NIAD
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Posts posted by NIAD
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I might as well jump in with both feet. First and foremost; are you using a SIX WIRE cable to connect the keyboard? A regualr phone cable (2 wire or 4 wire) will plug in but NOT work. Next, use the suggestion to leave the keyboard unplugged; if the 6801 controller in the keyboard is bad, it can screw everything up. It is not beyond the possibility that your video board is bad, or the SmartWriter rom. Try the easy stuff first
From the posted pic, it looks like the original Coiled ADAMnet Cable... but that would be another thing to check. Look at the clear plastic phone style jack connector and count the number of wires that you see in there. It can be a little hard to see them all and a magnifying glass will come in handy.
Good point "adamcomputer" re. the 6801 controller in the keyboard.
If it's the SmartWRITER/EOS prom chips on the ADAM Circuit Board, at least those are socketed and can be pulled and replaced.
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I've played Modem Chess over an Adamlink modem. There is space on the bottom of the screen to send messages to each other. There is also a very realistic sounding speech synthesis. The computer will say "check" and "checkmate" in a female voice. No speech synthesizer needed. The computer AI is good and it's a lot of fun to play.
I never had a chance to play Modem Chess against someone via Modem, but I kind of figured that the area at the botton of the screen was used for sending messages... thanks for confirming (it's probably in the instructions file but who reads those!
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I didn't analyzed much these chess games, but it seems to me that Modem Chess is more professional than the two others, but why there is no letters and numbers around the board? there is enough space to do so... And why Chess Champ and Chess Solitaire AREN'T done by the same guy but ARE using the same graphics (just switching the view point)? To me it means that Chess Solitaire was done after Chess Champ, so if it's really 198x, it's either 1988 or 1989, not 1987.
As far as Modem Chess, guess that just boiled down to the programmer's preference and the fact that control is via the hand controller and not entering coordinates (even though they are displayed on the sides of the Chess board.
Chess Solitaire was released to the Public Domain/Shareware around 1989 (would have to research old newsletters) and indeed the sprite set from Chess Champ was used with the permission of the Chess Champ author.
And finally, yes, Modem Chess is the most polished of the Chess programs, is pretty fast and it too was a Public Domain offering by it's author. I still remember being shocked by the quality of it after downloading it (at 300 baud!!) from the ADAM Section on CompuServe. It's unfortunate that the complete title screen animation doesn't play out when used through an emulator.
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When the computer is off I get standard static on the screen... when I switch the Adam on, the screen goes blank. When I try powering the system on then insert a tape, the tape drive spins but still no picture. I tried all three video outputs with the same result. The power LED is not lit on the keyboard.
I knew it was a gamble when I bought the computer for so cheap, but I don't want to write it off just yet. I'm still wanting to check it with another power supply or printer. I did not get mine from DJPUBBA.
If all else fails, then I have 8 Adam controllers to sell... I figure I'll get more than my $5 back that way.
Weird that the Data Drive would spin when you press the Computer Reset with a data pack in the drive, yet the Keyboard LED is not lit. Try plugging in the keybaord cable to the ADAMnet port on the left side of the Memory Console and see if the LED comes on when you power-up. The two ADAMnet ports on the Memory Console are interchangeable, it doesn't matter which one you use.
Starting to think that you may have two issues going on, the power supply and the video output that is part of the ColecoVision board. I know you mentioned you're not one to tinker, but for the little effort to remove 12 screws on the bottom in order to pull the top cover and faceplate, it's worth a shot before spending more money on a printer or another power supply.
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Mumbai has a bunch of the ColecoVision titles you are looking for and has a current list available to look over here in the MarketPlace.
BTW, I bought about 40 games from him and they were all in great shape and very good pricing... plus fast delivery.
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This thread inspired me to do a mockup of a game I'd love to see on the ColecoVision, namely Solomon's Key.
The other screenshot on the right is from the NES version, for the sake of general comparison.
Enjoy!
hey.. in fact, i had already started to work on a Solomon's key adaptation for C.V.
I love that game.In fact, i started lot of game for the cv
I really enjoyed this game and would maybe someday try my hand at coding a CV version if there are no takers by then. I'm still coding Side Trak and was thinking of doing Rip Cord next if there are no takers on that one. but Solomon's key was actually on my list of top 5 games to code for cv!
Russ
Great video update on Side Trak! Can't wait to buy this one and glad to hear you have struck up a deal with Retroillucid.
As far as other games you might be interested in programming for the Coleco, I would love to see Rip Cord next mainly for two reasons:
The whole Coleco abandonware issue that has been discussed endlessly. It was almost like a broken promise by Coleco to all of us when these games never were developed and now thanks to Scott Huggins and yourself, we have Spectar and soon Side Trak!!! The simple fact that Rip Cord was never released for any other gaming system that I know of... only the arcade version exists. Kinda like the other two games mentioned above.Whatever you descide, we'll end up winners!!!
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Ok, so when cartridge is inserted, reset the cart
Or
If you use DDP, reset the tape
Never put a cart and a DDP at the same time
You can have a Cart, DDP and Disk all inserted at the same time without a problem. If you press the Computer Reset than the system will attempt to boot from the Disk Drive. If you press the Cartridge Reset, then the cart will be loaded.
The ADAM load heirarchy after pressing the Computer Reset is:
Disk Drive #1 Disk Drive #2 Digital Data Drive #1 Digital Data Drive #2 and if all the above fail/don't contain a self-booting media then SmartWRITER is loaded.A boot eprom installed on an interface card inside the Memory Console will take precedence over everything, but let's not confuse the issue. Also, language cards where included with systems sold in foreign language countries that took precedence in the boot order as well (never was lucky enough to come across one of these cards).
MOST IMPORTANTLY... NEVER TURN ON THE SYSTEM WITH A DATA PACK OR DISK INSERTED IN A DRIVE!!!
You can, and must, insert a cartridge you want to use into the system before powering on, just like with a ColecoVision or other game console.
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I just picked up a Coleco Adam with 8 controllers off of Craigslist for $5 without a printer. I figured that was fine because I picked up an external Adam power supply from a fellow AAer. But when I plug it in, the screen goes blank.
I tried just powering it up to the default screen and also tried booting it up with a Colecovision game cartridge... still the same... just a blank screen.
So either the power supply is bad or the Adam. Is there any way for a non-tech person (I know next to nothing about electronics) can troubleshoot more? Should I try it with a different power supply or printer? If so, does anyone have one they want to sell or trade for? Also, I have 6 spare controllers if anyone is interested.
You have the Stand-Alone ADAM Memory Console with the built-in ColecoVision Game Board, not the Exp. Mod. #3 ADAM that plugs into a ColecoVision Game System, so there is only one power supply with power button on the p.s. and the two reset switches on each side of the cartridge slot will reset the system accordingly. The Computer Reset will cause a soft reset of the system and reload the ADAM TypeWriter/SmartWriter program and display it on the screen, but if there is a Data Pack in the Data Drive, then that data drive will attempt to load the data pack if a self-booting program like Super Buck Rogers is contained on it (if the data pack is a storage data pack for say word processor files, then the drive will work for a short time before the system realizes there is not a self-booting program contained on the data pack and then dump you back to the TypeWriter/SmartWRITER program). If you press the Cartridge Reset switch without a cartridge in the slot, then the infamous Coleco BIOS screen will be displayed with the message to insert a cartridge and if a cartridge is in the cart slot then that game will come up.
I assume the power supply you bought was from DJPUBBA. I have also purchased one from him and it works great, although the cooling fan is a little loud and if you unplug the fan connector from the PCB, it will run a little too hot for my comfort. I have tried this power supply out on multiple ADAMs including the Stand-Alone and Exp. Mod. #3 Memory Console and it has worked flawlessly... even with a number of additional interface cards installed inside the Memory Console. So I doubt the power supply is the issue, especially if the red power light is ON on the keyboard.
From my recent experience with these "OLD" systems, the problem you are explaining is one I also experienced on three different systems and results were different with each one.
The first system, an Exp. Mod. #3 with an RF Cable hookup only, powered on alright but all I got was a black screen. This problem continued for numerous powering up attempts and after pressing the Computer Reset about 30 times consecutively the old warhorse finally came to life. I then tested it on a ColecoVision that was modded for Composite Output and it worked flawlessly. Just from the outward physical appearance, I knew I had to open her up and give everything a good cleaning, which I did and the system has worked great every since.
The second system, a Stand-Alone, was hooked up with an old RF Cable with Coaxial Adapter and I only got a black screen as well. Nothing I attempted solved the problem. Then for the hell-of-it I plugged in a C=64 DIN/Composite Monitor Cable and switched the TV to Input-1, turned on the system and the system came to life. I then pulled out a new RF Cable with Coaxial Adapter and that worked as well. So the problem was a bad RF Cable.
The third system, a Stand-Alone, was hooked up with an RF Cable with Coaxial Adapter and I got a black screen with it as well but I could hear the SmartWRITER program sound at startup and when pressing a keyboard key. I ended up having to open up this system and give everything a thorough cleaning as well as checking all connections and socketed chips to make sure there was nothing loose. To disassemble the system is a bit tedious as there are two circuit boards in the Memory Console (the top board is the ColecoVision and the bottom board is the ADAM and there is a card edge ribbon/connector that joins the two) plus their are heat shields on top and bottom of each board that have to be removed as well, but when all else fails! Especially check the card edge ribbon cable that joins the two boards for looseness... early productions systems tended to have a problem with this connector coming loose and this caused Coleco to add a molded black plastic insert that filled the open space behind the connector so that it could not come loose. Anyway, after doing all the above and reassembling the system, it fired right up and has worked flawlessly ever since!
A fourth system was completely shot and I raided it for spare parts.
Getting back to how you are hooking up the system to a display source... I assume a TV with RF Cable/Switchbox or RF Cable/Coaxial Adapter. Their are three display connections on the back of the Stand-Alone Memory Console:
TV - for use with an RF Cable and Switchbox and to display on Channel 3 or 4 (there is a channel selection switch on the back of the Memory Console as well so make sure it and the TV are set accordingly). MONITOR - for use with a Composite Video Cable and a Composite Display (monitor or TV). This connector only provides Video. AUX VIDEO - for use with a Composite Display and uses a 7-Pin DIN Cable (although a 5-Pin will work just fine). This is your best option as it provides Composite Video as well as Audio.So basically, make sure you are using the right connection here.
Another important item to check if you open up the system are all the video connector wires that connect to the ColecoVision Game Board. Make sure there are no frayed wires (insulation is missing) that could cause a short due to the wires being in contact with the metal heat shield. I make it a point to always check for this and then place electrical tape on the heat shield in areas where any wires may come in contact.
For the price of $5, I think the seller knew something was up with the system.
Hope this helps and please let us know how things work out.
Jim
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Chess Champ by Digital Express Inc. (1988)
Chess Solitaire by Roginsky Games (198x)
Modem Chess by Bonafide Systems (1993)This week I decided to post all the relevant Chess programs that were developed for the ADAM Computer.
Chess Champ by Digital Express Inc./Soloman Swift was one of those back-breaker programs for the author as he had all kinds of problems with the computer's artificial intelligence and a number of other bugs that were found by users of the program. Chess Champ requires at least a 64K Memory Expander and includes two SmartWRITER documentation files (note that you can view these files thru Virtual ADAM without even booting the disk image... highlight the disk image in the left window pane to display the disk catalog in the right window pane and then choose the file that you want to view). Chess Champ was never updated by it's author even though it was probably one of the best selling pieces of 3rd party software ever developed.
Chess Solitaire by Roginsky Games is a nice variation on the normal chess game in that 15 all-time matches played by chessmasters are programmed into the game. You pick which game you want to play and then watch the first seven moves unfold, then it is up to you to decide what the next moves are that one of the chessmasters actaully made. Also included is a fun game of Knight's Tour where you have to move the Knight to every space on the chess board. There are built-in instructions for this great Public Domain contribution.
Modem Chess by Bonafide Systems/Chris Braymen is the ultimate chess game developed for the ADAM and don't let the name fool you, you don't need a Modem to play this game. Modem Chess actually was converted from a CP/M text based chess program called "A-Chess" and also "Sargon". This plays a very good game of chess with numerous options provided by the author and a very smart computer opponent. A SmartWRITER documentation file is provided on the disk image.
Enjoy!
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BTW, for any do-it-your-selfers out there, this is what the power supply should look like after pulling it from the pronter and removing the printer circuit board.
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Out of curiosity, how many people would be interested on digital copies of prototypes?
Better yet, how many ColecoVision users with flash carts out there?
Eduardo
Definetly interested and glad to hear that you are considering digital distribution!!! While I've tried out the MSX versions thru the blueMSX Emulator, it's not the same as playing on a real CV.
I have an AtariMAX USB and SD Cart.... with some empty space that needs filling.
Welcome back to the forum.
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....and I still have the Space Invaders, and love it, even with it's slight imperfect box
AX
How much for the SI Collection and Mario Bros. controllers?
I NEED THEM, I REALLY NEED THEM!
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I find it funny that power supply is actually a space saver!
Good deal. I'm tempted and have always wanted an ADAM, but I don't have the room for another old computer system.
I had a hard time putting that "Space Saver" in there, but considering the size of the printer, I think I'm justified!
Used my ADAM printer the other day...almost went deaf...
At your advanced age, I'm surprised you even heard it!
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1,488,230
Just curious...how long did it take you to rack up a score of 1,488,230? This game doesn't exactly pile on the points very quickly!!!
It takes roughly 1 hour 20 minutes per million so that game was around 2 hours.
WOW! Now that is some serious videogaming dedication. I SALUTE YOU :!:
BTW, what is your preferred power-up gun attachment?
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I find it funny that power supply is actually a space saver!
Good deal. I'm tempted and have always wanted an ADAM, but I don't have the room for another old computer system.
I had a hard time putting that "Space Saver" in there, but considering the size of the printer, I think I'm justified!
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This has got to be one of the best ads I've seen around here lately. Well written and generates excitement. Nice clear pics right off the bat. Great explanations and recommendations to boot. Excellent price and looks to include a TON of goodies for the money. Bravo!
Oh and love the custom power supply too. Bet it's way more reliable and somewhat user serviceable if/when something goes wrong with it.
Curious which burb you're in too. I get to Mundelein, Libertyville and Vernon Hills with some regularity.
Thanks for the compliments.
I had a lot of practice creating ads and flyers while managing a computer store/user's group/mail order back in the 80's and 90's and I guess I still got IT... although the store eventually closed-up as well as the user's group/mail order later on so maybe I never had IT in the first place. Actually the power supply for the ADAM is very reliable in my experience. The problem people had with it was that it was placed in the Printer so where one went the other obviously had to go as well. It's also nice not to hear the printer reset and cycle through every time you press the Computer Reset.
I'm in Mount Prospect, just north of O'Hare Airport. When you're in the area, you should make a point to visit Sean Kelly's VideoGames Then & Now store in Norridge (Montrose & Harlem). I posted a bunch of pics a couple of months ago in the ColecoVision/ADAM Forum.
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A bump for NIAD. I almost lost interest in my Colecovision after too many were flaky. I got a big dependable Adam and I use it for gaming with a 1702 monitor: great set-up.
Having that Composite Output makes a world of difference! I have one of my ADAMs as well as a Yurkie modded ColecoVision (yeah, I know, a little overkill but they're my two favorite systems so they always stay ready for action at all times) hooked up to a Sony 26" LCD and I have never been happier.
The only drawback to the Stand-Alone Memory Console is that Defender and Super Cobra will not work with it (they were patched to work on the ADAM and supplied on Data Pack or Disk back in the day), but that's a small price to pay for better video output and thanks to Team Pixelboy we have a better side-scrolling shooter to play in Gulkave.
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Do I need two of them.....?
It like having kids, one is great but two is even better because they can play with each other so Daddy can play ColecoVision!
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Bump for a price reduction earlier today.
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Great news Junior! Always enjoyed your website and I'm sure the Facebook page will be outstanding. BTW, is the letter from Leonard Greenberg something that can be shared with everyone? Would love to hear what he has to say about everything that has transpired with the CV and ADAM since they were forced to abandon them in 1985 as well as anything else he has to offer from his years at Coleco.
Your English seems pretty darn good to me and a lot better than what I can offer up in French. Post away!
Ed: Guess I should have checked your updates first. Thanks for sharing.
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Price Updated 2/14/11: Now $75 plus shipping!
I have for sale a tested Coleco ADAM Computer System that includes the following:
"Stand-Alone" Memory Console with built-in ColecoVision and 1 Digital Data Drive Keyboard with 3' Flat ADAMnet Cable Keyboard Hand Controller Attachment Tan Hand Controller Custom Power Supply Unit that was pulled from Printer. Unit has a Cover and Power On/Off Light. Huge space saver! RF Cable with Coaxial Adapter 3 Manuals - ADAM Set-Up Manual, Word Processing - Typing with ADAM and SmartWRITER Easy Reference Guide CIB TeleGames/Imagic Tournament Tennis (in great condition)I will also include my personal collection of ColecoVision and ADAM Roms/Software, PDF Manuals & Newsletters, Pictures, Conversion Programs to PC format and back to ADAM format, etc., etc. that totals nearly 2.5GB on a DVD.
Note that while the RF output is sufficient, I would recommend eventually purchasing a C=64 1702 Monitor Cable (5-Pin DIN to Composite Audio/Video) for hookup to a Composite Monitor or a TV with Composite Inputs. The improvement in picture quality is incredible.
I don't have any other extra software to include with the system, but can provide one with multiple sources for all your needs.
Asking $75 and shipping (via UPS Ground preferred) will be calculated dependent on your location once an agreement is reached.
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TURBO
better graphics needed and without steering wheel
At least one of your wishes has come true thanks to the efforts of Daniel B./NewColeco! Here is a link to his website where you can download a Hacked/Modified version of Turbo that uses the Standard Hand Controllers:
http://www.ccjvq.com/newcoleco/
Browse to the Software/Games/Modified Games section. There is also an thread on here from late Summer where all of NewColeco's modified games are detailed.
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ADAM Computer Game of the Week #09
in ColecoVision / Adam
Posted
The problem with Modem Chess seems to be emulator related, but I would have to convert the image back to an ADAM disk and test on the real deal to make sure.. It happens in ADAMem as well as MESS.