Smokeless Joe

The TK-II-STEREO board, once it's finished, and once the 400/800 version is made, might be a pretty sweet option. I really love the TK-II (sans stereo) on my 400, so I'm optimistic about the stereo version.

I'm looking for recommendations for archiving my floppy disks so I can use them either with a C64 emulator (like VICE) or with a 1541 emulator (like the upcoming 1541 Ultimate II+). So far, I've gathered that the G64 format is the way to go and the ZoomFloppy sounds like a good option. Any other file format options I should know? Anyone have experience with the ZoomFloppy? Any other hardware recommended? Thanks! - Joe

Was there ever a field service manual or similar document for the Atari 1030 modem? Atarimania didn't seem to have one and my Google-fu didn't find anything. I'm particularly interested in schematics and measurements. Thanks!

If you get a VBXE for the 1200XL, be sure to order the XE/XEGS version. The XL version will work, but it takes up too much space and blocks other upgrades.

I haven't used a SCART cable yet. I just have a lot of them lying around, and the linked adapter in my first post looks like a nice, professionally made option. I've connected an Apple IIGS RGB out to the Framemeister and it looks beautiful, but I had to rewire the cable to work with the included JP21 adapter. A SCART adapter would make things a little easier. The Framemeister doesn't have a VGA input, at least mine doesn't. I tried a VBXE DB9 out, but the image looked awful. It was all blurry and washed out. Clearly I did something wrong, so I wanted to try the SCART out option.

Okay, sounds like I'll need to get the connector that has the supplemental power source. Thanks!

I'm just getting started in the C64 world. I scored a C64c and I have an SD2IEC controller on the way. But what's recommended for those times you need a real floppy drive? I gather that the 1541 is kinda of a dog, but the 1541-II and 1571 seem to be more popular. The thing that worries me is this paragraph from Wikipedia: "The 1571 is not 100% low-level compatible with the 1541, however this isn't a problem except in some software that uses advanced copy protections such as the RapidLok system found on Microprose and Accolade games." I mean, damn, Microprose and Accolade had some serious games. I'd really prefer to be compatible with them. Or is this not a big deal? Thanks, - Joe

Short story: When connecting a VBXE, is the CSYNC from pin 15 of CD4050 powered? If so, how many volts? Long story: I'm trying to connect a VBXE to a Framemeister. I've rigged a cable, but it gives a crappy picture. So I'm looking at: https://www.retrogamingcables.co.uk/european-scart-to-framemeister-xrgb-mini-converter-with-csync-lm1881-for-sale?search=Framemeister That looks cool. I've got plenty of SCART cables so I should be set. However it "Requires a EuroSCART cable which is wired for either 5 volts or 12 volts on pin number 8 of the SCART plug. This is needed to power up the LM1881 video sync separator circuit and without this required voltage you will not get a picture on your Framemeister." So... will pin-15 of CD4050 connected to SCART pin-8 give me the 5 or 12 volts I need? Also, in the VBXE installation instructions for using a SCART cable, nothing is hooked up to pin 8. What's up with that? Thanks, - Joe

Dang, I need lessons on how to bargain-hunt. Nice finds!

I'm pretty new to the Apple IIgs too. You got a seriously sweet deal! The options I know about are all pretty expensive: The CFFA3000 (http://dreher.net/?c=projects/CFforAppleII/main.php) or Compact Flash For Apple seems to be the gold standard of data storage. Unfortunately, they're sold out of the latest run, and they're pretty seriously marked up on eBay, but they are wonderful if you can get one. I think they sold for $160. I've seen them on eBay for between $206 and $280. The MicroDrive (https://www.ultimateapple2.com/catalogzen154/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_17&products_id=69) is a popular alternative to the CFFA. It doesn't have the USB connection, but it's supposed to be faster AND it's actually available. Still not cheap at $135. When I paid too much for my IIgs, it came with a RGB monitor. I've since rigged a cable to use it with a Framemeister and it's very pretty. Again, really expensive option. The least expensive thing I got was an Apple Extended Keyboard II at applerescueofdenver.com. They have various states of discoloring, but the "nice" one I got from them was nearly flawless. You can choose what kind of mouse you want and they're MUCH cheaper than eBay. Enjoy!

Okay, I went all in! Well, pretty far in anyway. I found a relatively local C64c and an 8-pin DIN to s-video cable. I have an LCD that handles s-video pretty well, but I also have a Framemeister, so video isn't a problem. Now I'm just waiting for the SD2IEC and fast load cart I ordered from thefuturewas8bit, and scoping out the various C64 software archives. Thanks for all the feedback! I've always been jealous of the large C64 library. Now I'm looking forward to enjoying it!

Before, everything! I'd been wanting an Apple II since at least 1981. After a 35 year wait, I got my first just two months ago; an Apple IIGS. It's pretty sweet. As a kid I had Atari 8bits, a 400 and eventually an 800XL. In college I switched to PCs/IBM compatibles. After working for a few years, I switched to Macs. Now I'm going all retro, initially sticking to my roots, but lately I've been branching out. I have an Atari 1200XL that (metaphorically) will probably never get out of the garage, much less be able to drive all the way around the block, an Atari 400 that just won't quit, and I still have my old 800XL that I'm restoring. I also just ordered my first Commodore 64 (64c) which should be here on Wednesday. After, I've just been boosting the GS to take advantage of modern conveniences. I scored one of the latest CFFAs for only a moderate markup, a RAMGS/4, and I just created a DB15 to JP21 cable to plug the RGB-out into a Framemeister. I dream that some day soon the Transwarp IIGS project will have new Transwarps available.

Seriously, those look pretty sweet. What's the recommended way to install/mount one? It looks like it'll be about the same size at the UAV itself. I'm guessing...? A = POKEY audio in B = SIO audio in G = ground V = +5 V O = audio out

I thought this needed it's own topic, since the thread for Bryan's wonderful UAV is getting kinda long. For Atari 400 sound, I know of only two circuits. The one from ANTIC April 1984: and Bryan's suggested mod, (slx created the diagram): Q1. Are there any others out there? I've breadboarded both and they both seem to work well, and about the same. Bryan's is a lot easier and more compact, at least with through-hole components; it has fewer and smaller parts than the ANTIC mod. The SIO sound is kinda quiet on both, though. For Byran's mod, I tried it without the 18K resistor and it didn't make any difference that I could tell. Q2. Any ideas for boosting the SIO sound? Q3. Any ideas what the 18K resistor is for? Protecting the MCP601 chip maybe? Thanks, -Joe

I'm thinking of getting a C64, but I've never owned one. Is there a FAQ or beginner's guide anywhere? Specifically, I'd like to know: Is there a trusted source for purchasing hardware/software/accessories, like Best Computing for the Atari? What are the popular add-on/upgrades, modern or otherwise? I'm thinking most of storage solutions (CF/SD readers) but also video upgrades or accelerators. Thanks!

The latest that I see in this thread is slx's diagram based on Bryan's idea, which I think is a wonderfully clear diagram: I've been using a cobbled together version of the one from ANTIC April 1984 and it works pretty well: I was thinking of having OSH Park make some boards, until someone can make something nicer. Something like these: The former is certainly more elegant, but I haven't tried it yet. It'd be even nicer with SMT parts, but that's a little beyond my skill right now.

I just discovered the Wizardry re-engineering that Thomas Ewers did at comp.sys.apple2. He created both Pascal and Assembler code for the first Wizardry scenario, available here: ftp://ftp.apple.asimov.net /pub/apple_II/images/games/rpg/wizardry/wizardry_I/Wizardry_i_SourceCode.zip So... how difficult would it be to compile this on an Atari 8-bit? Anyone want to try?

Does that include IIgs games?

Full disclosure: I haven't actually tested these things. I've had a run of bad luck lately (insert sad music here) so I'm kinda taking break from breaking my Ataris. But I'm glad there's even mild interest. The board is sort of an answer to a question nobody asked, but it's a fun little project. How's this? There's no chips plugged in, but you can see the pins. The long ones are from U1, where you'd plug the original 74LS08 and where the whole thing plugs into U17. I can take a picture at another angle, if you like: You can order the bare boards here: https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/SzxNtNr2 OSH Park requires minimum orders of 3, but 3 SEEs only cost $5.45. It takes about two weeks for me to receive orders from them, and I live in Madison, WI. For the other parts, I used: Jameco 45225 (74HC08): $0.35 each Jameco 175920 (SIPP pins - gotta break these off individually): $1.75 each Jameco 37197 (14 pin socket): $0.65 each Jameco 103271 (right angle headers): $1.05 each I've got a bunch of 2.7K resistors lying around, but if I needed them, I'd order Jameco 690961: 10 for $0.099.

I really like doing the mods, but I don't have much luck with them. I would not buy this system, but I'd pay a lot for one with an U1MB, VBXE and Rapidus that demonstrably worked together. I'd keep working on modding my own system, but it would be nice to have one to use for fun in between frustrated attempts to get my own system working.

Yeah, I can't boot to SDX using the 65C816 CPU, but I didn't try turning off the PBI BIOS, which might help since that's where it seems to get stuck. How is "stock AtariOS" defined? I usually use the XL/XE rev. 2 from http://atari.vjetnam.cz/index.php?frame=roms.

I realize now that my question was ambiguous: Can anyone boot into SDX using the Rapidus and an U1MB when the Rapidus is using the 65C816 CPU? I can boot to SDX using the 6502 CPU, but I can do that without the Rapidus too.

Is anyone able to boot into SDX using the Rapidus and an U1MB, with or without an SIDE-2?

I removed R110 and Q8 and it seems to work. The display looks bad but that's probably because I'm using an Ambery upscaler to a VGA display. The only RGB monitor I have is the Apple RGB on my IIgs, and VBXE looks better on it, although it's pretty small. So my VBXE works after a fashion, parts removed and all.

I understand how frustrating it is to write detailed instructions and then have those instructions ignored. Conversely, I actually enjoy reading manuals, so it's also frustrating when things like this aren't documented, or documented poorly. I'm using the Installation manual at Lotharek's site. The part in question is this: GNDs are easy enough. I guess I'll take 3.5 MHz from somewhere and see what happens. Bombs away!