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Joe Stella

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Posts posted by Joe Stella

  1. Posted

    Anyway.. I'm excited now as we've definitely got some interest in this... I will start piecing something together - most likely using Invision Board (same software used here) along with some templates, mods, and other niceties that will make the site stand out and "feel" like the things its topic discusses...

     

    Thanks guys/gals.. I'm looking forward to this..

     

     

    looking forward to it. just throwing out an idea on look&feel, maybe something along the lines of http://www.monsterfeet.com/1mhz/

  3. Posted

    dig 'em out man, i'd like to see them.

     

     

     

    Classics - I had a program called breeblebox or something similar that was basically a tone box program for the ST - but that was the only h/p related thing I ever found for that machine - oddly enough - since it had such good sound production abilities...

     

    The programs I wrote were either called TAC Dialer or Baby Blue, I can't remember exactly. Different versions might have had different names.

     

    One was a dialtone/carrier scanner, the other a dtmf/ccitt/red (coins)/blue box type application that worked pretty well, or at least thats what I was told. Never used them myself. *cough* :)

     

    They were written in GFA basic, but I think compiled into regular ST applications.

     

    Steve

  5. Posted

    just a note to voice my interest. if you wanted to expand this idea slightly, maybe make it an archive for hpac software for any of the old systems? there's a lot of cool stuff out there for the apple and commodores (and pc's, but meh) and other micros. seems like a natural, and may provide needed content and interest. perhaps a forum as well to exchange stories?

     

    thanks for the idea, hope it becomes reality.

  6. Posted

    Hi kenny-

     

    sorry, i don't know of anyone that offers this as a service. if anyone does, this is certainly the place to find them.

     

    unless you want it for the coolness factor or superior video output, i suspect that buying a used atari 2600 would be cheaper than having someone modify a flashback.

     

    good luck either way, and enjoy.

  12. Posted · Edited by Joe Stella

    Hi all - I'm trying to repair a IIGS. I *think* the problem is with one or both of the 4464's used by the sound subsystem based on the self-diag error code of 0C000001 and the some-times error codes referring to an IRQ that's being ignored by the sound system at boot-up.

     

    Does any kind soul out there want to part with a couple of known-good 4464's? Happy to pay, etc.

     

    As far as replacing/troubleshooting the existing ones? Is there a method for testing the chips without desoldering? If I end up replacing, can I solder on top of the existing memory and cut the old voltage lines? I probably wouldn't do this, but clamping them on top might be a quick way to test it.

     

    Thanks you guys, any tips are appreciated.

  14. Posted

    when II keep looking at the intructions how to mod it, I keep saying I cant do, plus I dont know how to sodder, I dont think my parents will trust purchasing from best electronics, lastly I dont have a clue when he says rewire this and that and put a switch here.

     

     

    can someone help me?

    937433[/snapback]

     

    This may not be the best beginner project, but you may be able to pull it off given enough time and patience. I'm sure others on the board will help you if you get stuck -- do you have a digital camera?

     

    Are you interested in the mod for the challenge? The video output? If neither, a plain-old 2600 may do ya, no mods required, and probably comparable in price. Gotta tell ya, of the 40+ games that come with the FB2, only a dozen or so interest me, or are would I would call classic.

     

    good luck.

  15. Posted

    Which is cool, as I won an XEGS off eBay.  My question is how do you play four-player games that make use of all four joystick ports on the 400 and 800 on an XL or XE system?  I ask, because I was thinking of trying out M.U.L.E. someday and definitely looking into getting the Atari 8-Bit conversion of Ultima III: Exodus (already have the NES version from FCI) and see if it's more enjoyable than the NES.  I do know that the XL/XE series would double-translate ports 1 and to as 1/3 and 2/4.

    937265[/snapback]

     

    You're limited to 2 ports. Unless the game supports 2(4) paddles (Or ultra-rare joystick tap), keyboard, or joystick sharing, you're sol.

  16. Posted

    Bump, 'cos I just recieved my copy today and just got finished watching it.  Very nicely done and some great stories, anecdotes and interesting facts from some of the greatest Atari programmers.  Worth every penny!

    933518[/snapback]

     

    Awesome documentary, hope there's a part 2 or HSW releases the cutting room bits for download. Anyone else surprised by all of the drug talk?

  18. Posted

    I'm happy enough with vector graphic emulation -- pretty damn close to my eyes.

     

     

     

    So far I have yet to see an emulator get it close to right, although I was sure hoping they'd get it with the AA pack. At least they tried. :)

     

    My brother loves to play my Asteroids Deluxe cab mostly because of how cool the real vector look appears. Here's a shot of my AD game in action, unfortunately without the backlight...

    936219[/snapback]

     

    Does anyone remember an emu by the name of Vector Dream? Not 100% sure it will run on modern systems, but it was the best at look & feel of anything I've seen. Highly tweakable.

     

    And what about those crazy laser interfaces someone was building years ago -- Projecting Asteroids onto barn walls or clouds. Wild stuff.

  19. Posted

    I'm really interested in seeing some screenshots for the new games on the FB2... Adventure II, Space Duel, etc.

     

    Any way we can get some screenshots around here?  I'm still waiting for the "fixed" versions to show up (in places other than Wal-Mart), but I want to get a taste of just what it is that I'm waiting for!

    936182[/snapback]

     

     

    Ya know, here's the thing. It's a 2600 that can play/comes with with n-games. Some original, some home-brew, some mods. GREAT joysticks. Modifiable. Early units have snd/video compat. issues. That's it in a nutshell.

     

    Would I but one for the video out? Probably not. For the games - Nah, there are multi-carts.

     

    IMHO, they missed the wider impulse-buy target audience with the bundled games -- it makes sense for atariage, not as much for the general population.

     

    BTW, love the unit. I don't think it will last beyond the X-mas season on the shelves though.

  20. Posted · Edited by Joe Stella

    I'm happy enough with vector graphic emulation -- pretty damn close to my eyes.

     

    You haven't played a real Asteroids machine in recent memory have you? ;) If you do, take a look at the ship's shots and see how it glows and leaves tracers on the screen. This attached pic is someone's custom job.. but you get the idea. :)

     

    But alas.. vector monitors are ancient technology. No one in their right mind would make one today. So in most cases vector graphic emulation has to do.. :|

    936196[/snapback]

     

    You're right. I haven't. I respect the emulators that try to recreate the glow and ghosting in bitmap though.

     

    Agreed with prior poster btw., cocktail asteroids, ummmm, jealous..

  21. Posted · Edited by Joe Stella

    btw. are these sticks released in the states as well? or just germany at the moment?

    932442[/snapback]

     

     

    Germany, mostly. There's a steady stream being sold on ebay.de, and barely any on ebay.com. Shame too for the American enthusiasts - the micro-switch version of those sticks are what all others should be measured by.

     

    Edit: I glossed over your original link - thought you were talking about the old sticks, not this new one, sorry.

  23. Posted

    I think it would be a huge hit to have a dedicated system that could run vector arcade classics like:

     

    Asteroids

    Asteroids Deluxe

    Battlezone

    Battlezone Plus!

    Black Widow

    Gravitar

    Lunar Lander

    Major Havoc

    Malibu (prototype, unfinished)

    Quantum

    Red Baron

    Space Duel

    Space War

    Star Wars

    Starfighter (prototype, unfinished)

    Tempest

    Tempest Tubes

    The Empire Strikes Back

    TomCat (concept prototype)

    Vector Breakout

     

    So that said... a few questions:

     

    Is it possible to have an Atari Vector Arcade Classics console to be a reasonably priced like the Flashback 2? How much would it cost? How much would you pay?

     

    If it is possible:

     

    Does Atari/Infogrames own rights for any/all of these roms?

     

    Are there any other vector games not in this list that could be included?

     

    Would it be possible to finish off any of the unfinished games?

     

    Do you think it should be restricted to vector arcade games only?

    930190[/snapback]

     

     

     

    If such a unit could work out the licensing included with the mentioned games, AND be produced with a vector monitor at a reasonable price, let's say under $200, I'd be down for it. I'm sure the general pop would shine it on though unless it were significantly cheaper, say < $30. The real problem with all of these calculations is, of course, that we don't have a big enough percentage of interested buyers. So "get busy" making Atari baby's!

     

    Vectrex = limited success. Ask yourself why, given the price and the time period.

     

    I'm happy enough with vector graphic emulation -- pretty damn close to my eyes.

  24. Posted

    If Atari were to create a game system that could take over the market for home game systems (in other words, a modern Atari system that could become as ubiquitous as Atari 2600 was in its prime), what would it be?

     

    (Please limit your theoretical system so that it would be affordable and mass producible within a year just to keep things somewhat realistic.)

    933006[/snapback]

     

    Given enough "brute-force" capital outlay, ok, maybe.

     

    That's an interesting question. At first I wanted to dump all over it with the nostalgia and modern Atari Inc. argument. But your question really cuts to the core of what is Atari. Personally, it's really hard to separate Atari from the 2600, A8's, and ST's. THAT's Atari to me. It's a brief period in time that I try to relive for whatever reason -- pretty subjective.

     

    We could talk about the startup capital involved.. going up against MS, Sony, and Nintendo... Signing major labels to produce games... Distribution.. Whether or not the games were just rehashes or clones. Do they have the Atari Essence...

     

    My gut feeling, outside nostalgiacs <?> such as ourselves, no significant numbers identify with the label.

     

    I thank Curt and others for keeping the dream alive.

     

    js

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