If you could only pick two OS ROMS for the 8-bit

[ACML]

First of all, I know we don't have to settle for just two and picking just one I thought was too limiting. I chose two as it is arguably the easiest modification that only requires a single pole double throw (SPDT) selector switch (+5VDC -- Center -- GND). This ties in with the RF channel 3/4 RF selector switch which is conveniently a SPDT already wired for (+5VDC -- Center -- GND). This allows the two OS modification to just be a wire going from the high address bit on the EPROM direct to the center pole of the RF 3/4 selector switch. No drilling or cutting holes in the case. No one uses RF video anymore.

 

I've thought about it, tried different configurations, and the two I think are the ones to go with are;

 

1) Atari 600/800XL OS

It is the most compatible OS

Still retains the 1200XL extended keyboard and LED functionality

 

2) Omniview XE/256, etc OS

Based on the Atari 400/800 OSB OS making it compatible with older programs

Allows full access to 64K. Its a 64K Atari 400/800.

Awesome 80 column output through the separate video (Y/C) or S-video

Has the fast math floating point routine

Has the built in monitor for the ATR-8000

Has RAM disk handler for 256K machines

 

I've put this combo in my 1200XLs and have never been disappointing with this combination.

[IndusGT]

mine:

 

US+ OS

 

and,

 

Stock OS

[Brentarian]

I've put this combo in my 1200XLs and have never been disappointing with this combination.

I bought a 1200xl from you on Ebay a year or so ago and agree that these two OSs are a good combination for a non-U1MB modded system. I use this 1200XL mainly for original game carts and the Ultimate cart, so being able to switch to an 800 compatible OS in an instant is great when needed (Gorf, Demon Attack, etc.).

 

For my other system however, having a highspeed OS sure is nice.

[Marius]

I would pick stock rev. 2 Xl/xe OS and a version of MyBIOS for MyIDE/MyIDE-II.

 

That is a very nice Custom OS for the cool myide interface.

[ACML]

"being able to switch to an 800 compatible OS in an instant is great when needed (Gorf, Demon Attack, etc.)."

I've attached an XL friendly version of Gorf and Demon Attack.

Gorf.XEX

Demon Attack.xex

[+CharlieChaplin]

Well,

 

if you want almost 100% compatibility use original Atari OS:

 

1) Atari XL-OS Rev. 2 (most 600XL, 800XL and early XE models)

 

2) Atari OS-B (Atari 400 and 800)

 

That`s what I do for more than 25 years...

 

 

[bbking67]

There isn't much out there that hasn't been modified for XL/XE use. XE BASIC (Rev. C) is more bug free than Rev B on the XL... XE for the win.

[+Larry]

XEOS (with reverse Basic and Hias' HSIO) and Omnimon XE (for 800 compatibility and the superb monitor). "No others need apply..."

 

-Larry

[ACML]

XEOS (with reverse Basic and Hias' HSIO) and Omnimon XE (for 800 compatibility and the superb monitor). "No others need apply..."

 

-Larry

The reason I went with 600/800XL OS is that the XE OS got rid of the 1200XL extended keyboard support.

[rockdoc2010]

I modded an 800XL with omni 80 column OS in 83 and I was very impressed! They are still available!

[Stefan Both]

MyBios and Stock OS here, I use

the most. 90%?

But I have to admit, I don't

really care. Have a build in

Ultimate.

Stefan

[Neo-Rio]

I have an ultimate 1Meg and Side2, and there are some games that can't be mounted as ATRs (e.g. Eggnapper), because selecting the OS-B it requires doesn't have the hard drive stuff needed to mount the ATR off the Side2.

 

Any workaround?