  • 19  Ground -  (I)20  -Step
  • 21  Ground -  (I)22  -Write Data
  • 23  Ground – (I)24  -Write Enable
  • 25  Ground – (O)26  -Track 0
  • 27  Ground – (O)28  -Write Protect
  • 29  Ground – (O)30  -Read Data
  • 31  Ground -  (I)32  -Head 1 Select
  • 33  Ground – (O)34  -Diskette Change/Ready
  • (*)Depend on the S0/S1/MO jumper!
• 7 segments screen segments definition :
  • //   a
  • // f   b
  • //   g
  • // e   c
  • //   d
• Custom firmware option : Blackberry trackball -> Single and double step support.
• Custom firmware option : Extra up/down buttons or navigation switchs on the rotary connectors.
• Some fixes in the user defined image feature.
• Custom firmware option : Display the current track number on the 7 segment screen.
• Custom firmware option : Debug output on the serial port (115200 8N1).
• Custom firmware option : Read pipeline buffer size.
• New system family support : Kawai.
• Blackberry trackball support.
• Track position display changed to when the screen line size is less than 16 characters.
• Fix some OLED fonts glitches.
• New parameter : OLED line alignment.
• New fonts : 8514oem 10×20, xwindow 8×32, unscii 8×32.
• More customization options :
  • 2.42 Inch OLED screen support.
  • 100 khz / 400 khz I2C bus selection.
• Indexed mode files naming convention enhanced :
  • DSKAXXXX become a prefix : You can now add something after the prefix. e.g : DSKA0000_MyDiskName.IMG, DSKA0001_SaveDisk.HFE…
  • The prefix can be changed on the customization page if you don’t like it : https://hxc2001.com/custom_fw/
• AUTOBOOT and config files names are now not case sensitive.
• And some more fixes (rotary settings…).

This is only a little part of the changelog. The original one is very long and you can read it here. (instruction manual here)

The HxC Floppy Emulator Firmware Customization page: https://hxc2001.com/custom_fw/

Download: USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Firmware v3.1.60.5a (799)

source: hxc2001.com

Some things for Atari 8bit:

• P-COVOX is a very simple device, 4channel, discrete component digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that fits under PIA chip. It isn’t as Hi-Fi as modern sound cards, but it`s perceptiom may be a lot better than a POKEY  – especially playing MODs or NEO files
• Simple Stereo V2 – New version of the Simple Stereo now all in one. I replace my old version of Simple Stereo + U-Switch, the features are the same.
• 64k RAM Module (Replaces base ram of 64KB in all 8bit ATARI, upgrades ram in 600XL to 64KB, PCB thickness is 0,8mm)

The 64k RAM module also replaces Multiplexers, DRAM, Delay Line C060472 and so on in XL series, the Delay Line is no longer available as spare parts.

source: lotharek.pl

Atari 800 XL (VBXE-RGB/U1MB/Stereo Pokey/Side2) my Favourite Games

My Atari 800 XL Hardware Configuration:

• VBXE (RGB output)
• Ultimate 1Mb
• Stereo Pokey
• Side2 Cartridge

You can buy this additional hardware from this site: lotharek.pl

Favourite Games:

• Bosconian
• Time Pilot
• Scramble
• Popeye
• Bomb Jack
• Ms Pacman
• Pacman
• Pitfall II
• Donkey Kong
• Mario Bros
• International Karate Enhanced Edition
• H.E.R.O.

Gallery:

Download: my Favourite Atari Games (713)

First of all i have to thank Filippo Santellocco (Philsan) for this unexpected gift that i really appreciate.

AVGCART – SD multicart for 8bit Atari features:

• Supports CAR files up to 1MB (most bankswitching types are implemented)
• Supports XEX files.
• Supports ATR files (read/write) – support is limited due to cartridge port constraints.
• SIDE emulation (works with U1MB and SpartaDOS X)
• Firmware is upgradeable via SD card.

Keyboard reference:

• arrows to navigate the list, with CTRL jump to beginning/end of page/list
• BACKSPACE for parent dir
• ENTER and letters choose item
• TAB to select multiple ATR files (right cart button to cycle them afterwards)
• ESC disables cart and resets Atari
• / for recursive search, use ESC to return to full navigation
• SHIFT-S enables SIDE CCTL registers and resets

Use left cart button to return to file selector (after reset), right cart button resets current cart’s bank (also cycles ATR files)

Titles of the songs in the video:

• AC/DC – Back in Black
• Narada Michael Walden – Tonight I’m Alright
• Kungs & Cookin’ On 3 Burners – This Girl
• Sucker Punch (Dubstep Remix)

The songs are complete from beginning to end but for reasons of length of the video i have cut the songs.

The video can be only downloaded, because Youtube and Facebook have blocked the video streaming for copyrighted content, really ridiculous as the audio tracks are not complete and certainly not faithful to the original.

My personal note; the only two home computers that i follow with passion are Commodore & Atari.

…have a good listening

Download: AVG Cartridge PDM Player Atari Video (977)

source: atariage.com