cbmeeks

That 32K internal mod looks interesting. Has anyone here performed that mod? Was it worth it? I'm not sure I know what the document means when it says it isn't as good as the 16 bit mod. What is it talking about there? Granted, I haven't read the entire document yet but I will. Thanks.

Thanks for the information.

I can't seem to find info on this. Is there a new, modern upgrade for 32K? Do I need the PEB for it? Thanks for any info.

I'm wanting to get some of those IBM computers. But they have skyrocketed on eBay once the vultures learned they are collectible.

Thanks for the responses. To answer a few questions.. I am using 64 bit Windows 10. The USB to 9 pin serial is based on the FTDI chip but I have used it successfully recently. I use it to transfer data to an Apple IIe serial card. So I know it works and the driver should be good. I think the problem is on the APE end. What does it take to get 64 bit RS232 support? Buying the software? Thanks.

I am using an original Atari 800. On my Windows 10 machine, I have a USB to 9 pin adapter. My SIO to PC device is the old one (NOT USB). The SIO to PC worked on my Windows XP machine years ago. The USB to 9 pin adapter I have now works with other devices. But they don't seem to work together. I run the configuration wizard and it says it was successful. However, it then shows "[Device Manager] RS232 Driver Failed to Initialize! (USB ONLY Mode Enabled)" Booting the Atari from a mounted disk does nothing. I only get the memo pad. The version of APE I am using is 3.0.2. The SIO to PC devices just shows a red light. Any ideas what it could be? Thanks.

I understand what you're saying. However, I don't think I would ever compare prices from Chinese eBay sellers and the actual authors of a device. Again, using the F18A as an example, if it suddenly became available on eBay (from China) for $10 I would question the quality. Also keep in mind that most of this stuff is made in China anyway. I saw a video one time where a designer said he/she (can't remember) discovered that they were selling a widget for $10. The cost from China was $5. But what the company was doing was building TWO for $5. Selling one to the author and selling the other on the black market for $8. Numbers are off but you get the idea. So much of the stuff you get from China are like that. Now, that isn't a jab at the Chinese. I'm sure there are many legit Chinese companies. Just saying... Anyway, my original point is that I understand some markup from the builders because they make small quantities. So they don't get the bulk pricing. But, again, depends on the product.

Regarding the Harlequin, it's a motherboard designed in Spain to use the reversed engineered ULA from Chris Smith. Google the board and you will see. Regarding the TED....no, I wished I did. I'm wanting to start an FPGA project inspired by the F18a. I'd like to create a drop in replacement for either the TED or VIC in the VIC-20.

I ran into this about 9 years ago. I superglued the button on and use a power strip. I regret doing this as there are better ways. But it works and you can't see the glue. When my 1084S dies you will see a grown man cry.

I have a small home office where I keep some in storage boxes. In my basement I have two shelved that hold the bulk. Plus some on the floor. I have a few in a storage building. Most of my computers are the all in one where the keyboard and computer are together. Like Atari, C64, etc. I can get 2-4 of those in a small container. Then I stack them. Some of my computers are just motherboards. Like my five Atari ST boards. One 5 run shelf holds about 20 computers. If stored correctly.

I somewhat agree with this. However, sometimes it can't be helped. For example, the F18a's main FPGA chip is around $23 or so. 25% of the total cost. And FPGA is harder to build by hand so there has to be some labor. It really depends on the item.

Oh yeah. I saw one on eBay about 8 years ago or so. I think it went for several grand even then. Before the eBay scalpers moved in.

Dammit. Add one more. A Tandy 1000 EX. I remember it was about $20 but came with a large dot matrix printer. I asked the guy to keep the printer so the shipping was cut in half.

OMG I just realized I forgot some!! I got a free Atari 800 XL, bought a ZX81, TI CC40 and a ZX Speccy clone called the Harlequin.

Yeah. It's hard to turn down a TI, for example, that is only $15. Or a VIC-20 that is $18.

That's what I meant. Just typed it wrong on this stupid iPhone. Lol

Correct. I typed that wrong. But that's what I meant. Wrong quote. Stupid mobile site. Please delete since I can't.

Sorry to hear about your mom passing. I have a couple similar experiences. My very first computer was a TI 994/a when I was 9 years old. When I was older I sort of forgot about it and left it at my parents' house. Years later I learned it was moved to a storage trailer where it eventually was destroyed by the weather. When I was 12, my mom bought me my second computer. A C64c. When I was 16, I sold that computer to a friend for $80. Always regretted that.

That's a great haul.

Actually, it might look better in reverse. The smaller clouds on the bottom to give the illusion of distance. The larger top clouds would move slower. This is just a hunch.

That's still a good deal. Plus/4's can be bought pretty cheap. So can TI's. I try to buy them incomplete or broken. Many times a good cleaning and resocket will fix them up.

Keep in mind I have nearly 70 vintage computers. But these are the ones I bought since 2016. I clearly have an addiction. Lol Amiga 1000 Amiga 500 Commodore 128D ZX Spectrum 16k expanded to 48k VIC-20 Commodore Plus/4 Atari 800 TI 994/a beige In my defense, many of these were sold as "not working" but I've managed to get most of them running. Am I sick or what? Hehehe

I have close to 70 vintage computers and 30 vintage consoles yet I want more. My short list of things I want but cannot buy (can't justify cost for a hobby): Apple Lisa Apple III Commodore 65 (yes, 65) Atari Falcon Spectrum 128 (shipping is killer) MSX 1/2/3 (any brand) Apple IIc Apple II+ ORIC-1 BBC Micro Amstrad (can't remember model) Many more....

That would be awesome! I'd like to see that.

I might throw in some Magnavox Oddsey2 for good measure.