Solomon_Man

All, I have been on the fence on this device for some time....I have not ordered it as of yet but may in the coming weeks. Like others at this time the almost $400 pricetag is more steap then usual with this Pandemic/employment situations. Things I acknowledge; Besides the questionable startup (3 years and a colorful startup it has been...) it will receive the ATARI logo\brand and it really now appears more than likely its going to be delivered....Let that sink in...Atari hardware/device in 2020... did you think this was possible a decade or two ago? Also consider even today most people outside this website have no idea that another ATARI is about to be delivered...I believe a lot of the price point is based on that fact don't you want to be the first on your block/work to have it? Also the price proves there is a market to developers to support the device. Keep in mind sales is not the only place where the money is today in software...community support is a major factor in development decisions. Without support devices regardless of Hardware uniqueness (most powerful, smallest, etc) will fail. We can all complain and b!tch that its not the real Atari. Let's be honest hardware outdates the day it is built/conceived but the rights, designs,copyrights, brand, and software decades from now will be all that matters. This fact is not limited to just electronics... its for a large amount of the companies in America. Atari's value due to its age is in a similar situation. Yes there were a lot of mistakes I for one acknowledge this fact but I also blame the time period for much of it. I have supported all the way back to the original Atari VCS and before. Owned when they came out more than one 8 bit computer (Not to mention today a basement full of peripheals/software - currently have 10 8 bits), lived thru the game crash, and even got involved with the STs computers before going to the PC realm. So I honestly lived and breathed Atari, like many of you, through my childhood/adolescence. This "age" actually, like many others, in my opinion started IT careers ( me included - Bachelors/Masters in Computer Science - 22 years as a developer) so I am wanting this device as a "Nod" to memories mostly. Not as the latest and greatest out there machine but an actually playable device for all members of the family. To be honest, today's new controllers are rougher on older audiences and a simple controller (similar to the Atari VCS) may level this playing field for some. If this thing gets off the ground its a step in the right direction for Atari to build upon. If this launch goes well I doubt this will be the only hardware in this decade released by ATARI. Now with that said, we all know we have closets, if not rooms (basements) full of hardware that honestly did not have a chance at being the best. Alot of the hardware filled niches that other harware did not fill. Not to mention the diversity of the hardware was just exciting so the wow factor in some cases was limited...today's hardware to me is mostly Blah. The new Atari VCS Hardware has this same Blah factor but at least it is made by a company we know. Also I know I have hardware in my basement that was rarely used that makes the $400 risk not as risky (HP Parallel 2X CD Burner). With that said many of us use this old hardware for enjoyment even though it by most standards should have been recycled decades ago. Meaning the cost of ownership will be over many years probably with this device as well. The Software model today is great for the developer ($$) but to me most software is repetitive or barely worth the meager cost. Todays technology, even how software is sold, may I even say "rented" is a about face from what it was like close to 40 years ago. So the experience will be a blend of the two I hope. A open source, publicly supported device and software but also a blend of Retro Gaming. Yes this retro gaming genre has been beaten to death. Can use Retro Pi, can use old hardware, can use emultators, can use new hardware consoles supporting old cartridges....etc, etc, etc. Maybe this device can be another option but possibly cover a larger audience. (Not just the retroGaming community but your standard Joe) We also know that this device, like others out there, will be only successful if it has support. Especially from the Atari folks...Which today seems to be fragmented at best. This fragmentation in my opinion is what really ended Atari. My two cents, Chris

All, Thanks for replies! Is there a APE equivalent in Linux? I will have to look into retroarch. Thanks again, Chris

All, I setup (re-setup) a PC I had laying around...with a little new hardware (memory,HDD). This PC is not my main PC but the plan is to use this more or less as test machine of sorts.... Today Its a Quad Core, 8 Gig, 120 GIG SSD, 750 GIG standard HDD and DVD 18x burner. The video card from memory is a 1/2 GIG Express card can't remember the brand at the moment but I believe its a NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GT. Sound is integrated. Its dual boot with Windows 10 Professional from a Retail box and Ubuntu 16.0.4. Both are fresh installs. I am looking for suggested emulation software that would be more Linux based then windows, but I will look into Windows suggestions as well. Nothing against Windows at all but as I said its more as a exploration/test box. Also software that can be used with my SIO2PC and SIO2USB for my 8 bit machines (I have many). I would also be interested in anything that can emulate Atari ST as I have not had much luck locating a Atari ST at a decent price in my neck of the woods. Also development software/tools that would be possibly used for 8 bit/2600 development ....Got on the band wagon with this a while back.... went through the tutorials... bought a couple books... and then it stalled out. Thanks Chris

DrVenkman/All, I had the Luma signal to the Composite wrong....I have included the below image for clarity; Atari 5 Pin connector: This is Looking at the back of male connector-where you solder the wires (Above Figure). 3 is Audio, 2 Ground, 4 is Composite. Wired three sets up and all work like a charm. Thanks everyone for the help. Chris

All, Whats UAV? Thanks, Chris

DrVenkman, Thanks for the help!... From your description and looking at the youtube video I tried again; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwomI7iGD3w I believe I did the latter scenario....I will take a look and see if reversing helps, Thanks Again, Chris

Van (Yogi), Thanks for the followup.... My guess is the unit I will be purchasing will behave very similar....but proof will be in the pudding. I will let everyone know the outcome..... Thanks Chris

All, I bought one finished cable (comparison) and decided to try my hand at building some.... My first attempt ended up in the trash....I learned a lot but those din Pins and soldering and holding things is not as easy as the guy in the video showed...LoL! Anyways my second attempt went well... The solder looked good and everything went together clean...I plugged it in and I get a picture and clear sound but the screen color is a light gray....The puirchased finished cable is clean as a whistle and right colors.....What did I do wrong? Is this something that can happen with inferior products (cable/connectors/solder) or did I get a weak connection somewhere.... Are there better 5 pin Dins...The ones I bought were like 5 for 3 bucks shipped......Cable I had laying around...probably cheap stuff as well. Thanks for the help, Chris

All, I know this is an old post....but I started it and I thought I would update things at least where I am at.... So I had a Cheap AV2HDMI unit that I already had along with a HDMI to VGA adapter.... The AV2HDMI; http://www.ebay.com/itm/Composite-3RCA-AV-to-HDMI-Converter-Adapter-AV2HDMI-Upscaler-HDMI-Cable-1080P-/331674931522?var=&hash=item4d395dd142:m:m_2eihad5tbNfsez8JbgXJQ The HDMI to VGA; http://www.ebay.com/itm/HDMI-Male-to-VGA-With-Audio-HD-Video-Cable-Converter-Adapter-1080P-for-PC-B-/122484825109?var=&hash=item1c84aa1c15:m:m_crc-2sF3FU2ca0BKodAlA The Cable was a bought 5 pin Din to 4x RCA outputs; https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008N29OSG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 And I am using a Phillips LED TV 20 inch flat panel And a Viewsonic Monitor....I used the TV to verify where degradation occurs... The Cable to the Composite in on the TV....Clear a whistle...I mean I really like that output much better than the RF. The Cable to AV2HDMI to HDMI in on the TV...slightly blurry....but useable...seems like I can see vertical lines....but it worked... The HDMI to VGA to monitor similar as the HDMI in to the TV....So the Composite in to the TV was clearly the best. I am looking at purchasing the Composite SVideo RCA to PC VGA next; http://www.ebay.com/itm/TV-AV-Composite-S-Video-RCA-In-to-PC-VGA-Video-Converter-Box-Adapter-3-Cbale-/351938330226?hash=item51f128be72:g:je8AAOSwNKVXMa3U I will probably see if I can use the HDMI to VGA as a VGA to HDMI out of curiosity/options.... If the above next test is better or the same as the Composite in to the TV...I will use it with my monitor....If not the Ambery is my last approach. Thanks Chris

All, Update of Sorts.... Basically pulled one of the Multi-colored power supplies I have out and tested the voltage ...all the proper pins from the FAQ - 5Volts. I tried my first one and nothing - no light no nothing....Is there an internal fuse? The second one came right on and seemed to be fine after the normal tests. I did notice the power adapter feel funny...like its going deeper or in different. The third one came on failed memory test, had keyboard issues, and screen was a purple shade....I know there was one real bad... Pulled out the rest of the Atari 800Xls (5) and ran through memory,keyboard, sound and quick basic test and everything worked like a charm....So 6 out of 8 no problems....Last nights testing had me up till 2:30AM. .I would sooner or later like to fix the bad two...I do have a extra keyboard sitting... The other issues,not keyboard, I have no clue on fixing but being an IT (Software developer) and in IT for 20 years I think I will give it a shot...Is there any good repair manuals out there or walkthrus on how to troubleshoot? I still have to go thru all the supplies.... Thanks Chris

All, Thanks for the help! I will review/test the ones I have with a voltmeter and confirm they end up with the right units. Again thanks for the help, Chris

Bryan, One of the power supplies....the first one I tried is exactly like the above image. The others are not..... When I quickly looked at the supplies and units I did notice the 1200XL was more like the 1050 drive power supply connector. Do you know if the power requirements for the 1200XL is substantially different? ( I would like to find that supply and separate it off and actually try the 1200XL.) I do know by quickly looking.... that the voltage on the non 7 pin din power supplies... that the voltages can be different on the supplies...Any body know why/what peripheral/machine? Is there a place I can look on the machines to see power requirements? That way I can reduce messing anything up. I will get out the voltmeter tonight and start going thru the supplies. Are the power supplies fixable/or can they be replaced with new supplies (source please if so)? (I do remember my dad tearing one down and replacing a fuse in one but the unit was never the same...but did work) I should clarify... the machines worked...but the supplies may have not all got tested....I bought these units at a swap and ran them thru test procedures and a few hours of work. Thanks Chris

All, I am in the final stretches of unpacking my Atari 8 bit machines. I plugged in my disk drives and so far all seem to turn on and do the normal noises..... The 800XLs, 8 total, due not seem to be powering on (no red lights). I have tried three separate machines with three different power supplies. The power supplies are the 7 pin Din connector type. They all worked 12 years ago before I packed them away....two did have some color issue but I labeled those with tape to look into. Is power supply failure a common problem? I will try tonight to get out the voltmeter and see if its machine or power supply. I have quite a few 8 bit machines (400, 800, 600XL, 800XL, 1200 XL, 130XE) and many 1050 and 2 Indus drives. Is it possible I have mixed the Power supplies? Most I can read the voltage and amperage on the supplies but many of the supplies were thrown into a box. I did pull out my 800XL that was still boxed in the original box I bought it and still nothing powered up. Please can someone walk me thru the common Power Suppliers Voltage/Amperage and the proper machines they go to just in case I do have these mixed up. Thanks, Chris

Gunstar, Thanks for the heads up on that one... I picked up the pre-made cable and the 5 Pin Dins. I am going to get those made and tested for the machines in question over the next couple weeks (shipping,making them and such). Probably once done with that I will get one of the Chinese versions and One Ambery and do a comparison before purchasing the other 3. Thanks Chris

Does this work with no IBM PC Formatted disks? If no this would still be a possibility for my PC stuff. I have used this before but not with Non IBM PC Formatted disks. Thanks Chris

Gunstar, I am unfamiliar with the Ambery...Is there a specific model I should look for? I may give this a go for my main machine.... Thanks Chris

Stephen, Yeah on the Commodore machines...should have said Vic 20s...After looking things over It appears that the Commodore 64 had more pins. I am going to pick up one of the above premade cords and then a bunch of 5 pin Dins to make a few others...I have quite a few 8 bit machines and honest <21inch flat screen monitors are very cheap at swap meets/used stores < $10. If the results are good I may go this route...If not I am only out a few bucks for a cord. The other electronics will be put back to use somewhere else. Thanks Chris

All. I might approach might differ from my last post based on another question and supplies I have sitting; The question is; Are the 5 Pin Din Monitor/Display Connectors found on the backs of the TI-994A, Commodore machines, and Atari 8 bits all the same basic configurations? Meaning if I bought a 5 pin Din to RCA Composite(similar to the Amazon link below); (tried to figure things out based on the user comments - two guys said they had luck with the cable for a Vic and TI994A) https://www.amazon.com/kenable-Phono-Plugs-Audio-Cable/dp/B008N29OSG Will the cable work for all the mentioned above machines? Or another way to phrase the question will the above cable work on my Atari 800 XL if used in a standard composite TV connection? Reason I am changing things around is I have the below parts already sitting and have had decent luck with both of the below for other applications in my home/collection. Also I can always swap out/Remove the HDMI to VGA cable in the future and plug in a more modern monitor or TV. 3 RCA to HDMI ($11.63 - I bought my last one for like 8 dollars) http://www.ebay.com/itm/Composite-AV-CVBS-3RCA-to-HDMI-Video-Converter-Adapter-1080p-Upscaler-Switcher-W-/142306717781?var=&hash=item2122243055:m:m5BWFa19nS0daiiweV7tgcQ HDMI to VGA ($2.50) http://www.ebay.com/itm/361568796077?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT VGA Flat Panel Monitor If the answer is no due to the wire being wrongly setup...I have found many you tube videos where you can create your own composite cable using a 5 pin din and RCA wire set which I am considering as I have a boat load of the RCA wire sets.... and the 5 pin din connectors are like 5 for $2.50. https://youtu.be/CwomI7iGD3w Thoughts? Thanks Chris

All, Thanks for the responses....OK so the video port out to VGA may be an option. My hope was to setup my Atari 8 bit machines on VGA cheaper than what I can buy individual small <24 inch TVs (refurbs or new for - $40-70)....from the sounds of things it will be very close $-wise so maybe the TVs will be a better option in the long run. I was wondering if the VGA Adapters similar to; (TV RCA SVIDEO TO VGA Adapter) http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Composite-AV-CVBS-3RCA-to-HDMI-Video-Converter-Adapter-720p1080p-UpscaleZN-/282396146681?var=&hash=item41c01f3bf9:m:mf3U3iG-NpwNQy-NeEe3MkQ ..would work..If so then the 10 or so bucks would be worth the effort. Thanks, Chris

Mclaneinc, Anything I find I will definitely make available...The 8 bit era means a lot to me as I grew up in these machines and it basically started my career in IT (I am Software Engineer/Developer - a BS in Computer Science and MS in Science - Computer Science- about 20 years now.) Anyways, I am currently unpacking about 40 years worth of my computers and stuff I picked up here and there at shows. Honestly I really miss the old shows and my kids (5) have no understanding what it was like (so much energy/excitement/education/opportunity)... so I am trying to educate them as I go through things. Its been mostly a sorting out and protect/preserve exercise that with 5 kids have been an hour here and there but I have made great progress in the last couple weeks. I am finally down to the machinery... once that is all unpacked I will move over to some of the disk preservation and getting things 8 bit wise setup in our new home. I am also refreshing my memory on the 8 bits using the Emulators in the mean time....I have forgotten so much. Thanks again, Chris

All, Going through some boxes last night I found a couple serial 9 pin PCI Cards so looks like the SIO2USB not a huge requirement at this point. Will try to give all the above a go ASAP. Thanks Chris

All, Again Thanks for the information! At this point I believe I will go the Ape/RespeQt route till I get things situated some more...I will also look into a couple SIO2USB or 9 pin PCI serial cards as I am now a little more limited on the number of 9 pin Serials available. Thanks again, Chris

All, Slowly organizing my "collection" after moving and I realize I have quite a few (4 at this point) good 19 inch VGA Flat panel monitors not being used. So I was thinking.... Are there any devices out there that can convert the 8 bit standard video output (RF?) to the standard VGA 15 pin Monitor? (Do not want to alter the 8 bit computer and also not wanting to break the bank either I am thinking that some of the 8 bits had S video and there are quite a few S-Video to VGA options available...but so far unpacking...I have not ran across a single S-Video one. Thanks, Chris

All, I was looking over my options.... Previously back in 2001 and 2005 I purchased 3 - SIO2PC cables and the APE software from a fellow in Poland...I actually found my EBAY/PAYPAL receipts this afternoon. Back at that point I believe I got the software from the person in Poland in the hardware purchase. Today as of yet... I have been unable to locate that actual software...So I downloaded the trial software for APE...Looking at the price I paid for everything and the software now I am fairly certain it was the trial edition. I know previously I got the cables etc to set up as a file server type arrangement. Basically my PC served a few of my Atari 8 bits and it work great for that functionality. So like DrVenkman's mentioned approach... I am hoping this will do the trick... Some questions that are lingering in my mind before I decide on my purchase; 1) How long does the Ape trial software run....does it finally "Expire"? 2) Has anybody ran the APE software under Wine in Linux? 3) Does the AspeQT software have the same functionality? The reason I ask these questions are I also have some Commodore,TRS80,TI994A disks...These systems are very small amount compared to the Atari. I also have a decent amount of PC 8088/X86 disks that are aging...So the Kryoflux is still a consideration...but the priority of the purchase may change greatly based on the above answers to the questions. Thanks for the help, Chris

All, I am looking for options to back up a large amount of personal Atari 8 bit Floppy Disks. I have both original 8 bit machinery and of course more modern IBM PCs with a 1.2 Floppy Drive. Not so concern with old Commercial software.... most of what I have I see already online... but if the process works then its a added bonus. Basically have a large amount of personal data (school papers,code,shareware etc) I would like to backup on new media to be used in a emulator mostly but also, if possible, to be able to be sent back to the original hardware either by SIO2PC or some other fashion (SIO2?). If I could recreate the original disk that would be fantastic but it is not a requirement. I have consider Kryoflux but I need to understand its capabilities before purchasing. So anyone with experience with that tool please chime in. Thanks so much. Chris