questions about Atari XE GS

[kevin242]

Im thinking about rebuilding my mostly sold off 8-bit collection. I have my original

400 (w/ bkey and 48k) but I want something that I can plug into a monitor or TV

with at least composite so it will look nice.

 

Anyway, my question is about the XEGS, does it have real composite out (rca jacks)

or will I need to buy one of those monitor cables like you need for the 800, 800xl and

130xe? Also, how does the keyboard connect to the main unit, can I build an

extender for it?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

thanks

[DracIsBack]

Anyway, my question is about the XEGS, does it have real composite out (rca jacks)

or will I need to buy one of those monitor cables like you need for the 800, 800xl and

130xe?  Also, how does the keyboard connect to the main unit, can I build an

extender for it?

 

It has real RCA out jacks. However, they aren't colour coded and are spaced a bit too far apart from each other. Works, but it's confusing.

[kevin242]

Anyway, my question is about the XEGS, does it have real composite out (rca jacks)

or will I need to buy one of those monitor cables like you need for the 800, 800xl and

130xe?  Also, how does the keyboard connect to the main unit, can I build an

extender for it?

 

It has real RCA out jacks. However, they aren't colour coded and are spaced a bit too far apart from each other. Works, but it's confusing.

848019[/snapback]

 

 

cool, the way I see it I will only need to hook it up once so that is no problem. I think

an XEGS might be the perfect choice, since I miss my old 130xe... Im still

wondering if it might be possible to make a extension fo rthe keyboard so it

doesnt need to be so close? Also anyone know where the xegs fits in as far

as price goes? Is it worth more then a 800xl or 130xe?

 

 

 

 

Kevin

[Atari Smeghead]

Im still wondering if it might be possible to make a extension fo rthe keyboard so it doesnt need to be so close? Also anyone know where the xegs fits in as far as price goes? Is it worth more then a 800xl or 130xe?

 

Kevin,

 

Y'know, I've been wondering the same thing, about the extension cable. The XEGS keyboard uses a simple 15 pin (two row, 8 and 7) Male to female cable. I called my local Radio Shack and they didn't have anything that would work. (Ya gotta be careful, tho. I see that the VGA cables are 15 pin, but are 3 rows of 5.)

 

I emailed B&C and once they get back from vacation in a few days, they should be able to answer the question. As long as you can find a 15 pin M to F that was a straight shot (1 to 1, 2 to 2 etc) I can't see why it wouldn't work.

 

I did a bit of an eBay search, and it looks to be a rare cable type.

 

In regard to pricing of the XEGS, check eBay. I'll bet you'll find one cheap, in the neighborhood or even cheaper than the 800XL. For some reason, the XEGS is mostly avoided/overlooked by the Atari masses. Not really sure why. (Probably the pastel coloring.) It's a fine 64k computer and the keyboard was a great idea. I only wish the function buttons (START, etc) were on the keyboard as well, but what can ya do?

 

 

Hope this helps,

Smeg

[+Mitch]

I have a PC joystick extension cable that works fine. As long as all 15 pins are wired any 15 pin extension cable should work.

 

Mitch

[ATARIeric]

I have a PC joystick extension cable that works fine. As long as all 15 pins are wired any 15 pin extension cable should work.

 

Mitch

851098[/snapback]

 

 

I have a powersupply that came from an XEGS can that be used on any of the other 8bits ?

[+Mitch]

I have a PC joystick extension cable that works fine. As long as all 15 pins are wired any 15 pin extension cable should work.

 

Mitch

851098[/snapback]

 

 

I have a powersupply that came from an XEGS can that be used on any of the other 8bits ?

851214[/snapback]

 

Yes, it will work on all of the later ones. The 400, 800 and 1200XL use a different power supply.

 

Mitch