HDTV1080P

The Atari 800/800XL/65XE/130XE all had luminance and chroma on the 5 pin DIN jack. However for some reason the Atari 800XL versions manufactured before August of 1984 did not offer it.

My first computer was the Coleco ADAM computer in October of 1983. It had a Zilog Z80 3.58Mhz CPU which was more powerful when compared to the January 1985 Commodore 128 Z80 2Mhz CPU. However, the Commodore Amiga 500 which was released in July 1985 was more powerful when compared to the Coleco ADAM computer system (The Coleco ADAM ended up being discontinued back in January of 1985). I am discovering that every 8 bit computer has its plusses and minuses. The Commodore 128 had a better quality 80 column video output when compared to the Coleco ADAM video output plus the Commodore 128 offered native Y/C output which bypasses the TV/Monitors combo filter. When the Commodore 64 first came out in August 1982 the first motherboards only offered composite video output by a 5 pin DIN jack. However, in the Spring of 1983 the 250407 Commodore 64 motherboards had a 8 pin DIN connector with true Y/C output when connected to a special computer monitor. The November 1979 ATARI 800 was the first computer with Y/C output. The better quality S-Video jack with luminance and chrominance separated was not designed until 1987 and then in the late 1987 new TV/Monitors started appearing on the market with S-Video. However, around the year 2010+ S-Video was dropped from all new TV/Monitors being manufactured in retail stores. It is too bad S-Video is no longer offered on new models of TV/Monitors since that was the best quality video output offered for the Commodore 64 and 128 computers. I guess some people in the 21st Century might be internally modifying their Commodore 64 and 128 computers to have native HDMI, VGA, and component video output which is even better than S-Video.

But the cool thing about the ATARI 800 and some later models is that it would do native Y/C which bypasses the monitors combo filter. Just about any computer can be modified for better video output, but offering native better video output to begin with out of the retail box is ideal.

My first computer was the Coleco ADAM computer in October of 1983. It was a newer and more powerful computer when compared to the November 1979 ATARI 800 computer. However, I just realized that the ATARI 800 had a better video connection when compared to the Coleco ADAM. The Coleco ADAM’s best video output was composite video which combined the luminance and chrominance signal. The better quality S-Video jack with luminance and chrominance separated was not designed until 1987, however the original ATARI 800 5 pin DIN jack outputs a separate luminance and chrominance video signal for those in 1979+ that owned a special Y/C video monitor and then starting in the late 1987 new TV/Monitors started appearing on the market with S-Video. However, around the year 2010+ S-Video was dropped from all new TV/Monitors being manufactured in retail stores. It is too bad S-Video is no longer offered on new model TV/Monitors since that was the best quality video output offered for the ATARI 800 computer. I guess some people in the 21st Century might be internally modifying their ATARI 800 computers to have native HDMI, VGA, and component video output which is even better than S-Video.

When compared to the original poorly shielded Coleco RG-59 22 gauge cable the output quality is much better. The main reason as you pointed out is because of the interference that the original cable would pick up. But the second reason is less signal loss per foot. I can run a 100 foot RG-6 QUAD shield or 100 foot RG-6 double shield cable and the picture and sound quality is much better then many poorly shielded 15 foot RG-59 22 gauge cables (like the one Coleco supplied with the system in the early 80's).

I would rather have HDMI for the ColecoVision/ADAM, however component video is my second choice. When and if a automatic IC based mod becomes available that would be the way to go. No pot adjustments would make the component video kit easier to install plus more accurate color quality when the IC is using native reference settings.

Using RF channel 3 and 4 with QUAD shielded RG-11 or RG-6 cables Not everyone owns a standalone ADAM computer with composite video output. Some people own a ColecoVision that only has a RF channel 3 and 4 output and they are not ready yet to spend the money for HDMI, RGB, component video, S-Video, or composite video internal video upgrades which offers a much better performance quality when compared to RF channel 3 and 4. In a prior post I mentioned that one could use a F-type Coax Plug to RCA female jack adapter and a high quality 3 foot shielded RG-6U cable with two RCA male connectors on the end will greatly improve the RF modulators channel 3 and 4 output quality. And that F-type Coax Plug to RCA female jack adapter can be used on other videogame systems where the 22 gauge RG-59 RCA cable is hard wired into the console (like the Emersion Arcadia 2001). However if one only owns a ColecoVision/ADAM system and wants the absolute best quality RF channel 3 and 4 output. There is a better solution available. If one purchases a Gold plated RCA male to F female adapter for around 82 cents, this adapter can be plugged directly into the ColecoVision/ADAM RF output jack. Doing this allows one to use any standard RG11 or RG6 QUAD shield cable with male F connectors on each end. The RG-6 cable that I mentioned before with RCA to RCA ends is only double shielded. Also since RG-6 QUAD shield cables with F connectors on it are a lot more common than RG-6 double shielded cables with RCA connectors on it, this means not only the quality is better but the actual price is cheaper. For example a 100 feet QUAD Shield RG-6 cable with male F connectors works great with the ColecoVision and only costs $12.99 where as the 100 feet double shield RG-6 cable with male RCA ends costs $21.99. If one only needs 12 feet the RG6 QUAD shield cable with male F connector ends is currently only $1.41 each, where as the 12 feet RG6 double shielded cable with RCA ends on it costs $5.59 each. It is not recommended to install two Gold plated RCA male to female f adapters on each end of a standard RG-6 cable in order to get composite video and audio from the standalone ADAM, since two adapters are involved. Its better two use the standard RG-6 double shield cable with RCA on both ends for the standalone ADAM computer since no adapter is involved for video and only one adapter is involved for audio. Also there is some technically information online that shows evidence that for component video, S-Video, and composite video frequencies that double shielded RG-11 and RG-6 cables can sometimes be better quality then QUAD shield cables. The QUAD shield RG-11 14 gauge and RG-6 18 gauge cables offer better performance from blocking interference when RF NTSC frequencies like channel 3 and 4 output is being used. Be careful purchasing RG-6 cables from Monoprice that are labeled QUAD shield. All the black ones I purchased are really double shielded, but the white ones 6 feet to 100 feet ended up being genuine QUAD shield like what was advertised. Sometimes Monoprice means mono quality. The Monoprice website lists and advertises the incorrect specs for item numbers 5359,3030,3031,6313,3032,6314,3033,3034, and 3035. The Monoprice website claims the RG-6 18 gauge cable is QUAD shield, however the cable being used instead is double shielded. For example the 2681,2680,6305,2682,6306,2683,3976,2684,5871, and 5872 is correctly listed as double shielded since it uses MONOPRICE E119932-T (STYLE 1354), LL84201-F4, V10143 double shielded copper braiding RG-6 cable. The problem is the 5359,3030,3031,6313,3032,6314,3033,3034, and 3035 that is listed as QUAD Shielded on the Monoprice website instead is actually using the MONOPRICE E119932-T (STYLE 1354), LL84201-F4, V10143 double shielded copper braiding RG-6 cable (Plus the description says 2.2Ghz in one area of the description and sweep tested to 3Ghz according to the Full Specs of the listing). However, the white version of the cables that are advertised, as QUAD shielded cables are actually QUAD shielded cables (These items have the correct specs 4058,6315,4059,6316,4060,4061,4062). However, two white 3 feet 4057 I received used a double shielded RG-6 cable instead of the advertised QUAD shielding. It’s disappointing when one purchases several QUAD shield cables, and they get many double shielded cables instead. My experience with Monoprice email customer service is poor, however live chat normally works very well at Monoprice.

That 50 watt Mean Well RT-50A power supply for only around $16 is an amazing price. However, there is a reason why I did not go with that power supply or any other similar triple voltage output power supply or arcade style power supply that offers -5 volts. None of them offer a 3 prong AC outlet to plug in a standard AC power cord. Instead, one has to hardwire a power cord directly on the power supply and then the terminals are in the open which could be a hazard if someone were to touch or drop a piece of metal around 120 volts AC. Now one could hardware an optional external on/off switch with 3 prong power cord outlet but then one would need to mount the power supply in a special case. If they would just make one a little bit more expensive with a built in on/off switch and AC power cord socket then that would be ideal. I am also looking for something that has FCC certification. I do see the Mean Well RT-50A has UL, CE, and CB certification which is amazing for the price (No FCC certification is mentioned in the specs). They offer a 3 year warranty on this Mean Well RT-50A power supply. With all or most ATX power supplies no longer offering -5volts output, products like the Mean Well RT-50A power supply and other arcade power supplies have become popular. However with a ATX power supply I get FCC certification, built in on/off switch with built in 3 prong AC power cord outlet. Also with an ATX power supply one gets a fan and the Coleco power cable can be wired and routed inside the ATX power supply case to make sure no bare metal terminals are exposed. However, it took several months to locate a quality ATX power supply that has -5 volts feature. One -5volt ATX power supply had to be returned since it had interference issues on the ADAM computer and when it arrived was not FCC and UL certified like the manufactory claimed. Here is the PDF specs and manual for the Mean Well RT-50A if anyone is interested.

I have contacted over a dozen high-end ATX power supply manufactories, and I have been told that ATX power supplies with the -5volt feature was discontinued several years ago. Also its impossible to find a -5 volts power supply that is modular in design since none were every made. What happen is that -5volts is optional after ATX12V version 1.2 or 1.3. When the ATX standard made -5 volts optional, all or most all power supply manufactories stopped offering the -5volts feature. I am aware of the StarTech 300 watt ATX replacement PC power supply is still in stock (but I doubt it is still being manufactured). I did not like the StarTech 300 watt ATX power supply specs since the mean time before failure rating is listed as only 40,000 hours. I am currently testing an Apollo 400 watt power supply with the ADAM computer since it has a 100,000 hour mean time before failure rating (accepts 88-264 volts AC between 47-63Hz). Also the two fans are whisper quiet. Runs around $35+ for the power supply.

Yes an old ATX or PS/2 style power supply that has -5 volts can be modified to work with both the ColecoVision and ADAM computer if one has the original Coleco power cord with connector (or one needs to make the cable and connector themselves). However several years ago the PC industry discontinued all power supplies that have a -5 volts output. Even if one was willing to pay $400+ for a top of the line modern ATX power supply they do not have -5 volts. Once and awhile one can find a dealer with some old discontinued stock of computer power supplies under $50 that offers -5 volts feature (And some of them for $20 and under are poor quality power supplies with interference issues). It is too bad no one makes a ATX power supply anymore that offers -5 volts. Also none of the -5 volt models are modular in design. It would be ideal to have a modular ATX power supply that offered -5 volts since it would not void the warranty since no internal modification would be needed, instead a external ATX modular plug going to a Coleco ADAM or ColecVision style power cord could be easily made. However PC power supply manufactories stopped making -5 volt power supplies long before modular power supplies became a reality.

Thanks for the information. At $125 that programmer is more than 4 times cheaper when compared to purchasing the Batronix BX48 Batego II directly from Batronix website. In addition, if it works fine and does everything you want that is great. I know the Batronix 48 pin programmer does a lot more then I currently need, however around 10 years ago I had to return a programmer I purchased for around $150 since it was defective and did not work. Therefore I decided to go with the Batronix BX48 Batego II which well also supports PLD, SPLD, EPLD, GAL, NAND flash, etc. There is a possibility that I might use the programmer for more modern devices beyond the ADAM computer one day.

Back in the 80’s and early 90’s I thought about purchasing a eprom programmer to make backup copies of existing Coleco ADAM eprom’s, modify existing software code, and possible design new software to place on a eprom for the first time. However, over the decades I always put it off since I thought it might be a waste of money because of the high price of eprom programmers. Also one needed to own a IBM compatible computer to use a eprom programmer since as far as I am aware none directly connected to the Coleco ADAM computer. Since my only computer in the 80's and early 90's was a Coleco ADAM computer, a eprom programmer was not a option unless I was to purchase a new computer (Walters Software and Micro Innovations back in the 80's used a eprom programmer to create software for their own products and also some public domain software use). Around 10 years ago I did purchase a Ultraviolet Eprom eraser for over $100 after shipping, called the Eprom Eraser LER121A . However, I never got around to buying a working eprom programmer and my Eprom Eraser has been sitting in the retail box brand new for around 10 years unused (Did buy a defective eprom programmer around 10 years ago and ended up returning it for a refund, and never tried another one until June of 2018). High-end universal eprom programmers can cost over $2,000+ after shipping (Like the Conitec Galep-5D-240). However the Batronix BX48 Batego II is the best value eprom programmer for the amount of chips it supports. These Batronix BX48 Batego II programmers were selling for around $866.83 from an EBAY dealer. However, on Batronix website after shipping the Batronix BX48 Batego II programmer costs around $526.62. The cheapest factory new in the retail box price I found online for the Batronix BX48 Batego II programmer after shipping cost was $401.72 from Newark website (I might have had some type of coupon but back in June of 2018. I ended up getting the programmer for $355.87 plus $20 freight to the USA and $25.85 in import taxes. Worked out to be exactly $401.72). That is at least $124.90-$200+ savings compared to most other online dealers. And a $465.11 savings compared to what a EBAY dealer was selling it for. After installing all the software updates and firmware updates the Batronix BX48 Batego II is an amazing product that is very easy to use. Many of the functions are automatic with a manual override option. The software is very easy to use and comes with a nice Hex Editor. Well worth the $401.72 price I paid. The programmer is powered by the USB connection and works great with a Windows 64 bit operating system (All 32 bit and 64 bit Windows, Linux, and MAC operating systems are supported). I have so many projects going on at once (multitasking with ADAM projects and other projects) that I am afraid I might not have time to use this programmer. I hope that in the coming weeks or months I well make some time to use this programmer for some classic public domain 80's and 90's software for use with the Coleco ADAM computer.

Also after the bad October 1983 ADAM computer launch with technical issues, in 1984 I believe Coleco doubled the warranty on all new ADAM computers to 6 months instead of 90 days. That was a good ideal to try and gain back consumer confidence. There was a big sticker placed on the ADAM boxes mentioning the new 6 month warranty.

Team Pixelboy converted and released a lot of original Coleco ADAM Supergames that use to only be available on Disk or Digital Data Pack onto a special new ColecoVison/ADAM cartridge rom images (For the very first time this allowed ColecoVision owners the ability to play exclusive Coleco ADAM Supergames). Now I see those cartridge rom images have been released into public domain with some games like Dragon’s Lair seeing over 1500 downloads. There was also Donkey Kong the Supergame 4 screen version and the unreleased Donkey Kong Junior Supergame 5 screen version for the Coleco ADAM computer. However on the official Team Pixelboy website it never mentions those two Supergames being converted to a cartridge rom image and being released on a real game cartridge. To my shock and surprise I discovered in 2018 for the first time that Team Pixelboy did release Donkey Kong the Supergame and Donkey Kong Junior the Supergame onto a real ColoecoVision/ADAM game cartridge back in 2014. Like all original Coleco ADAM ports the SGM is not required when the cartridge is played on a ADAM computer system (Only ColecoVision owners need the OPCODE SGM to play all the original Coleco ADAM Supergames). Look at the cartridge box art for Pixelboy’s Donkey Kong the Supergame and Donkey Kong Junior the Supergame. I am guessing this was a limited run and no more were made available. Has the cartridge rom images for Pixelboy’s Donkey Kong the Supergame and Donkey Kong Junior the Supergame been released into public domain (I do not see the rom image available for download)? This person on EBAY wants $549 each for the original cartridge versions that were released by Team Pixelboy. New Donkey Kong Super Game ~ SGM Homebrew for ColecoVision & Adam by Pixelboy New Donkey Kong Junior Super Game ~ Homebrew for ColecoVision & Adam by Pixelboy I also was not aware that CBS Electronics released a 512K cartridge rom image back in October of 2011 for the ColecoVision/ADAM. It contains several different ColecoVision/ADAM cartridges. Someone on EBAY wants $699.99 for this rare Cocoleco 512K multi-cart.

A new style adapter plug for the Stancor STA-5790 power supply for those that need to have a shorter wall gap when connected to a Coleco ADAM Disk Drive The original female 2.1mm x 5.5mm to 2.5mm x 5.5mm male adapter plug that comes in a pack of 8 for $4.50 from a USA dealer (This is the web link), is the best quality solution since no cable is involved when creating the very small adapter plug. However the original Coleco ADAM Disk Drive when against the wall, only has around a 1.2 inch gap if one uses the original Coleco Disk Drive power supply plug. The problem with using the above adapter plug with the Stancor STA-5790 is that the Coleco ADAM Disk Drive wall gap is around 2.5 inches. Some people might not like having a 2.5 inch wall gap. I have been testing another style of adapter plug that uses a short cable when attached to the Stancor STA-5790, and the advantage of this stye of adapter plug when used on the Stancor STA-5790 power supply is that the wall gap is only around 1.4 inches (That is almost the exact same wall gap when using the original Coleco ADAM Disk Drive power supply plug). Therefore if anyone wants to reduce the wall gap from 2.5 inches to 1.4 inches when using the Stancor STA-5790 power supply on a Coleco ADAM Disk Drive, you can purchase a pack of 10 female 2.1mm x 5.5mm to 2.5mm x 5.5mm male adapter plugs with short cable for only $5.79 after shipping (this is the web link). *** Disclaimer *** Only the high quality Stancor STA-5790 power supply mentioned above is UL listed and tested. 100% of all female 2.1mm x 5.5mm to 2.5mm x 5.5mm male adapter plugs on the market are not UL listed or tested. There is only a few of these adapter plugs on the market and they are made of high quality material but lack the detailed specs like certifications, cable gauge information, etc. I wish there existed a UL certified adapter plug on the market (The problem appears to be for a adapter plug to be certified for UL listing it needs to be bundled and tested with a UL power supply that one plans on using the power adapter plug with. There is one high end power supply manufacture that bundles a adapter plug with a UL listed 12 volt DC power supply, but no manufacture has every bundled a UL listed 9volt AC 3.4 amp power supply with a adapter plug). UL certification is an optional certification in the United States and is not required.

The Coleco ADAM Disk Drive power supply and all other 9 volt AC 3.4 amp power supplies on the market are unregulated power supplies. A more expensive and better quality power supply would be a 9 volt regulated power supply that would output a constant 9 volts AC under no load and 9 volts AC under a full load (That is how regulated power supplies function as long as the device connected is not using more than the power supplies rated output current). No one has every designed a 9 volt AC 3.4 amp regulated power supply. Therefore all the 9 volt AC 3.4 amp power supplies on the market are unregulated. For example most unregulated 9 volt AC 3.4 amp power supplies on the market well output between 10.94-11.09 volts AC when there is no load, and then they well output around 9 volts when a load is applied. Some poor quality unregulated 9 volt AC power supplies have a no load voltage of around 13 or 14 volts AC, and then when there is a load they end up outputting around 11 to 12 volts AC which may damage a product that only needs 9 volts. The unregulated Stancor STA-5790 power supply when used with the required adapter plug had a little bit more stable voltage when compared to the unregulated Coleco Disk Drive power supply. Both power supplies have a good build quality, however the Stancor STA-5790 appears to have a little bit better build quality out of all the 9 volt AC 3.4 amp power supplies I tried (The Stancor STA-5790 also has a slightly heavier weight). Attached are some pictures of the 3 different styles of 9 volt AC 3.4 amp unregulated power adapters.

Yes a direct HDMI output or VGA output like the f18A is the best solution for a better picture quality. Also all modern desktop computer monitors use HDMI without a composite video option. Now most flat panels on Smart TV's do still have at least one composite video input.

Yes you can use regular RG-59 RCA to RCA male cables if you already have some. The only advantage of the RG-6 RCA is that there is less signal loss per foot, double shielded to prevent EMI/RFI interference, and gold plated to prevent corrosion. But if you are only running 6 or 12 feet your existing cables might work perfectly fine. The nice thing about that 7 PIN to two female RCA adapter is that one can always switch to a different length of cable or brand of cable if the RCA cable gets damaged for some reason. Getting the other type of cable that has the DIN plug with the RCA ends already on it also means if the cable gets damaged or is not long enough in the future, the entire cable needs to be replaced. Its nice to have more composite video choices for ADAM computer owners that have not yet had their ADAM upgraded to HDMI output.

That is ideal if you only need 6 feet and it is also good quality. The following solution is better since you can use anywhere between 3 feet to 100 feet on the ADAM computer. 6-inch DIN-7 Male to 2-RCA Female Coleco ADAM to TV Audio/Video Adapter Cable You would need to purchase two of these RG-6 RCA cables with the above adapter. It has been tested and well work all the way up to 100 feet with the standalone ADAM computer. Of course the shorter the cable a little bit better the picture and sound quality. https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=102&cp_id=10236&cs_id=1023603&p_id=2680&seq=1&format=2

Yes you make some good points. The TI-99/4(A) has the exact same power connector as the ColecoVision, the only thing that needs modified is the voltage and pin configuration.

If Defender is working fine on your standalone ADAM computer, then here are the 3 possible reasons why: The Defender cartridge was opened up by a third party and a eprom was installed with the third party modified version that works with the standalone ADAM computer (getting a copy of that cartridge rom image is the only way to find out). The other possibility is that ATARISOFT released a new Defender cartridge that also works with the standalone ADAM computer (not likely but a possibility). The other possibility is that someone internally modified the standalone ADAM computer so that the ColecoVision motherboard is 100% compatible with ColecoVision cartridges. This would most likely be a third party, but there is always the possibility that in Jan 1985 the last run of standalone ADAM’s had this issue fixed (not likely since many people have the latest ADAM’s and they still have the issue). Now if Evener had a USB or SD cartridge from ATARIMAX, Evener could check and see if Defender has been released into public domain and download an unmodified Defender rom image. Then Evener would know for sure. Not sure what the copywrite rules are on this Defender program, but I have seen it all over the Internet being posted.

Yes that is always true the unmodified Defender rom image and cartridge always has the same problem on the standalone ADAM computer. Perhaps Evener is using the Expansion Module #3 ADAM computer that plugs into the standard ColecoVision. That configuration works fine with Defender and Super Cobra.

Once the ColecoVision power supply is finished, the Coleco ADAM computer needs a power supply asap. Hopefully the Coleco ADAM would be the next project if the ColecoVision power supply is successful.

Coleco ADAM Disk Drive power supply replacement information (Same exact power supply is used for the ATARI 400, 800, 822, 850, 1010, 1200XL, 810, 1020, 1050, and XF551) I have spent several months researching power supplies and hopefully the following information well be useful. The information in this post is for people that own an original Coleco ADAM Disk Drive and are looking for a replacement power supply since their existing Coleco Disk Drive power supply stopped working or was lost (The Coleco ADAM Disk Drive power supply well not power the ADAM computer and it well not work with the Micro Innovations ADAM Disk Drives). This power supply information is for the original single sided 160K 5.25 inch Coleco Disk Drives, Coleco Disk Drives that have been upgraded to double sided 5.25 inch 320K, and Coleco Disk Drives that have been upgraded to 3.5 inch 720K (This 9 volt AC power supply information well work perfectly with the Coleco Disk Drive as long as one has not modified their Coleco Disk Drive to work on a different voltage). Back in 1984 Coleco released the 5.25 inch single sided 160K Disk Drive that used a 9Volt AC 3.4amp power supply with a long 2.5mm x 5.5mm male plug on the end. The official Coleco Disk Drive Power Supply Part Number is 42871 however the real manufactories part number is C017945. This exact same power supply comes stamped with at least three different brand names on it. The Coleco version was gray color with black letters that says “ADAM Disk Drive Power Supply Low Voltage 9V AC” and the bottom of the power supply saying “Coleco Power Supply Part Number 42871”. However again the real manufactories part number is C017945 and can be found in black color with the ATARI logo or the Trak Microcomputer logo stamped on the front. Regardless of the brand name on the power supply as long as it is a Coleco part number 42871 or part number C017945 it well work perfectly fine on many ATARI computers or the original Coleco ADAM Disk Drive. The original unregulated Coleco Disk Drive Power supply was a good quality power supply in its time. However, the official Coleco Disk Drive Power supply went out of production in January of 1985. In January 1992 the C017945 power supply with the ATARI logo went out of production. Therefore, the original power supplies are no longer in production and anyone claiming to have new C017945 power supplies in stock have inventory that is at least 26 years old and sometimes as old as 39 years. I noticed that Amazon and EBAY dealers that are selling used and new C017945, many times are selling even new ones as is with no returns. Therefore, I set out to find the best quality replacement power supply that is compatible with the C017945 instead of purchasing a used power supply that is between 26-39 years old. Another problem I discovered is that no one in 2018 currently makes a 9 volt AC power supply that is 3.4amps. What happen is all 9volt AC power supplies that are 3.4amps or higher went out of production before the Department of Energy, energy efficiency level VI certification became law on February 10th 2016. I could not even find a 9 volt AC 2amp power supply with level VI certification (however 9VAC 1amps power supplies most likely exist with the level VI certification). What has happen is that power supply manufactories that use to make 120 volt AC input with a output of 9volt AC 2amp-4amp+ models all stopped production of their power supplies in 2015 (and many companies imported as many power supplies as possible to the United States before the February 10th 2016 level VI energy certification became law in the USA). Another problem is that power supply companies have no plans on creating a new 9volt AC power supply with at least 3.4amp output that would be energy efficient level VI complaint. In reality, it was mostly 20th century products that needed 9volt AC 3.4amps of power, and in 2018 most consumer products are made more energy efficient and can work off 9 volt AC at 1amp and 1.5amps of power. So it appears there is really not a demand and business model for someone to start making new 9 volt AC 3.4amp power supplies that are energy efficient level VI. The best power supply solution for the original Coleco ADAM Disk Drives in the year 2018 Therefore, since no one makes 9volt AC 3.4amp power supplies anymore, I had very limited choices to choose from. The best solution I found is to use the Stancor STA-5790 Power Supply with a required female 2.1mm x 5.5mm to 2.5mm x 5.5mm male adapter plug to make it fit correctly on the Coleco ADAM Disk Drive. The Stancor STA-5790 Power Supply is better quality when compared to the original Coleco Disk Drive Power Supply. It is my understanding that the Stancor STA-5790 power supplies were manufactured between the years of 2008 to 2015. Therefore, the oldest factory new power supply that dealers would have in stock would be inventory that has been sitting around for a maximum of 10 years and possible factory new inventory that is only 3 years old. The Stancor STA-5790 has a United States UL safety certificate number, is CSA International Certified by the Canadian Standards Association, and is RoHS complaint. This power supply is not level VI energy efficient. However because this Stancor STA-5790 power supply was manufactured and imported into the United States before February 10th 2016, this power supply is except from the Department of Energy level VI energy efficiency requirements. Also all 9 volt AC 3.4 amp power supplies have all been discontinued, and none of them every received a level VI energy efficiency certification. This Stancor STA-5790 unregulated Desktop power supply accepts an input voltage between 117-120 volts AC at 60Hz (45 watts) and well output 9 volts AC at up to 3.4 amps. Operating temperature is between -10 to +40 degrees Celsius (14 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit). This power supply was engineered in the United States and is made in Taiwan. The only negative feature of this power supply is that it comes with a 2.1mm x 5.5mm output plug, therefore one has to use a long female 2.1mm x 5.5mm to 2.5mm x 5.5mm male adapter plug to make it fit correctly on the Coleco ADAM Disk Drive. Except for the original very old C017945 power supplies, I could not find a UL listed power supply with a built in 2.5mm to 5.5mm output plug, therefore I was forced to go with the Stancor STA-5790 Power supply which is UL listed and also requires a female 2.1mm x 5.5mm to 2.5mm x 5.5mm male adapter plug to make it fit correctly on the Coleco ADAM Disk Drive. After several hours of testing this Stancor solution ended up working perfectly. It should be mentioned that no one makes a UL listed female 2.1mm x 5.5mm to 2.5mm x 5.5mm male adapter plug (I spent several days searching for a UL listed or UL certified plug.) Now if one purchases certain UL listed 12volt DC power supplies in the retail box that come bundled with an adapter plug then that adapter plug has also received UL listing since it has been tested with the actual adapter (But no 9 volt AC UL listed power supplies come bundled with UL adapter plugs). UL listed and certified products are optional listing in the United States and are not required (However many USA companies get their products UL listed including the original Coleco ADAM Disk Drive Power Supply). The best price I found on the Stancor STA-5790 Power Supply Remember the Stancor STA-5790 Power Supply went out of production around 2015, and once online USA dealers are out of stock there will be no more available. The cheapest factory new price I found on the Stancor STA-5790 is from Allied Electronics for $23.94 plus shipping and tax. However, one also must purchase a required long female 2.1mm x 5.5mm to 2.5mm x 5.5mm male adapter plug to make it fit correctly on the Coleco ADAM Disk Drive. One can purchase a pack of 8 for $4.50 from a USA dealer . These are also the proper length adapter plug that fit properly in the Coleco ADAM Disk Drive (and they should also work fine with ATARI products but since I do not own an ATARI computer system or accessories, I was not able to test the Stancor STA-5790 power supply on those products). So final cost of this power supply is around $30+ and it is the best quality solution for 2018. If one decides to choose a different solution, be careful. I see a lot of used and new generic no brand name 9 volt AC 3.4amp power supplies on Amazon and EBAY that are not UL listed and they are sometimes selling for around $41+ after shipping. In addition, there is absolutely no energy efficiently level VI 9volt 3.4 amp power supplies on the market in 2018, so any Chinese dealer that is still importing their old stock to the United States currently is not obey the law that went into effect on February 10th 2016. One day all 9volt AC 3.4amp power supplies well be out of stock in the United States I have been communicating with a few Chinese power supply manufactories that make high-end consumer power supplies using military quality components. A modern day replacement to the Coleco 42871 (also known as the ATARI C017945) can be made with the required level VI energy efficiency certification, FCC, UL, and other worldwide certifications. The powers supply would have a 100-240volt 50/60Hz AC input and a 9Volt AC 3.4amp output. The power supply would work worldwide, however items that have motors like Disk Drives might not work properly in areas like Europe that use 50Hz. Certain electronics sometimes with AC motors need 60Hz. The main issue is a minimum order of a QTY of 500 9Volt AC 3.4amp power supplies would need to occur for a Chinese power supply company to make a modern power supply. There might not be enough Coleco ADAM Disk Drive owners or ATARI computer owners that would be interested in purchasing a new 9volt AC 3.4amp power supply with all the required worldwide certifications. Therefore, once the exiting supply of 9volt AC 3.4amp power supplies are gone from USA dealers, new ones might never be made again. A high quality Coleco ADAM memory console power supply and ColecoVision power supply that operates between 100-240 volts at 50/60Hz could also be made with a minimum order of 500 from China. Possible some power supply companies in China would allow a minimum run of 250, but 500 is the norm for a custom power supply run.

As far as I am aware there was never a official second run of the Defender cartridge from ATARISOFT, instead a third party company released a Defender cartridge that was modified to work on the standalone ADAM. Yes you could send a Digital Data Pack to someone with a ADAM computer. And they could use File Manager or another program to do the comparison. If the person owns a MicroFox microSD Floppy emulator then they can do the comparison on a Windows PC by inserting the SD card that has your Digital Data Pack image on it.