zektor800

Now that I have everything set up and running great, I figured I'd share my impressions on the 8-bit. I am completely new to the unit...and the games to some degree (I have played most of these games on other systems/computers), and I must say...I am completely blown away! All of the classics I have tested so far are very faithful ports, with excellent graphics and sound. I was a big C64 person back in the early & mid eighties, and these games seem to *feel* better. They definitely feel more responsive, that is for sure. You guys and gals that have been using this computer (400/800/XL/XE) from the start must have really enjoyed it. I can't believe I missed out on how revolutionary this computer was, but in an odd twist, I get to experience it like I just purchased it last week (which I did). I love it...

Steven Tucker said he is working out the kinks on a USB adapter right now, and it should be ready for pre-order soon. So, I am guessing USB is fast enough to handle it

It didn't take long at all He inquired about my odd serial port information (IRQ 19?) and strange base address....adjusted the program and sent me a new upgrade file. I just played half a dozen games and am extremely happy Too bad I have to go to work in the morning!

I'm actually in conversation with Steven about it right now. Damn PNP. He'll have to add specific support for my resource.

Very latest version. I just registered and Steven sent it to me. The config wizard runs through just fine, but I do see this in the log window after APE starts: [Debug 1] Unable to determine port base address [status] Serial port COM3 opened sucessfully. APE is ready. Port base address? It *seems* like the device is communicating correctly...except for the non-loading of the atr images. I just don't get it...

I have no carts in the system at all. I have tried to mount dozens of ATR images....I'm sure most (if not all) of them are bootable. But it just does not boot...ugh

I am a *complete* newbie to this, as the following will show. I just recieved my Atari 800 today, and I already had Atarimax's SIO2PC interface and had registered APE. I also purchased a 16550 UART PCI serial card (SIIG) and have that installed. APE sees the serial card, and the interface powers on (red LED) and one of the green leds flashes for a few seconds when the A800 is powered on. Now I am at the memo prompt. I mounted an atr file before power on...I was assuming the Atari would just boot the disk? Or do I have to manually load somehow? I just want to get a game to run before the night is through Like I said, I am completely new to this On another note, I ended up getting two 800's and one 800XL. One of the 800's is fine, and so is the XL. The other 800 however has a big problem. The system powers on, but the keyboard does not function at all. Any ideas? Thanks!

That's hilarious! I highly doubt these are the real people. And if that IS the case, funny how much you were able to get away with in advertising back in the day!

I wonder if you can use a VM solution? I unfortunately do not know all that much about Mac's, and their VM software solutions....

Very good! In my quest to learn more regarding MyIDE and other new-age options, I could not find any documentation at all. I did learn some from Mr.Atari's forums, but your step-by-step documentation will be most welcome when I decide to give this a whirl. Thanks!

But, with MyIDE, you do not have the ability to back up original floppy disks to images, or re-create these disks from the images? Or am I wrong here? If I am right, this would be a definitive reason to own the SIO2PC interface. I see how the cart can be (is) an effective way to store and boot the media. It really does sound great. I will most likely probe this method some time down the road for sure. For now, everything I am setting up here is right next to the PC and the TV, and I just think it will be quite convenient to simply select images on the PC, power the A800, and run a game. It sure sounds pretty awesome to me. Again, disk images are the only one's I want to play "illegally". I am a collector at heart, and a solid collection of cartridges down the road is just as appealing to me. I think (for now) the SIO2PC method is choice for me. Putz around with disk images (and back up the hundreds coming to me), meanwhile try to expand a cartridge collection for nostalgic purposes.

I originally got into this to *collect carts*. That is, official classic games cartridges. I need the collection in my life, so these will not be games that I will not multicart or otherwise. I did go the SIO2PC route mainly because I enjoy the games that were floppy exclusive, but do not trust the media. I wanted a solution that would allow me to enjoy floppy titles "forever", and be able to back up current floppy disks I own. This works. While I do now understand exactly how MyIDE is working, and it is cool, it really is not a requirement for me at preset. No sweat keeping the Atari connected to the PC...1.79mhz meets 3.4Ghz!

Ohh, if any of it is unarchived, I am donating it all. I am not one of those "hoarders" I will certainly have to look into the MyIDE device. Can you give a scenario in which this would be required? I was under the assumption that it was basically a flash cart to allow the playback of 8-bit rom images...but apparently I am wrong (and new to this). I already purchased the SIO2PC interface, as well as registered APE. Just waiting on the rest of the goods and equipment. Haven't been this excited since the day I brought home the 2600 I can't wait to get started...

I was actually known here as simply "zektor", but I forgot my password (it has been awhile) and the email system does not seem to be working for me...possibly I even had an old email address at that time. Anyway, I re-registered and wanted to say "hi". I am not new in the least to Atari (been a collector of the VCS/5200/Jag for a long time, and actually sold a one of a kind proto to this site's owner), but I AM new to the 8-bits. I did have an XEGS way back (purchased it new at Kay-Bee) but did not have it for long, or any peripherals for it for that matter. I have been thinking about the 400 and 800 series for many years, and finally made the plunge and purchased a whole slew of Atari 8-bit goods. Two 800's one 800XL, one 400, one Happy 1050, two 810's, an Atarimax SIO2PC interface, 400 disks, about two dozen carts....just a whole lot of retro computing. I was extremely intrigued with how SIO2PC works, and cannot wait to give this a go. If any of the 400 disks I have coming are unarchived, I now have the tools to perform this task. Giving eternal life to floppies is something I feel great about doing I have played many titles for the 8-bit through emulation...wow. TONS of excellent titles here. I was a C64 >NUT< in the day, and now I think I may become an Atari 8-bit nut. Everything looks so good. I have spoken with a few nice people from this "scene", and they have been very helpful. So, just saying "hi", and glad to be a part of it all