Looking for an ST

[Catsmasher]

Hey folks! An Atari computer noob looking for some feedback.

 

I have a nice collection of Atari game systems that I like to mess around with (2600, Pong, 7800, Jaguar, Lynx, etc). I recently ran across a NIB XEGS system that I grabbed mainly because I had never seen one and it seemed to be a good deal. I find that I am really enjoying it a lot, too ! Looks like I am hooked and looking to add a floppy to that system.

So I also got to thinking (look out!) that since I have a nice 8 bit system, that a 16 bit computer system might make a nice addition to the collection as well.

After a little (very little) research I am thinking that an ST with built in floppy drive, built in power supply and a RF modulator (520 or 1040 FM) so that I can use the same TVs that I use for my other systems would be the cleanest system to get and use.

What do the experts think? These are not very common on ebay it seems. Are there any sources that you folks know of (like Best Electronics who sold me my 7800 a my NIB Jaguar - wow is he great or what!!)? I am not really looking to steal one, just get something that I won't have to fart around with too much and not get ripped off.

I also noticed that the systems tend to be loose with no software. How available is the OS?

 

Thanks for any help. I am really looking forward to getting back to Space Quest, Gato, and GEM. What memories!

 

Keep playing and keep it alive

Catsmasher

Edited March 29, 2010 by Catsmasher

[Divya16]

Hey folks! An Atari computer noob looking for some feedback.

 

I have a nice collection of Atari game systems that I like to mess around with (2600, Pong, 7800, Jaguar, Lynx, etc). I recently ran across a NIB XEGS system that I grabbed mainly because I had never seen one and it seemed to be a good deal. I find that I am really enjoying it a lot, too ! Looks like I am hooked and looking to add a floppy to that system.

So I also got to thinking (look out!) that since I have a nice 8 bit system, that a 16 bit computer system might make a nice addition to the collection as well.

After a little (very little) research I am thinking that an ST with built in floppy drive, built in power supply and a RF modulator (520 or 1040 FM) so that I can use the same TVs that I use for my other systems would be the cleanest system to get and use.

What do the experts think? These are not very common on ebay it seems. Are there any sources that you folks know of (like Best Electronics who sold me my 7800 a my NIB Jaguar - wow is he great or what!!)? I am not really looking to steal one, just get something that I won't have to fart around with too much and not get ripped off.

I also noticed that the systems tend to be loose with no software. How available is the OS?

 

Thanks for any help. I am really looking forward to getting back to Space Quest, Gato, and GEM. What memories!

 

Keep playing and keep it alive

Catsmasher

 

Go for Mega STE. It has RF port and detachable keyboard. That's the one I have-- comes to think of it I need to get a keyboard cable for that.

[+wood_jl]

Go for Mega STE. It has RF port and detachable keyboard. That's the one I have-- comes to think of it I need to get a keyboard cable for that.

 

Mega STe is cool, but you're talking about a relatively obscure and expensive machine, in the U.S.

 

Wouldn't STe play the games and stuff he wants to - since he's likely a gamer??? Or maybe even 1040STfm (if they ever added an "m" to the 1040STf)?????

[tjlazer]

For the US consumer not looking to get raped without vaseline I would suggest the Atari 1040STf. It is rather common and cheap. But it has no modulator.

 

 

So maybe a 520STfm, but that is a little harder to find here in the USA. It looks just like the 1040 but has a RF Modulator. But it may only have 512k and a SSDD drive. Some will have the DSDD drive. Whatever you do make sure if has the Double Sided drive!

 

You could also get a nice 520STm with external SF314 disk drive, but then again you have external drives, A/C adaptors, etc so I recommend the 520STfm route. The best soution but will cost a bit more is to get a 1040STE.

 

Edited March 30, 2010 by tjlazer

[Catsmasher]

Thanks for the feedback. There is another thread about some folks working on an S-video adapter for STs. That would be the answer. Anyone know of that is done or ready?

[AB Positive]

Or if you're lucky like me, you can get a cheap SC1224 color atari monitor. I nailed a 99 cents auction from Conneticut (I'm in NH, shipping was about $20 priority). Then you don't have to worry about finding a "m" model.

 

When that's the case, when you actually *find* a 1040STf, they tend to go sub $40 on eBay because of the lack of monitor or modulation. It takes some patience, but I pulled it off.

[Divya16]

Go for Mega STE. It has RF port and detachable keyboard. That's the one I have-- comes to think of it I need to get a keyboard cable for that.

 

Mega STe is cool, but you're talking about a relatively obscure and expensive machine, in the U.S.

 

Wouldn't STe play the games and stuff he wants to - since he's likely a gamer??? Or maybe even 1040STfm (if they ever added an "m" to the 1040STf)?????

 

How expensive is it as I got mine from a friend?

 

Perhaps, he can go for a 1040STfmekp

 

1040 for 1Meg

ST for 68000 16/32 processor

f for floppy

m for modulator

e for enhanced sound/palette

k for keyboard (maybe with PC adapter)

p for power cord