nd2003grad

These really did help a lot. Thank you!

Oh wise and good Atariage community: I am sure this has been asked and answered but I can't really find said answer. I have an opportunity to buy a complete "plain Jane" Atari 520 ST. I'm a (gulp) Amiga guy and I'm wondering if there is any comparable value in this to a 500? My understanding is that the original machines weren't anywhere near what you get out of a later model or the prohibitively expensive 1040STE if I want a one-stop for my ST needs? Is this correct? Many thanks.

I have recently been given some money for my birthday (read: yesterday). I own a Atari 800XL, and Amiga 500, and a C64. What is glaringly missing (and I feel would make my personal collection complete) is a IIGS, largely because it plays both GS and standard II games/programs. I'm on the fence, though, as I know there are only a tiny fraction of exclusives and the modification/modernizing curve is a little steeper than with these other computers. The overlap is what has kept me (and I presume will always keep me) from purchasing an Atari ST, but there's just something about the IIGS...I never had one, but I definitely used various models of Apple II (E, etc) along with Mac's (no real nostalgia for those) in school as a kid. In fact, they were the first computers I ever used. I have some specific questions that I can't find a unified "FAQ" about with this system. I have $200 to spend. 1. What is the actual video output for this machine? I have a multi-synch monitor with VGA input for my Amiga and my old Windows 98 computer. I also have a TV for the other two. I am doubting I can acquire an Apple monitor at this time. 2. The music seems to be fantastic for this machine. Is production easy on it? I know it doesn't have built-in MIDI like the ST. 3. I see a lot about "ROM 1/3" etc...is there any specific advantage here? 4. I've also heard that having a system with some expansion is a must...is this truly the case? 5. Software--is there any particular advantage on this? That's one of the things that backs me off a little bit. 6. I'm asking way too many questions. 7. Is there any easy hard drive or SD solution for this system? I have a GOTEK, a SD2IEC, and an SIO2SD. These are varying levels of fantastic devices, but I don't think that GS has one other than an internal CF solution that is pretty expensive? 8. In the alternative, I'm totally cool with and enjoy making floppies. How difficult is this for transfer with Windows architecture? 9. I'm sure I forgot something important. This is probably my final purchase in my console and computer collection unless I ever get a hold of the AT&T 6300 I had as a kid or the coveted Amiga 1200 (not so easy to get in USA). Oh, and a cheap (ha ha HA) Vectrex! In fact, I've got $200 for all three of these if you are interested (that should provide comedy for a while). I got into this hobby in 2012. It's stunning to see how prices have absolutely soared in these five years, so I'm trying to get these items before they are prohibitive and/or decay further from neglect. As always, I love this community and thank you for your help. Clay

Oh this is great!!! I actually picked up about 7 8-tracks yesterday, some of them were still sealed (got a Neil Young Harvest). I also found a Captain Beefheart original pressing Trout Mask Replica for about 50 cents. I wish I could find more vintage computer stuff like that in this Goodwill last chance store, but I did find a sealed pack of 3.5 floppies...

I collect 8-tracks and still have a walkman as well. In fact, I'm going to make my kid a mix tape haha. Lame Dad.

Yeah I'm eventually going to do that. I'm pretty sure it's a problem but I'm nervous about taking it out because I think one of the pins may break off that I soldered together. I don't trust my own work ha ha Ha. I've seen no obvious capacitor damage.

Thank you guys, you really answered my question and I'm glad it sparked some more conversation.

This all seems very helpful to me. What a frustrating situation! I'm still banking on it actually working what with mods as well

Well unfortunately this is my first time writing about this unit. I just recently acquired one untested and realize there was a problem with the AV out port. It's very disappointing because it looks like it is an otherwise well preserved machine. I spent a pretty penny on this does anyone know how to fix it?

I barely got to play, but I managed to play both games quickly. I did not care for the basic game too much, but I was pleasantly surprised mrs candy man which I had heard it was not very good. I disagree with that, I liked it a lot! I will be doing the catch-up around without one

Hi all, I'm sure this question has been answered but...is there any reason at this point in history to have a tape drive? I don't, but I have an SIO2SD and it's fantastic. I do make my own floppies, but I'm wondering if there was anything worthwhile released only on tape. I'm guessing the answer is a resounding NO, but I'm not sure.

And the answer to this is I have not.

Funny, I haven't used it in a while. I played with it last night and it's doing it again--badly. If I ctrl-A-A over and over it eventually tends to work for a while. It's like something is loose or crapping out. My only guess is CIA chip since I've tried two power supplies. I may take it apart again and see what happens.

Is an extension possible on this one? I've had some stuff going on and would like a shot.

I have no idea why this is working, but it is....yeah, I was lucky enough to have a second supply...no difference. I'm leaving well enough alone for now!

That's exactly what my plan is if it is in a shoe again in the future. I guess we all know the solution if it works at that point!

I tried my hand at this again, but alas! I was unable to achieve my previous glory. I still got into the 160s, but I didn't try point spamming the spiders. I'm sure that could rack it up fast with those 300's. I really like the mushroom death element of this game--it makes it unique among all Centipede clones! Did anyone catch the music at 10000? I knew I knew it--it's identical to the bridge in "Classical Gas!"

Haha, that was poorly worded. I should have said "when" I turn it on. Anyway, the darn thing started randomly working again a couple of days ago--but I still consider it highly unreliable. The df0 plugs into a CIA spot, then the CIA chip on top. There is a switch that I've mounted in the back. This switch allows one to select between the onboard disk drive being primary or a secondary outboard drive being primary. I use this to boot from Gotek. It is truly a fantastic little mod.

Hi there, I have an A500 that was just working fine but started periodically turning on, showing a quick signal only through the monitor, and not making disc drive sounds. It then starts flashing the drive light. I took the whole thing apart, pressed down on all the chips, put back together, tried different power brick, still nothing. It's all the time now. I do have a df0 selector and I did break the leg off installing it, but I was able to re-attach. Is this a CIA chip symptom? Maybe I need to re-order a new selector? I have no idea! Help!

I used talk to text above...should say "Centipede" and "unplayable" haha!

Sneaky snake is interesting. There are A couple of subtle differences between it and send it. Caterpillar bugs me because it's a good and fast game for basic, but the collision detection is so bad and the disks Appear so randomly that I found it on playable.

Yup correct score!

Could have done better. I liked Nam-Pac!

Ah, thanks for the extension. So, I've heard horror stories in the past about Star Battle and how terrible it is. I've tried it an not given it any sort of chance, thinking it was really cheesy. It's true that it's a very simple and kind of half-baked game, but once I "got it" I think it's much more solid than I've heard. I was able to pull off 20-7. As for Down the Trench, I was finally able to get it to play on my Atari 800XL. It's not a bad looking game at all on there, but I wasn't able to blow up the Death Star (on either). The Bally version was extremely difficult for me to see my ship, so it was hard to play. I didn't really care for it, but it still looked pretty good for BASIC. Here are my photos:

I'll have to try again!!!! And, thanks!