10 replies to this topic

[Brian R.]

Has anyone had any success using ferrite cores to reduce the visible interference you get on a TV screen when using an Atari computer with the RF connection?

I recently obtained a 600XL (my first computer!) that is in great shape and works well. I also have an 800XL (which I wanted but never had back in the day.)

Of course, the 800XL's picture is notably better using its monitor connection, which the 600XL does not have.

It's silly, but since the 600XL has a nostalgia factor for me, I like using it. But I know the 800XL has the better picture.

Would snapping a ferrite core on the cable reduce or remove the interference patterns I see? If not, any other solution?

[candle]

no, but getting rid of that channell select switch and soldering back monitor socket would
although its lot more work to do than putting a ferrite core on the cable

[Brian R.]

I guess the 600XL can be modified to include the monitor port - and more memory - but I dont have the skills to do it. And I'd rather leave it in original condition.

Using the 800XL is the easiest alternative. Or just disregarding the screen interference.

[Hatta]

Yes, a ferrite core should help improve your RF signal.  The cord I use has a ferrite on it, and I think it's the stock cable.  This cable works much better than any other coax cable I've used.  Try it if you don't want to mod your unit.

[candle]

Brian, but 600xl has everything it needs for monitor output except, erm, monitor output
if you compare pal and ntsc units, you'll find that ntsc has channell select switch in place where pal unit has monitor output
everything is on board, you just need to solder a bit
or, get yourself pal unit

[sloopy]

I would agree, put an AV jack in it...

sloopy.

[BillC]

Brian R., on Wed Jun 6, 2012 2:14 PM, said:

I guess the 600XL can be modified to include the monitor port - and more memory - but I dont have the skills to do it. And I'd rather leave it in original condition.

Using the 800XL is the easiest alternative. Or just disregarding the screen interference.

The original Atari XL/XE RF cables include a ferrite core, it's inside the little rectangular box near one end of the cable.

[Bryan]

Are you using a switch box? If so, using a direct adapter may give you a cleaner signal. It's usually possible to get an RF signal with minimal noise, but yes AV will always look better.

[Brian R.]

Not using the original cable, and no switch boxes.

I guess only so much can be done given the nature of the connection.

[Rybags]

I've also got the cable with core contained within a box as well as numerous standard ones.

I've tried it on various other machines like C64, Plus4, Atari ST and consoles.
I experienced less interference in all cases, so it's worth a try.

But as already pointed out, the best case RF connection will still be lacking compared to composite or SVideo.

[sloopy]

I would highly recommend getting the AV jack put in... user joey_z can do it for a low cost, and I recommend him highly...

sloopy.