Expansion Modules #1 and #2

[Jinks]

So wil the expansion module be a new cover for the 7800 that you would remove the old top cover and install this new one? Also iwht the yamaha sound card, when would that be used or how? Like can it be programmed in games? Is it better than the pokey chip thingers? Regardless I will buy #2 anyways.

[AtariNerd]

It plugs into and draws power from the 7800 cartridge slot, laying fairly flush along the top of the 7800, no modding required. Look for the thread "7800 Piggyback Expansion Module Comes to Life!" and click the paperclip to the left of the topic, this should quickly bring up all of the attachements, images posted in that thread, including some early, untextured mock-ups from the fab.

Edited September 13, 2010 by AtariNerd

[Bakasama]

So wil the expansion module be a new cover for the 7800 that you would remove the old top cover and install this new one? Also iwht the yamaha sound card, when would that be used or how? Like can it be programmed in games? Is it better than the pokey chip thingers? Regardless I will buy #2 anyways.

 

The Pokey does more than just better sound than the TIA chip, it allow at least the use of a keyboard. The Yamaha sound chip is found in a lot of 80's arcade games but never in any home console.

[The_Laird]

The Master System and Megadrive both had Yamaha sound chips. Alot of computers did too like the Spectrum, ST, Amstrad CPC and MSX.

 

Depends which Yamaha chip you are actually talking about

[ApolloBoy]

The Master System and Megadrive both had Yamaha sound chips. Alot of computers did too like the Spectrum, ST, Amstrad CPC and MSX.

 

Depends which Yamaha chip you are actually talking about

The one that's in the expansion module is a YM2151, which was used in loads of arcade games and provides 8 channels of FM goodness.

[Curt Vendel]

Hi all...

 

Okay the Pre-Order page will be up on Friday, I'm going to setup two options:

 

#1 - 50% deposit ($99.99 total cost) - $49.99 to reserve a full Expansion Unit, Professionally boxed in same original 1980's silver Atari peripheral products.

 

#2 - Full payment ($89.99) which includes a $10 discount for full pre-payment in advance. Same Boxing and manual and such as above.

 

There will be stipulation checkmarks on the order page - that you understand it is a pre-order, that there is a 2 month wait for delivery and so forth, just so everyone understands and there is not confusion or misunderstanding.

 

I will post a new thread on Friday with the link to the Pre-order page, so I am hopeful, given all of the responses in the thread that all those who said they will go for #2 will follow through with an actual order placement so that the tooling costs can be covered and things can begin immediately, thanks.

 

 

 

Curt

[eightbit]

Perfect. I'll be going for option #2

[+cmart604]

I'll be going for option #2 as well although I leave Thursday for 10 days...I guess I'll have to wait until I get back.

[Austin]

Awesome, great news! I'm especially glad to know you will be making boxes for these!

[PAC-MAN PRIME]

Exxxxxxxxcellent! I'll be down for #2 as well!

 

Yes, a professional box is a SWEET surprise! This is awesome!

[TrekMD]

I will be doing option #2 as well. A professional box is fantastic!

[DracIsBack]

Thanks for the updates, Curt. Any news on if games will be available at launch?

[AtariNerd]

New box smell....

 

This is better than an oh-so-soft, double-washed and great-fitting new pair of britches, that don't make your bum look too big.

Edited September 14, 2010 by AtariNerd

[Curt Vendel]

3 Dev's are working on games so far, they will make their own announcements...

 

 

 

Thanks for the updates, Curt. Any news on if games will be available at launch?

[svenski]

Sounds awesome.

 

Will this expansion work fine with PAL machines?, I'm guessing it will but would like to be sure.

[AtariNerd]

Sounds awesome.

 

Will this expansion work fine with PAL machines?, I'm guessing it will but would like to be sure.

 

In fact, it does.

[NML32]

I'll be ordering option #2.

[Atariman]

I'll definitely be purchasing #2!

[HammR25]

I'll be doing option #2 for option #2

[Zoyx]

#2 for me. Post the pre-order link in this thread please.

Edited September 15, 2010 by Zoyx

[Chris Leach]

Cant wait...a number 2 sounds nice.... will you be offering a further discount for AA subscribers only?

[JonnyBritish]

3 Dev's are working on games so far, they will make their own announcements...

 

 

 

Thanks for the updates, Curt. Any news on if games will be available at launch?

 

So this unit will have the YM2151 sound chip? I dug around and found this on youtube

 

http://www.youtube.com/user/256byteram#p/u/38/itcHj46oaK4

 

wow - Cannot wait to hear what the developers can do with the sound chip alone. Personally hoping that someone builds a sequencer type of program so you can sit and make 8 channel music on your 7800 and play with ADSR etc

 

All this and a pro box as well? I was expecting to have this unit turn up in a plain box.

 

Now all we need is Ron Hubbard to create a track for a new game and life will be perfect!

[eightbit]

Will the first batch be numbered? Not important really, but I'm always a sucker for numbered stuff

[Chris Leach]

today is friday...where is the link?

[AtariNerd]

All i's must be dotted and t's crossed - it's a bit of a complicated and convuluted path, but Curt is sort of in a position as representing a public face to Atari, so I'm sure he wants to make sure all is well before an item with an Atari logo on it is released. Because of this association, it's a bit more than a fan project, not quite a corporate roll-out, but in a sense one might consider it an official Atari peripheral, and as such one that will enduce all of the legalize, patenting, tech support head-aches one might expect.