peedenmark7 Posted August 24, 2012 Share Posted August 24, 2012 I recently picked up a parts 5200 which carries the * in the serial number. As we all know this is the rare 4 port that accepts the 2600VCS adapter, released at the end of the 4 port run. What I find odd is that my asterisk 4 ports lower housing has the cut out for the power supply plug like a 2 port, where as your typical 4 port does not. That said, did Atari manufacture a 4 port lower housing with the intentions of keeping the 4 port format but elimnating the original power/ RF switcher ? I never noticed this until today as I popped a new motherboard purchased from best, into the * unit. Thoughts ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie_ Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Is the new motherboard compatible with the VCS Adapter? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phuzzed Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Atari did manufacture some Four port systems that didn't require the funky switchbox. Or, should I say they remanufactured them... Check out this thread of mine with photos. Although the one I had didn't have an * in the serial number... I believe it worked with the adapter. http://www.atariage.com/forums/topic/176462-4-port-system-that-uses-regular-switchbox/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peedenmark7 Posted August 25, 2012 Author Share Posted August 25, 2012 (edited) Is the new motherboard compatible with the VCS Adapter? The mother board I purchased from best is identical to what was in the unit originally , and yes it works with the vcs . same numbers and markings, just a new 4 port board dated 2 months prior to mine. Edited August 25, 2012 by peedenmark7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peedenmark7 Posted August 25, 2012 Author Share Posted August 25, 2012 (edited) Atari did manufacture some Four port systems that didn't require the funky switchbox. Or, should I say they remanufactured them... Check out this thread of mine with photos. Although the one I had didn't have an * in the serial number... I believe it worked with the adapter. http://www.atariage....ular-switchbox/ Wow that is weird.. Yet another production quirk. I have the hole in the lower casing but no switch on the board. No * and yours work with the vcs adapter ? Mine is; AT*363 0451657 Edited August 25, 2012 by peedenmark7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie_ Posted August 26, 2012 Share Posted August 26, 2012 Is the new motherboard compatible with the VCS Adapter? The mother board I purchased from best is identical to what was in the unit originally , and yes it works with the vcs . same numbers and markings, just a new 4 port board dated 2 months prior to mine. That is good to know. The mod for VCS compatibility is not hard, but it is not quick either. It is has many steps. I purchased an official mod kit from someone here a long time ago when I modded one of my 4 ports. Luckily the kit came with a network of resistors pre-soldered together. So, that made it a little easier. One thing I did not like is it requires you to break one of the posts next to the cart slot to run wires under the board. I want to do this mod to another 4 port I have but I have to remember who I purchased the kit from! Anyway, it is good to know one can get a version of the 4 port board already compatible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peedenmark7 Posted September 1, 2012 Author Share Posted September 1, 2012 Update to say that I just received my donor 5200 off of ebay.. I purchased this fully functional unit to complete my * numbered project.. I bought it for the top only . However, I think I am going to have to find another donor upper housing as this is hands down the cleanest used 5200 I have ever seen !!!. EP123 date coded 4 port, there is nary a blem to be found on it. absolutely no scratches or wear around the cart port. the storage door is in awesome condition. It would be sad to put a beater top on this unit and pop it on the bay. I thought my 1st l 4 port was clean, this one looks to have just been removed from the box in '82 !! $50 shipped was a steal ! Black is such a b!tch to photograph...it really is 99.9% flawless Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie_ Posted September 1, 2012 Share Posted September 1, 2012 Nice. I know how you feel. I purchased a cheap beater from someone here on the forums. Was going to strip it for parts to fix another. Turned out to look and work so good, I just left it alone and it is the 5200 I've been using the most these days. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boxpressed Posted September 1, 2012 Share Posted September 1, 2012 The one from me, I hope? If so, glad to hear it is getting a lot of use! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie_ Posted September 2, 2012 Share Posted September 2, 2012 The one from me, I hope? If so, glad to hear it is getting a lot of use! Thats the one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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