Questions regarding 600XL Composite Modifications (simple vs. difficult)

[NISMOPC]

I plan on doing this mod to my 600XL if I can...

 

http://atrey.karlin.mff.cuni.cz/~pavel/atari/600xlmon.html

 

I might have gotten ahead of myself. I already removed the 2/3 channel switch and the RF Modulator. I also salvaged a 5 pin DIN connector from a 130XE motherboard and soldered it in place where the 2/3 channel switch was since it already had the locations in motherboard for mounting.

 

Am I able to do the simple modification linked above with the DIN mounted where it is or will there be any known issues? I did cut the trace between DIN Pin 2 and Pin 5 on the bottom of bother board so they are separated, but concerned that some of the other traces are going to circuits on the motherboard that could interfere.

 

I am only planning on using the following DIN pins:

 

2 - Ground
3 - Audio out
4 - Composite video

 

Reason I ask is that I have no interest in installing all the missing components on the motherboard (Best Electronics Vid Mod kit) and am only concerned with composite out, but like the idea of the DIN being mounted properly on the board. Plans to place circular opening where the 2/3 channel opening is.

 

If this poses any issues, I will just do a composite RCA Audio and Video out and remove the DIN connector.

 

Thanks!

[+Nezgar]

Have you considered the UAV? I got two from Bryan, and have completed installation in an 800XL, and 600XL is next on my list. Ideally I'll even keep the original RF Modulator intact as well. I know it's overkill for your needs, but you would get the best possible composite video, as well as Luma/Chroma for S-Video with simpler wire hookups compared to the referenced article.

 

http://atariage.com/forums/topic/260267-the-uav-rev-d-video-upgrade-thread/

Edited September 10, 2017 by Nezgar

[Level42]

This is all I do and it looks GREAT.

 

 

[Level42]

Oops OP's machine is clearly an NTSC machine...the schematic I posted is for PAL 600XL.

[NISMOPC]

Oops OP's machine is clearly an NTSC machine...the schematic I posted is for PAL 600XL.

Yup! only came with RF Modulator here in the US unfortunately.

[NISMOPC]

Have you considered the UAV? I got two from Bryan, and have completed installation in an 800XL, and 600XL is next on my list. Ideally I'll even keep the original RF Modulator intact as well. I know it's overkill for your needs, but you would get the best possible composite video, as well as Luma/Chroma for S-Video with simpler wire hookups compared to the referenced article.

 

http://atariage.com/forums/topic/260267-the-uav-rev-d-video-upgrade-thread/

Thanks for the link! Have not seen that one. That looks really nice, but just looking for the basics and get away from RF. I am fine with standard composite.

[+DrVenkman]

I'll second the recommendations for Bryan's UAV. I've got four of these in use (two in 1200XL's, one in an 800XL and a fourth in a 2600). I plan to order 3 more for another 1200XL, one of my 7800's and one of my 5200's. It produced SUCH a nice, clean signal - I can't go back to stock Atari video except for S-video on the 800.

[NISMOPC]

Decided to take the easier route for now. Leaving the DIN connector in place, but not planning on using at this time (potential future full mod).

 

I'm using the original RF Modulator case and will place the components inside. Plan to drill another hole in the RF modulator case and add Audio out RCA Jack. Then drill a second hole in the rear of the 600XL case to expose it next to the Video RCA out (previously the RF out).

 

Used color coded wires to identify the proper connections.

 

I connected the ground as seen in picture to R122 on the board. This grounds the RF Modulator casing to the motherboard as well.

 

Once I receive the other parts in the mail, I'll complete the composite out.

[NISMOPC]

Just finished the opening for the Audio RCA out. Turned out pretty darn good...

 

[NISMOPC]

Change of plans. Removed DIN after realizing something special about the 2/3 channel slot. It fit's a standard USB with extremely minor filing to left/right side of opening. Going to install my SIO2PC internally directly to the SIO plug pins and connect to PC via a USB female plug I salvaged from an old USB PCI board. Will expose the LED's through the top of the case above the SIO plug location.

 

 

Currently held in place with 2 layers of double sided DUCK Brand foam tape, but will need to find a more permanent and solid solution.

Edited September 11, 2017 by NISMOPC

[Brentarian]

That is a great idea for the ch.2/3 switch hole! I may have to try that on one of mine.