What mods to put into a 1200XL?

[+Larry]

I have a 1200XL that I'd like to "trick out." But I'm still undecided as to what mods to make. I'm open for suggestions.

What OS's would you pick? What ram upgrade(s). How about an internal MyIDE? The only thing that is really not feasible is putting in a PBI, but pretty much anything else is on the table. OK, probably not a "1250XLD" or "portable 1200" either!

What would you do?

-Larry

[Rybags]

32in1 OS.

 

RAM expansion to 1088K.

 

2.5 inch hard drive.

 

Stereo Pokey.

 

Built in APE (USB version).

[+remowilliams]

32in1 OS, XE compatible memory upgrade, supervideo 2.1, built in SIO2PC USB

[Urchlay]

Supervideo or Clearpic is a must for the 1200XL. The video on an unmodded 1200XL is awful: washed out, fuzzy, and dim...

 

I've got Clearpic, 32-in-1 OS, internal MyIDE, and 256K RAM in my 1200XL. It's the Cadillac of Ataris

 

At some point I'll be adding internal SIO2PC (actually there is one, but it doesn't work...)

[MrMartian]

I had been wondering about this same question! I've just gotten back into my Ataris after years away, and I'm happy to find this forum!

 

I had read in another post (but can't find it with the search) about someone changing out the the 7805's in the power supply with little switchers. I've used these power supply chips myself, and would like to do this mod, but one question.. Is there a reason to keep the two supplies separate, or was it just done to split the current, and I should be fine just bridging them?

[deathtrappomegranate]

How about keeping the computer as it is?

 

I see very little of interest in the various modifications that have been described for the A8 line. My preference is for the original hardware.

[Artlover]

At the very least, start with a Pokey/Gumby of course. Stereo is better then mono, and it's an easy upgrade to perform (atleast it is on the 800xl, I don't see it being any different on the 1200xl).

[+Larry]

At the very least, start with a Pokey/Gumby of course. Stereo is better then mono, and it's an easy upgrade to perform (atleast it is on the 800xl, I don't see it being any different on the 1200xl).

 

A couple of folks have mentioned the Pokey/Gumby mod -- I was unaware that there is any significant body of software to use with it. (?)

-Larry

[Rybags]

Forgot to mention before:

 

Rev C BASIC - or even a bigger, switchable ROM with several other games and/or languages.

[MEtalGuy66]

130 XE MOTHERBOARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

heheh..

[+remowilliams]

How about keeping the computer as it is?

I hear ya. Personally I don't really go for 'over the top' mods or stuff that adds (sorry) dubious functionality value like a dual pokey. I do like to add what I consider things that should have been implemented/corrected to begin with - like the horrible video circuitry and restoring XL/XE compatibility.