manterola

Maybe some MyDOD setting? I use double sized double density diskettes the ones with square hole in one corner only. And I set parameters with p in the menu. I don't remember the exact sequence of parameters to get 720kb....does somene know/remember?

I got 10 units of 41256 for 9.99 fast shipping on ebay Search for 10x NEC UPD41256C-10 D41256 256K 100ns PAGE MODE DRAM 16-DIP Seller is excessinventorypartners If you install them will work perfectly, even though are 256k per 1bit. I installed 8chips on 800xl sockets and they worked perfectly. Weeks later I added some circuitry to make use the extra ram, and I ended up with 256kb total. But you don't need to do that. However, I also think the new modern ram expansions like syscheck are the way to go. The other options like putting 41256 chips are interesting in you really like using the soldering iron and enjoy little electronic challenges.

Yep! that is another option. I already asked. You should write there also,so he can see there is real demand for the "Stackpole" type 4 keyboard mylars/membranes

Not that I know of. But the brewing academy is considering it. A mylar for 600/800xl type 4 keyboard.It is a very common keyboard, I hope it will happen.

Couldn't find it in your website... I want to try the 4800 blazing speed tonite! i am sure i'll be amazing

I got the TL866 plus since it was the cheapest at the moment. I have it working on Linux (minipro command line) and Windows 8 (using the manufacturer software), and has been great so far. I have just programmed M27Cxyz UV eproms and a couple of winbond W27C512. That's it, Atari computer OS and XF551 firmwares. I dont; think I will use it for anything else, but who knows?

I also going to miss it. I need to be back in Washington DC at 9pm. It is not far but driving 4 hrs there +4 hrs back is going to kill me, not literally... That's why I was asking for someone in the area to share driving duties.

I remember that trick when you run out of fuel :I guess it was to press and hold "A" (afterburner or something like that), so you can get back to the base. I used to do that , but it is somehow pointless, in the sense that most of the game experience is to keep an eye in all the different things going on, like the fuel level.

I grew up with 800XL around me, that was the most common home computer in my country, (I haven't seen an 800 or 400 ever in my life.) Then the 65xe and 130xe came out and I was able in that point to put my hands on a 65XE which is very similar to a 800XL in term of compatibility and memory. That was my first computer. I still have it. So lots and lots of 65XE were sold, and there were also very popular, 130XE was too expensive. The 65XE we get down there in Chile, were almost always with ECI (still NTSC). Few years ago I transform my 65XE in a 130XE for less than $20, I got 3 EMMUs (just in case, you just need one) some sockets, two caps and obviously 2 ram chips: tms 4464. So 65XE are very easy to convert 130XE as long as your 65XE uses the 130xe motherboard. Same with 600xl, easy to convert to 800xl with 3 wires and 2 tms-4464, but you also need to make an opening for the DIN monitor connector and in my case I got an UAV to produce the monitor signals (audio out signal is already there in the pad). I really love the lo-end XE model since I grew up with a 65XE. I love the 600xl since it is (in my opinion) a better looking XL-style console, beautiful, compact and after mods, just like an 800XL.

If everything else looks correct, send pictures of your UAV. My UAV came with defect from the assembly: one SM resistor was in the wrong position. It took me weeks to finally realize what the problem was. So that can also be a possibility. Regards,

I would like to add that I have had bad experiences with Hong Kong 1010s. I got two, both with a common problem of a broken little plastic gear. I have the versions with the trick flat belt. I recommend the Japan made 1010. You can recognize it by the orange sticker in the cassette compartment. You just replace the belt with a cheap one you can get from eBay and that's it.

Hi All, I would like to attend this event but I am undecided due to the expenses (tolls, gas, etc) and driving of 4+ hours. I also HAVE TO be back to DC area by 9 pm or 9:30pm on Saturday And since there is nothing to lose by asking: Is someone in the DC area (or Baltimore) willing to share expenses and driving duties? I would like to attend Saturday, so I would depart the day before, stay in a cheap ($) place and be ready in the morning for the festival. I would like to come back same Saturday, not that late.. maybe 5pm or earlier, . Thanks. Please send PM

Check this thread. Post #165 some pictures of 1030 modem used along with the esp8266... post #209 there is schematic. Post #273 shows a way to turn on the Carrier Detect LED of the 1030 modem when connected to a BBS (this is obviously optional, just something to recreate better the full experience). Post #286 another take on the circuit (same circuit, we called it half Rverter since it does not have the max232 level shifter and other signals as the original rverter has). In post #374 Dropcheck posted a nice PDF with initial instructions.and post #397 another one with the actual connection to the Atari. I also highly recommend the mr-atari site where he covers same topic and provides a great utility to decrease the default baud rate of the esp8266 to something that Atari terminal programs can manage. http://atariage.com/forums/topic/262518-sio-wifi-modem-with-esp8266/page-7 http://www.mr-atari.com/Mr.Atari/SIO2WiFi/

Today I tried to use a cheap and more common Chinese Samsung 1.44 mech. From an old Compaq computer with the new sf551 board by Dropcheck. It worked. First I needed to locate the drive select and put in DS0. After that was just a matter of connecting but data and power cable. It worked at the first try. I formatted a diskette in mydos to 720kb without problem. I also wrote the DOS files so I was able to boot the computer with the new formatted disk. I can confirm, that this regular inexpensive 1.44mb drives can be used with Atari: format and read without problems at 720kb. I even took an old used IBM 1.44mb diskette and covered the HD hole and it also worked.

I am sure you can create something like this (but the opposite). That should be easier and cleaner than trying to find and fit a 3.5 mech. in the case front openings. Edit: I also found this: "my notes are somewhat incomplete (nothing for pin 7or 8 ) If I recall correctly, if you fly the ground, you only have to move a couple pins to put the chinon connector right on the even pins of the floppy drive. 14 pin Chinon connector <-> PC 34 pin floppy 14 <-> 30 read data 9 <-> 32 side 0 select 1 <-> 8 index 6 <-> 14 drive 0 select 10 <-> 10 motor on 2 <-> 18 direction in 3 <-> 20 step 5 <-> 24 write gate 12 <-> 26 track 0 13 <-> 28 write protect 4 <-> 22 write data 11 <-> any odd pin (ground)"

But you can still use the sf551 PCB and firmware with single sized floppy and diskettes, just because it still looks cool and still is a lot of capacity to put together a small collection of games.

I can confirm that the floppy controller IC VL1772 works with the sf551 board and floppy mech. VL1772 is a VLSI branded substitute of the WD1772 (western digital?). It is difficult to find both, but at least when googling for the floppy disk controller chip, you have two options now. I got my VL1772 from utsource which I am not sure to recommend. Other options for wd1772, is Aliexpress and Quest components. I hope this helps.

Check this thread: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/285910-ideaexternal-atari-st-drive-transformed-to-8-bit-xf551-internals/page-5 There is youtube video of the sf351 working with an Atari 800XL

Hi. could you show us the connector? (picture). and other pictures of your SF354?

ESP8266 use to connect to Plato and other services is subject of other thread. If you are interested in the topic I recommend to read the the document created by Dropcheck in post #397. It is a very quick guide of esp8266 annd Atari 8 bits. http://atariage.com/forums/topic/262518-sio-wifi-modem-with-esp8266/page-16?hl=%20esp8266

Yep.. it is one of the coolest stuff so far. It has the xf551 circuit inside (thanks Dropcheck). Check bitsofthepast.com website. I plan to make a video soon , once I finish putting a tail (half) SIO cable on it. As you can see I did a cover for the hole, I am still painting it and then I'll be done.I will point you to the right threads soon

This is fantastic! Great improvement. Connected using my esp-01 powered Atari 1030 modem. Thanks! Many thanks...

The retro wifi si uses Zimodem firmware. You can run zimodem and very cheap esp8266. Several people (including me) are connected to internet (wifi) using this. It works with platoterm and other terminals programs. You can get some ideas and pictures in the flowing (very long) thread: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/262518-sio-wifi-modem-with-esp8266/ As mentioned before, Dropcheck is working on a sio2io card which will feature (among other gadgets) a esp8266 emulating a modem.

Hi Guys, I have decided to build the SIO2MIDI inteface and I am only waiting for Oshpark to deliver the PCBs. I played a little bit with MIDI stuff in the beginning of the 90s but in general is mostly new to me. I have an old keyboard with midi interface and my son has a electronic drum set with "usb midi". I noticed Dr. Venkman connected the ipad to the Atari midi (DIN5) standard interface. Can I do something similar regarding that usb midi instrument? I search google and I could not find a good answer. There are some developed USB host to midi solutions based on arduino kind of hardware, but what is the right way to do it? if any. Thanks for your help

That xf551 looks very very cool!!!