Irata 008
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Posts posted by Irata 008
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Can anyone provide advice (and web-links) to right angle pin headers which are suitable for the U1MB being installed in an Atari 600XL please. my U1MB has straight pin headers & will definitely not fit in my 600XL case - with or without the case!
My plan is to install the U1MB above the PBI connector using the 3d printed mount which avoids the need to drill the 600XL circuit board - albeit I have a strong suspicion it is not going to work there due to the location of the keyboard ribbon cable connector - so may need to remove the RF box and install it there instead...
I have found this one on Aliexpress for the 10x2 header - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33009332666.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.71d75d30327t01&algo_pvid=bf03d123-4a60-4b3b-8814-6e998ffd13da&algo_expid=bf03d123-4a60-4b3b-8814-6e998ffd13da-4&btsid=0bb0624716216576842612800eed36&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_
I wonder if that will work? or if there is a better option available?
I was going to buy this one for the 15x2 header - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32699004242.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.75f3292blxBn8X&algo_pvid=b89b8d2f-7d65-4fd8-a472-39137a0d56e5&algo_expid=b89b8d2f-7d65-4fd8-a472-39137a0d56e5-4&btsid=0bb0624316216577312767035e6cf4&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_
... but Aliexpress says that one is no longer available.
I also wondered about this breakable double header strip
I am based in New Zealand so China is good for cheap shipping, but I am happy to purchase elsewhere if that means obtaining the best correct parts.
Also, out of interest, does any U1MB situation require straight header pins? It seems odd that Lotharek uses straight pins and not bent. Even his webpage for U1MB pictures one with bent header pins.
Cheers.
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31 minutes ago, Irata 008 said:
He certainly does. I was assuming that the firmware on your side 3 firmware page is for flashing to side 3 and not u1mb & that my new Side 3 would be flashed to latest firmware on arrival.
Am I to take it therefore that I need to flash the side 3 firmware to my u1mb? Assuming that is the case, which firmware file should I flash? The older larger package (64k approx) or the newer smaller package? (32k approx) ?
actually thinking about this, are these side 3 plug ins for u1mb? (Not that I have a clue how to install plug ins.
I’m sorry for my ignorance. You must get royally p***ed off with these questions. In my defence, Side 2/ u1mb worked out of the box - but I realise we are dealing with a new beast here…. I am eternally grateful for the work you have put into Side and U1MB.
edit: ok I see that below the two side 3 firmware packages there is a u1mb side 3 package. I’ll try flashing that one to my u1mb first.
Right, it was a simple issue.
I saved the bios.rom and ultpbi.rom files contained in U1MB_SIDE3_Firmware_RC_221020.zip to root of my side 2 SD (in a CF adapter). Ran Uflash and flashed the bios.rom without checking to see that I was flashing to the U1MB device. It must have worked as System Information showed firmware version for U1MB had jumped from 3.10 to 3.11.
Next I ran Uflash (from Side 2) to update PBI rom. No joy as I was only seeing Side 2 device and could not open U1MB to flash ("device not present" IIRC).
So I tried toggling the side 2 switch from down position to up position and rebooted and ran uflash again from Side 2 loader. Joy! I could see the U1MB again. Flashed PBI slot with the ultpbi.rom file and that flashed fine.
I also see that the Side 3 loader firmware version 0.29... is referred to in system info.
Now Side 3 works. Only issue is with Basic disabled, my Atari is booting to self test and not side 3 loader. Presumably there is a setting somewhere I have overlooked...
Anyhow, sorry for taking up your valuable time on this, & thanks for all your work on U1MB, Side 2 and Side 3.
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8 hours ago, flashjazzcat said:
I thought Lotharek had a link to this on the product page, but in any case - you need the pre-release U1MB firmware for SIDE 3:
https://atari8.co.uk/firmware/side3/
See 'downloads' section.
He certainly does. I was assuming that the firmware on your side 3 firmware page is for flashing to side 3 and not u1mb & that my new Side 3 would be flashed to latest firmware on arrival.
Am I to take it therefore that I need to flash the side 3 firmware to my u1mb? Assuming that is the case, which firmware file should I flash? The older larger package (64k approx) or the newer smaller package? (32k approx) ?
actually thinking about this, are these side 3 plug ins for u1mb? (Not that I have a clue how to install plug ins.
I’m sorry for my ignorance. You must get royally p***ed off with these questions. In my defence, Side 2/ u1mb worked out of the box - but I realise we are dealing with a new beast here…. I am eternally grateful for the work you have put into Side and U1MB.
edit: ok I see that below the two side 3 firmware packages there is a u1mb side 3 package. I’ll try flashing that one to my u1mb first.
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On 10/24/2020 at 12:23 AM, flashjazzcat said:
Thanks for bringing this up. To avoid confusion in the future, the next version of the loader for U1MB displays 'No device' when SIDE2 is not detected (rather than 'Waiting for media'). You've definitely started the wrong loader, anyway. Turn everything off on the U1MB, boot SIDE3 in loader mode, and run s3loader.xex. However, since you've already updated the cart on the other machine, you're done anyway.
Sorry if this has been covered here or elsewhere, I am tired and getting annoyed at what I am sure is a simple issue.
I too am getting the 'waiting for media' message in the Side Loader with Side 3. I am clearly not using the new sd card loader as I am seeing the HDD media icon rather than the SD card icon I can see on Flashjazzcat's Side 3 videos (which I still need to watch!!)
My situation:
- I started with an Atari 800 XL with U1MB previously running firmware 3.02 (IIRC) with Side 2.
- Upgraded U1MB with latest version I can find on Flashjazzcat's website (version 3.10, 512kb) using "Uflash.xex" and firmware "Ultimate.rom" - using my side 2 cart. Then rebooted and checked U1MB system information and it says version 3.10.
- formatted 2GB SD Card as Fat 32 (or 16?)
- copied s3loader.xex to root of SD card
- insert Side 3 with SD card into 800xl
- computer boots to self test
- hit Help to run U1MB bios settings menu
- hit L to run side loader.
I have reviewed all the U1MB menus looking for an option to disable the U1MB loader but no luck. Any help appreciated. Thanks!
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Hi all,
I am about to embark on upgrading my 2 600 Xls using the 3 wire method described in this forum with a view to then installing a Lotharek U1MB into one of them.
Before I proceed, can anyone tell me if there are any compatibility issues with this upgrade? Is an 600XL upgraded using this method 100% identical to the Atari 800XL in operation?
Also, can anyone tell me if U1MB causes compatibility issues with any significant software titles, or is it only incompatible with a few obscure titles or titles deliberately designed not to work with U1MB?
Thanks for all the detailed guides and information on this forum!
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On 9/22/2011 at 2:08 AM, Asure said:
A little OT: Anybody ever find a source for the buttons on the 1010? I have one with a few broken buttons, mostly due to 'plastic rot' since 198x.. i think with new belts & buttons, this 1010 could work.
13matt: I have another 1010 on the way, that would probably require new belts. If you can put me down for two sets (and cheap 'envelope+stamp' shipping to .nl) i'm up for that
Rather late for a reply but ... back in the day I found that breaking button legs was a regular occurrence on the 1010. After forking out $$ a few replacements, I found that I could superglue the button leg back on and then glue a match stick along the leg to strengthen it. This worked ok, but some buttons would still break again eventually requiring replacement.
it now occurs to me that the fix could be to use a thin rod of hardened steel instead of the matchstick. A thin diameter 25-30mm pin head nail (the kind used for light decorative skirting boards, scotias and architraves etc) might work but I suspect you’d want something harder and less flexible.
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22 hours ago, flashjazzcat said:
Jason?
In the absence of SIDE3, the AVG cart seems to me clearly the best option (not least because it can emulate SIDE2).
Sorry Johnathan! Brain fade...
AVG cart it is then. Thanks for all the great work you’ve done and are doing on Atari’s
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2 hours ago, flashjazzcat said:
Correct.
Hardware prevents this being a reality, since (for one thing) cart emulation requires dedicated RAM on the device. U1MB's 1MB of RAM is for the extended PORTB memory, and SIDE2 has no RAM on it whatsoever.
SIDE3 will (eventually) do everything all in one device (i.e. everything SIDE2 does, plus cart emulation), but in the meantime, you need to look to UNO, AVG, Ultimate Cart, etc.
As usual very succinct and clear info Jason. I’m waiting for side 3 ...
There seems to be a flow or trickle of new games which take advantage of 1MB cart bank switching - Wonderboy is an immediate example. Cash and covid restrictions permitting (im in NZ), I’m looking at ordering a cart emulator which can handle 1mb banked cart emulation.
I looked at this about 6 months ago, marvelled at some carts which can emulate others (iirc one or two can even emulate side 2) and got totally confused.
Which current (ie available) one or ones would you recommend as being the most compatible and useful?
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Wonderboy on A8 - a dream come true!!!
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On 5/12/2018 at 7:22 PM, flashjazzcat said:
No banked carts, but you can soft-load quite a few 8K ROMs (and CARs using the upcoming firmware).
I’m Checking to see if U1MB can emulate banked carts but assume it can’t. Assuming I am correct is there any way that either U1MB or side 2 could handle banked cart emulation in the future ? Or does the hardware prevent that ever being a reality?
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On 4/8/2020 at 11:14 AM, _The Doctor__ said:
there were bobotron off shoots possibly that maybe you miss remember as bopo?
No, that is definitely the game I typed in. One of the first games I had at the time. Around that time I started renting (Tape) games from a mail order place and copying them with a tape copier program I got somewhere (& if that failed, my friend’s double cassette boom box)
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On 4/2/2020 at 12:40 AM, Fierodoug5 said:
Bopotron is avail on atarimania.
http://www.atarimania.com/game-atari-400-800-xl-xe-bopotron_737.html
Doh - usually my first port of call. Thanks for that.
So having, played the game again (didn't know that Altirra can load *.bas files using the FILE - BOOT IMAGE option) I think it sucks! So much for my rose tinted spectacle memories...
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Could someone post a link to an archive of updated and error checked analog magazine disks please.
i particularly want issue 24 (Nov 1984) for Bopotron.
I remember typing it on and thinking it was the best type in I’d ever seen and better than many commercial games I had at the time.
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Did this project ever go anywhere? I've got a 130Xe in urgent need of case and keyboard...
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Any updates on this new case and keyboard project? I've got a 130XE motherboard lying around in need of a case and keyboard, so definitely keen!
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Just to add my 2 cents worth, after my U1MB upgrade installation on my Atari 800XL, I was experiencing very muffled sound at low volume (even with display volume maxed). Key clicks seemed normal but games and demos sounded horrible.
After reading this and other forum threads, I replaced C19, C20 and C22 and the problem seems to be cured.
These capacitors are all 4.7µf 35V NP (no polarity) electrolytic capacitors. As I was unable to purchase caps rated at 35v , I purchased 4.7µf, 50v NP capacitors and they seem to work fine.
Here's some videos (fast forward towards end of first video if you want to get to the good stuff):
Before: https://youtu.be/JrnVlW4U7QE
After: https://youtu.be/P9zdhvcVFkg
Once again, saved by all the great knowledge on Atariage!! Thanks guys.
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The 8-bit version of Gyrus was unbelievably better than the 2600. Not to mention PacMan!
Coincidentally, both games were both programmed by Joe Hellesen - as I learnt this morning listening to Kevin Savetz interview him on the Antic Atari Podcast for 12 July.
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As a follow up, Retroleum shipped the RAM and other goodies I ordered in record time, I swapped out the suspected dodgy hungarian ram with the units supplied by Retroleum and no more Memory test errors (ran it for 4 hours with no faults).
I also ordered a number of IC sockets & pin cutters and was impressed with the quality. The IC sockets in particular appear to be of a better quality than a few I purchased recently from an Auckland NZ retailer - Suplustronics.
Another bonus was that not only does Retroleum set fair P&P prices for shipping from the UK (unlike many other retailers), Retroleum combined my two separate orders and refunded a fair chunk of the total P&P charges I had paid. Retroleum gets my vote as a top hobbyist supplier!!
Now I've just got to get my MMU and OS ship desoldered and socketed so I can proceed with installing Lotharek's U1MB! (a local AtariAge member has already offered to assist with his desoldering gun, so membership definitely has its benefits - probably helps a little that the same guy also sold me my Atari 800XL & also my ST).
Once thats sorted, I'm looking forward to pimping my recently acquired real 16 bit Atari - an Amiga 500. (My recently acquired ST at least has a Gotek type FDD emulator, but after playing with that for a day or so, I remembered why - back in the late 80s - I took my original ST back to the computer store after a few days to swap for an Amiga).
Thanks for all the great help here guys & gals.
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I have used NOS TI 4164's that I purchased off ebay in bulk on several 8-bits that I repaired and they work great!
"NOS TI 4164's" I'm not sure what NOS means. Are these the same as the TI Rams that Vyper68 referred me to?
This is what the Retroleum.co.uk listing for the RAM I ordered says:
4164 RAM Chip - Texas Instruments Brand- Organization: 64K x 1, Speed: 150ns or faster, Package: 16 pin DIL
- Unused, clean, old stock parts (condition as new - all chips tested before dispatch)
- Texas Instruments brand.
This chip will replace:
- Upper RAM chips in the ZX Spectrum 48K (Replaces TMS4532-15NL3, TMS4532-15NL4 , OKI M3732H-20 etc)*
- Spectrum 128 RAM chip (RAM in 'toast rack' 128k and in early 128 +2s)
- Commodore 64 RAM chips (most 'breadbin' models use 8 RAM chips. Note: The 64C uses 2 x 41464)
* These 4164 chips serve as a universal replacement for all the different types of UPPER RAM chips originally used in the Spectrum 48K - IE: You can use these to replace any number of bad chips at IC15-IC22 no matter what type of chips were originally installed (and the configuration links can be left alone). Please note: These chips cannot be (directly) used to replace the "4116" chips used for the LOWER 16KB of RAM in the bottom left of the Spectrum 48 PCB.
Faulty RAM chips in the C64 often result in an "Out of Memory" error on boot or less than 38911 bytes free. In the Spectrum, when the upper RAM is bad the system will often boot faster and work as a 16K machine. One crude but often effective way to test which chip is bad, is to "piggy-back" a working chip on each RAM chip one at a time. If the error goes away or at least changes, there's a good chance that chip is faulty.
I presume that Speed: "150ns or faster" means the RAM switches state in 150ns or under. Hopefully this is quick enough for the Atari...
Anyhow, Retroleum is showing 30 units still in stock, so assuming they work, the price @ £ 1.20 is definitely good! (fair shipping prices too).
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Hi
Regarding point #3
Here is a place selling TI 4164's ( listed for C64 but would imagine they work in A8 ) @ £1.20 each ( He ships to USA so imagine he will send to New Zealand )
https://www.retroleum.co.uk/c64-chips
I have some Hitachi 4864's which are pin compatible with 4164's ( they aren't for sale btw ) - So if you find some 4864's they should work too.
Thanks for this Vyper68. I have gone ahead and ordered 10 (8 plus 2 spareTI 4164's and will try them out. I'll report back when they've arrived and been fitted.
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Hi Guys,
Resurrecting an old post. Posts I've been able to find on this topic are getting old...
I have an Atari 800XL (mainly non-socketed) which had ram sockets and replacement (hungarian 4264) RAM fitted by the former owner.
I have been getting random ram errors for about 6 months now. The computer will work fine and run ram test no worries for a couple of hours and then starts glitching / crashing and mem test fails. Sometimes mem test runs through no problems and then fails on subsequent pass.
I havn't checked the soldering on the ram sockets and before I do that I want to get hold of some replacement RAM.
What I have learnt:
1) It seems 4164 RAM is what was originally used. I understand that the mT brand RAM is to be avoided.
2) My Atari has 4264 RAM currently fitted. Many recommendations recommend 4264 or 4164.
3) Indeed. I have an original 130XE motherboard and all the RAM is mT 4264-20 except the module in top right corner which is marked NEC 8504R0167 D4164C-15. I have read this is a common RAM chip configuration for 130XE's - possibly because the first chip position was the most likely to fail, so Atari simply used more reliable NEC chips in the first position. I can't pull these chips for testing on my 800XL because they are soldered and I haven't tested or had the 130xe board running yet.
4) Futurlec is no longer selling 4164 or 4264 RAM - I have just had a 3 month old order cancelled and refunded.
Questions:
1) Could poor RAM socket soldering be the cause of my random RAM errors? Or is the (Hungarian) replacement RAM installed by the previous owner more likely to be the culprit?
2) Does it matter whether I use 4164 or 4264 RAM? I don't want to make motherboard modifications to accommodate non-spec RAM as once I have RAM sorted I want to install Lotharek's U1MB upgrade.
3) Where is the best place to purchase replacement RAM at a reasonable cost?
4) what are best RAMs to use for reliability (and the required timing)?
Cheers and sorry if I have overlooked the answers to these questions.
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Wireless USB keyboard for 8 bit atari would rock!
Is this only planned for xegs? Id be keen to see this as an internal 800xl mod with orIgnal keyboard attached and still working.
A wireless joystick port interface that communicates with modern Bluetooth joysticks would be a fine companion too.
As I have no skills or expertise in this area I can only dream and wish.
Good luck with this great project!!!
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Would you be keen to fit Lotharek's U1Mb for me?? ( Ordered a month ago and languishing in the Polish postal system)
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If your first name starts with "A", you live in a suburb starting with "G" and you have a 400 for sale on TradeMe - then yes, I bought from you (and an ST with a non working "help" key
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A new 27 inch monitor that is available and works 100%!
in Atari ST/TT/Falcon Computers
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So did anyone from nz or aus try this out?
I see we can buy the Dell 27 “ at Jbhifi in nz for $299.
https://www.jbhifi.co.nz/computers-tablets/monitors/dell/dell-se2722h-27-full-hd-monitor/395888/