ckrtech Posted November 1, 2016 Share Posted November 1, 2016 Hey all - I had a great opportunity to pick up some Atari 8-bit stuff last weekend for really cheap at a convention. I scored an Atari 800 (48k) with what appears to be the original shipping box (including foam inserts for the side of the machine), a 1200XL that seems to be heavily modified, and external keyboard for the 1200XL (keep reading...), 5 floppy disk drives (goodness), a sealed Donkey Kong, and a few other odds and ends. I was lucky to get all of this, and my only experience with 8-bit Atari computers was with games via the XEGS about a decade ago. I happily dug out Centipede, Megamania, and some others to fire up the 800. Gorgeous. That system has been cleaned and is waiting reassembly after everything is dry. Now then - this 1200XL. Several things about this guy. First of all, there is a DB-25 port on the front left side to connect an external keyboard. The bottom of the machine denotes the following mods in Sharpie - "FEHR Video Mod+" and "320k Mod - Lawless." Included was what looks to be a homemade external keyboard of sorts. It is a rather industrial-looking keyboard from somewhere (where?) that has been screwed into the bottom shell of a 600XL. It is so...weird. I chatted a lot with the seller about various things, but I didn't ask about the keyboard. Now I am intrigued. The 6 key is taped on with that green tape. The post-it on the 1200XL states "External keyboard does not work. video issues" I have been around the block many times with soldering, modding, etc., with numerous gaming systems. I have no experience or knowledge of what is out there as far as Atari 8-bit computer mods. So I look forward to cracking this 1200XL and keyboard open to see what the heck is going on. I plan to do it as soon as I get the 800 put back together and off the workbench. Can you guys offer any knowledge or opinions on this stuff - Where does that keyboard come from? What are your thoughts on the 1200XL mods that were mentioned? Apparently the video mod is having issues - so I have to either fix it or reverse it/change it for another mod. I know the built-in keyboard for the 1200XL tends to have issues, but I would prefer to just fix it (I saw a method for that in one of the threads here) than mess with this external thing - nevertheless, it sure it weird/interesting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mclaneinc Posted November 1, 2016 Share Posted November 1, 2016 That's one weird looking 1200, can't imagine why he wanted to add a PC style KB to the 1200, I'd bet its because there's a click feedback from the switch ie a micro switch rather than the old membrane. If he's like me he loves the sound of them and it plays right in to the TRON type keyboard noises.....Well that's what I like, he could have done it for a reason other than that. The 320K mod I would be sure is a memory upgrade, the video mod...Pass Looks like it was attacked by a mad scientist But very interesting bit of kit and unique, congrats.. Paul... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+bob1200xl Posted November 1, 2016 Share Posted November 1, 2016 The external keyboard looks like a 1200XL keyboard mounted in a 600XL case. Probably wired point-to-point into the 1200XL. Both keyboards will need to be re-built at some point. Use the replacement mylar from Best - there should be a thread on it somewhere around here. You can replace the broken key stem at the same time. Bob 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ApolloBoy Posted November 1, 2016 Share Posted November 1, 2016 Oh hey I saw that at PRGE last weekend. Almost considered buying it but it probably wouldn't have fit in my suitcase so I passed. I remember rebuilding the keyboard on the 1200XL I had years ago but I don't quite remember how I did it. Pretty sure it involved white-out and tape though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckrtech Posted November 2, 2016 Author Share Posted November 2, 2016 Thanks for the replies, guys. The 800 is put back together and working. Looks like I will be diving into the 1200XL/keyboard next. Hope you had fun at PRGE, ApolloBoy. Maybe I will see you there next year! White-out and tape? Nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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