Frankie Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 I have my soldering pen and tools out and I have an itch. Where can I get a memory upgrade kit so I can have more fun. Frank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimo Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 depends what you want from your upgrade Best Electronics sell the whizztronicks 256K upgrade I did this to my NTSC 800xl 3 years ago and it is still going strong Mega-Hz makes the megamem 1MB upgrade http://mega-hz.no-ip.com/Angebote/angebote.html I bought the old 512k version but still not fitted it Citrad makes the Ram 320XL, a plug in unit that may require a couple of internal mods http://www.atariage.com/forums/topic/162420-ram-320xl/page__st__440__p__2190666__hl__ram%20320xl__fromsearch__1#entry2190666 (I have one of these and it is excellent) Hiassoft makes a 512k upgrade, but you need a GAL programming http://www.horus.com/~hias/atari/#sram512k Candle WILL make his Ultimate 1meg upgrade at some point, this has loads of other features such as RTC (real time clock) 4 selectable OS's, internal SDX etc. worth waiting for IMO, I am going to buy a couple of these Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flashjazzcat Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 Lotharek made a really nice 1MB upgrade for the XL (adapter fitted on the PIA and the SIMM plugged into two of the RAM sockets), and I have a prototype board fitted in one of my 800XLs. I'd have liked another for the 600XL, but rather worryingly Lotharek's website appears to have gone offline. Moreover, I think he was concentrating on the XE (two RAM chip version) upgrade board. Candle's Ultimate 1MB will be a must-have, but I'm certainly interested in a plain RAM upgrade for at least one of my XLs (which already has IntSDX, 4-in-1 OS and an RTC). If I could program GALs, I'd already have built Hias's upgrade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClausB Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 If you want to build from scratch, try this 256K upgrade. Full instructions are posted later in that thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carmel_andrews Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 If you want to build from scratch, try this 256K upgrade. Full instructions are posted later in that thread. Any chance you could do a modern version of that u/g (perhaps with more memory, like 320, 512 or 1024k) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+orpheuswaking Posted February 17, 2011 Share Posted February 17, 2011 I have both of Mega HZ ram upgrades, they are very nice and I have had no problems with them... Be careful about putting them in a 600XL though, not enough room in some machines (depends on the keyboard type installed) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClausB Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Any chance you could do a modern version of that u/g (perhaps with more memory, like 320, 512 or 1024k) Nope. Others have done better jobs with SIMMs and SRAMs than I could. My 256K was based on the simplicity of swapping out 64Kb chips for 256Kb ones and adding minimum circuitry. For modern upgrades, I really like the idea of SRAM. 2 chips can replace 12 or more. I wish someone would figure out how to free up the refresh cycles for CPU use. That would give an 8% speedup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carmel_andrews Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Any chance you could do a modern version of that u/g (perhaps with more memory, like 320, 512 or 1024k) Nope. Others have done better jobs with SIMMs and SRAMs than I could. My 256K was based on the simplicity of swapping out 64Kb chips for 256Kb ones and adding minimum circuitry. For modern upgrades, I really like the idea of SRAM. 2 chips can replace 12 or more. I wish someone would figure out how to free up the refresh cycles for CPU use. That would give an 8% speedup. Or just a faster version of the 6502c (i beleive they exist) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Van Posted April 23, 2011 Share Posted April 23, 2011 (edited) Not too far off topic, just finished a proto board build of ClausB's 256K mod, just waiting for chip order. THANK YOU ClausB!!!(Thank you x2 for posting your docs on the board, wish I had found the thread 2 weeks earlier, had been searching web archives for RAM info.) With the price of 8 41256s @ about $1 each, the whole upgrade cost about $12, counting my solder! That is BANG for your BUCK. There are a lots of really great ideas and designs around but most of the software that I will run, will be 30 years old! and never be able to use 1 meg. The best use for most upgrades is a ramdisk, but using SIO2PC and/or a SIO2SD makes me wonder how useful that may be. Here's a good start: ftp.pigwa Mega Hz mods EDIT: repeat of above, Doe! and another HiassofT's EDIT: ditto! good luck Van Edited April 23, 2011 by Van Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClausB Posted April 24, 2011 Share Posted April 24, 2011 You're welcome x 2! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bfollett Posted April 24, 2011 Share Posted April 24, 2011 I'm just curious about these smaller memory upgrades. If you are going to the trouble of upgrading your XL's memory, why stop at 256k or 320k or 512k. Wouldn't it make sense to just go straight to 1Mb so you can run all the large memory demos, not just some of them? Is there some incompatibility with a 1Mb upgrade or is it significantly more money to purchase? I guess there's the possibility that its harder to install. Just wondering why anyone going to the trouble of a memory upgrade would choose the smaller options. Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Van Posted April 25, 2011 Share Posted April 25, 2011 Well I can't speak for anyone but me, but both are good. I have 4 XLs now, and some of the factors, for me, is cost and enjoyment. The 256K is period true, low cost, the install is not too hard (just as involved as some 1Meg installs), and last, I can build it from scratch on my bench without headaches. Most software will run on a stock machine, adding 256K allows some more titles and going beyond that is only needed for a handful of newer programs and demos. Very large upgrades really shine as ramdisks but the speed of mass storage,(SIO2SD, myIDE, ect) has improved to challenge a ramdisk. At some point I could just get a miniITX board, do a nice XL case mod and run A800 full screen at startup, but is that an Atari? On the other hand, I'm also getting one of Candle's 1MEG/4OS/RTC upgrades,it has a lot to offer, but it's worth more then the Ebay XL it's going into. Building it at home is not 'un-doable', but etching my own boards for a SMD design is just a lot more complicated. He's done a fine job and spent a lot of time working out the design and firmware, so I'll buy one from him. Now if he offered a kit or bare board and GAL I'd be in for 2 or 3. To build just one for myself would involve firing up the CAD program, Gerber plots, etching a 2 sided board at home or sending the files to a board house for fab, burning the GAL (have to build up a Galblaster). Anyway, the point is I'll spend that kind of DIY time on a project if A. I can bring something new to the table or B. the project is a 'must have' and has a high 'fun factor'. For a one off, you can't beat DIL packages and point to point wire. My main interest in the classic systems is doing the mods, both building the boards and installing them; learning the hardware and software, and making music (noise?) on the classic chips. Van Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dazpants1 Posted May 10, 2012 Share Posted May 10, 2012 depends what you want from your upgrade Best Electronics sell the whizztronicks 256K upgrade I did this to my NTSC 800xl 3 years ago and it is still going strong Mega-Hz makes the megamem 1MB upgrade http://mega-hz.no-ip...e/angebote.html I bought the old 512k version but still not fitted it Citrad makes the Ram 320XL, a plug in unit that may require a couple of internal mods http://www.atariage...._1#entry2190666 (I have one of these and it is excellent) Hiassoft makes a 512k upgrade, but you need a GAL programming http://www.horus.com...atari/#sram512k Candle WILL make his Ultimate 1meg upgrade at some point, this has loads of other features such as RTC (real time clock) 4 selectable OS's, internal SDX etc. worth waiting for IMO, I am going to buy a couple of these Hi mimo, I've just read your post as i'm interested in the whole memory expansion idea. I was wondering if there was a way to build a memory expansion from basic parts for someone with only basic soldering skills and very little electronics skills. Would this be a difficult project to to do from scratch or is it cheaper and easier to buy one? Ta Daz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimo Posted May 10, 2012 Share Posted May 10, 2012 (edited) depends what you want from your upgrade Best Electronics sell the whizztronicks 256K upgrade I did this to my NTSC 800xl 3 years ago and it is still going strong Mega-Hz makes the megamem 1MB upgrade http://mega-hz.no-ip...e/angebote.html I bought the old 512k version but still not fitted it Citrad makes the Ram 320XL, a plug in unit that may require a couple of internal mods http://www.atariage...._1#entry2190666 (I have one of these and it is excellent) Hiassoft makes a 512k upgrade, but you need a GAL programming http://www.horus.com...atari/#sram512k Candle WILL make his Ultimate 1meg upgrade at some point, this has loads of other features such as RTC (real time clock) 4 selectable OS's, internal SDX etc. worth waiting for IMO, I am going to buy a couple of these Hi mimo, I've just read your post as i'm interested in the whole memory expansion idea. I was wondering if there was a way to build a memory expansion from basic parts for someone with only basic soldering skills and very little electronics skills. Would this be a difficult project to to do from scratch or is it cheaper and easier to buy one? Ta Daz Sure, there are a couple of DIY mods mentioned in this thread, for example this 1meg one. http://ftp.pigwa.net/stuff/collections/atari_forever/Extension/Memory%20Upgrade/Atari%20XL%208-bit%20Memory%20Upgrade%20Page.htmIf you understand that lot, then go ahead. There is also the more simple Claus b mod.http://www.atariage.com/forums/topic/122470-ram-upgrade-applications/page__st__25__p__1481893#entry1481893However, with candles upgrade you get multiple operating systems, spartados x and a real time clock as well. You pay your money and takes your choice Put it this way, I have candles ultimate mod in my ultimate 600xl (vbxe2,covox,stereo pokey,internal sio2pc) another going into my 1200xl, and an off shoot of the ultimate board(incognito) in my 800 Edited May 10, 2012 by mimo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dazpants1 Posted May 10, 2012 Share Posted May 10, 2012 Hi mimo, Thanks for getting back so quickly. I have recently installed my first Atari mod which was the APE Warp+ OS 32-in-1 from AtariMax. Well i say installed but my OS chip was already socketed so i only needed to solder the three wires. Which one of the above would be ok to use with my new APE Warp+ OS 32-in-1 chip setup? Ta Daz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimo Posted May 10, 2012 Share Posted May 10, 2012 Any, but take out the 32 in 1 and fit the ultimate 1meg or find a cheap 600xl to add the ultimate 1meg. or convince me to sell my 320xl plug in RAM expansion Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dazpants1 Posted May 10, 2012 Share Posted May 10, 2012 Do you mean that the ultimate 1meg upgrade has a better OS than the 32 in 1 OS? Please forgive the questions but i'm still a newbie so you need to talk slow and in simple for me to understand lol. I dare not buy anything else at the moment as the wife almost had an heart attack when i brought a job lot of 300 Atari disks off ebay for £100 the other day lol. She doesn't understand my Atari addiction Atari and Ebay are bad mojo and have a way of parting me from my money lol. Ta Daz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillC Posted May 10, 2012 Share Posted May 10, 2012 Do you mean that the ultimate 1meg upgrade has a better OS than the 32 in 1 OS? Please forgive the questions but i'm still a newbie so you need to talk slow and in simple for me to understand lol. I dare not buy anything else at the moment as the wife almost had an heart attack when i brought a job lot of 300 Atari disks off ebay for £100 the other day lol. She doesn't understand my Atari addiction Atari and Ebay are bad mojo and have a way of parting me from my money lol. Ta Daz The AtariMAX 32 in 1 OS is overkill and beyond almost anyone's needs. Candle's Ultimate 1MB board allows selecting from 4 different OS's, which can be changed by flash upgrade, and also includes 1MB RAM/SpartaDOS X/Real Time Clock. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dazpants1 Posted May 10, 2012 Share Posted May 10, 2012 @ BillC - All is becoming clear now. I think i'll have to save the money over a few weeks so i don't give my wife another heart attack lol. Thank you for the info. Daz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wesmond Posted May 10, 2012 Share Posted May 10, 2012 (edited) Can I ask a related question: if you fit Candle's Ultimate 1Mb, into an original 64k 800xl, then would old software written for an original 130xe work as intended? I guess I'm asking about what sort of method you can use to get to the extra banks, and whether it's the same as the traditional method (which I think was poke 54017... - but that was used for switching in 16Kb banks, so maybe not enough bits for 1Mb?) Wes Edited May 10, 2012 by wesmond Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimo Posted May 10, 2012 Share Posted May 10, 2012 Can I ask a related question: if you fit Candle's Ultimate 1Mb, into an original 64k 800xl, then would old software written for an original 130xe work as intended? I guess I'm asking about what sort of method you can use to get to the extra banks, and whether it's the same as the traditional method (which I think was poke 54017... - but that was used for switching in 16Kb banks, so maybe not enough bits for 1Mb?) Wes Yes, 130xe software will work fine. The RAM upgrades are selectable from stock 64k to 1meg and many points in-between . All via on screen "bios" for want of a better word. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVladimir Posted May 6, 2019 Share Posted May 6, 2019 I find some info on mega-hz regarding 800XL memory upgrade (drawings, photos, manual) and now looking for schematics of CompyShop 256K memory upgrade for 800XL - it missing there. Can anybody post this drawing? Thank's in advance, Vladimir Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mathy Posted May 6, 2019 Share Posted May 6, 2019 Hello guys mega-hz and tf_hh are long time friends. They often work(ed) together. IIRC even on this memory upgrade. tf_hh (aka Jürgen) is active here on AA. Sincerely Mathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunstar Posted May 6, 2019 Share Posted May 6, 2019 (edited) Hi mimo, Thanks for getting back so quickly. I have recently installed my first Atari mod which was the APE Warp+ OS 32-in-1 from AtariMax. Well i say installed but my OS chip was already socketed so i only needed to solder the three wires. Which one of the above would be ok to use with my new APE Warp+ OS 32-in-1 chip setup? Ta Daz Edit: Sorry just realized this was a 7 year old reply...old bumps always get me! Edited May 6, 2019 by Gunstar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MVladimir Posted May 7, 2019 Share Posted May 7, 2019 Thank you, Mathy. I send PM to tf_hh (aka Jürgen). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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