radventure

April fools?! (really hope not though)

Just want to chime in on my experience so far. I bought an O2 in the early days of the pandemic, when pricing was better and shipping wasn't insane. As life went crazy, it never really got unpacked or even tested, just sat in a box. Until recently. I've recapped it, composite mod (easily) built and installed, controllers stripped and cleaned - everything is solid and works beautifully(including the original membrane keyboard, take that Sinclair ZX81!). Killer Bees and UFO are really great games and I've tracked down a Pickaxe Pete cart (currently in shipping). I can get a bunch of fun gaming done in the time it would take to sign-in and update (grrrr) a current gen console - but I'm not saying anything new to retro gamers on this point. Every platform has iconic and unique games. They usually make enough impact for people to want to port them to other platforms and I think the Odyssey 2 had more than it's fair share of those. For example the O2 Robot City prototype ported by @Thomas Jentzsch to the 2600. It was actually mention of this game development that had me look into the Odyssey 2 (it was not a machine I had ANY exposure to previously). Thankfully this porting thing is happening* for the O2 also, a nice example being the port of H.E.R.O. by Ivan Machado (just ordered my copy, thanks Marc Verraes !!!). * AFAIK, there's a quietly active homebrew scene for the Odyssey 2 / Videopac and even an internet connected cartridge in the works. The pace seems a bit slower, it's a bit more distributed in terms of who / where from and there's a little less volume of titles, but this isn't a bad thing if you're overwhelmed by the amazing amount of titles coming for the Atari stable. The 2600, Intellivision, NES, Sega Master System, Mega Drive are systems also in my possession. They all have their strengths and weaknesses, but I am really glad to have spent the time getting the O2 sorted out. It has a vibe all of it's own and I'm all for that. With a multicart (for the original O2 / VP titles) and a couple of the more recent homebrew carts released for it, I could happily have an O2 as my "Desert Island" retro console.

I replaced the electrolytic caps on my recently revamped O2 (O2 and videopac must be a thing right now haha). Swapped in a modern voltage regulator also. I didnt have anything for the poly caps at the time and I dont feel they're affecting the console, so I might leave them. It sounds like The Voice module is prone to breakdown. I could have sworn I'd seen some info about a project for a modern recreation somewhere

Hoping to have a functional II soon. Will be another Orange Peel sale as soon as that happens 🙂

I think I'll start with PiRTO, thank you for helping clarify 🙂....now to my BSOD Inty II

I went with a SoftSP Card + wDrive, which has some WOZ support AFAIK(no expert, barely aware of the fact there are WOZ images). So far it's great, but my requirements are low at this point of my learning. Choices also come down to where you are geographically these days I feel (in terms of shipping costs especially!!). I bought through mfa2lab. Be aware of the "Pin 12" thing if you're using a II, II+ or IIe, Disk II interface card, a SoftSP card and the Floppy Emu (doesn't affect the Disk II + SoftSP + wDrive combo). Simple to avoid, isolating Pin 12 on the connecting cable or adapter. Read more here (BMOW)

Awesome work on getting another multicart option! Seeing this thread has got me troubleshooting my Inty II while I wait on parts for other projects / piles of shame. Not being very Intellivision-aware, I'm trying to work out the current limitations of the PiRTO. Are any modern homebrew titles able to run on it? What feature requirements should I look out for when purchasing ROMs if I'm using a PiRTO? Just avoid anything that needs "JLP"(wow the INTV Prime FAQ is BIG)? Cautiously eyeing off "Dragon Quest", if I can get the Inty II running and build a PiRTO.

STILL waiting for fleaBay to deliver my recently purchased (gouged) NTSC Jr. Fingers crossed it's NOT a 1 chip, unlikely, but knowing my luck - that would be disappointing for this application. I've got a v2 board to test. I'm a bit keen on hopefully smoother install as there's also a light 6'er I've been wiring up for a UAV.... and it's spaghetti central.

Apologies Thomas, I incorrectly recalled who mentioned it. I should be holding @Al_Nafuur partially responsible for me ordering more stuff (all good of course 🙂, exciting stuff). The Stelladaptor was mentioned some posts back and my brain tends to associate the phrase "Stella" with you automatically.

I have a new Pi 3b+ on order, along with a couple of Sullins EBC12DCWN cart connectors.... hope they're the ones! A pair of SN74LVC245AN .... and I'm *partially* blaming @Thomas Jentzsch for me now also ordering PCBs and the items in the BOM, needed for a pair of Stelladaptors. Those enclosures are cheap enough, but the shipping isn't! Might be heat-shrink wrapped by the looks of it. I'll have to sort a breadboard and jumperwire next

Would a Pi 3b+ be the path-of-least-resistance for mirroring the *something*Stella*something*'s (public) progress? I'm trying to source a new one, but they're a little scarce and less cost effective currently.

As someone who is tempted but still undecided on pre-ordering.... I may be swayed with any info on how good the new joystick is. Has this been mentioned somewhere? Paddle combo box is no longer available for pre-order (at least with Amazon AU / authorised AU distribution)!?

Even used SMS controllers are getting pricey where I am and I prefer the NES controller (especially as you can easily get cost-effective replacement silicon membranes for the buttons / d-pad). There are PCB designs available that let you wire up for SMS and (assuming) 2 button function with the 2600 - could be an option

I'm just throwing out a thank you to all involved with the MX (and the projects leading to it). I'm waiting on all the components and board needed to build one. I hadn't even considered an Aquarius until stumbling on to the Aquarius MX project (I'm also waiting on an original Aquarius). From that rabbit hole, I also spotted the awesome Aquarius Draw ... Just the fact that so many resources have been made available to allow the home, semi-proficient DIY user to assemble what seems to be a VERY impressive enhancement / expansion for this extra-underdog(under-under-dog?), is completely amazing. I'll also mention the availability of DIY versions of the composite mod and a basic controller stand-in. This is a massive relief in the world of crazy shipping costs or complexity, escalating component prices, commercial/marketplace gouging etc. All going well (it might take a little while to determine this), I'll be looking hard at the Aquarius+ instead of my usual "get a second old *insert vintage computer/console name here* as a spare". I've committed to a couple of commercially available Aquarius items and so far, one excellent new game (looking at you Dungeon Quest). This little 8bitter and its enthusiastic and accessible community, really deserve more attention. Maybe not so-much attention that jacks the prices up for us non-US types trying to get into the Aquarius scene however 😏

Excellent news! Are you guys considering adding in Aquarius coverage at all?