ATARI 1040STFM -- TV Hookup?

[Daze]

Hi guys,

 

I just got an Atari 1040STFM. It does have a TV OUT port at the back with a channel selection (labeled as H and L). I hooked the TV OUT port (which is just an RCA connector) to my TV's video input, but I get no video at all. I changed the channel selectors but no luck. I have a newer TV, so I am not sure if that is the problem.

 

Any ideas? I am absolutely dying to get this thing working.

 

As an side: While I had an Atari 800 XL while growing up, this computer was donated to me so I couldn't say no. I kind of would love to collect any Atari computers I can get my grubby hands on. If anyone wants to do, give me a shout.

 

Thanks.

[Rybags]

You'll need to tune a channel on the TV so it picks up the computer.

 

If it's a US or Australian machine, it should tune in somewhere on the VL band.

 

If it's a UK or European machine, then I think it should be UHF.

[atarian1]

You need to get a TV/game switchbox first and hook it up to your TV. Then you plug the RCA cable between the 1040ST and the switchbox.

 

You cannot hook up the 1040ST RF output directly into the composite input of your TV.

[Rybags]

Switchbox doesn't matter, it's just a convenience thing if you happen to do a more permanent setup.

 

I did assume he was connecting the STs TV output to the antenna socket of the TV, but yeah, you'll get absolutely no joy if connecting the ST to the A/V socket.

[Daze]

Switchbox doesn't matter, it's just a convenience thing if you happen to do a more permanent setup.

 

I did assume he was connecting the STs TV output to the antenna socket of the TV, but yeah, you'll get absolutely no joy if connecting the ST to the A/V socket.

Rybags,

 

The antenna input on my TV is a coaxial type connector and I only had an RCA to RCA cable lying around. But I assume there are RCA to Coax connector cables available somewhere?

 

Also, since the machine came with no cables whatsoever and not even a mouse, how do I connect one to it? Is the ST connector for the mouse standard serial? I did see some very expensive USB to whatever the ST uses converters on eBay.

 

Thanks guys for your help so far.

[Rybags]

You can get adaptors for the various types of antenna connections.

 

Or if you happen to have an 8-bit Atari, 2600 Jr or Commodore 8-bit computer, you could just use the TV cable from one of those.

 

The ST mouse isn't serial. It's unique to the ST, although very similar to an Amiga mouse, so one of those can be adapted by swapping some wires about internally.

 

Don't bother with the usual mouse adaptors you see around - they generally adapt PS2 to RS232 and vice-versa, neither of which is any good for the ST.

 

There are PS2 to ST type adaptors, but AFAIK they were only ever a homebrew project and doubt they were ever sold as a full-on commercial product.

[Daze]

You can get adaptors for the various types of antenna connections.

 

Or if you happen to have an 8-bit Atari, 2600 Jr or Commodore 8-bit computer, you could just use the TV cable from one of those.

 

The ST mouse isn't serial. It's unique to the ST, although very similar to an Amiga mouse, so one of those can be adapted by swapping some wires about internally.

 

Don't bother with the usual mouse adaptors you see around - they generally adapt PS2 to RS232 and vice-versa, neither of which is any good for the ST.

 

There are PS2 to ST type adaptors, but AFAIK they were only ever a homebrew project and doubt they were ever sold as a full-on commercial product.

For the mouse, what about something like this? Granted, it is a bit expensive.

eBay Auction -- Item Number: 330417261287

 

Thanks.

[Rybags]

I guess so... looks like some sort of homebrew using a microcontroller.

 

I don't know that too many people would be keen on selling their ST or Amiga mice, so something like that might be your best option.

[Shredder11]

Go buy a PeST PS/2 mouse interface from techie_allison....you will not regret it!

[+Stephen Moss]

Hi guys,

 

I just got an Atari 1040STFM. It does have a TV OUT port at the back with a channel selection (labeled as H and L). I hooked the TV OUT port (which is just an RCA connector) to my TV's video input, but I get no video at all. I changed the channel selectors but no luck. I have a newer TV, so I am not sure if that is the problem.

 

Any ideas? I am absolutely dying to get this thing working.

 

Although you can connect at RCA/Phono cable to it, it is not a composite video output which is what I assume you though it was buy connecting it to "my TV's video input". The output is a modulated RF signal output and so you will need to connect it to your Arial/Antenna input and tune the ST in just like tuning in any other channel.

If you do not have a suitable cable from another system you can use any electical retailer who sell TV sets should be able to supply you with an RF (co-axial) cable.

[Daze]

Although you can connect at RCA/Phono cable to it, it is not a composite video output which is what I assume you though it was buy connecting it to "my TV's video input". The output is a modulated RF signal output and so you will need to connect it to your Arial/Antenna input and tune the ST in just like tuning in any other channel.

If you do not have a suitable cable from another system you can use any electical retailer who sell TV sets should be able to supply you with an RF (co-axial) cable.

I would pick up a cable such as this, but since I have ordered a monitor to composite output cable from eBay, I'll wait for it to come by.

 

Thank you everyone for clearing this up!

Edited April 7, 2010 by Daze