Idea for an AtariAge network of hardware upgrade/repair and mod service

[carmel_andrews]

Following on from someone else’s post about securing/obtaining a localised install service for one or more of their Atari mod’s/upgrades

 

I thought it might be an idea to establish an AA wide professional network of ‘trusted’ and ‘competent’ repair/upgrade and Modding services

 

This applies not just to the A8 but all Atari hardware and also since AA supports non Atari platforms, non-Atari hardware as well (if AA members are conversant or knowledgeable of that hardware format/platform of course)

 

The idea is that as well as carrying out spot upgrades, mods and repairs for AA members (and possibly non AA members who read the forums, since we have ‘lurkers’ here), it could also be used as an additional sales/distribution channel for the various and A8 or other Atari mod’s/upgrades, which means that the original maker of that mod or upgrade can drive more sales

Since the upgrade or mod will be made available via the network of AA of h/w upgrade/repair and mod specialists/professionals and sales split accordingly, i.e. the parts/components of said mod or upgrade supplied by the original upgrade/mod maker and the person assembling the upgrade/mod into the final product and then installing it both get equal percentage of each sale

 

To further drive sales more (i.e the various mods and upgrades etc) and also get more modding/upgrade and repair jobs coming in that AtariAge network the service with other Atari and non-Atari classic/retro web sites or services (including emulation and roms sites as well, since that’s kind of related)

 

Same applies to non-Atari mods/upgrades for non-Atari platforms/formats as well

 

I’m not saying it’s going to be great money or big money, it simply means that it will be easier to find a local person that can do this sort of service and not only that it will be cheaper from a shipping and postage aspect as well and you could probably get that upgrade/mod cheaper since you’re not paying things like import duties (i.e. if you are buying things from overseas) also because some parts/components might be available locally, further reducing the cost of the final product (i.e. the mod/upgrade)

 

If it’s properly monitored and maintained I think the service should be relatively popular and successful, since they could extend services to include things like ebay purchasing for AA and AA networked sites users and also sourcing/selling Atari spares and parts (as well as non-Atari of course) as well as other services

 

Just a thought, that is all

[Magic Knight]

Tricky one...

 

There is likely to be one hell of an amount of us who can do quite a good amount of repairs/mods/upgrades etc, but there is far and few between all rounders with time/scope to cater for this.

 

One problem may be that some do know several 'key' areas where knowledge on the Atari is concerned but im sure most dont know all the areas required. for me problem lies in that if someone posts a problematic unit to me that is in an area unfamiliar - i might struggle or not do justice to the repair.

 

One solution might be to list the skills that each individual(outlet) has to avoid issues where familiarity is not so strong and units are not sent to the wrong person without the skills.

 

2 examples of my own strengths are the video/audio side of the A8 (s-video, composite and standard tv) and for peripherals - cassette units in general, however a tickbox in every area i expect to be rare where knowledge and of course spares might reduce the success rate. My knowledge of A8 modems and perhaps disk drives are limited for example, (if i got sent a dodgey 810 - i wouldnt know waht to do compaired to a 1010 where it would be a breeze)

 

spares availability is another. I have ample resources for keeping the cassette drives going (yes the whole range) and also improving video, but unless the 3 main players in the us keep things going (area 61, B&C and of course the legendary Best (just dont ask for a quote....) then the spares are limited also ,

 

Spares, key strengths in equally spread areas and information sharing are key to making this a success.

 

i am willing to contribute but we must ensure that parts and labour skills are defined for this to be a success.

[ZarK]

Imma solder monkey, with enough smrts to be dangerous!

 

I don't think I'll get many clients

[19Echo]

still awaiting mine a year later