martinez

Here you are. They came to the party in a bunch of four, so almost entire RM crew showed up at the event. Here's what they said (note: words in brackets are from me). They will keep the (computer) release plan in 2024, now they are creating the (computer) design from scratch. They do not post too much on Twitter - it's company policy, they will post something when they have (any new) piece of information (if they can announce a significant progress in certain area). But we will finish this (project, assured one of them). We'll just do it, he said. Andrzej (Andrew, one of those guys) is working on a search engine (a menu for quickly launching programs); finding and running the software will be pleasant and fast. The bloke in the navy blue shirt is responsible for the PCB (motherboard) schematic, by the end of the month (Aug 2023) they will send the board to the fab, the prototype is to be tested next month. Lawyers are unnecessary for now, as they do not violate the IP's of other people or companies. They know some legal eagles just in case, but they keep them at bay. The platform (RM800XL) is based on FPGA, it will not be an emulator but a hardware representation of an Atari (800XL); the CPU will perform unstable (undocumented) opcodes, they are all to be included. There will be a second Pokey, but not a real one, as there won't be any vintage Atari IC's onboard RM800XL. There will be an HDMI and composite output, therefore it will be possible to hook up two monitors (simultaneously?). For developers, they are working on a built-in debugger with stepping through code. Also their goal is to maintain full hardware compatibility, all peripherials for the Atari 8-bit line of computers should work properly if connected (to the RM800XL). They are going to release a proto for selected people (beta testers): if any software won't perform (as on a real Atari), they will work to improve it (compatibility). Some idea popped up at the party: a contest for graphic artists to design a "splash screen" for booting (a computer in game selector mode), they are to announce (such) a contest in the future (probably on Twitter), and they will reward good works (it is not yet known how, but) not only with fame. Larek said that next year will be (a computer, physical product), although probably you shouldn't expect it in Q1 (wink ;). You can set up (the computer, Larek said) to boot in two ways: either to the browser (modern UI, e.g. a carousel type game selector), or (an option for diehard fans) to the Basic interpreter like a genuine 800XL does. And that was basically all. They encouraged the audience to ask questions, but there were hardly any.

It's been announced that @larek (informal RM spokesperson) will have a speech onstage, on this very subject, at the upcoming sillyventure.eu event. So presumably the project is still alive, and if Larek gets there, he may be willing to share some updates with us.

Excuse-me asking, but you could use the opportunity to take a good scan of the sticker before you glue it back on. Then post it here, please. This might be a small step forward to get a replacement decals for XG-1 someday.

1. Spancho 2. Philsan 3. Atari8guy 4. GGN 5. ndary 6. Dinadan67 7. Tigerduck 8. martinez

A reasonably priced Atari Trakball https://www.ebay.com/itm/284450553462 Hmm, is it really new? Take a closer look at first pic https://i.ebayimg.com/d/w1600/pict/284450553462_/Atari-2600-TRAK-BALL-Video-Game-Controller-Complete.jpg ...or better don't ?

1. Beeblebrox 2. invisible kid 3. Philsan 4. Sub(Function(:)) 5. Spancho 6. CAVOKER 7. 8bitguy1 8. Roydea6 9. pps 10. CharlieChaplin 11. Lord Thag 12. Wilheim 13. Dinadan67 14. TrekMD 15. martinez 16.

OMG this is devastating ? The game was such a milestone for PC's, everyone knows it! I would be so proud, as an Atari owner, to have a boxed copy for my system, on my shelf ? But if you rename it to "Duke of Iran", then maybe?

Well, the infamous Taco Thread is now closed for replies. You can post in the new Atari VCS subforum instead.

@santosp, Can confirm my interest in one Freezer. PM me with details, please.

Oh! Almost ordered this 8-Bit Classics cable, based on your recommendation in another thread: The issue with Lotharek's cable must be thinner wires then? If someone could dismantle its plug to confirm, that would be nice

This little floppy drive I purchased recently. You may notice the seller shot pictures with dirty stockings, so bidding on this item was like gambling. It has been delivered yesterday and well... I'm a happy owner so far The unit itself is very clean, no yellowing or scratches. Sold as "untested", and I have to fix the PSU first. The power cord was obviously replaced as it's grey, and the wall plug has been cut off. Then I have to dig my stuff for SIO-SIO cable. And a diskette, definitely I'm gonna need one.

Tell me about it... I’m looking forward to get one of these Competition Pro-likes from China. The price is cheap, but they didn’t start shipping so far ?

Almost. Antonia is Simius’s granddaughter ?

In 130XE it’s „Harry Fat” for 130 and „Harry Obese” for the XE.

Another batch of freezers, finally! Have been waiting for this since 2016 ? I’m definitely in for one.

There is a member on Atari Forum, currently selling custom made badges for maxed Falcons. Notice the hardest part, that is embossed lettering with brushed finish, have been nicely re-created: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Metal-badge-for-Atari-Falcon-CT60-CT60e-CT63/164164208291 Maybe the guy even shared some details about technique used in process, unfortunately http://atari-forum.com is down atm But apparently, there is a way to make a small batch of exact replicas of any ST/XE badge.

You can still buy a new case for 800, i.e. from B&C Computervisions: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bare-Top-Case-for-Atari-800-New/132856341797 If you really want to fix yours, check out this guy's blog for tips. He is an artist ? http://www.retrohax.net/extreme-refurbishing-episode-2-atari-800-xl-part-two

Here is up-to-date link to Jerzy Sobola's website: http://www.jsobola.atari8.info/dereatari/index.html

Well. The picture is sharp. Moving objects are fluid. The scrolling on Grand Prix Simulator looks very decent. It's excellent! Some standard questions: 1. Is it lag-free? 2. Any special requirements for VGA display? This device will work with any monitor, tv, projector with VGA input?

@SainT, I'm in for one Multi Card. Please put me on the list. Thank you

Each NTSC Atari I have seen before (not in the flesh actually, I mean pics ) was US origin. Therefore it has FCC ID# on bottom label. No FCC compliance text = the machine is probably PAL. Although I may be wrong, just guessing

Some science here: http://citp.princeton.edu/research/memory/ Atari found out, that DRAMs from particular series "remember" bits for a long time after the power is off. And if you switch power off and on to force cold start, the computer boots with garbage on screen, then hangs up. So they developed a fix: mix each set of DRAMs with a single chip from another batch, the "fast forgetting" one, and the assembled computer passes tests OK! It was easy and cheap, so they did it. Can't see anything unbelievable in such a story. It is recommended to add one or two different chips when replacing defective RAM in XL/XE's, it's common practice actually. And I didn't make it up, it came from guys good at electronics.

About this single different chip, think I know the explanation. It might be factory fix for some known bug. RAM chips are able to keep data stored up to 15sec. without refreshing. And there is no procedure for cleaning up/zeroing memory that Atari performs on booting. So - if you power off the computer, then turn it on immediately - it is likely that Atari just hangs up due to some residues of data still existing in RAM. A working solution is to replace single memory chip with another with different access time. For instance - one chip 200ns vs all the rest with 150ns. Or just put in one chip made by another manufacturer - the one replaced will be almost identical as the rest, but almost is enough to do the trick. Source: Jerzy Sobola homepage http://dereatari.republika.pl/serw.htm and this topic on atari.area board (use Google to translate) http://www.atari.org.pl/forum/viewtopic.php?id=13612

Not sure it will help, but check out this blog: https://www.retrohax.net/atari-130-xe-restoration-and-upgrade-job/ https://www.retrohax.net/atari-800-xl-u1m-and-restoration-2/ https://www.retrohax.net/various-hax-part-one/ This guy retrobrites without exposing plastics to sunlight, uses warmth instead. Just covers plastics with 12% peroxide cream, wraps carefully in black foil, then keeps it in dark warm place for one week. This treatment seems to be quite "safe", I mean, looks like prolonged procedure and avoiding UV-light prevent plastics from partial discoloring etc. imperfections. I think the best way is to retrobrite something cheap and easy to replace first. Such as an old XC12 recorder, or STM-1 mouse. When you fine with the outcome, use the same treatment to your precious ST case.

As far as U1MB is concerned, you may send mobo to Lotharek and get it back upgraded. He charges additional fee for the job.