Pimp My STE (Upgrades?)

[reesclissold]

Sorry for the long first post. I hope you don't mind and that you'll all get to know and love me as one of your own. Apologies to people on JSII who've already seen my post virtually identical to this (although they couldn't help, hence I repost it here).

 

This is my STE from 1991 - owned from brand new. I was inspired by Jeff Minter in case you're wondering. I sprayed it last year with normal car paint type cans from Halfords. Hope you like! (I know some of you won't, hence I couldn't resist!)

 

I use it most days, either for playing old games, or a bit of Cubase / Sampler / Groovebox action!

 

 

 

 

It was a 520STE (upgraded to 4mb, 400mb HDD, TOS 2.06)

 

I currently use an old DOS laptop I got off eBay for transferring files to and from it (via floppies) but I'm looking for a more "elegant" solution. I have a 100Mbps LAN running over TCP/IP and I'd like to connect my STE to it for file transfers and internet access. This would be really handy as I am currently teaching myself Cubase so I mess around with a lot of MIDI files I find on the internet. I've been reading about the EtherNEC and EtherNEA on AA, anyone successfully used either of these in the past?

 

Also, how about replacement desktops? I think plain old GEM is a bit disappointing for my uber-STE, it should be capable of a lot more. Anyone tried MagiC, NeoDesk, MiNT, or one of the many other names I keep hearing? Which would you recommend? How about running Linux on it?

 

Also, is there a way to hook up a colour monitor? I have the VGA adapter for the Atari monitor port, but it's only hi-res monochrome. Not a problem for Cubase but I'd quite like to browse the web in colour, and not on my TV either!

 

Please help me "Pimp My STE" - it would make my life complete!

Edited December 7, 2005 by reesclissold

[krupkaj]

There is no problem with EtherNEC, but it need lot of memory. So upgrade is recomended.

 

Forget Linux. But you can still have MagiC on it together with Thing desktop. MiNT is great, but it is better for 68030 based systems.

 

You can connect it to VGA but for monochrome only. If you want color just try to find some SC 124 RGB monitor.

 

BTW cool painting.

[Gunstar]

I use Neodesk 3 on my Mega/STE and I think it's great. In all resolutions you can have wallpaper, but you have to use Neochrome or Degas pictures that correspond the the resolution. I have my desktop set in low-res usually, with neochrome pictures with 16 colors, which were down-mixed from 12-bit(4096 color) video digitizer I have called Vidi-ST (12). My desktop wallpaper can be mine or someone elses art or digitized images from any s-video/video source. It's pretty cool. Neodesk also allows multi-colored icons, with many to choose from or design your own. but that have to be in the colors set by the wallpaper picture. It's not just pretty looking though, there are very useful accesories available, desktop shortcuts to programs, faster screen refresh than Gem, view pictures and text from the desktop by double clicking the image, etc. There is a Neodesk 4 available now, direct from Gribnif software online, which has many upgrades beyond 3, and 3D type icons and whatnot, it's much more modern looking, but either one is a vast improvement in look and usefulness over Gem. As far as OS's go, I still use standard TOS (1.4 on my 1040ST and 2.5 on my Mega/STE), but I use TurboST software accelerator on the 1040 and Warp 9 on the M/STE which greatly improves speed, without hardware acceleration. Of course the Mega/STE can run at 16mhz anyway, but there is a noticable improvement in speed with either TurboST or Warp 9 on any ST. TurboST is the ancestor of Warp 9.

[reesclissold]

There is no problem with EtherNEC, but it need lot of memory. So upgrade is recomended.

978112[/snapback]

 

I see. Might wait and see on this one then (maybe for when I get a Falcon)

 

You can connect it to VGA but for monochrome only. If you want color just try to find some SC 124  RGB monitor.

978112[/snapback]

How does the SC124 connect? Throught the monitor port? How come the VGA adaptor doesn't do colour? I never could get my head around this!

 

BTW cool painting.

978112[/snapback]

Thanks! I was quite proud of it myself.

 

I use Neodesk 3 on my Mega/STE and I think it's great. In all resolutions you can have wallpaper, but you have to use Neochrome or Degas pictures that correspond the the resolution. I have my desktop set in low-res usually, with neochrome pictures with 16 colors, which were down-mixed from 12-bit(4096 color) video digitizer I have called Vidi-ST (12). My desktop wallpaper can be mine or someone elses art or digitized images from any s-video/video source. It's pretty cool. Neodesk also allows multi-colored icons, with many to choose from or design your own. but that have to be in the colors set by the wallpaper picture. It's not just pretty looking though, there are very useful accesories available, desktop shortcuts to programs, faster screen refresh than Gem, view pictures and text from the desktop by double clicking the image, etc. There is a Neodesk 4 available now, direct from Gribnif software online, which has many upgrades beyond 3, and 3D type icons and whatnot, it's much more modern looking, but either one is a vast improvement in look and usefulness over Gem. As far as OS's go, I still use standard TOS (1.4 on my 1040ST and 2.5 on my Mega/STE), but I use TurboST software accelerator on the 1040 and Warp 9 on the M/STE which greatly improves speed, without hardware acceleration. Of course the Mega/STE can run at 16mhz anyway, but there is a noticable improvement in speed with either TurboST or Warp 9 on any ST. TurboST is the ancestor of Warp 9.

978190[/snapback]

 

I see. I just missed out on Neodesk 3 on eBay - I was waiting to see if I could find version 4. Dammit! TurboST sounds like a good idea... I'll be looking into it.

 

Thanks for your help guys!

[krupkaj]

How does the SC124 connect? Throught the monitor port?

sorry, I meant SC1224. It is connected through monitor port of course.

 

How come the VGA adaptor doesn't do colour? I never could get my head around this!

Yes, it is possible, but VGA monitor must be multisync and know how display 15MHz signal. For Example old NEC3D can that and it is pretty cool. Maybe some new LCD can do it also, but be careful and read the documentation of monitor first. It can damage your monitor in case it cannot handle such frequenceies.

 

Look at DoItST archive. There are schemes of adapters.

[reesclissold]

Yes, it is possible, but VGA monitor must be multisync and know how display 15MHz signal. For Example old NEC3D can that and it is pretty cool. Maybe some new LCD can do it also, but be careful and read the documentation of monitor first. It can damage your monitor in case it cannot handle such frequenceies.

 

Look at DoItST archive. There are schemes of adapters.

978587[/snapback]

 

I am checking out the site now. Looks interesting, thanks for the link. I will have to see if my LG Studioworks 56i monitor can do multisync, or my LCD (although running it at 15MHz doesn't sound good for it).

 

I presume you can't use a monitor for low-res? You don't have to answer that, I'm going to have a look now!

[krupkaj]

My old monitor was multisync, I used it for Falcon demos and it was great!

 

I have seen LCD with RGB and even with composite input, so you must watch what your one can handle.

[reesclissold]

My old monitor was multisync, I used it for Falcon demos and it was great!

 

I have seen LCD with RGB and even with composite input, so you must watch what your one can handle.

978606[/snapback]

 

I'm at work at the minute so I can't try it (Atari is at home - shame!) My LCD only has a standard VGA connector, no composite. I'll check out the specifications in the instructions before I connect anything to it, 15MHz seems too slow for LCD.

[+DarkLord]

There is no problem with EtherNEC, but it need lot of memory. So upgrade is recomended.

 

Forget Linux. But you can still have MagiC on it together with Thing desktop. MiNT is great, but it is better for 68030 based systems.

 

You can connect it to VGA but for monochrome only. If you want color just try to find some SC 124  RGB monitor.

 

BTW cool painting.

978112[/snapback]

 

Hmm, I tried the EtherNEC with my 4 meg Mega ST and it worked okay. I was able to use CAB, Newsie and e-mail, with no problems.

 

For an ST class machine (4 megs or less, 8-16mhz), I'd recommend Neodesk/Geneva or something like Teradesk. Teradesk, IIRC, is the last remaining desktop still supported and updated. Its good for low-mem machines as well. I think that MINT, while awesome, really needs a fast '030/higher memory machine. Ditto for Linux.

 

BTW, what he said - the paint job is nice. :-)

[reesclissold]

Hmm, I tried the EtherNEC with my 4 meg Mega ST and it worked okay. I was able to use CAB, Newsie and e-mail, with no problems.

 

For an ST class machine (4 megs or less, 8-16mhz), I'd recommend Neodesk/Geneva or something like Teradesk. Teradesk, IIRC, is the last remaining desktop still supported and updated. Its good for low-mem machines as well. I think that MINT, while awesome, really needs a fast '030/higher memory machine. Ditto for Linux.

978724[/snapback]

 

Ok. I guessed Linux wouldn't run on it - I just wanted some confirmation. I use Linux at work so it would be quite handy for me, plus I like messing around with it. I've never heard of Teradesk but I'll go and have a look for it now. I think there is a replacement desktop called Jinnee that is still maintained but it costs a lot of money!

 

BTW, what he said - the paint job is nice. :-)

978724[/snapback]

 

Thanks! I'm thinking of doing a 65XE in an "urban camo" theme next, I'll post pics in the 8-bit forum when I get around to it.

[Gunstar]

Yes, it is possible, but VGA monitor must be multisync and know how display 15MHz signal. For Example old NEC3D can that and it is pretty cool. Maybe some new LCD can do it also, but be careful and read the documentation of monitor first. It can damage your monitor in case it cannot handle such frequenceies.

 

Look at DoItST archive. There are schemes of adapters.

978587[/snapback]

 

I am checking out the site now. Looks interesting, thanks for the link. I will have to see if my LG Studioworks 56i monitor can do multisync, or my LCD (although running it at 15MHz doesn't sound good for it).

 

I presume you can't use a monitor for low-res? You don't have to answer that, I'm going to have a look now!

978602[/snapback]

 

Just so yoy know, that "15Mhz" is for the vertical-sync rate, and not the horizontal refresh rate (TV 50/60hz, VGA 50-100+hz). The multisync monitor will still use either 50 or 60hz refresh rate, depending if PAL or NTSC software is ran. It's just got to be able to down-sync from it's normal VGA vertical-sync rate of 30Mhz(?) to 15Mhz.

[+DarkLord]

Just so you know, that "15Mhz" is for the vertical-sync rate, and not the horizontal refresh rate (TV 50/60hz, VGA 50-100+hz). The multisync monitor will still use either 50 or 60hz refresh rate, depending if PAL or NTSC software is ran. It's just got to be able to down-sync from it's normal VGA vertical-sync rate of 30Mhz(?) to 15Mhz.

979888[/snapback]

 

Er, I think you mean that just the other way around, don't ya? Isn't 15 for the horizontal?

 

Thanks.

[Gunstar]

Just so you know, that "15Mhz" is for the vertical-sync rate, and not the horizontal refresh rate (TV 50/60hz, VGA 50-100+hz). The multisync monitor will still use either 50 or 60hz refresh rate, depending if PAL or NTSC software is ran. It's just got to be able to down-sync from it's normal VGA vertical-sync rate of 30Mhz(?) to 15Mhz.

979888[/snapback]

 

Er, I think you mean that just the other way around, don't ya? Isn't 15 for the horizontal?

 

Thanks.

979986[/snapback]

uh...yeah, vice-versa there...sorry, it was 1:45 in the morning...

 

Actually, I do remember having this nagging feeling in the back of my mind that something wasn't quite right about what I was saying, but I was too tired to realize the obvious...couldn't see the trees for the woods, or is THAT the other way 'round?

Edited December 10, 2005 by Gunstar

[+DarkLord]

Just so you know, that "15Mhz" is for the vertical-sync rate, and not the horizontal refresh rate (TV 50/60hz, VGA 50-100+hz). The multisync monitor will still use either 50 or 60hz refresh rate, depending if PAL or NTSC software is ran. It's just got to be able to down-sync from it's normal VGA vertical-sync rate of 30Mhz(?) to 15Mhz.

979888[/snapback]

 

Er, I think you mean that just the other way around, don't ya? Isn't 15 for the horizontal?

 

Thanks.

979986[/snapback]

uh...yeah, vice-versa there...sorry, it was 1:45 in the morning...

 

Actually, I do remember having this nagging feeling in the back of my mind that something wasn't quite right about what I was saying, but I was too tired to realize the obvious...couldn't see the trees for the woods, or is THAT the other way 'round?

980094[/snapback]

 

<grin> If you're like me (and I do work 12 hour nighshifts), then I usually get things "bass ackwards"... :-)

[reesclissold]

I see. I still have absolutely no idea what that means! So you're saying it doesn't affect the refresh rate? I might have a go at it then. Maybe try it on my sister's TFT first

[Gunstar]

I see. I still have absolutely no idea what that means! So you're saying it doesn't affect the refresh rate? I might have a go at it then. Maybe try it on my sister's TFT first

980967[/snapback]

Exactly. It has to do the the horizontal sync or "hold" basically. I would assume that if you attempted to hook up the ST to a VGA monitor that can only do the 30Mhz sync rate that it would look all "twisted"(the horizontal hold), if you get my meaning...

[Zeptari1]

I use Neodesk 3 on my Mega/STE and I think it's great. In all resolutions you can have wallpaper, but you have to use Neochrome or Degas pictures that correspond the the resolution. . There is a Neodesk 4 available now, direct from Gribnif software online, which has many upgrades beyond 3, and 3D type icons and whatnot, it's much more modern looking, but either one is a vast improvement in look and usefulness over Gem.

978190[/snapback]

 

 

I don't think Gribnif software is still around. I've sent a few emails over the last few months and got no reply.

 

I remember going to an Atari user group meeting back in the day and the nice guys from Gribnif were demoing off the new version of Neodesk.

It didn't take me long to upgrade to a megafile HD and Neodesk soon after that.

[ijor]

Perhaps just for the records, but the horizontal rate is ~15.6Khz, not Mhz. Or may be you mean the dot rate (bandwidth), if so it is 16Mhz.

[Gunstar]

I use Neodesk 3 on my Mega/STE and I think it's great. In all resolutions you can have wallpaper, but you have to use Neochrome or Degas pictures that correspond the the resolution. . There is a Neodesk 4 available now, direct from Gribnif software online, which has many upgrades beyond 3, and 3D type icons and whatnot, it's much more modern looking, but either one is a vast improvement in look and usefulness over Gem.

978190[/snapback]

 

 

I don't think Gribnif software is still around. I've sent a few emails over the last few months and got no reply.

 

I remember going to an Atari user group meeting back in the day and the nice guys from Gribnif were demoing off the new version of Neodesk.

It didn't take me long to upgrade to a megafile HD and Neodesk soon after that.

983872[/snapback]

 

Well, as of about 6 moths ago their website was still up and Neodesk 4.0 could be ordered directly from the site. I haven't checked since then. But I did e-mail them myself at the same time and they did reply and confirm that they were still in business and answered my questions at that time.

[Gunstar]

Perhaps just for the records, but the horizontal rate is ~15.6Khz, not Mhz. Or may be you mean the dot rate (bandwidth), if so it is 16Mhz.

984084[/snapback]

Just another error on my part. I meant Khz.

[emkay]

Well... not really pimpin' ...

The STF you see, I saved from the garbage can.

Before spraying, the chassis was splitted in half ATARI grey and half nicotine yellow

This was, because the ST was half covered by a box.

 

I think it looks better this way

 

 

Edited December 17, 2005 by emkay

[+DarkLord]

Well... not really pimpin' ...

The STF you see, I saved from the garbage can.

Before spraying, the chassis was splitted in half ATARI grey and half nicotine yellow 

This was, because the ST was half covered by a box.

 

I think it looks better this way

 

 

984402[/snapback]

 

Argh! Short of total destruction, I just can't imagine anyone throwing an Atari (any Atari!) away.... :-(

[Gunstar]

Well... not really pimpin' ...

The STF you see, I saved from the garbage can.

Before spraying, the chassis was splitted in half ATARI grey and half nicotine yellow 

This was, because the ST was half covered by a box.

 

I think it looks better this way

 

 

984402[/snapback]

 

Argh! Short of total destruction, I just can't imagine anyone throwing an Atari (any Atari!) away.... :-(

984405[/snapback]

I agree. I can't imagine it either. The 1040STf that's on my desk, which doubles as my Mega/STE's keyboard, was purchased for $20 about 4 years ago and came with a working SC1224, mouse and some disks. It had a broken keyboard and was also very yellowed (as was the mouse), along with other problems like a bad drive and other things. I brought it back to life with the help of another 520ST in worse condition and a used external drive I bought later. I still have the 520ST and aquired another "broken" 1040STf. I will be putting together another ST out of these two (plus a replacement keyboard I bought off of E-bay). This FrankenST will also need to be painted. Though with the first 1040, I just painted it naval grey, quite the same as the original, a bit darker, but it looks good. I have since aquired another external SF314 drive that's hooked up to the Mega that has the same naval grey paint job (and of course the mouse). Even when the FrankenST is done, there will be some parts left over that will be saved for future repairs. Nothing is wasted.

Edited December 17, 2005 by Gunstar

[emkay]

I agree. I can't imagine it either. The 1040STf that's on my desk, which doubles as my Mega/STE's keyboard, was purchased for $20 about 4 years ago and came with a working SC1224, mouse and some disks.

984488[/snapback]

 

Well.... in the same plot (GC) I found a Mega ST and Megafile HD. The Mega ST has no keyboard , but when switching it on, everything seems to work.

The Megafile works aswell, as the SM124 . On EBAY I bought another STF just to have a mouse (the mouse on the photo) for my "new styled" 1040 STF ... for 3€ .

The "EBAY" ST really looks brandnew, so it's still covered in a box.

 

The ATARI's were part of the whole interior of a flat, because some guy left his flat, whithout clearing it. The Owner of the flat had to get a "Clearing Firm" .... A Friend of mine remembered me beeing an ATARI Fan, and he told me about those.

[+DarkLord]

I agree. I can't imagine it either. The 1040STf that's on my desk, which doubles as my Mega/STE's keyboard, was purchased for $20 about 4 years ago and came with a working SC1224, mouse and some disks.

984488[/snapback]

 

Well.... in the same plot (GC) I found a Mega ST and Megafile HD. The Mega ST has no keyboard , but when switching it on, everything seems to work.

The Megafile works aswell, as the SM124 . On EBAY I bought another STF just to have a mouse (the mouse on the photo) for my "new styled" 1040 STF ... for 3€ .

The "EBAY" ST really looks brandnew, so it's still covered in a box.

 

The ATARI's were part of the whole interior of a flat, because some guy left his flat, whithout clearing it. The Owner of the flat had to get a "Clearing Firm" .... A Friend of mine remembered me beeing an ATARI Fan, and he told me about those.

984682[/snapback]

 

Lucky break! I only dream about things like that happening to me... :-)

 

I am glad that someone who appreciated their worth found them though.