Interest: Atari ST

[RockyRaccoon]

I've been watching some Youtube videos and am interested in the Atari ST line.

 

I'm not sure, however, about which is the Atari ST is the better model to get. I know I'd want something I can connect to a TV either via RF or VGA-style cable. I'd want something I could install a Gotek drive into, too. I'd also wanna know what peripherals I'd need or want.

 

I labeled 'This Interest' because I'd like to hear offers but I'm still also unsure, since this'd be new territory for me.

As a note, I live in the USA. Since I understand these machines we're more popular overseas- and don't wanna confuse anyone or something.

 

Thanks for reading, regardless!

[SIO2]

I don't know what you would want either. Just a couple of things I would mention. There are some ST systems that have RF output but I had one once and was not happy with the picture on a TV at all. Also, there are some good emulators out for ST. Maybe you want to start there and discover what it is that you would like to use an ST for.

[tjlazer]

You can look for a 520STm that has a RF modulator and external SF354 drive and put a gotek in it easily. Then get another SF314 for real disks (720k). Or a 520STfm or 520/1040STE (rare and more $). You’ll need to install the gotek internally in those.

[spacecadet]

You can look for a 520STm that has a RF modulator and external SF354 drive and put a gotek in it easily.

"Easily" I think is a little too strong. I have this exact setup and at the least, you probably need to make an almost totally custom cable because the SF354 has a weird internal connector. I've actually been thinking about selling my setup and getting a different ST for just this reason - I'm ok with making cables but I don't even know where to get this connector and I don't want to destroy the cable that's already in the drive (which will destroy the drive, because I probably would need to buy another one to replace that cable).

 

Here's a thread talking about this: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/211924-old-atari-sf354-hxc-floppy-emulator/

 

Supposedly there are regular 34 pin versions of the SF354 but I personally have not seen one. All the ones I've seen on Ebay are the 14 pin version. I think the SF314's do use a 34 pin connector but they are more expensive, and not common with 520ST setups.

 

I would really recommend any ST with the internal floppy instead for this reason (the internal floppies do use a 34 pin connector). Not dealing with an external drive and its large power brick would be a bonus too.

Edited July 5, 2018 by spacecadet

[tjlazer]

"Easily" I think is a little too strong. I have this exact setup and at the least, you probably need to make an almost totally custom cable because the SF354 has a weird internal connector. I've actually been thinking about selling my setup and getting a different ST for just this reason - I'm ok with making cables but I don't even know where to get this connector and I don't want to destroy the cable that's already in the drive (which will destroy the drive, because I probably would need to buy another one to replace that cable).

 

Here's a thread talking about this: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/211924-old-atari-sf354-hxc-floppy-emulator/

 

Supposedly there are regular 34 pin versions of the SF354 but I personally have not seen one. All the ones I've seen on Ebay are the 14 pin version. I think the SF314's do use a 34 pin connector but they are more expensive, and not common with 520ST setups.

 

I would really recommend any ST with the internal floppy instead for this reason (the internal floppies do use a 34 pin connector). Not dealing with an external drive and its large power brick would be a bonus too.

Oh mine has the normal connector on it! Didn't know some older ones didn't. Was easy for me the only issue was getting a floppy cable extender and power extender to make it fit as the internal cable is too short.

[RockyRaccoon]

Oh people replied to this, whoops!

 

Alright, good things to know. I'm still considering an ST line. I just like the way some of the games look. Might also consider an Amiga, but those get more pricier in the states I think, last time I checked. Thanks for your input. :Ia.

[AMenard]

I got a 520STfm from europe recently (it's over the Atlantic right now :-) ). I bought an ultrasatan SD hard disk emulator for it for storage and have a spare gotek ready to reflash for it. For the video I got a RGB to SCART cable for color and a RGB to VGA cable for mono. I have a SCART to HDMI upconverter that works quite well with my Amiga that I'll also use with it.