Check out my 2600XL computer!

[Gunstar]

Ta-DA! The Atari 2600XL!

[atariksi]

Ta-DA! The Atari 2600XL!

 

I think you would have to have links between the two machines via SIO/joystick/etc. running distributive software to qualify as a single computer of 2600XL = 600XL+800XL+1200XL. I recall at some science fairs people had machines with labels like "256KXL" depending on what gadgets/expansions they put into them.

 

Perhaps, you do have some WiFi links there that I don't see.

[AB Positive]

Booo, I was hoping to see a weird XL-in-a-VCS type contraption. Of course, how'd you work without the keyboard... or perhaps a mod to have a ps/2 keyboard spot on it...

 

Someone get to work on this!

[Marc Oberhäuser]

Booo, I was hoping to see a weird XL-in-a-VCS type contraption. Of course, how'd you work without the keyboard... or perhaps a mod to have a ps/2 keyboard spot on it...

 

Someone get to work on this!

 

I would like to see this the other way around.

[Fox-1 / mnx]

I think you would have to have links between the two machines

They're linked when powered-up. They share the same power outlet :-)

[atariksi]

I think you would have to have links between the two machines

They're linked when powered-up. They share the same power outlet :-)

 

I have seen some devices use the power lines for sending data signals. However, I don't see any power lines in the picture either-- perhaps there's lithium ion rechargeable batteries inside.

[Fox-1 / mnx]

I have seen some devices use the power lines for sending data signals. However, I don't see any power lines in the picture either-- perhaps there's lithium ion rechargeable batteries inside.

 

Nah, batteries are too outdated. Must be a wireless energy transfer system.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_energy_transfer

[atariksi]

I have seen some devices use the power lines for sending data signals. However, I don't see any power lines in the picture either-- perhaps there's lithium ion rechargeable batteries inside.

 

Nah, batteries are too outdated. Must be a wireless energy transfer system.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_energy_transfer

 

I have yet to see that in some pratical use. But here's an article using a 2nd Atari for printer spool:

 

http://www.atarimagazines.com/v7n7/8BitToolhouse.html

 

They also have a two-button mouse article there, but so far it seems Atari ST mice on 8-bit only allow using one-button. Anyone do a hack to use the 2nd button on Atari 8-bit?

[R4ngerM4n]

Booo, I was hoping to see a weird XL-in-a-VCS type contraption.

Same here...

[atariksi]

I have seen some devices use the power lines for sending data signals. However, I don't see any power lines in the picture either-- perhaps there's lithium ion rechargeable batteries inside.

 

Nah, batteries are too outdated. Must be a wireless energy transfer system.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_energy_transfer

 

I have yet to see that in some pratical use. But here's an article using a 2nd Atari for printer spool:

 

http://www.atarimagazines.com/v7n7/8BitToolhouse.html

 

They also have a two-button mouse article there, but so far it seems Atari ST mice on 8-bit only allow using one-button. Anyone do a hack to use the 2nd button on Atari 8-bit?

 

Well, here's the A1001 Mouse-- hack I just did few minutes ago. This is an Amiga mouse which works on Atari 8-bit and both buttons can be read and it still works on Amiga. Didn't want to screw with my ST mouse as I only have one of those whereas I have about 5 Amiga mice. So just attach 4K resistor from pin 9 (second button line) to pin 7 (+5V) line. I did use soldering, the scotch tape in the picture is to prevent the resistor legs from touching the ground. If the colors of the wires are consistent for these Amiga mice, they are the following:

 

pin 1 wire is brown

pin 2 wire is red

pin 3 wire is orange

pin 4 wire is yellow

pin 5 is n.c.

pin 6 wire is blue

pin 7 wire is purple

pin 8 wire is thick black

pin 9 wire is thin black

 

So you do PEEK(53264) to read the trigger (first button) like usual and PADDLE(0) to read the second button. It will read < 4 for button NOT pressed and 228 for button pressed. I guess fast pot scan can help speed up the second mouse button reads.