newTIboyRob Posted September 24 Share Posted September 24 (edited) So with my 410 days sadly now in the rear view mirror, I now need to turn to the 64KRAM plug-in, outer style expansion piece and SIO2PC USB device combination for the 600XL. A member on another thread commented that, in the past, and perhaps still even now, sometimes the latter had chips that were bogus. Naturally I want to avoid this. So I have some questions before I take this what I hope will be about $66 combination plunge. Please go gentle on me, and remember that I am new to this concept and still trying to crystallize things I've never had to encounter heretofore. So just kindly read and point out what needs clarification or correction in my thinking and or/connection information. First off: The 64K RAM piece is necessary for use with the SIO2PC USB device, and both are needed. The RAM is the easy part I understand, as the one I will be buying on Ebay is self powered and simply plugs into the 600 XL's rear parallel buss port. This will upgrade my stock 16K to 64 RAM memory in like under a minute. (Though it does block that port, I wouldn't be using anything in that slot anyway.) Now to my 5 questions. Keep in mind something important for my situation, logistically speaking. I have a 2021 PC I use in my upstairs office, but the Atari unfortunately will eventually be used in the basement, if I can use it this way. I hope this set up doesn't obliterate things for me for what follows, but here goes: Regarding the SIO2PC USB device: 1) Connection to PC seems easy: The device has a mini USB connection port at one end, Molex connector at the other end. You first plug a mini USB cable (hopefully provided with the device) from the mini USB port on the front of the PC (I see the port on my PC and I have Windows 10) to the device. The Molex end then eventually plugs into the Atari 600 XL's rear peripheral port. So when all is said and done... this thing coming out of the Atari peripheral port will just show the mini USB port, as the Molex end is connected into the Atari. This is all correct? 2) I currently have an ICD P:R: CONNECTION box plugged into the peripheral port for using my (then) 410 and Epson FX 80 printer. For the few of you who are unfamiliar with it, that box has a built in Molex connector which connects to the Atari and the box itself has 1 Molex connection slot where my 410 once resided and where the SIO2PC device will find its new home, if in fact it can. The printer connects to the other end of the box, non Molex and runs to the printer's parallel connection slot. So if the box will still be connected to the Atari, we need to make sure that the actual SIO2PC device I buy, once connected to the ICD P:R: CONNECTION box, will actually still work without issue/s and without any effect on printer use. (I am thinking that box is a passive pass-through box as opposed to an actual, active conversion box, but maybe someone can verify that is correct and that the SIO2PC device will work connected to that box?) Worst case scenario I suppose is I unplug the connection box at the Atari, plug in the SIO2PC device there, bring the file into memory, take the device out, reconnect the box so I can run the printer. A bit of swapping and inconvenience, granted, but there are way worse things in life. I still would like to keep the original connection though, if possible. So I just need to make sure I understand these last 3 things, and I should be on my way with all this: 3) Once the SIO2PC USB device is plugged into the PC, I need to download the software, (do you recommend Aspect the free Atari online software?)... but... is it that the software needs to download right into the SIO2PC USB device itself for later use in the Atari, or is it that you just download the software separately, do what you have to do, and then save the files, sans software, into the device? (I wasn't sure if the software actually needs to be also saved into the device to run the future files you will be storing on it if the device is to be used downstairs, sans PC.) 4) Once the files (and software?) is actually on the SIO2PC USB device, all that's left is to plug the Molex end into the peripheral port on the Atari downstairs? (note at that point, the PC is not downstairs), but the files would then be usable on the Atari since they were stored in the SIO2PC USB device prior upstairs? 5) This will come into play more later, but since I'm/we're already here and it's related... I have past programs on real cassettes that I would still like to use with this combo, namely the ill-fated Homecalc main program I recently managed to save to tape. So is the concept here that before I bring the SIO2PC device downstairs, this time around I can connect any old tape recorder, (not an Atari specific one), play back the homemade tapes, (I have the Radio Shack CCR-81 so can I just use the EAR jack as a line out connected to PC line in?) thus bringing the data on the homemade tapes into the PC where I can then convert it to .CAS files using an online PC conversion program? If all that is correct, which program/software do you recommend for this purpose? I hope I got most of the above correct! That being said, can someone kindly include an Ebay link to the least expensive, but still legitimate, SIO2PC USB device that includes the USB mini cable? 2 Links to these were once provided, but the best scenario would be one that you either have been using without issue, or you know friends use without issue, or even one where you are the seller and you are looking out for me! Thanks all Edited September 24 by newTIboyRob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chevymad Posted September 24 Share Posted September 24 Not the least expensive, but this would probably be top of the line. With official software and licensed drivers. https://www.atarimax.com/sio2pc/documentation/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TGB1718 Posted September 24 Share Posted September 24 12 minutes ago, newTIboyRob said: 3) Once the SIO2PC device is plugged into the PC, I need to download the software, (do you recommend Aspect the free Atari online software?)... but... is it that the software needs to download right into the SIO2PC USB device itself for later use in the Atari, or is it that you just download the software separately, do what you have to do, and then save the files, sans software, into the device? (I wasn't sure if the software actually needs to be also saved into the device to run the future files you will be storing on it if the device is to be used downstairs, sans PC.) 4) Once the files (and software?) is actually on the SIO2PC USB device, all that's left is to plug the Molex end into the peripheral port on the Atari downstairs? (note at that point, the PC is not downstairs), but the files would then be usable on the Atari since they were stored in the SIO2PC USB device prior upstairs? 5) This will come into play more later, but since I'm/we're already here and it's related... I have past programs on real cassettes that I would still like to use with this combo, namely the ill-fated Homecalc main program I recently managed to save to tape. So is the concept here that before I bring the SIO2PC device downstairs, this time around I can connect any old tape recorder, (not an Atari specific one), play back the homemade tapes, (I have the Radio Shack CCR-81 so can I just use the EAR jack as a line out connected to PC line in?) thus bringing the data on the homemade tapes into the PC where I can then convert it to .CAS files using an online PC conversion program? If all that is correct, which program/software do you recommend for this purpose? I hope I got most of the above correct! That being said, can someone kindly include an Ebay link to the least expensive, but still legitimate, SIO2PC USB device that includes the USB mini cable? 2 Links to these were once provided, but the best scenario would be one that you either have been using without issue, or you know friends use without issue, or even one where you are the seller and you are looking out for me! Unfortunately, you have it wrong, the SIO2PC is just a device that connects your PC to your Atari via a cable, it does not store anything, you need the PC and Atari in the same location to use it. Devices that store programs/disk images are like S-Drive Max or SIO2USB to name a few, there are lots of others, the options vary depending on the devices functionality. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newTIboyRob Posted September 24 Author Share Posted September 24 Yes, I now just saw that one was used successfully by another member, thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newTIboyRob Posted September 24 Author Share Posted September 24 oh ok thanks TGB... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chevymad Posted September 24 Share Posted September 24 Ya, sio2pc requires you to be tethered to a pc or tablet. Have you looked into fujinet? Fujinet can access or your pc over your wifi, it also has an sd card you can store software on as well. It won't do cartridge files but does alot of other things as well. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geister Posted September 24 Share Posted September 24 The Aspect/Respect software is loaded onto the PC. You use it to select the Atari software to queue up for loading onto the Atari via the interface. Once you have the software queued up you boot the Atari which sees the queued up software as a Disk Drive with software on it. This is why the mounted ATR in Aspect/Respect needs to have a dos on it or you'll be unable to boot the drive. If the mounted ATR is an autoboot disk, it will load and run the software automatically. You should be familiar with using disk drives on the Atari or you may not know how to boot/load software from ATRs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newTIboyRob Posted September 24 Author Share Posted September 24 I recall others had recommended SD Max & Fujinet. Any preference and why? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geister Posted September 24 Share Posted September 24 I have listed a device that can be used in place of the AtariMax version in your original post It requires a bit of adventurousness on your part. The Respect software may be downloaded from this website. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newTIboyRob Posted September 24 Author Share Posted September 24 (edited) (fixed terminology error) Edited September 24 by newTIboyRob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chevymad Posted September 24 Share Posted September 24 I dont have a sdmax just a Sdrive Nuxx. It's my simplest and most dependable drive emulator. Oldest most mature tech. The fujinet does so much more. It does what the sdrive does, plus it acts like a wifi version of sio2pc. You can use it as a modem, printer emulator, midi device... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geister Posted September 24 Share Posted September 24 The Fujinet is an SIO device that lets you connect wirelessly to internet archives of ATARI software and download them directly to the Atari. SD Max is an SD card based SIO device that lets you load Atari software to an SD card and load it as if on a local drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newTIboyRob Posted September 24 Author Share Posted September 24 @Geister, thanks. I notice all these price ranges. As you can see, I am just looking to be able to run program files like BCALC, convert homemade tapes and the simplest way to replace the tape concept from my now dead 410, so the device is essentially becoming a disk drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chevymad Posted September 24 Share Posted September 24 I'd add to what Geister said in that the fujinet also has an sd card. There are alot of options now for drive emulators. You can even load cassette files with some of them. I have one machine with sio2pc built in. It's a dependable solution if you have a portable pc or a nearby desktop. I also have side3 and a couple of CF hard drive solutions, neat stuff. There are several cartridges out there that will also do what you need, they'll even emulate real cartridges. I'm only familiar with the side3 and atarimax versions though. Side3 defintely being the easier one. Alot of info in the topic for newbies about these I think. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newTIboyRob Posted September 24 Author Share Posted September 24 (edited) I still am hoping to keep my Atari downstairs but the PC is upstairs. Any thoughts on the simplest thing to buy in this case? Ok, maybe I should head on over there to see if I can follow, as I am a newbie to this type of thing, not a newbie to other things. Edited September 24 by newTIboyRob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newTIboyRob Posted September 24 Author Share Posted September 24 (edited) In retrospect, I guess my post rather should have been: My 410 died. What's the most inexpensive way I can use a modern device to act as a disk drive, replacing the 410, and allowing me to use these past homemade tapes! Edited September 24 by newTIboyRob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chevymad Posted September 24 Share Posted September 24 Well you could rip your tape files to your pc with a tape recorder. Then if you pick a solution that reads CAS files you can read them with your Atari. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimo Posted September 24 Share Posted September 24 AVG cart or sub cart would give you a much bigger ram upgrade by adding the PBI cable as well as multiple operating systems. Adding the sio cable would give you the ability to load cart images, disk images, cassette images and xex files. The Swiss army knife of Atari carts 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Gillman Posted September 24 Share Posted September 24 Would anyone help out by explaining the difference between all the SIO2PC versions and the APE system cable? SIO> https://www.atarimax.com/sio2pc/documentation/ Ape > https://www.atarimax.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newTIboyRob Posted September 24 Author Share Posted September 24 (edited) @mimo ... basically what I am trying to be able to do is only 3 things, but in the simplest and most least expensive way you can come up with: a) as chevymad says, rip my homemade tape files to pc with my tape recorder, save them into some kind of device that will store the files, and then be able to take the device from the upstairs PC to the downstairs Atari, load the files in and run them there on the Atari. b) use this same device, temporarily plugged into my PC upstairs, to get some of the downloadable Atari software files into it, say the elusive BCALC, and then be able to take that device downstairs, load the files in and run theme there on the Atari. c) be able to use the device to store any new programs I type in, effectively it acting as a disk drive to replace the 410 and the concept of loading and saving to tape. Now you guys take it from here and I will listen.... Edited September 24 by newTIboyRob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TGB1718 Posted September 24 Share Posted September 24 3 minutes ago, newTIboyRob said: Now you guys take it from here and I will listen.... I would thing an S-Drive Max, it stores your disks (.ATR) images on an SD card, it has a touch screen, can emulate 4 Disk Drives and can also do Cassette files. Either purchase one or build your own. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newTIboyRob Posted September 24 Author Share Posted September 24 (edited) @TGB1718 ... it would have to be purchase one, as building is not my forte. I remember watching this Youtube video on it: quite a bit of it I could follow, but some basic stuff I think he left out thinking the viewer would already have known the info, when in fact, some of us, well, don't! Ok, I will rewatch that video now and see if I can learn more from other videos. Edited September 24 by newTIboyRob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beeblebrox Posted September 24 Share Posted September 24 Brewing academy sells sdrive max units: https://thebrewingacademy.com/products/atari-sdrive-max Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newTIboyRob Posted September 24 Author Share Posted September 24 Thanks beeble... I was just about to say that looks like mainly an overseas thing... lol 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newTIboyRob Posted September 24 Author Share Posted September 24 I could spend that $, as it is about within budget... but does/can anyone ever make those for a little less money, or have one used to sell perhaps? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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