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) (782)
• Different ROMs for Lambda 8300 (Tonel PC) (881)

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 (957)

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 (870)

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 (1175)

source: atariage.com

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 v3.1.32.1a -> v3.1.38.2a cumulative changelog:

• More customization options:
  • Raw file image/disk format selection.
  • You can now define your raw file image/disk format !
  • Floppy Interface modes.
  • https://hxc2001.com/custom_fw/
• More customization options:
  • 16 different oled graphic fonts available.
  • New oled screen models supported (128×32,128×64, SSD1306, SH1106…).
  • Default raw system selection.
  • And many more new options: sound volume, auto select delay, …
• New raw formats support: Coat-A-Matic 9400 / Robox RC9400 (*.IMG/*.DSK) (289KB)
• Fix Track 00 issue (v3.1.34.1a regression).
• AutoSwap support enhanced/completed (sub-folders in normal mode supported).
• Internal optimizations.
• Direct access mode : Some fixes for the auto disk swap (“AutoSwap”) support.
• Direct access mode : New functions
• Select mode (0×5):
  • Mode 0 – Flash sector access mode (Default)
  • Mode 1 – Plain text browser, Entries format : “IIII;T;SSSSSSSS;File name\r\n”
  • IIII = Object ID (ASCII HEX Number).
  • T = Type -> ‘F’=FILE, ‘D’=DIRECTORY
  • SSSSSSSS = File Size  (ASCII HEX Number).
  • Mode 2 – Slot list mode.
• Change Objects list ID base (0×6) (Plain text browser).
• Select/Enter Object (0×7) (Plain text browser – Image/Directory selection or File tranfert mode).
• Set file base offset (0×8) (File transfer mode).
• Get current selected image (0×9).
• Select file with path (0xA) (Select image with a plain text file path).
• MFM & FM support. (see the customization page : https://hxc2001.com/custom_fw/)
• With these new direct access API functions small file selector/browser/swapper/loader can be developed without the need of any FAT32 library on resource-limited machines. The protocol specification document will be updated soon at this address : https://hxc2001.com/download/floppy_drive_emulator/SDCard_HxC_Floppy_Emulator_Direct_Access_mode.pdf
• First online-customizable firmware available !
  • Fill up the form on the page to https://hxc2001.com/custom_fw/ customize the firmware.
  • The firmware will be recompiled/rebuilt following your requests and sent to the provided email some minutes later.
  • This is a fully automated and free service so don’t hesitate to play with it ! :).
  • More and more options will be added on the customization page.
• Fix v3.1.34.1a regression : Disk density selection issues with some raw formats. Please update.
• Files & Folders names starting with ‘.’ are now hidden.
• Firmware memory size reduced once again : More tables size optimizations.

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

Download: USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Firmware v3.1.38.2a (1158)

source: hxc2001.com

Everything seems to work perfectly including Hard Disk and Floppy Drive.

I must thank my friend Ralf Schmitz for this gift.

Gallery:

Atari SAP Music Archive (ASMA) is a Atari XL-XE music collection. It is one of the largest and most accurate computer music collections known.

ASMA archive now uses an online repository, where it is constantly updated.

source: ASMA Repository

…in the photo:

• Atari CX50 – Keyboard controllers (Boxed and in Mint Condition)
• Joystick Cheetah – The Bug (Boxed)
• ROM/Eprom cartridges for Commodore 64.
• Commodore 1571 without Floppy Drive (Mobo/PSU working)

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 v3.1.25.1a -> v3.1.32.1a cumulative changelog:

• Menu subsystem refactored.
• Smaller code size with more features.
• Menu OLED and sound parameters (Video Inverse, contrast, step sound) are now taking effect immediately.
• Code optimizations.
• CPC DSK : Write cache flush timeout set to 2 seconds.
• Once again more code size optimizations!
• More code size optimizations.
• STM32 startup / init functions refactored (WIP).
• Flash memory code size reduced.
• Inversed Floppy Ribbon detection at power-up : “rib” (7 segments display) or “Floppy ribbon reversed !” (LCD/OLed display) message printed at power-up if the floppy ribbon is not connected properly.
• Fix a regression introduced into the v3.1.28.1a : Fix normal and indexed mode possible browsing issues (unexpected wrap to index 0). Please update !
• OLED screen : Standby/screen saver mode – The screen is now dimmed to a minimal level. The standby delay can be changed into the setting menu.
• OLED screen : New Menu entry – “Video” Polarity mode (Normal/Inverse).
• Files Browser : All Files/Folders with the hidden attribut set are not shown anymore… (Hide Windows/MAC system folders).
• Push buttons Auto-repeat : Better/Smoother rate changes. Rate changes delays adjusted.
• Thomson *.FD file support : Faster Loading (sectors interleave factor fixed).
• Fix the “clear settings”/reset factory function.

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

Download: USB Stick STM32 (Gotek) HxC Firmware v3.1.32.1a (1064)

source: hxc2001.com

Very nice adapter designed by Rolo that allows you to use the Rolo Multi-Cartridge also on the Emerson Arcadia 2001 / GIG Leonardo and Hanimex HMG-2650 console.

The Eprom need to be installed in the Multi-Cartridge and contains 64 games all fully working.

This is a good alternative for those who don’t want to spend an important amount of money for the Multicart Arcadia 2001.

Thanks Rolo for this great extension (Adapter) for the Multi-Cartridge.

Gallery:

Video:

source: atariage.com

Thanks to my friends Charlie and Gerben for this fantastic gift which adds another piece to my Atari Collection that now begins to become respectable.

UAV (Ultimate Atari Video) Video Upgrade for Atari Computers & Consoles.

This circuit improves the signal video output and allow to use both output (SVIDEO and COMPOSITE). The circuit is compatible with all Atari 2600, 5200, 7800 consoles and all Atari Home Computers 400, 800, 1200 …

I thank my friend Charlie for giving me this circuit that i have immediately installed in my Atari 2600 Jr which i use with the Harmony SD Cartridge.

NOTE:

Don’t use the socket in place of the IC 4050 as seen in the photo. The external case of the Atari 2600Jr console is too thin and cannot be closed anymore.

Gallery of the work done:

source: atariage.com

A couple of weeks ago had written a post on a socialSocks that i was looking for a button for my 800XL that i had repaired.

Today the missing key came to me as a gift :D

The lot that includes the missing key is the following:

• 1 x Atari 800XL (Boxed)
• 1 x Atari 1050 Dual Densisty Disk Drive (Italian box totally different from my box)
• 1 x Atari XC11 (Boxed)
• 1 x Atari 800XL Loose

I thank so much Alessandro Polito. Thanks my friend.