New Coleco Adam Owner!

[craigm71]

Hay everyone, I was excited to get my Adam Computer a few days ago and wanted to share some things about it!

 

I bought my Adam at http://ann.hollowdreams.com/ and it was a pleasure doing business there. His prices are fair and with my Adam I got the box with everything in it (manuals, all the tapes, wires, etc). I also "upgraded to the IDE "hard drive" and the ADAM Printer "Silencer" Adapter.

 

I always have the habit of opening every console / computer I get since you never know what will be inside but everything looked good.

 

I do have two big questions though:

 

1. The Adam is yellowed, no surprise there (but that was really the only issue cosmetically with it), but I have been reading more on on Retr0bright and I am going to try it out, I wanted to see what everyone's opinion is, has anyone here tried it out? http://retr0bright.wikispaces.com/

 

2. The bigger issue is I need to do something besides Coaxial, I did test everything before moving it into my office. There though, I have no TV with Coaxial. Is there a converter box? Or a mod like Yurkie does for Colecovisions? I have one of those by the way...very nice! Anyways...I can use pretty much anything else, so if anyone can give me ideas..that would help mucho since I want to start using the Adam soon but don't have room for a TV.

 

There are some more things I want to get and I will be buying from http://ann.hollowdreams.com/, it was a great experience!

[NIAD]

Congrats on you ADAM computer pickup and I hope you enjoy using it as much as I have over the last 30 years. You should check out the two websites linked in the footer of my messages for a phlethora of ADAM information, especially all the newsletters in PDF format.

 

The box and system look to be in great shape (sans the discoloration) and you made a wise choice buying everything from Bob S. (adamcon on here). As fas as alternate video hookups, you can use a standard Composite Video cable in the VIDEO output jack and then to Composite Video on your display device OR you can buy a C=64 or TI99-4/A 5-Pin DIN Monitor Cable to Composite Video (yellow) and Audio (red and white) RCA jacks. Don't fret that the ADAM DIN connector is 7-Pin, the 5-Pin DIN will work.

 

Did Bob. S supply my IDE setup of software that I made available in another thread on here? If so, enjoy, there's a lot of good games all ready to play.

 

As far as the Retrobrite product, I have never tried it so when and if you do, please do let us know how it works on the ADAM as I might have a need after a recent flurry of purchasing... I just couldn't resist the temptation!!!

 

If you want to save some space, contact DJPUBBA for the ADAM Power Supply that he sells.

 

EDIT: Looks like the "U" on the Print Wheel broke off when Bob was printing out that very nice letter.

Edited March 24, 2013 by NIAD

[adamcon]

Jim, I did replace the printwheel when I saw the U key gone, and it is mentioned on the paper under the platen. I also gave him an extra print wheel. There are the games, etc on the cf hd system; BUT I need the setup of software from you, I never got it. Could use it on the next cf hd sale! Have never tried the brightening solution myself either and would like to know if it is esy and works without ruining the ADAM's plastic. I have some really bad plastic, especially keys on the keyboards.......some dark yellow, don't know if they can be saved

 

 

 

Congrats on you ADAM computer pickup and I hope you enjoy using it as much as I have over the last 30 years. You should check out the two websites linked in the footer of my messages for a phlethora of ADAM information, especially all the newsletters in PDF format.

 

The box and system look to be in great shape (sans the discoloration) and you made a wise choice buying everything from Bob S. (adamcon on here). As fas as alternate video hookups, you can use a standard Composite Video cable in the VIDEO output jack and then to Composite Video on your display device OR you can buy a C=64 or TI99-4/A 5-Pin DIN Monitor Cable to Composite Video (yellow) and Audio (red and white) RCA jacks. Don't fret that the ADAM DIN connector is 7-Pin, the 5-Pin DIN will work.

 

Did Bob. S supply my IDE setup of software that I made available in another thread on here? If so, enjoy, there's a lot of good games all ready to play.

 

As far as the Retrobrite product, I have never tried it so when and if you do, please do let us know how it works on the ADAM as I might have a need after a recent flurry of purchasing... I just couldn't resist the temptation!!!

 

If you want to save some space, contact DJPUBBA for the ADAM Power Supply that he sells.

 

EDIT: Looks like the "U" on the Print Wheel broke off when Bob was printing out that very nice letter.

[NIAD]

:thumbsup: on catching the issue with the Print Wheel and replacing it as well as throwing in a spare.

 

As far as my custom setup of programs on the CF Card, everything is listed out in the IDE Card thread that was started by Joe B. Also included is the link to a MediaFile file sharer where I uploaded the image file of my CF Card. It's all there for anyone to put to good use. As I stated, I need to get back to configuring more ADAM software on the CF Card, but I got so many other endeavors going on currently that I haven't found the needed time to revisit this project.

 

I've been meaning to ask you if anyone has ever made a complete scan of the "ADAM Survival Guide" by A.N.N.? I'm nearing the end of scanning, taking pictures and documenting everything I can about the ColecoVision and am starting to think of all the ADAM related items that have yet to be preserved properly.

[craigm71]

Niad,

 

I forgot to thank you for pointing me to http://ann.hollowdreams.com/.

 

I have not gone into the HD fully but if Adamcon said its not there its not =/

 

I also sent DJPUBBA a message since if I can save space that would be great.Thanks for pointing me to him.

 

i will look into the video today, I need a cable!!!

[adamcon]

:thumbsup: on catching the issue with the Print Wheel and replacing it as well as throwing in a spare.

 

As far as my custom setup of programs on the CF Card, everything is listed out in the IDE Card thread that was started by Joe B. Also included is the link to a MediaFile file sharer where I uploaded the image file of my CF Card. It's all there for anyone to put to good use. As I stated, I need to get back to configuring more ADAM software on the CF Card, but I got so many other endeavors going on currently that I haven't found the needed time to revisit this project.

 

I've been meaning to ask you if anyone has ever made a complete scan of the "ADAM Survival Guide" by A.N.N.? I'm nearing the end of scanning, taking pictures and documenting everything I can about the ColecoVision and am starting to think of all the ADAM related items that have yet to be preserved properly.

 

Hmmm. I don't think that there is a scan of the ADAM Survival Guide that I know of. ANN does have the full scans of the ColecoVision Technical and Prigrammers manuals, as well as the ADAM Technical manual - all on line @ http:// ann.hollowdreams.com Will try and remember to "put the hurt" on the net while I recover from knee replacement this week; need something to do

 

Have a GREAT Easter week, ya'll !!!!!!!! now if I could type and spell, i wouldn't have to edit my posts

Edited March 24, 2013 by adamcon

[NIAD]

I forgot to thank you for pointing me to http://ann.hollowdreams.com/.

Always glad to help out and referrals are always easy when they are directed towards really good people who care about what they sell.

 

I have not gone into the HD fully but if Adamcon said its not there its not =/

When you are feeling comfortable with using the ADAM and the CF Card you purchased and want to become a little more adventurous, just download the files I supplied in the other thread (if you haven't already) and overwrite the current CF Card setup with mine. Everything is still in place from the original setup... I just added a lot more to it. This all depends if you have a CF Card Reader on your PC and or PC's printer.

 

I also sent DJPUBBA a message since if I can save space that would be great.Thanks for pointing me to him.

If you are really looking to save space, ask DJPUBBA if he has a slimline power supply available, otherwise you might get a full size PC desktop power supply. The noise level of the slimline fan is much more noticeable, however, and I wouldn't recommend disabling it as the case starts to run to hot for my liking.

 

i will look into the video today, I need a cable!!!

You got a DVD player with a Composite Video Cable (yellow/red/white connectors on each end)? Just plug the yellow connector into the ADAM's Video port and then the other yellow conector into the display devices yellow Composite input. This will get you video for now, until you get the proper Monitor Cable for sound as well.

 

There is always the F18A ADAM Video Upgrade that outputs via a VGA hookup and provides incredible video output as well as sound output.

 

Always glad to help out and referrals are always easy when they are directed towards really good people who care about what they sell.

You'll find a lot of really good people on this Forum.

[NIAD]

Hmmm. I don't think that there is a scan of the ADAM Survival Guide that I know of. ANN does have the full scans of the ColecoVision Technical and Prigrammers manuals, as well as the ADAM Technical manual - all on line @ http:// ann.hollowdreams.com Will try and remember to "put the hurt" on the net while I recover from knee replacement this week; need something to do

 

Have a GREAT Easter week, ya'll !!!!!!!! now if I could type and spell, i wouldn't have to edit my posts

Good luck with the surgery, I hope everything goes smoothly for you.

 

As far as spelling and grammar errors, we ADAMites are at a disadvantage having honed (I think that's how you spell that) our word processing skills with SmartWRITER where we didn't have a built-in spell/grammar checker to watch over us at all times. That's why we understand each other so much better than outsiders do!

[craigm71]

Bummer...

 

From djpubba: "Hi there unfortunately I no longer make these Due to lack of space for a workbench."

 

I will get that 5-pin din composite monitor cable you suggested NIAD, does this ebay site look correct?

 

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574883395&toolid=10001&campid=5336500554&customid=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2F%3F_nkw%3D5-pin%2520din%2520composite%2520monitor%2520cable%26clk_rvr_id%3D461992742566%26mfe%3Dsearch

 

Thanks again!

[NIAD]

You can go with a 5-pin DIN to RCA A/V (Yellow & Red RCA connectors) or the one pictured below from the same link. The other cable that is listed with the Red and White RCA connectors more than likely is only wired for sound output.

 

Go with this one...

[craigm71]

So I got the 5-pin DIN to RCA A/V (Yellow & Red RCA connectors) today and tried them on both of my Adam computers with no luck...not sure what I am doing wrong, anyone have an idea? Thanks!

[NIAD]

So I got the 5-pin DIN to RCA A/V (Yellow & Red RCA connectors) today and tried them on both of my Adam computers with no luck...not sure what I am doing wrong, anyone have an idea? Thanks!

You and me both. I ordered the same cable after you provided the link even though I have another Commodore compatible 5-pin DIN Monitor Cable. With this new cable, I get a distorted picture and no sound. It does look like these cables are newly made (at least mine), so I would have to asume that something has changed in the wiring that affects the ADAM, but not the Commodore computer.

 

My other 5-pin DIN Monitor Cable has only two RCA jacks, one Yellow for Composite Video and the other Red for audio. So for future reference, anyone looking to get a Monitor Cable should stick with this kind.

 

Just another item to throw in the box of items earmarked to sell. Sorry for the failed tech support cragm71.

[craigm71]

What a bummer =(

 

No worries though, what is that...10 good pieces of advice and one that didn't work out...no worries.

 

What is really surprising is how little information on this subject there is?!?! I have really dug around to find anything on how to get the Adam to run with todays computer monitors with no luck, heck, if this cable worked I could of used a converter box and ran HDMI!

 

So anyways, if anyone has an idea how to run a Coleco Adam with a new Monitor, please post!!! Thanks!

[Kiwi]

What about RF cable that possibly could goes into the TV port. If you have an NES RF or Sega RF boxes, they may work with the ADAM. They work with the Colecovision. Then switch to either channel 3 or 4, whatever the switch is set on. Hopefully it will display a good picture. In this way, you can see if the ADAM is working properly until you can get a working video cable for it. That's my suggestion and good luck.

 

EDIT: Opps, didn't read the first OP. I'm really sorry... I did buy a convertor box from Radioshack about 15-17 years ago for 30 bucks that converts Composite to RF, and I believe it can convert the other way. I will have to look for it, and I think I know where it is. My TV back in the day didn't have composite cable since my mom would get the cheapest 13 inch TV for sale. This is one way of playing DVD on RF only TVs.

Edited April 9, 2013 by Kiwi

[NIAD]

I'm wondering if this monitor cable that we both purchased is indeed a Chroma/Luma style, which would be why it des not work on the ADAM. Anyway, I looked on eBay again and came up with this one... which is identical to some that I bought a couple years ago and now just have one left for my system. The price is even the same, but you could check around to see if there are any cheaper.

 

eBay Auction -- Item Number: 170676467537

 

I think I'm going to take this new cable apart and see how it's wired up when I have some time this weekend. In the meantime, here is Coleco pin-out diagram for the 7-pin DIN connector on the back of the ADAM... again 5-pin DIN cables are compatible.

 

BTW, you do not need two separate cables as these instructions suggest, just the proper 5-pin DIN Monitor Cable with Composite Video (Yellow RCA) and Audio (Red or White RCA) jacks. You can do it as Coleco suggested by using ANY Composite Video cable to plug into the MONITOR port on the back of the ADAM and then to a Composite Input on your TV or Monitor and then a second DIN type cable hookup for the audio.

Edited April 9, 2013 by NIAD

[craigm71]

I think I will wait for the weekend and see how well you do... if you can't figure it out I think I will just buy that cable, once I can get one of them working it will be easy to change it over to a monitor with one of my converter boxes. Thanks!

[craigm71]

Well I broke down and orders one of those cables you suggested NIAD, I'll tell you how it works out.

 

If you get the other cable to work let me know as I have two Adam Computers and I will just use that cable with the second one. Thanks!

[adamcon]

Well I broke down and orders one of those cables you suggested NIAD, I'll tell you how it works out.

 

If you get the other cable to work let me know as I have two Adam Computers and I will just use that cable with the second one. Thanks!

 

Craig, if the cable doesn't come thru and work correctly, AND Jim's diagram doesn't work (havent checked it out); I DO have the wiring scheatic to take the Commie or similar 5 pin din and are solder some wires to make the ADAM video work and split out to video and audio rca connections. Knee replacement 2 weeks ago and finally feeling a little human and walking some - stairs not so much yet, but coming

[NIAD]

Craig, if the cable doesn't come thru and work correctly, AND Jim's diagram doesn't work (havent checked it out); I DO have the wiring scheatic to take the Commie or similar 5 pin din and are solder some wires to make the ADAM video work and split out to video and audio rca connections.

I think I have a more detail diagram/schematic as well, but need to find it. In the meantime Craig, please let us know if this second cable you ordered works properly. It should, but verification would be nice.

 

Knee replacement 2 weeks ago and finally feeling a little human and walking some - stairs not so much yet, but coming

Glad to hear that you are feeling better and I hope you continue to improve everyday. When you are up to it, we can discuss further the list of items I sent you.

[craigm71]

"I think I have a more detail diagram/schematic as well, but need to find it. In the meantime Craig, please let us know if this second cable you ordered works properly. It should, but verification would be nice." - You bet!

 

"Knee replacement 2 weeks ago and finally feeling a little human and walking some - stairs not so much yet, but coming" - Like NIAD said, glad your knee getting better!

[videofx]

Can I stick my 2 cents in? The reason your cable doesnt work is beause they are wired for Atari or one of the other systems. Here is how the cables that dont work are wired :

 

I will make a custom cable or fix anyones cable if they are interested. I will be able to test the cables once I get my Adam

Edited April 13, 2013 by videofx

[NIAD]

Thanks for the info videofx. I guess I'll just include the non-compatible cable that I picked up with everything else we have discussed. I have usually had a lot of luck picking the right Monitor Cables to use with the ADAM that were made for other systems (Commodore, TI).

[craigm71]

Ok...so finally one of the cables came in. Actually, I got it a few days ago but the person I bought it from sent me the wrong one. To their credit, they sent me another one with no issues and a return label so I did not have to pay to send it back. Here is the ebay link again (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574883395&toolid=10001&campid=5336500554&customid=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2Fws%2FeBayISAPI.dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D170676467537). I do recommend this buy.

 

I am using my Adam on a AOC 24 inch monitor with a HDMI converter box, the results are usable but I need to find a better method. You can see in the pictures that the screen looks fuzzy in some places, that is not the camera, that is what it looks like =/. I also have a regular TV and when I connected my other Adam to it, the screen was clear, so I know it was not the cable.

 

There is sound but it does not go though the HDMI as I hoped. Lucky, the converter box has a place for a speaker hook-up and so I plugged it into the monitor also.

 

I hope this helps!

[+digress]

Hmm, I just run mine through an old vcr. Sound outputs and rca video outputs work fine. Picture looks great on my overhead projector. Keep it simple.

Edited April 22, 2013 by digress

[NIAD]

I am using my Adam on a AOC 24 inch monitor with a HDMI converter box

Glad to hear that the monitor cable that I tracked down was indeed the right one and how well the seller treated you! Time to make a purchase.

 

BTW, I asked you not to show off all those extra and hidden ADAM video modes by splitting the video to the other monitors! Now everyone is going to be bothering us about how to do this.

 

Shoot! I just noticed, you have let the cat outta the bag by including in your picture the ADAM Web Browser that I am working on!