Jump to content

Centurion

Members
  • Posts

    205
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Posts posted by Centurion

  1. I think it probably depends on how well the old glue is sticking. I've removed a few and some almost just fall off, while I had one that was a bit more sturdy and the disc bent slightly while removing it. IIRC it's sort of like a thin metallic coin and I was able to bend it back to shape quite easily and reapply it.

     

    I used a really small/thin screwdriver to pry mine out. Warming the disc with a hairdryer might soften the glue a bit, but wasn't necessary for mine.

     

    Hope that helps a bit

    • Like 1
  2. 4 hours ago, RevEng said:

    it's electrically and functionally a genesis controller. In regards to safely: Any of the Atari platforms won't be damaged by genesis controls. I don't know the details, but I've read that genesis controllers can damage the c64. No idea about the ZX.

     

    In regards to working, first it needs either the wirehack in the first post in this thread, or you need to plug it into a seagull 78 adapter.

    • On the 7800, using the seagull adapter it works with 7800 two button games. Plugged directly into the 7800 it doesn't work for two button games, and may or may not work ok for single button games. (depends on the game)
    • On the 2600 (or the 7800 in 2600 mode) plugged directly into the console will be compatible with regular 2600 joystick games *and* the 2600 genesis two-button hacks. I believe using the seagull adapter on the 2600 will only work for regular 2600 joystick games.

    Thanks for clearing this up for me. I ordered a couple of receivers and am gonna do the mod and play around with it a bit.

    • Like 1
  3. @RevEngThanks for this mod tip. Do you know if these should be safe/work with Atari compatible DB9 systems such as Commodore 64/128, Atari 8-Bit & ZX Spectrum? Also do the two buttons work with 7800? Just curious if this mod will be safe to use on those systems or not. I have been wanting a general use DB9 wireless solution for a long time!

  4. On 4/16/2020 at 10:25 PM, DistantStar001 said:

    And if they are cassette based, what tools will I need to convert them to wave?  Or is there an app that will play was/tap/whatever directly from my tablet (ie: TapDancer a la Android)?

     

    Thanks again in advance.  And as usual, any help or advice is appreciated. ?

     

    I have had good luck using PlayZX available in the Android Play Store

  5. I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to get my A8 online. I left sort of an oddball question that I never got a reply on and haven't had time to delve further into it than that yet:

     

    http://atariage.com/forums/topic/196354-ataris-plato-cartridge-question/page-18?do=findComment&comment=4132119

     

    I'm still working towards connecting, just not easy when I'm having to pick out little bits of info from tons of posts over the years.

     

    If I can figure it all out, I plan on writing an A8 guide. I have an 850 now, just trying to use a Pi for the bridge, instead of an Lantronix.

     

    Keep up the awesome work man.

  6. I was able to connect successfully on a real Atari thanks to Thom and Steve's conversation on PLATO.

     

    First thing was to change my flow control setting on my tcpser command line (from "&K0" to "&K1"). And second was to use the SHIFT-SUB key instead of SHIFT-STOP at the "group" signon screen.

     

    So amending my instructions from earlier:

     

    1. ssh to the raspberry pi

    2. On the pi, I run: tcpser -s 1200 -d /dev/ttyUSB0 -i "&K1" -n5555555=cyberserv.org:8005

    3. On the Atari, disconnect any disk drives and ensure the 850 is connected and powered on.

    4. On the Atari, boot "The Learning Phone" cartridge. If the R: handler is successfully downloaded from the 850, you should see "1200 baud" message, otherwise it might say "Microbit 300 baud".

    6. On the Atari, I need to press <OPTION>+0 (zero) to disable local echo (otherwise double-characters appear).

    7. On the Atari, I enter atdt5555555 and press return. (This phone number is registered to the cyber1 server in the tcpser command).

    8. A reply from the PLATO service appears: "Press NEXT to begin". Press <START>+n.

    9. At the clock screen, enter username and press <START>+n.

    10. At the group screen, enter group and press <START>+<shift>+<=>

     

    - Michael S.

     

    I'm curious. Would this method work with a Lotharek SIO2PC/USB instead of using a Serial-to-USB cable?

     

    Similar to this method, which describes how to use SIO2PC/USB for serial connection: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/249426-sio2pi-atari-as-a-terminal-for-a-raspberry-pi-visiting-bbs/?do=findComment&comment=3450741

     

    Atari > 850 > SIO2PC/USB > Pi

     

    Or will it only work using the Port 1 on the 850?

     

    Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

  7. One code base, many targets. These are the 8-bit targets so far, Atari 8-bit, Commodore 64, Commodore 128 (not pictured), Apple ][, TI 99/4A, Sinclair ZX Spectrum, and Amstrad CPC. Many more to come. 1f642.png:) #irataonline #plato#crossplatform #8bit

     

    many_8_bits.PNG

    Great seeing this. Even giving attention to the ZX Spectrum. That's just awesome!
  8. Hi Thom,

     

    I hope you aren't getting discouraged. I have been keeping a close eye on all of this PLATO/IRATA stuff you've been doing and I for one am really interested in it. So far, I have just been lurking and not actively participating yet.

     

    The main reason for me, is that my spare time has been drastically reduced the past few months and it's taking a bit for me to figure out how to get my A8 online. That's the 2nd main reason I haven't hopped aboard yet.

     

    Originally, I was hoping I could magically use my Rpi3 along with my SIO2PC/USB and connect with the Cyber1 server and the Plato cart, but after more research learned I needed an 850. Trying to do this on the cheap, it's taking awhile to get all this stuff figured out.

     

    I'm personally interested in the old mainframe dungeon crawlers, so that's been my driving motivation so far in what I'd like out of it. I'd also like to dig into the old lessons and see what lurks in there. It's a fascinating system.

     

    I have checked out Cyber1 with Pterm and really like what I've seen, I just want to wait to dig deeper until I can do it from the comfort of my 800XL.

     

    Anyway, just know that there are people like me who might not be aboard yet, but are working towards getting in there and exploring. I really appreciate what you're doing, so please keep up the good work! :)

     

    Thanks

  9.  

    sounds like you really played tank mission a bit. I havn't heard a thing about it from almost anyone.
    I just kept adding on to that one til I could see no end like a hamburger with too many toppings. Glad to hear you liked some elements of it.
    I really like using the keypad extensively. Dungeons & Dragons treasures of tarmin was very keypad heavy. I might add some elements to the game which allow you to use inventory items. You pick up a spear or exploding potion etc.
    Perhaps also for use on a puzzle solving screen to unlock an element. I'm trying to keep it mostly straight forward though this time and manageable.

     

     

    :lol: re: hamburger toppings

     

    I've played TM for several hours, but still haven't played through it all. Haven't had as much game time lately.

     

    I love the idea of numeric pad use for inventory and the puzzle solving idea is interesting.

     

    I'm just amazed at how much you squeezed into TM on a standard CV game. Can't wait to see what you do with this!

  10. Wow, the level designs are really coming around nicely and that fire breathing dragon was a surprise and super awesome. I'm glad you aren't making it exactly like Tank Mission, but do hope you go all out like you did in that. One thing I really enjoy about TM is the elaborate use of the numeric pad and all the fine details you added. The way you can swim, tank treads leave marks on the ground, etc. I have total faith in your work and am really excited about this new project. Keep up the good work!

    • Like 1
  11. Awesome! Glad to see you revisiting this. I hope you stick with some of those earlier ideas with the overland horse riding segments and things. You've done great stuff in the past, so I'm sure you'll come up with some really neat stuff for this. I really like that artwork with the Dragon btw. A Conan style Tank Mission is just too cool! :thumbsup:

    • Like 1
  12. I'm really excited for the Spectrum Next and am hopeful it will solve some of these issues fellow US citizens have to deal with when importing a Spectrum, as it's supposed to work out here via HDMI.

     

    In the meantime, I assembled myself a Spectrum clone called the Harlequin, which was mentioned above. I'm sure it's probably daunting for most to assemble one, but it does work well and IMO gives probably the closest ZX Spectrum experience here in the states. 1 simple power adapter and 1 video cable and mine is housed in an original 48K rubber keyed Spectrum as well. And like mentioned above, those cases have been replicated now by Retroradionics, so you have a lot of options to choose from with a build.

     

    It was so frustrating to me being in the US and trying to get a Spectrum up and running, the Harlequin is really fantastic. Depending one ones budget and or skills of course, as I'm sure if you purchased a pre-assembled Harlequin PCB and new case, it could easily go over the $200 mark.

     

    One thing of note for anyone in US interested in putting one together. I'd highly recommend modding it for S-Video and making sure you have a TV that can handle that, as my impression of the composite output was not great. Or, if money isn't an issue, Ben at ByteDelite offers an HDMI adapter that plugs into the expansion port!

     

    Lotta options and I'm glad with the upcoming release of the Next, it seems like things are looking up for Spectrum users all around the globe finally.

×
×
  • Create New...