robcatron

Nice, Arnaud... I was trying to think if any of those were at my home at one time I may take a few shots of my collection Rob

Rob Catron here (been a long time!). 41 years old now. Originally from Flemingsburg, KY (my formative Atari years . Received my 800, 410, and of course Star Raiders exactly 29 years ago this upcoming Christmas Day (lucky kid). Still own and love it. Moved to 800XL about 1984 or so (not 100% sure), then moved to ST as soon as the 1040 was released in the US. Now living in Frankfort KY, where my A8 (and nice cart collection) still reside and get good use (especially when I get all sentimental around the Holidays)....Blue Max, here I come!!

I am chiming in late on this one, but it has been an interesting read for sure. I have always felt the key to wanting to collect something, or "get back into it" is to have used it and loved it as a youth. I know I just turned 40, so I was around for phase one Atari. I had a Pong, VCS in about 1979, then moved up to Atari 8-bit computers in 1981, then ST systems in about 1989-1990 or so. When I got older, and got a job, I definitely wanted to get back into Atari, and, more importantly, get all the games that we could not afford to get (or did not know existed) as a child. Also, I wanted to buy they competitive systems that we simply did not have the money to buy (Intellivision, Colecovision to name the two main ones) - I used to play them at my local Heck's Store and salivate over those graphics (only to hear mom say, "you already have a perfectly good Atari!"). But again, this was all nostalgia. I just can't see a large number of people driving up values of games and systems for something that they do not have nostalgia for - something that they did not play extensively between the ages of 7 and 15 or so). I know in the automotive world, you have younger folks that think, "Man, I sure loved that Mustang my dad used to have when I was a kid, so I want to get one" - but still - that is an age-based nostalgia - something from their youth that they couldn't own, but can now because they have some money. I know, for my part, I have absolutely no desire to collect Nintendo or Sega stuff, as that was after my childhood (i.e. I was 18 or so when the NES was hot, and was in College by that time and so into Atari 8-bit and 16-bit hardware that I could have cared less about a Nintendo). I have a "gaming night" every now and again for the youngsters in our church and they have absolutely no interest in playing my retro game systems. Even friends of mine that are 10 years younger - they have no desire. I get all excited and want them to play, but alas, they could care less so I just give up. As these kids get older, I do not think they will have any desire to collect Atari. They may think about collecting PS1, Dreamcast, maybe Genesis or SNES, but not Atari. Just my opinion. I do agree with the folks that say that there are always going to people that want to buy "antiques" or old things, and definitely resellers that will try and supply that urge (and perhaps keep prices at a strong level). Also, there will always be a limited number of young gamers that will want to, "see where it all began." I guess what I am saying is that I think as we die off, the demand for Atari will go lower and lower. It is interesting to think about such things, though - we just never know.

Same with me here - 800, 410 and Star Raiders, Christmas of 1981. Oh the happiness there!

The Four port is in fairly good physical condition. I already have a two port modded with 4 port Bios, so I don't need this one anymore. I could have sworn I had the RF box somewhere, but I may have sold it to someone, so I don't guess I can test it out. Here are some photos: If I can find the RF unit, I'll test her out tonight.

Hi all, I decided to create a new post on this as the items have to be kept seperate from my other post. I have a garage full (well actually about 1/4 full) of my Atari parts that I have accumulated over the years. I do not need them anymore. There is so much, and I need to get rid of it as it is doing no one any good in my garage. Most of the stuff is non-working, for parts only. Several 800XL, 1050 Drives, manuals, Atari 5200, 2600 units, etc. I have many power supplies as well that are not on this list. I have attached a PDF that I created from Excel (PM me if you want the original Excel file). PM with offers/interest Thanks Rob Catron Frankfort, KY garage_sale.pdf

Thanks to all of the replies thus far. I have updated the original list with the items that are gone. Primarily the field services manuals (10 pounds of dox!) Thanks again for the interest. I also would like to clear my garage out of my spare parts / inventory. Here is my list below. I have it in a PDF created from my original Excel which is much easier to read. It is now attached to this message. garage_sale.pdf

Found a few more bits: • A box of PCB boards which I am not sure what they are spare parts, and also a Happy floppy drive board/firmware chip (not sure if it is complete or not) • A box of about 150 floppies of games, utlities, etc - most are copies, there are a few originals like Alternate Reality the Dungeon/City, Karateka, D-Bug, etc. Nothing too great. There are two originals of Happy 810 software

Hello, all I have a large pile of stuff that I acquired from a local Atari collector. I am a collector myself (cartridges), but I didn't really need to fill up my garage anymore with these items. I need to move them for him. I have already listed the PK2 Cartridge on eBay this week, but would rather try and keep this lot off of eBay. I would love to sell it all. Many parts are not working 100%. Here is a list that I compiled with notes to the side. PM me if you have any interest. I haven't set prices - just make me an offer (preferably on all of the items, but can piece out I suppose) Thank you Rob Catron Frankfort, KY Atari 800 manuals (x2) Product Catalogs (several) Disc Operating System Reference Manual (C015200 Rev. 1)* 850 Interface Module Service Manual CD 400/800-S004-B * 820 40 Column Printer Service Manual * *GONE* Atari 400/800 Service Manual FD100001 Rev. 02 May 1983 (includes "Tech Tips" / Service Bulletins from Atari) *GONE* 810 Disk Drive Field Service Manual FD100003 Rev.03 May, 1983 *GONE* Atari 130XE Atari (Japan) CAD Drawings Trak Floppy Repair Manual (may be a photo copy) *GONE* Atari 400/800 System Service Manual, April, 1981 *GONE* Atari 800 Field Service Manual July 1980 FS015854 Rev. 1 *GONE* "Prospective Servicing Dealer" Application booklet (I will ask, but it looks like he may have wanted to service Atari computers). It is thick and includes interesting suggested retail prices for parts and labor for certain jobs *GONE* Atari Personal Computer System Operating System User's Manual and Hardware Manual, November, 1980 (CO16555). I have never seen this before. It is very thick (2" or so) and includes most hardware layouts/specs/schematics "Your Atari Computer" book (very worn) Atari Microsoft BASIC Instruction Manual Disk Operating System II Reference Manual (in same binder as MS BASIC Manual) * These are all in one Ring Binder and are in nice condition Other items include: Boxed 130XE computer in original box with manual and Power Supply (yellowed on top half, but works) 4-5 binders of photo copied manuals (games, utilities and programming languages) Boxed Trak Floppy (boots and runs, but only read for about 3 disks, then quite reading for me) includes manual Boxed Trak Floppy (powers on, will not turn) includes manual Loose Trak Slave drive (untested) - no box Correspondence between the owner, Antic Magazine over the demise of Trak (owner was mad trak went out of business after he purchased drives) Atari 810 floppy (powers on, head seems to move, but motor does not - probably bad belt). Includes manuals and original box Two modified non-working Atari 800 computers. I am uncertain as to what the modifications were/are A few common carts (Donkey Kong, 2 x BASIC, etc) and manuals for most Power Supplies, cables bag

It's kind of funny. I had my original one for years (and actually still have it). The power switch broke off, so I just plugged and unplugged it. It is a rugged little beast. Finally the LED panel starting randomly losing sections. Luckily I found a mint / as new one in a lot a few years back so it is my primary drive. I have so many 1050s with and without the US Doubler and none of them work, so I am glad it is hanging in there. Rob

Great to see another Rana user. It was my very first 5.25" floppy

I love the Tac-2 - it was my exclusive Atari stick until I came across a mint Competition Pro, but I still fall back on the Tac-2 every now and then

Ok, back on topic after my Amiga/ST comments: I would look at the XEGS in relationship to the last 10 years of video gaming: What if Sony or Nintendo decided today to put out a Sony PSone XEGS or a Nintendo 64XEGS - along with re-releases of many of the games that were big 10 years ago? I don't think they would make it. Once the initial nostalgia runs off (quickly) and the a few die hard Sony and Nintendo Fans pick them up, they would die. That is sort of the clear cut way that I see it. I don't think it would be any different, and doomed to failure. Rob

Interesting point - concerning that the Amiga was the heir apparent. I agree. I am going to incite a riot here, but let me tell you - after I got older, and Atari and Commodore both faded, and I knew all of the facts - and most importantly took my blinders off - I would have went Amiga instead of ST. I was gung-ho Never Say Die Atari all of the way (I hung onto the STe until I couldn't get anymore software for it and had to buy a PC in about 1995). I now truly believe it was the next gen Atari 800, and I had such massive "blinders" on concerning my love for Atari and loathing of Commodore, that I truly overlooked something that would have had as much or more of a profound impact on me in 1989-199x that the 8-bit did in 1981-198x. Rob

Topper is the best Romox game by far. Yes, a direct Q*bert rip, but I think, like Boing! for the 2600, a really good one. One other 8-bit romox game that is good is Starion. A little bit like scramble. I have all of them for the Atari 8-bit except for Typo and most are just totally terrible. In fact, so much so, that is really surprises me that anyone would put out such a site for such dribble. Important to collection=yes, good games=no. I'd much rather see a site like this for Tigerivision. I always liked that company and it's games (ok, excluding King Kong) Now, what did they actually publish for the Intellivision and Colecovision??! Rob

Darkseed and Darkseed II for the PC

Squish 'em is one of my favorite 8-bit games (for the Atari 800) bad graphics and all! Very simple concent, and very addicting. It is my understanding that the A2600 version that is out is just like the Atari 800 version which I love (which isn't surprising as honestly, the Atari 800 version is very much like a 2600 game). I like the Colecovision version better (speech synthesis and better player sprite), but still you can't go wrong with Squish 'em. Rob-Catron

Been playing some Tigervision games: Jawbreaker, Marauder, Miner 2049er and get this - I even played the Atrocious King Kong. Maruader is my fav of these, those - probably because I liked the A8 On-line version. Also pulled out ALL my 20th Century Fox games. Actually liked Alien more than I remember... Oh the memories... Rob

Hi folks, long time no post. I (stupidly) sold a few of my boxed A8 items last year (some of you may have picked some of them up off of eBay). I am looking to pick up some of the carts that I sold (they do not have to be boxed). Nothing too rare, but here are the ones that I can think of off of the top of my head: 1. Serpentine by Broderbund 2. Squish 'em by Sirius 3. Choplifter by Broderbund I know there are more, but these are ones that I can definitely think of (I am on vacation in Florida now and away from my house). Squish 'em is what I want the most. I noticed that there is an A2600 port out now via the online store, but I'd rather have the original. thanks for any help - if anyone has a doubles list that they would want to email me, just send me a private message. I probably do not have too much software to trade, but may have some hardware. I still also have the entire NWPAC (I think it is - the N. West Phoenix Atari Connections) user group software library (mainly their monthly and seasonal published 5.25" floppies, library, etc) - not sure if anyone would be interested in those. I never really went through them much, but have any 5.25" cases full of them, and may be willing to trade for some carts. I hope to get more involved again as I was 2-5 years ago - talk to you all soon Rob Catron (raction) Frankfort, KY

Just get a Atarimax programmable cart from Classics and put Spartados X 4.4 on it. It would be cool if somebody would make a programmable pass-through cart. Allan The best thing I have ever seen done with the SpartaDos X cart is a passthrough Translator for cartridges. Works great. Guess the same thing can be done with the Diamond GOS carts too. Rob

Hi, all What can anyone tell me about a ColecoVision ADAM SmartDsk Cart? My neighbor found one today at a yard sale in a big log of (mostly common) CV games. Of course he's wanting me to eBay it for him (and thought I'd ask for some info first). I googled it, and found a news article about it, and I figure it's some sort of disk/copy utility for the Adam - but wanted to check here first. It has a typed label on it (copyright info, publisher, etc). thanks in advance for any help, Rob Catron

I initially received my Atari 800 48k machine for Christmas, 1981. I used it until about 1985 when I bought a friend's 800xl (in my area in Kentucky, even though I was influential with my friends - resulting in about 5 8-bit computer system being purchased - most of them lost interest quickly when they figured out that computers were not their thing). I kept the 800 (have it still, of course) and used the 800xl through College (about late 1988/early 1989) when I moved to the ST. My 8-bit remained retired in the attic from then until 2002 (but since then I have used them quite often - for games only). ST lasted until early 1993 when I made the (unfortunate but sadly necessary) move to a PC compatible system. I know not continuous use (big gaps after late 80s) but still they are with me... Rob Catron

If you want to stick with an "Atari" drive, Best Electronic has new ds/dd drives. I bought one for my 1040STe for $75 recently. They have both the large eject button face and the later rhombus shaped eject button. A bit pricey, but half the price that B&C charges, believe it or not. Rob

Second 8-bit, nah - go ahead and get an ST model. That way you can have both Atari platforms! I recently got mine back out and set it up (along with my 8-bit) and am loving it. Rob

Ol' Granddad here will chime in with my thoughts/recommendations as I have had I think every model at one time or another. My first (very expensive) rig was my dear 800, which has the best keyboard in my opinion (though my 1200xl'ers will argue with me on that as it has a steller one as well). If you have the money to own it and an XL model, I would pick one up. Nowadays, since most people would simply want to hook an 8bit up to stroll down the Synapse/Sirius/sierra game-memory lane - I look at it from two angles: The first being video output as you will want to connect it to a modern TV. The XEGS is the easiest as it features a simple composite RCA Video and audio output (no special monitor cable required). You won't have to track down a monitor cable off of eBay. The 2nd is cartridge slot placement (more on that later). It looks like there are people around that talk of s-video/chroma this and that but the way I look at is this - standard composite output is just fine. I mean, come on, just how much more clearly do you want to see the large pixels (that you can already count individually ;o)? The thing with my XEGS, though, and I have only had one so I don't know if this is a common trait or not is that I hate the way mine will not allow a fast off/on to reset the cartridge or insert another cartridge. It is strange, but it is almost as though power is still being supplied when I press the power button off and I have to wait a few seconds before I can turn the system back on with another cartridge. Who wants to wait a few seconds to fire up another game of Blue Max?!?! Again, this could be just an issue with my machine, though but I want to throw mine out the window. I would only recommend the XEGS (or ANY XE) for games as the keyboards will simply have you pulling your hair out in frustration. The XEGS's other gaming pro is the cartridge port placement, like the 800XL's is right where it needs to be. Do NOT consider the 130/65XE is you are interested in playing cartridge games as the cartridge slot was simply an afterthought on the back. Two problems - hard to get to - heck you have to blindly stab at it until you get the exact spot down (and I still haven't after all these years) -- and the slightest bump will make it die. Very poor design. Which leaves me to my default recommendation - the 800XL. Though you will have to get a monitor cable (or use the non-recommended RF) it offers several things that make it my recommendation: 1. The last decent keyboard that Atari made on the 8bit (not as good as the 800 or 1200xl, but much better then the XE models) 2. The cartridge slot is RIGHT where it needs to be as it is very soundly located on the top of the unit - easy to get to and carts are held in place very firmly. 3. The nice, compact size. Now the people that want to mod will say that is a negative, but I would say that non-modders - the average joe that wants to buy one for games - will not find this an issue. The only negative about the 800xl is that I have had quality issues with them. I probably have 6 and only 2 of them work half way decent. This was NEVER an issue with an 800, 400, 1200, or even any XE models that I have owned. Still, if you find a good one, you won't be disappointed. I hope this helps Rob