Question about STFm

[J.Max]

I have an Atari STFm 1040, or at least that is what it says on the bottom for the model number. Only problem is that there is no "TV Out" on the back. Is this common? I know that there is an STF (without the TV Modualtor), but this clearly says "STFM" as the model number. Am I missing something?

[Rybags]

Strange. There was an STF model without modulator.

 

Does the sticker on the top have the small "FM" letters after "ST"? And does either sticker look like it's been replaced?

[Womble76]

Where does it say STFM? On the case badge or on the long sticker on the bottom, its possible that you have an STF lower shell plus an STF motherboard and an STFM upper shell with the STFM badge.

[J.Max]

It says it on the bottom. I just noticed that the top only says "f". Well, I guess that solves my problem. What is the best solution here? I'm only going to use it for games, and I had intended to hook it up to a TV.

[J.Max]

Would this cable do it?

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...AMEBI%3AIT&rd=1

 

 

I bid on it anyway.

[ijor]

Would this cable do it?

 

Not, that's just an RF cable, which you can't use without an RF modulator.

 

 

Possible solutions are:

 

Get a color ST monitor (rather cheap nowadays).

 

Buy/build an RGB to VGA adapter. Works great with mono, but it requires a very old PC VGA monitor for color.

 

If you are in Europe, you might be able to use Scart.

 

Just get a different ST computer that is confirmed to be STfm.

[krupkaj]

it is ordinary RF cable. You can use it with everything what has RF modulator (rom VCS to Falcon)

[Womble76]

Thats very odd - is there a hole in the back panel with the TV icon above it, and just no hardware behind it? Those lower stickers are almost impossible to remove so I can only assume you have an STF mobo in an STFM lower shell with an STF badge on it.

[J.Max]

I just noticed that myatari.com sells an RF modulator for the ST series. Would that work?

[Rybags]

An external modulator would be fine. Worth checking if it's got a composite option though.

 

Or, do a web search and see if there are any S-VHS out projects around. It would be a better option if your VCR or TV has S-VHS input.

[ijor]

I just noticed that myatari.com sells an RF modulator for the ST series.  Would that work?

 

Hmm, I don't think it is external. It is probably a replacement for the internal one. And probably won't work in your case anyway.

 

An external modulator would be quite expensive. There are products for converting RGB to composite or S-VHS, but again they are all very expensive. You should be able to get a monitor (or a computer with RF modulator) for much less.

[Rybags]

If you could get hold of an Amiga modulator it would probably work, but would involve making a custom cable.

 

Or, an Amiga monitor could be a possibility.

[Womble76]

Yes that internal modulator would work (assuming it really is for the ST series). STF mainboards have a gap where the M should be, all you have to do is solder it on. I believe it was an official "extra" from atari back in the day, so its not a new idea.

 

Having said that the price of ST colour (or just plain old RGB) monitors on ebay is so low that it may be more economic to do that - you get a better image too.

Edited October 31, 2005 by Womble76