Which 8-bit system to mod and what to upgrade?

[Kavik]

Hi there--

 

As I posted in Introductions earlier today (http://atariage.com/forums/topic/255867-howdy-from-kavik/), I'm a long-time Atari fan who has finally returned to the hobby.

 

I currently have a large collection of 8-bit systems that I've picked up over the years, the most recent being a few 1200XL's purchased five years ago. These include a couple of 400's, a 600XL (brand new in box), an 800XL, three 1200XL's (one from Kjmann with a video and power adapter fix), a 130XE and a XEGS system. One of these I was planning to mod into an upgraded 8-bit "super" machine. Life got in the way of my plans, however, and most of my Atari collectibles have been sitting in storage until very recently.

 

Now that I have everything back under one roof, I'm interested in picking one of these systems to upgrade and wanted to ask for opinions on which system I should select and what mods to do. Here is what I'm hoping to achieve and some initial thoughts and questions:

• Upgraded video output -- I would like to have the best possible video signal from the machine (that will look good on most modern TV's and monitors). Looks like the new UAV coming from Bryan might be the best option. Any thoughts on the VBXE board?
• Switchable OS -- I guess the APE Warp+ OS or Ultimate 1MB would be my best bet?
• Some sort of SIO2xx connectivity to archive my old floppies -- I have an old serial SIO2PC cable I built myself almost twenty years ago. Would this still work with a USB adapter or should I consider a newer alternative (cable, SIO2PC board w/LED's), SIO2USB, SIO2BT, SIO2SD)?
• A cartridge-based software solution -- What is best for ease of use and functionality: MyFlash, MyIDE-II, SIDE2? Are there other options at the current time?
• Stereo sound
• Perhaps a memory upgrade

At this point I'm leaning towards modding one of the 1200XL's since that was my original plan and it's the form factor and system that I'm the most fond of (not to mention I have extra parts in case I break something!)

 

I'd greatly appreciate any thoughts or suggestions you want to send my way.

 

Thanks, Kavik

 

 

 

Edited August 14, 2016 by Kavik

[Tillek]

I'm interested in this too. I've been almost in the same boat. I've been collecting for a long time but never (until recently) lived in a place where I had the space to set up my collection.

 

I have 2 1200xls (among many others) so I was considering a U1mb, VBXE, (I already have SIO2PC, so was probably going to stick with that)... a MyIDE for the HD solution... I really want a real HD in there.... it's just my way.....

 

I'd really like to look into the 4mb upgrade I've heard about, but if that won't work with the Ultimate1mb, I guess that's ok. I have a couple MIO's, but if I used a MyIDE I guess I'd be ok (and use the MIO for the 800xls).

 

I really want to turn one of the 1200xl's into the ultimate A8 for development and get an 800 (don't have one yet) with an Incognito that hooks up to the big screen for gaming (got a 130xe for this now). My personal "from when I was a kid" 800xl is slated for a special BBS project.

 

The nice thing about the 1200... lots of space in the case.

 

Anyway... Hoping to get good suggestions too.

[Smokeless Joe]

If you get a VBXE for the 1200XL, be sure to order the XE/XEGS version. The XL version will work, but it takes up too much space and blocks other upgrades.

[Kavik]

I'm interested in this too. I've been almost in the same boat. I've been collecting for a long time but never (until recently) lived in a place where I had the space to set up my collection.

 

I have 2 1200xls (among many others) so I was considering a U1mb, VBXE, (I already have SIO2PC, so was probably going to stick with that)... a MyIDE for the HD solution... I really want a real HD in there.... it's just my way.....

 

I'd really like to look into the 4mb upgrade I've heard about, but if that won't work with the Ultimate1mb, I guess that's ok. I have a couple MIO's, but if I used a MyIDE I guess I'd be ok (and use the MIO for the 800xls).

 

I really want to turn one of the 1200xl's into the ultimate A8 for development and get an 800 (don't have one yet) with an Incognito that hooks up to the big screen for gaming (got a 130xe for this now). My personal "from when I was a kid" 800xl is slated for a special BBS project.

 

The nice thing about the 1200... lots of space in the case.

 

Anyway... Hoping to get good suggestions too.

 

Good to hear we're in the same boat! My first A8 was the 800XL as well, but unfortunately I had to sell back in the last 80's it to purchase my 520ST (which in turn was sold to finance an Amiga 500). I really wish I'd had the foresight and means to have kept them all! I've always wanted an 800 myself going back to 1980, however I feel like I've got too many 8-bit systems now (and a little short on space) but having one with Incognito would be awesome...we'll see.

 

 

If you get a VBXE for the 1200XL, be sure to order the XE/XEGS version. The XL version will work, but it takes up too much space and blocks other upgrades.

 

Thanks for the tip Joe!

[phoenixdownita]

If you get U1MB the natural complement for PBI HD is Side2 and not MyIDE2.

I have both and when using U1MB with MyIDE2 I make sure U1MB acts "just" as a memory expansion (that plus where the MyBIOS replacement OS boots from) and it all flows.

[Dmitry]

I'm trying to put together a couple dream systems, one would be 800XL, VBXE, Rapidus & expanded memory and SIDE 2 cart.

The other will be 1200XL, VBXE, Antonia 4MB & IDE Plus

 

As of tomorrow, I'll have both Atari's out for upgrades...the first one has been out for upgrades for over 3 months already.

The second is just now being shipped.

 

I just don't have the soldering skills to put it together myself.

 

Although getting the 65816 cpu upgrades is new, I have had VBXE for a while, I use an RGB to VGA converter to use a standard VGA monitor.

I find the VBXE output to be absolutely awesome, and I like to use the 80-column mode.

Edited August 15, 2016 by Dmitry

[kogden]

I'm trying to put together a couple dream systems, one would be 800XL, VBXE, Rapidus & expanded memory and SIDE 2 cart.

The other will be 1200XL, VBXE, Antonia 4MB & IDE Plus

 

I would think the Antonia and IDE Plus config would be better suited for the 800XL since the 1200XL doesn't have PBI out of the box and takes some pretty serious effort to add it.

[bbking67]

I think a socketed 800XL is probably your best choice. You'll want a video upgrade to improve the S-video output and a 256K upgrade is nice to have. Other than that you can leave it stock. Get an SIO2SD to load your programs.

 

This is more minimal, but far less expensive.

[KLund1]

Suggest these mods minus the unneeded cables

http://www.atarimax.com/forsale/index.html

Add an SIO2SD and you have everything covered for a 1200XL upgrade

[Tillek]

Suggest these mods minus the unneeded cables

http://www.atarimax.com/forsale/index.html

Add an SIO2SD and you have everything covered for a 1200XL upgrade

Well, one of my 1200xls came that way since I bought it from Steve Tucker... For the other, I want to go a little more powerful (and I think Kavik does too)....

[Kavik]

Thanks for the input everyone!

 

If you get U1MB the natural complement for PBI HD is Side2 and not MyIDE2.

I have both and when using U1MB with MyIDE2 I make sure U1MB acts "just" as a memory expansion (that plus where the MyBIOS replacement OS boots from) and it all flows.

 

That makes sense since they are both Lotharek mods. A burning question I have: what is the actual improved functionality provided by a cartridge storage option (Side2, MyIDE2 or Ultimate SD Cart) vs. just using a SIO2xx solution? And which of those is the least fiddly?

 

 

I'm trying to put together a couple dream systems, one would be 800XL, VBXE, Rapidus & expanded memory and SIDE 2 cart.

The other will be 1200XL, VBXE, Antonia 4MB & IDE Plus

 

As of tomorrow, I'll have both Atari's out for upgrades...the first one has been out for upgrades for over 3 months already.

The second is just now being shipped.

 

I just don't have the soldering skills to put it together myself.

 

Although getting the 65816 cpu upgrades is new, I have had VBXE for a while, I use an RGB to VGA converter to use a standard VGA monitor.

I find the VBXE output to be absolutely awesome, and I like to use the 80-column mode.

 

Thanks--it appears that most of the cutting edge mods output RGB, so I guess I will need a converter to get to VGA or HDMI.

 

 

Well, one of my 1200xls came that way since I bought it from Steve Tucker... For the other, I want to go a little more powerful (and I think Kavik does too)....

 

I'd like some versatility, but definitely don't need anything über like the Rapidus or Antonia. I'm just looking to build a solid 8-bit system with the current mods to given me good functionality with the whole base of 8-bit software with the best possible video/sound output.

[gilsaluki]

Don't mod Sh*t. It is a waste of time an money. I have done it all. Memory, etc ,etc. Waste of time. My new motto, do fucin' mod the fucin' thing. Leave it original. NO need to mod the freakin' thing. Waste of time. Adds nothing, but hearthache. Leave it the Frick alone.

[gilsaluki]

I can't spell. But Do NOT mod the freaking 1200XL. LEAVE IT ALONE!!

[Kavik]

Don't mod Sh*t. It is a waste of time an money. I have done it all. Memory, etc ,etc. Waste of time. My new motto, do fucin' mod the fucin' thing. Leave it original. NO need to mod the freakin' thing. Waste of time. Adds nothing, but hearthache. Leave it the Frick alone.

 

Thanks for your perspective on things...always good to hear lessons learned.