OldGuru
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Posts posted by OldGuru
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Hi all,
As I am relocating to California this summer, some items from my collection will have to find a new owner...
The last item on this list is a Sega Dreamcast store display unit.
It does not contain the original system nor the TV set - but it is in a pretty good shape.
If you want it - it is yours for a nominal fee of $0...
All what you need to do is to come and pick it up from Ocean Twp., NJ (07712).
The first to send me a PM will become the new owner.
Now, there is only one condition that the new owner has to agree to:
This item cannot be sold on at any time. If, for whatever reason, its owner has to find a new home for it, it should be passed on for free...
By sending me a PM you actually agree to this term!
Ronen.
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In an effort to figure out how the Bank-Switching of this game works, I have implemented it on one of the MaxiCarts I made. I did not get too far with it, but was able to play at least the first level on the real system...
A couple of screenshots are available here:
http://www.vgwiz.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=71
I did not have too much time to spend on it and made no further progress than what I described.
OG.
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Are you using a 2 port 5200 ?????
Yes. And I'm new to the 5200. Am I to do something special here?
Hi,
You may want to check the following post about a pitfall, Atari 5200 and what can be done about it:
http://www.atariage.com/forums/viewtopic.p...ghlight=pitfall
Hope it helps,
Ronen.
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Looks good!
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[Can't wait to get it and play Caverns of Mars on the real thing!
Allan
I Played it last night on the MaxiCart. Plays great! Nice game.
Ronen.
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Will there be any support for Linux or OS X?
Bruce,
The intention is to complete a Linux version as well.
I started porting the software using QtDesign Kit. The required USB drivers are available as well. It may take a while though before we can have a full blown running software. BTW: If you know a Linux C++ programmer that could assist in this task, please let me know.
In any case, the hardware will stay the same, regardless to the operating system someone uses.
I'm also curious how long the "load" time is for each game...jetset,
It really depends on the computer you are using and the size of the game. From our experiments, on a 677MHz P3 PC, it took about 20-25 seconds to complete a download of a 32KB game. This time may vary if other PC applications are running in the background. Please note that while downloading, the software also verifies the content of the Flash - so there is no need to do a verify MaxiCart rightafter.
Also note that the more 0xFF are in the code - the faster the download time is (less on-the-fly verification is required). Therefor, the total download time is also "game" dependent.
Ronen.
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will it support games like Super Pac-Man and Bounty Bob Strikes Back?
but will this cart support homebrew demos or *new/odd* BINS like the Menu cart or the Ticker Tape Demo?
Bank switching is not supported in this product. Therefore, games like BBSB are not supported on this cartridge.
Basically, any game that you could burn into an EPROM (up to 32KB) and use the standard 32KB PCB currently available for homebrew developpers, should work on the MaxiCart as well. For example, games like "Koffi" or "Castle Blast" work fine on this cartrdige.
We have tested a bunch of games and had no issue playing them on our console. If there is a specific game you may be interested in, please let me know, I'll test it on the MaxiCart and report the result.
Hope that answers your questions,
OG.
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USPS M.O would work fine.
OG.
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We are happy to announce that the development of the Atari 5200 MaxiCart is complete. The first production run is under way and we expect to offer it for sale through our web site in the next few weeks.
The MaxiCart is a special Atari 5200 cartridge that allows gamers as well as game developers to download game files using a USB port into an on-board ROM using loader software installed on a PC. Once, the game file is transferred to the MaxiCart, the game can be played on any Atari 5200 console just as any other Atari 5200 game. The cartridge will retain the game until a different one is loaded. The MaxiCart can be loaded from any MicrosoftTM Windows PC, it includes the game loader software with a graphical user interface and a USB cable.
For more information about the MaxiCart check our web site at: http://www.vgwiz.com
OG.
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Hi DEBRO,
I enjoyed playing your game at Philly. I think that it is addictive and has a great gameplay.
The only 2 comments I have are the color scheme used for level 3 - kind of too bright in my opinion. Also, the change in difficulty between level 2 and 3 is pretty sharp. I don't know if that was intentional or not, but in level 3, there seem to be 2 or 3 vertical bars moving together at the same vertical line such, that it is neearly impossible to get through...
As I didn't make it through level 3 I cannot comment of higher levels...
Overall, my favorite 2600 homebrew so far, I'll definitely get a copy when available.
OG.
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Hi,
Before you get to use the PCBS and other equipment you'll need some assembly language programming skills, a PC that has a text editort, 6502 assembler (DASM is commonly used for that purpose) and an emulator.
You'll need some basic files such as vcs.h and the stella tutorial to figure out how to write your program.
A very good source of information is the Stella mailing list where you can get many of your questions answered by some top notch 2600 programmers.
Once you have your code up and running on the emulator, you should start testing it on the real system. To do that you'll need a standard 4KB PCB and an EPROM. To burn your EPROMS with the code that you just developed, you'll need an EPROM programmer (and UV eraser as well).
At this stage, you'll program your own EPROMS, plug them into the PCB and test them on your console.
There are also 8KB PCB designs available now if your code requires more than 4KB.
If you are looking for a reasonable jump start, you may want to consider looking into a deign kit for the Atari 2600 offered by www.vgwiz.com/products.html. This design kit contains a socketed 4KB PCB with a 4KB EPROM, a socketed 8KB PCB with an 8KB EPROM and a CD containing a design-guide which explains how bank-switching works and sample 4K/8K test code.
I'm now working on a new design that will allow you to develop your code on the PC, download it to a special development cartridge and test it on the real system.
Hope that helps,
OG.
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how far are you into the developement? I mean, how soon do you think you'll be finished?
Hardware:
We have prototypes PCB for all parts.
The base loader is pretty much complete. There are some mechanical issues that still require solution.
The A52 Megacart can now play a single game (I tested Koffi and Castle Blast) that was downloaded via the parallel port.
The A26 Megacart can now play 4KB games only (no Bank switching was implemented yet).
Software:
PC-
We are working on both DOS and WIN based programs.
The DOS version is pretty simple now and allows a single file downloading - this will change though.
The WIN version is in a better shape but still requires some more work.
Consoles-
A menu code is needed for both consoles to enable the user to choose the wanted game when multiple have been downloaded.
A5200 - A basic scrolling text code is ready. Integration is needed.
A2600 - A basic scrolling text code is ready. Integration is needed.
what type of computer software will you need to run this?Our software is PC based and for the most, the WIN version will be used. This program allows the user to create and compile their own multicart, download it to the megacart, read back existing flashes, verify etc.
Hope it helps,
OG.
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BTW, this will let you essentually flash a cardtridge, and then put it in your system to watch it run right?
This is correct.
OG.
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BTW, this will let you essentually flash a cardtridge, and then put it in your system to watch it run right?
This is correct.
OG.
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I've programmed Vectrace and Vaboom! for the Vectrex.
OG.
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Ok, so here it is:
We (a good friend and myself) are in the process of developing a family of development cartridges for various systems.
The first one will be for the Atari 5200 and it will be followed by its Atari 2600 version.
The idea is pretty simple: a Flash based cartridge with a CPLD for the logic part. The user downloads the desired code via the parallel port to the development cartridge (Which we call Megacart). The program will allow for personal multicart compilation as well. Via the GUI, the users will be able to select their favorite games, compile and download them all (up to the limit of the Flash of course, which is now 4Mbit = 512KB) to the Megacart. This is all done near the PC using a base loader unit (This base unit is common to the Atari 5200 and 2600 versions). Once the Megacart has been loaded with the code, it can be removed from the base loader unit and be used in the console. If more than one game was compiled, a menu code will appear on the console for the game selection.
Basically, this is the concept…
How far did we get?
We have all the hardware prototypes as well as code to access the Flash via the parallel port (through the CPLD). The (consoles) menu code is almost ready and the integration phase will start soon. The GUI (windows based) program is in its early integration phase.
When will it be available?
There is quite some way to go, however, we think that we have proofed the concept and we that we are heading in the right direction.
How much will it cost?
It is too early to say as for the development we ordered low quantities for higher price. One certain thing is: we are trying to reduce the final cost as much as we can.
Will you be able to see it before its final version?
Yes, if you come to PhillyClassic…
Whish us luck and keep your fingers crossed…
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Hmm, why don't you design your own Prototype label ?
This is my plan. I wanted to use that as a template (text size and position) for my own very similar design. I can assure you that I'll not be using Atari's logo. There will not be a room for confusion here. I promise.
Tempest,
Since this issue seems to be of concern, please ignore my request for hi res scan. I'll come up with something myself.
OG.
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When are you planning on revealing your game?
As soon as I find a hi res. label scan, make a label out of it and take a picture...
OG.
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Is your project a homebrew or reproduction for resale?
1. It is a homebrew project.
2. It will not be sold with this label anyway.
OG.
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I could scan a few of mine if the ones on my page aren't clear enough (http://www.atariprotos.com).
That would be great! I need it scanned at 300 DPI if you could.
Whatcha need 'em for?I would like to create my own proto label for my current project.
Also, did Atari used the same label for the 2600 and the 5200 ? This is the impression I got looking at your web site.
Thanks,
OG.
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Hi all,
I was wondering if there was a place on the net that had a hi res. scan of any of the prototypes labels ?
Any assistance is appreciated,
OG.
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Got my copy today.
Awesome! What else can be said?
Great game by Ron (my favorite 5200 homebrew so far).
Great box by Geo.
Great and professional looking manual. (BTW: What type of printer was used for that purpose?)
Overall, Great item to own (#5/100).
Thanks Ron!
OG.
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Still waiting on my copy of Koffi...oh well...perhaps today...
Same here... I'll have to wait a while till all the snow we got melts and clears my mailbox... till then, I'll just have to wait and read all the messages here on the board...
OG.
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They both look cool.
Where did you find them? How did you get them?
OG.
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Finally..
in Prototypes
Posted
Hi,
It has been a while since I posted here on this forum..
For the past few months I was busy putting together my game room so that I (finally) can play and display videogame my collection.
While unboxing, I came across an Atari Cosmos hologram of Superman I got (about 20 years ago) at a South Jersey Nava meetings (held at Mike Etler’s shop).
Ever since I got it I never knew which Cosmos game it was belonging to. Whenever I looked at it - back at the time - I could see a single 3D image of buildings..
Today, I spent some time reading on this unreleased system online, and learned that each hologram actually contains 2 3D images. As a result of that - my curiosity increased and I went to double check my hologram and for the first time (ever) I was able to see the 3D hologram of Superman and a dragon next to is as well as a 3D hologram of a city.. I was able to take a couple of photos of these holograms which I attached below.
Thanks for reading and happy new year everyone!
OG