blakespot

That's it, thanks! Anyone have this on a disk image file? I can't get these files loaded under the latest version of NoSTalgia for OS X. :-( Thanks. bp

Anyone have this compiled? I am having trouble getting through it, and the previous version (avail as binary) does not run under Snow Leopard, it seems. Thanks. bp

Can anyone point me to the old Audio Light X-Mas demo for the Atari ST that came out in 86 or so that features this scene in its slideshow: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2122133/xmas_cat.png ?? I'd be grateful. I want to relive that Christmas magic... Thanks! blakespot

Surely somewhere. Right? If not, can we figure out a place to start it off? About me: My first computer was a TI-99/4A. I got it Christmas 1982. I was 10 years old. Here is a picture taken the day after Christmas, 1982: I have a current system -- not the same one -- and just ordered a CC-40. Want to do more messing w/ the TI. blakespot

Recently, some devices have become avail that lets old hardware's keyboards be converted to USB or PS/2 format. Does a device exist that would allow an Atari 1200XL keyboard to be utilized in this fashion, without dramatic work? Thanks. blakespot

I know it's not directly Atari related, but Jeff did so much good for Atari home computers and the Jag. I had to post it: http://toucharcade.com/2009/12/22/legendary-indie-developer-jeff-minter-finds-the-iphone I can't wait to see what he's got coming. blakespot

I'm typing this right now on a 1200xl connected to my Dell desktop via ps/2. I used a Hagstrom universal keyboard encoder to convert the xl keyboard matrix to ps/2 codes. Google Hagstrom Electronics and you'll find them. I believe they also sell a usb version, but perhaps not for Mac. Hooking it up requires mapping the 1200xl's keyboard matrix and soldering a ribbon cable to the appropriate pins of the 1200xl's own encoder IC's. The Hagstrom encoder includes a software program that lets you assign whatever ps/2 code you want to each Atari key, including the function keys (e.g., on mine, I use the BREAK key for ctl-alt-del, the inverse key for F11 (fullscreen), and F1-f4 for cursor controls same as stock). You could even attach an old Atari numeric keypad as well. Since you won't be using the 1200xl computer as a computer (mine can be either or), that's all that's too it. If you want a dual system, then you have to install a switch to interrupt some of the connections when using in 1200xl mode because the universal encoder messes with the Atari for some reason I haven't figured out yet. If you want more info, I can email you pics, info, etc. Thanks - I'd love to know how much of a job it was to hook the thing up. Look at Hagstrom's site: http://www.hagstromelectronics.com/products/modules.html Looks like the USB modules might not have enough inputs to map the whole kbd for Mac / PC use right? I guess I could go PS/2 and then convert that to USB with another device...? Thanks. blakespot

I have a desire to use an Atari 1200XL in a casemod, embedding a stripped down Mac mini or the like inside and using the 1200XL's keyboard on the Mac. Does a XL keyboard to USB adapter exist? If not, what would it take to build one? I've got several such converters for other systems (Amiga to PS/2 keyboard, etc.) but have no idea if such a thing exists for the XL keyboard. Thanks. blakespot

I know the 7800 sat on the shelf for a few years before hitting market, but it was never clear to me -- IS it, in fact, more powerful than the Atari 400/800/5200? I read somewhere that it is programmed like the 2600, "chasing the raster," as opposed to how the 5200 worked. Is that a step forward? Any articles on this topic someone can point me to? Thanks. blakespot

I just posted this over at the GP2X forum as not only a Lynx, but also a GP2X as well as a Nin DS was featured in this chick's geek gallery. Not safe for work (and no affiliation to this site myself): http://www.kellysarcade.com/?mode=previews...;set=hand_games Nice image tho... :-> bp

Selling my ST's Atari SH204 drive. In case anyone interested. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...em=120129604833 FYI. blakespot

http://www.atariactive.com It lives on here. blakespot

...Fitting any of these games' code AND graphics into 4096 bytes, well, I'd call that miraculous more than bad programming. blakespot

You've surely heard of the distellamap project, but you may not have seen a framed distella print. See my blog article about it here: http://www.bytecellar.com/archives/000102.php blakespot

I do a: MAKEDISK /WRITE IMAGE.ST /AUTO ...and the disks never work. One disk displayed a boot-loader, but the disk was empty when we got to the GEM desktop. What am I doing wrong ? Using 98SE booting into Command Prompt Only (DOS). Please help!! Tnx! blakespot

I'd kill for the Sanyo MBC-55x version and a proper emulator to play it on. blakespot

I posted re: Kroah's Decompilation website on Digg: http://www.digg.com/gaming_news/Amazing_ga...nto_retro_games Digg the article and send props to Kroah. He just added Time Bandit (ST) to the mix. Impressive. blakespot

New 520ST case is $35 and new set of keycaps is $20. They had a SIMM-based RAM upgrade kit for the 520ST for $80, I think without any SIMMs. Sits in the Shifter socket and requires about 16 solder points to the mobo. I may go this route at some point - but am prob. ok w/ 512K for my purposes. blakespot

Nice resource, Best Elec. I just ordered a new 520ST case and a new set of keycaps. Is it hard to get the old caps off? Thanks! blakespot

I did some searching and found people talking about chip seating issues w/ this symptom - so I did the "front drop" drill and it didn't help. So I opened the unit up and applied pressure to each socketed chip. Did the trick. blakespot

Thanks for the response - I just PMed you. blakespot

Looks wonderful - bravo! There were "short" 520ST's from the factory w/ 1MB? How hard are they to find? This unit has no yellowing at all (mine), either - but sadly someone who opened the unit in the past put two of the long case screws up front, causing two "nipples" to appear near the front of the case where the screws pressed the plastic up beyond their intended point. The same thing happened the my original 520ST back in 1987 when someone upgraded my RAM (solder) and didn't keep track of which case screw went where. It's _juuuuust_ irritating enough that I will probably keep on the lookout for another 520ST that is more perfect to use. Maybe it will be 1MB. :-) I may well look for a switchbox and add a SM124 next to the SC1224 on top of the STation. (Same config I had years ago.) blakespot

Got it all setup. Had to open the ST and reseat the socketed chips, but all ok now. blakespot

I just got an Atari 520ST and when I power it on I get either a white screen w/ no disk activity or a solid green screen. What does the green screen mean? Thanks. blakespot

I am looking for a very good condition+ Atari SC1224 screen v2 - the JVC unit w/ the sweeping back and power button on front. Thanks. blakespot