Need a lil introduction/crash course on ST computing

[64KB_Rob]

I was hoping someone could grace me with all their knowledge of Atari ST computers. I recently acquired a boxed atari 520st from a friend for 20 bucks that was tucked away in his parents closet. Unfortunately it was missing its mouse and power supply (I already put up a want for that stuff). But im curious are their other alternative power supplies that would be compatible and easier to acquire (looked on ebay didnt even see one) also are there other solutions for a mouse? Seen a few 9 pin mouses on ebay . Some were kind of steep on price and others I wasn't sure if they were compatible. Once I get the things needed to get it up and running finding a floppy drive is next on the list. So any info on what model drive I need or compatible drives (if there is any) to look for. Any info would be great thanks for looking

[64KB_Rob]

I forgot to add the video cables are also gone . What would be the best route to go VGA adapter or composite cables.

[Zogging Hell]

If you hold down alternate on the keyboard and press the arrow keys, you can use that as a temporary mouse substitute (turn the volume down though as the keyboard noise will drive you potty!). Adding shift to that combo does fine movement. This only works on GEM programs though. The power supply question is a bit beyond my pay grade, but there are a lot of knowledgable people on atari forum, who might be able to help.

 

With the disk drive, if you want a matching Atari number, you need to track down the SF314 model (which is double sided) rather than the (SF354) which is single sided. Most other third party drives will be double sided so as long as they are working they should be ok. They may however be have a fixed drive id to be the second disk drive rather than the first, so you might have to tinker.

 

With the monitor cables, VGA is usually used for high res, so if you want to play games then you might not want that. I'm from the uk so we use scart so I'm not all that knowledgeable about the American alternatives (co ax?).

[Charlie_]

By the time you get a working power supply and floppy drive. You could probably grab a working 1040stfm for the same money.

It has a built in power supply and floppy drive. Also 1 meg of memory.

 

I am not sure.. does the 520 have RF video out? I had a 520 but I don't remember much about it.

I believe as a rule if the ST model has RF out you can make a cable and get composite video from the din.

If no RF you are going to need a ST monitor. You can use an rgb converter but most sync on composite and that signal is not output by non M models.

[+CyranoJ]

Yup, don't buy anything - pick up a 1040STe from ebay, it'll be cheaper and better for you in the long run.

[64KB_Rob]

Thanks for all the information and honest opinions.
Yes it does have a RF out on it i just prefer a higher quality output than RF
but i was thinking the same the way prices look found a power supply on best electronics for $40 and floppy drives are looking to be over $100 so i figure for another 60 bucks might as well go for a 1040ST
however if i do get lucky enough to run across anything for the 520st cheap cheap cheap ill pick it up. otherwise i guess i just have a nice "conversation piece"

[atarian1]

Yup, don't buy anything - pick up a 1040STe from ebay, it'll be cheaper and better for you in the long run.

Nope. Not in the US. A 1040ST may be cheaper than a disk drive and power supply if you can find them at a good price. If you can get them for under $50, then a stock 520ST could be usable, but only for earlier floppy based games. Most hard drive and later games require 1MB.

[Charlie_]

Nope. Not in the US. A 1040ST may be cheaper than a disk drive and power supply if you can find them at a good price. If you can get them for under $50, then a stock 520ST could be usable, but only for earlier floppy based games. Most hard drive and later games require 1MB.

An STe might not be cheaper as they can sometimes go for around $300 in the US.

An STFm though can be had with patience and ebay for around $75..

 

If you don't plan on getting a Monitor or other upscaling converter, I highly suggest the "m" model.

It is just more versatile with its video output options.