Alternatives to a disk drive?

[Lauren Tyler]

I don't know if I'd have the room for a disk drive for my 800XL.  I know there are multicarts out there, but none of them seem to be available for order.  Any suggestions that I can order right now?

[+DrVenkman]

Pretty sure UNU Carts and Ultimate Carts are still available from @MacRorie at The Brewing Academy.

 

That said, you can buy or build something like a SIO2PC-USB device to connect to a modern computer running disk emulation software. You can also build or buy an SDrive-MAX device, which is a touch-screen Arduino-based device that runs special firmware to emulate disk drives and even allows loading of cassette-based .CAS files.

[Deteacher]

The MyIDEII appears to be available on the Atarimax website.  I have one and I love it!

[darwinmac]

I would second @DrVenkman’s suggestion for The Brewing Academy. It looks like both the UNO and Ultimate Carts are available for sale. 
 

If you can solder (unlike me), you can build your own device. I have both the Ultimate Cart and an Sdrive-Max. I like the flexibility of dealing with both ATR and executable files. 
 

Bob C

Edited May 22, 2020 by darwinmac
Added URL

[SS]

https://www.vintagecomputercenter.com/product/atari-810-sdrive-max

[jamm]

There are a number of SDrive-MAX units on sale for $50 on eBay currently.

 

[+DrVenkman]

Yeah, it's an open-source project. All you need is an Uno, a compatible touchscreen, and a half an SIO cable. You can build one yourself in a hour, minus the case. Flash the open-source firmware to the Arduino and you're good to go. You can buy a case from someone who prints them, print one yourself, or just go without. 

[+Larry]

Read the beginning of the Thread for Newbies (pinned) for a good discussion of pros and cons of the various categories/devices. It really depends on what you will be doing with your system.  The MyIde-II is an interesting alternative.  It is quite versatile, and still supported by Mr-Atari. But lots of good choices are available.