Leaderboard

Decided to do a refresh on the PEBs I have and the first one turned out great. After replacing the caps: I removed the 12v and 5v regulators off the PCB and put replacements on the PEB floor with heatsinks: Then replaced the four diodes with 2 amp subs: Last was to replace the "vacuum cleaner fan" with a new 115V fan: An old warrior ready for new battles!

yeah, I´m still sorting in..... ?

Over the past few days, I worked on the Mini Memory image with saving option, first released here. As discussed before, the problem with that image is that it overwrites some bytes in the range >7000 to >7200. The TI 99 communicates with the FinalGROM via a sequence of bank switch-like writes to >6000 and >7000 + (b << 1), where b is the byte to send. In the original Minimem image, the code would simply CLR *R1 ; R1 = >7000 + b << 1 thus overwriting the bytes, because the range >7000->7FFF is configured as RAM. The obvious solution is to replace CLR by this sequence instead: MOV *R1, R0 ; R1 = >7000 + b << 1 MOV R0, *R1 or just MOV *R1, *R1 I tried this before, but surprisingly the FinalGROM wouldn't recognize the sequence at all any more. Looking at the VHDL code for the CPLD now, however, I noticed that the detection logic for this exact case used a latch, acting on ROMS* = 0 & WE* = 0. Latches are generally not recommended, but back in the day I didn't know how to use an edge trigger for either ROMS* or WE*, since the order of the individual signals ROMS* and WE* is undefined. So now I simply introduced a new signal for ROMS* && WE*, and edge triggered that, which works perfectly -- not sure why I didn't consider that earlier. Anyway, there is now a new Minimem image fg-minimem-2.zip, and you also need to update the CPLD "firmware". For the latter, please follow the instructions on the home page, in section "How to Update". This update won't bump your displayed version number, though, as the change is pretty small. If you're not interested in using the Mini Memory and saving the contents back to SD card, you don't need to update at all.

I hope my previous post did not hurt anyone. There was a timing issue when I posted it: I started to write the message but I was interrupted and then I submitted it later but in the meantime, the availability of the bare board was published. Anyway, now you know my motivations. Thanx again to McRorie to let us buy a bare board. I was not aware of this Club that I joined a couple of hours ago. I am afraid I won’t be of any support for others but I am pleased to join. People in this forum are just fantastic and just for that I am happy to be an Atari fan.

Good point. I actually did make an interesting observation a while ago when I did a logic trace for Tursi. So yes, I'll keep working on the FinalGROM, although my priority is to get stuff working for Leicester.

I would be okay with atgames getting it. At least they make stuff.

Okay, Pat & Rog ... we'll see what happens ?

Not complete yet. Still need some testing with the final board release, but nearly there. Basically I moved the Midi connections to the rear and added a printer interface and Both's Wifi2Serial ESP07 setup. The front space vacated by the midi connectors and a very precise positioning along with some internal case modification finally got enough room to close the lid. This kind of mod is not for the faint of heart or a noob. MacRorie will be offering this as a completed option. At this point I am not confident releasing bare boards for this. There's eprom and esp programming on top of the physical build and more case modification. It's a level of complexity all it's own. All in all this will be a five board upgrade in total with the need for a custom front and rear I/O panel.

I changed the version label: I fixed the problem with the last screen: I just want to fix a few more things in the intro screen (colors + keys) and I think my work will be done.... Bruce Lee RC 12.xex

Hi. @19Echo sent me a bunch of disks for evaluation and dumping. I'm still going through them but one set caught my eye. It is a set of a whole lot of PAPIE (Professional Atari Programmer's Exchange) disks. I loaded up the first one and it looks like Antic had programmers who were REQUIRED to submit something every month. I'm assuming these disks are the collection of that. There are 17 double-sided diskettes. I used Happy Sector Copier to copy most of them. Some of them were labelled on the disk as having sector or track issues so any disk that got any errors, I kryofluxed and converted to .atr. Those are marked with a (K). Except one, that only had one error and completed, I left that one and then labelled the one with the same name with (Kryoflux). Anyway, even thought they are not original and some of them are on Atarimania, I thought I would share them here for others to look at. Big thanks to @19Echo for sending me these disks. PAPIE.zip -Todd

All valid; you could use DC-DC converters, replace the whole thing with a switcher (but you may have to bypass the regulators on the cards, depending). I just used stuff I had (except for the fan) so it was cheap, does the trick and keeps it simple. BTW, I did replace the huge linear p/s in my WDS100 MFM drive box from Myarc with a small pc switching p/s and that works great, once I got all the grounds properly placed. The p/s came out of an old pc that was junked. Please continue to be creative, it's what makes this hobby fun! Thanks guys!

It's been awhile so... Time for another update! The following are the things I've worked on: Changed start/end music and main theme to match what @Kurt_Woloch provided Added difficulty ramp-up by adding enemy fractional movement... (enemies speed increase with level progression). Fixed player control issues so that when you're near intersections, player will slide toward the intersection you are pressing a direction that is only available at the intersection. Worked on a few graphical glitches and I believe I've eliminated the issue with corrupted graphics/phantom sprite appearing. There is still more work to be done... Title screen High score table (and SaveKey support) Maybe better flicker managment Maybe more levels Maybe some other cool things... ...but I'm not sure what I'm going to work on next. Please let me know if you find any issues. Enjoy. chaoticGrill-2019-08-17--NTSC.bin chaoticGrill-2019-08-17--PAL60.bin

"Unconsole" company who doesn't want to be referred to as retro constantly brings up original company's retro console.

Actually, I need to correct myself. Both my AtariMax Happy clones fail the #2 RAM test, with the same error. I googled this error message once and got another forum thread about it but no real explanation. The 8B corresponds (I think) to a NAK error, Error 139. That said, this fellow had a similar (but not identical) error. However, clearly my Google-fu was failing, because another hit for the same error led me to this thread and this specific post, where very smart guys like @Larry and @ijor were talking about this same general topic TWELVE YEARS AGO. So if I go into my U1MB BIOS and disable HSIO for D1: and D2:, voila. The diagnostics for both pass without issue. Guys, AtariAge and its literally 15+ years of post history are an incredible resource. Subscribe and help Al keep the servers humming!

First rule of thumb when wanting to purchase something like this: stop actively looking for it! Seriously, when you least expect to find one for reasonable, there it'll be.

We did release the ROM already! https://priorartgames.eu/2018/10/20/assembloids2600-binaries-for-free Have fun ? Feedback appreciated of course.

Updated lists of manuals to be found online, both sorted alphabetically. . The PDF covers principal sources including atariage. Some manuals have been excluded where the quality is low, to avoid deterring anyone adding better quality scans. In most cases, only source name not specific links. The text file only covers atariage, and includes links to the actual post- these have now been updated to be compatible with the new forum introduced in June 2019. s softwaremanualsamalgAug19.pdf omegalist.txt

I put together this little fan box art tonight. Such a fantastic little board, love it! Thanks again @foft and @santosp! Now just wish we had injection molded cases, proper boxes and manuals and stuff. eclairexl_box_front.pdf

Select Songbird games are on sale through September 6, 2019! All Songbird Lynx games are $5 off (via manual refund) New printed Lynx game boxes are now in stock Lynx Lexis, Ponx, and SFX are an additional $10 off Jaguar Iron Soldier 2 CD, Loopz, Robinson's Requiem CD, Skyhammer, Total Carnage, and World Tour Racing CD are $10 off Oh, yes, there is also a new Jaguar game to pre-order. Have a great weekend!

It has been my solution for a PEB with a flamed powersupply. The Black one on the left is a common Powersupply from an arcade https://www.arcadewinkel.nl/en/min-dong-md-9916a-arcade-power-supply-12v-5v-5v The other one grey, on the right, is a +5 +12 for just the Floppy Drives. i preferred to have two different power supply to be sure i had enought power for the drives internal and external.

Shoot me some PMs guys. Grab bags of shit from my basement. 25$ plus shipping. You might get a VCR remote, you might get Double Dragon 2 for the NES! WOW!

I need these in my IRA. https://ebay.com/itm/254331674623

I could do that a bit sooner. That one uses a different kind of sound similar to one of my other settings. On the $4x table, there are lots of sounds with the same tonal frequency but different vibrato pulse widths. Still getting those all sorted.

Antonia 800XL 65c815 CPU.zip

It is super slow on that page. Its like the Box thread here under modern gaming where there is nothing new about the box to talk about.

good grief. It's also clear it's a slow news cycle over on the RabidAtariVCS fanpage.

Awesome to see you in here Karl! Think you'll enjoy the relative freedom of the 7800 ?

Well, I was not able to use my PS1/PS2 dual shock controller with the Tototek adapter at the SNES port, but I was able to use my PS3 sixaxis controller wirelessly with my 8bitdo retro receiver, so that is even better. Bit of a hassle getting the PS3 controller and retro receiver to pair on my PC, but after reading a few trouble shooting pages, I was able to do it. It's a little strange as you need to turn off registered certificate check on you PC and not have the SPC server going, so your PS3 controller won't actually be functional on your PC when it is pairing with the retro receiver...

a8diag1-6.rom CRC16 - E00A Some small fixes. 800XL PMG markers were completely off.

Sage had a really amazing demo at eJagfest a year ago. Four Lynx units playing in sync. It was like a real band. My guess is that Chipper 2.0 exists.

There is an IR diode on the n3ds that puts off light. Your retinas will reflect bright dots through the pupils of your eyes to the sensor. It uses these dots to track your eye movement. When you wear glasses, the lenses create a reflection of the IR diode, which may or may not line up with your pupils. This confuses the sensor as it now sees four bright dots instead of two, causing jittering effect with prescription glasses. It helps if you use the 3ds in a brightly lit room. Mine only jittered when I wore glasses *and* plated in the dark.

As a matter of interest, I would be good for three bare boards. Thanks for considering this!

Thanks for the welcome. Let's say the XEL has been on my mind lately...

Whoa... Ebay URL shortening tip - only /itm/ and the item # are needed. Everything else can be deleted, like this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/171627459513

Nowhere near the top, but also the first time I've probably ever played it. lol... This was on my Flashback Portable. I'll try some more later. 4100

Build them as 800 type RAM cards for power supply and physical stability. Provide a PBI connecter on the Incognito side and use a SHORT ribbon cable. Please include a pass-through PBI connector on the other side of the board for future expansion cards or other PBI devices. There are 3 open slots. It would be nice to make use of them.

Not gonna happen. You get power hungry and always look toward the Next ThingTM.

For those not paying attention to the AtGames social media accounts, there was a teaser photo showing a much-requested upgrade to the shipping machines:

I just want to take a moment to remind everyone as well that when @Albert implemented the new forum software, I took advantage of the new features to create a Club for XEL/XLD specific discussion or questions. I did this in the hopes that people can have a specific place to discuss their own personal issues, their own personal construction projects, whatever, in a personal thread they create themselves, where any concerns or problems won't get buried in general discussion or project threads and people who might be able to help will might miss a post. I don't know how active or useful this has been - there hasn't been a post in almost 2 months since I created the Club, but it's there and I at least intend to try to help people as much as possible and to the extent my own knowledge and experience will benefit others. As you may have seen on my posts in the XEL thread 18 months ago, or in my posts trying to get my Scott Baker Masterplay clone boards working, I am not shy about providing details of my own failures and mistakes - I think it's helpful to give a lot of info so that others searching for solutions to similar problems will have as much data as possible to get them through. So I'll certainly do that for anyone who wants to start a build thread in the Club or here in the main A8 forum. It's your right to disagree and your points are valid. You want the enjoyment of doing it yourself. I totally get that. I like building stuff - frankly the building is as much or more fun for me these day as using it, and nothing beats the satisfaction I've felt as the first successful boot of my XEL and XLD machines, the first nice sharp image from a UAV-modded 7800, or the super high-score I achieved using a 5200 thumbstick controller I built with my own parts, my own soldering iron, and my own hands. So that is to say, I get it. I think a lot of us do. That's why Marlin has decided to offer bare boards. You'll get those, plus your own wits and the help of the forum at large (for good, bad or indifferent!).

And still the same sandwich at Tingiant. (You'd think it be rotten by now unless they vacuum-packed it.)

Everyone is free to have an opinion, no need to be sorry that you disagree. From my point of view if I wasn't on the beta team I would absolutely buy a fully assembled version. The reason being that I believe in the hardware and would do whatever I could to obtain one. Your points are valid, and I applaud you for putting them in a well written and cogent post. Lately there have been some threads that have gotten out of hand with demands and requests. It really is good to see so much interest in the project and the desire for people to obtain the XLD. As you can see the decision was made to offer a fully built unit as well as a set of boards, so you will absolutely be able to obtain those and build your own from scratch. You will just have to do some of the work locating the BOM (which to be fair a lot of the beta group did too). I wish you the best of luck with the build and I'll be looking forward to seeing some pictures when you get it fired up.

Absolutely! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Personally, I wouldn't waste any more time worrying. I think people are making a bigger deal out of this than it really is because... that seems to be what people like to do. But from everything I've read... 1. This issue has affected VERY FEW people. 2. The developers are aware and are on it. 3. The console "plugs n plays" JUST FINE on all six different TVs in my house ranging from a 70" 4K HD set to a CRT being run through an HDMI > AV converter. I think everyone on the Phoenix team has responded back basically saying "don't worry, we're on it" to fix the issue only affecting a handful of people and how much more reassurance do you need?

First of all a big thank you and congrats to CollectorVision for making the Phoenix a reality. Although I didn't opt to receive mine early, I pre-ordered on day 1 and am looking forward to getting my Phoenix in October or shortly after. I hope all the issues with no signal on some hdtv's is fixed by then. My enthusiasm is a little dampened by this issue and all the above tech jargon. That is exactly what I wanted to avoid by getting this console vs modding a CV and potentially having to learn soldering. Simplicity was what I was after. I hope that's what I get. I don't want to have to plug it into a monitor and sit at a desk. I don't want to have to read through pages of manuals to adjust settings. I just want to hook it up to my hdtv, plug in a cart, kick back on my couch in my mancave and just enjoy.

7,800 New here and first time trying this out! No expectations except to have fun and learn in the process!!

Please, do not disturb him, he seems already angry ... An other few animated gifs from the game which is , by the way, currently finished \o/ (ok need to add a credits screen ) ...

screenshot from Augusta . Also Desert Course ( in progress)

Yes we played Abracadabra a few years ago, it was a lot better than I thought it was going to be