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Rybags beginner
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Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 26
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Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 2:26 pm Post subject: My Atari computers |
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I've modded both my 800XL and 130XE machines.
I did the Superpic 2.0 mod to the 800XL. Wasn't really happy with it, it made the picture appear washed out.
I managed to contact the creator of the mod - we both agreed that it probably didn't work out so well because it was aimed at NTSC machines. He advised removing a bit of the work, which I did, and improved things a bit.
Part of the mod was also adding the chroma output to the machines monitor jack (worked fine).
The 130XE is the machine I use most now (despite the XEs having a crap keyboard).
I've built an internal APE interface, which I built based on the commonly available schematic. Works great, I actually built it using the circuit board from an ancient RS-232 PC mouse, as it had an IC which I removed then replaced with the 1489. Then, just cut some traces and used the header already on the board.
I've also added an S-Video and 3.5mm audio jack to my 130XE.
I went with the S-Video because I can then just use the computer via my PCs capture card.
I also added a 3.5 mm audio jack.
For anyone contemplating these additions to their Atari computers, a few notes:
- although I wouldn't recommend the superpic type upgrades, I would definately recommend adding the chroma output to the monitor jack.
- in retrospect, I should have just gone for an RCA instead of 3.5mm for the audio on the XE (as Atari did anyway with the XEGS)
- there are cables available (or you can make your own) which can convert the output from the factory monitor port to S-video and seperate audio, although many XLs and later machines don't have chroma connected by default.
Planned upgrades:
I have about 40 old 1 meg SIMMs. Once I find some instructions + schematics that I can trust + read easily, I plan to upgrade my XEGS to a 1088K machine.
7800 console - the RF output from mine is pathetic (although I think the jack being fairly worn is mostly to blame). I've got the parts, just gotta find the time to do an A/V output mod. |
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retrobrad Administrator
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Joined: 08 Jun 2007 Posts: 1039 Location: NSW, Australia
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Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 6:05 pm Post subject: |
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I havent heard of the Superpic mod before, what exactly does it do??? |
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Rybags beginner
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Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 26
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Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 12:11 am Post subject: |
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The Superpic mods are aimed at improving the video quality, be it RF or through the monitor port.
Atari made the video circuitry progressively worse after the 400/800, a lot of it was just due to poor choice of component values.
I'll try and dig up some links later.
But, here's some pics of my 130XE:
APE/SIO2PC RS232 port
S-Video and audio jacks
Inside pics - APE circuit board
Inside view - S-Video and audio out
It was pot luck that I had an ancient serial PC mouse that had a circuit board almost custom made for the job I wanted. The lug which the screw goes into to hold the case on even fits nicely through one of the small holes to hold it into place.
It uses a generic 1489C type TTL to RS232 level converter IC as described in the various DIY guides. The board has a header, so I made use of it. The plug takes the signals directly to the Atari's SIO port by wires which I soldered onto the pads which the SIO pins go to.
That allows easy dismantling of the machine without having to take the RS-232 plug out of the case.
The holes I've made in the case didn't turn out so great - I didn't have the Dremel clone back then.
The S-Video and audio just pickup their relevant signals from the solder pads which the monitor jack goes to. |
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retrobrad Administrator
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Joined: 08 Jun 2007 Posts: 1039 Location: NSW, Australia
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Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 7:00 pm Post subject: |
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very nice, i'm impressed!
any chance of bringing any of your mods to the convention??? |
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VERTIGO beginner
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Joined: 31 Dec 2007 Posts: 27 Location: Australia NSW
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Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 8:18 pm Post subject: |
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I have seen that before. Is that your mod, or did you copy that from somewhere??. I like the idea, but I'm not sure that its totally 100% correct. |
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tomz/TIDE Moderator
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Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 562 Location: nsw.Australia
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Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2008 8:35 pm Post subject: My Atari computers |
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Hey NICE mod Rybags!! How long in total hours did it take? Not the total time it was spread over , just the actual modification hours.
tomz ![Smile](images/smiles/icon_smile.gif) _________________ http://noname.c64.org/csdb/scener/?id=1971 |
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Rybags beginner
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Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 26
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Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 12:20 am Post subject: |
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The APE/SIO2PC interface is pretty well known and been around for a number of years.
Same with the A/V stuff. I'll probably change that 3.5mm plug for an RCA one as it's a bit touchy and drops audio at times.
Not a lot of people build APE into their machines, but I'm all for less cables and mess so went that way.
Back to the A/V - having S-Video is well worth the effort of building it in or making an external cable as it is clearly better than composite and a huge leap above RF. |
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retrobrad Administrator
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Joined: 08 Jun 2007 Posts: 1039 Location: NSW, Australia
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Posted: Thu May 01, 2008 10:23 pm Post subject: |
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Rybags wrote: |
The APE/SIO2PC interface is pretty well known and been around for a number of years.
Same with the A/V stuff. I'll probably change that 3.5mm plug for an RCA one as it's a bit touchy and drops audio at times.
Not a lot of people build APE into their machines, but I'm all for less cables and mess so went that way.
Back to the A/V - having S-Video is well worth the effort of building it in or making an external cable as it is clearly better than composite and a huge leap above RF. |
i think its nice work Rybags, modding consoles is fun, and making it actually look neat is the best way to go! |
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