Expanding an Atari 400

[gamer1682]

Im currently looking at an Atari 400, the seller knows it works but doesn't know what how much memory it has on it. I know it's hard to expand due to the fact you have to take the entire case off then SOLDER the freaking 48k on. This is scaring me right now. Does anyone have any previous experience with this? Does anyone know where the expansion port for it is?

 

Any help will be GREATLY APPRECIATED!

 

-gamer1682.

Edited February 2, 2008 by gamer1682

[Scream And Fly]

It's extremely easy. You just plug the 48K RAM board in and just a few points need to be soldered. 15 minute upgrade. If possible, get the Atari OEM 48K upgrade kit (I have two of them).

Edited February 2, 2008 by Scream And Fly

[gamer1682]

how many is few? (lol) Before this I was attempting to mod my flashback 2, which had about 20 or so points.

[+Guitarman]

how many is few? (lol) Before this I was attempting to mod my flashback 2, which had about 20 or so points.

 

 

If I remember, there are only about 3 or 4 jumper wires to be added to the bottom of the main board. Very easy mod.

[mimo]

3 or 4 sounds right, and the solder points are bigger and easier to find than on a FB2

 

link to Guitarmans original post

 

Another option would be to replace the 16K ram board with a 32k one, no soldering involved.

 

If the 400 works and he has a basic cart, just type PRINT FRE(0) and hit return, it will give the available RAM

Edited February 2, 2008 by mimo

[tyranthraxus]

Unless you have a nostalgic connection (or a need to own every Atari 8-bit machine) why bother with a 400 and its awful keyboard?

The 800 would be a better choice, my own favorite Atari computer is the 800XL.

[Goochman]

Ive been on the lookout for a cheap 400 - just to complete my collection - I never owned one and would like to damage my fingers with the keyboard

[mimo]

Unless you have a nostalgic connection (or a need to own every Atari 8-bit machine) why bother with a 400 and its awful keyboard?

The 800 would be a better choice, my own favorite Atari computer is the 800XL.

Because the 400 keyboard is a thing of beauty, and unique

[Scream And Fly]

I love the 400! Here's a rare find - a new, never used Atari 400 and the OEM Atari 48K upgrade kit, sealed.

 

 

 

[+warerat]

Ive been on the lookout for a cheap 400 - just to complete my collection - I never owned one and would like to damage my fingers with the keyboard

 

If you're in the 'States I have a few in great working and cosmetic condition.

[simbalion]

Ok, what does that 'DOM' sticker mean on the computer? I have a parts 800 with two of those stickers on it.

[Scream And Fly]

Ok, what does that 'DOM' sticker mean on the computer? I have a parts 800 with two of those stickers on it.

 

 

I think it means "domestic"

[ClausB]

I love the 400! Here's a rare find - a new, never used Atari 400 and the OEM Atari 48K upgrade kit, sealed.

 

Oh, you tease! Any pictures of an UNsealed 48K upgrade kit? Or docs? Or schematics? Or links?