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Archive for the ‘Atari’ Category

AVGCART (Atari SD multicart) v0029 Firmware Update

October 22nd, 2023 No comments

A new version of the firmware for the AVGCART (SD multicart for 8bit Atari) by tmp is released.

The AVGCART is a FPGA based multicart for 8bit Atari computers, extensible with SIO and/or ECI/PBI cables.

  • supports CAR (cartridge dump) files up to 1MB and most bankswitching types
  • supports XEX (executable) files
  • supports ATR (floppy image) files (read/write) – support is limited without an optional SIO or ECI/PBI cable due to Atari cartridge port constraints (e.g. SW that uses RAM under OS does not work)
  • supports ATX (protected floppy image) files (read-only, SIO cable required)
  • supports CAS (cassette) files (SIO cable required)
  • supports AVF (video) files
  • supports PDM (audio) files
  • fast file search, file shortcuts, randomizer and tons of other features
  • when used with optional ECI/PBI cable, it can expand ATARI memory to up to 576kB, it can also provide extra 48kB RAM to stock 16kB 600XL machines (some limitations apply)
  • firmware upgradeable via SD card (no additional hw needed)
  • SIDE2 emulation (compatible with U1MB and SpartaDOS X)
  • ability to stack emulated cart with emulated SpartaDOS X cart, together with SIDE2 emulated HDD
  • unlike some other products, most of the functionality is running inside the cart and not on the host machine’s CPU which makes it faster and more versatile (it can do stuff in parallel with host machine without having to gain 6502 control and doesn’t require soldering extra internal upgrades like Ultimate 1MB for some basic functionality like ATR emulation or memory expansion)
  • compatible with 600XL, 800XL/XE, 65XE, 130XE, XEGS (cartridge shell is too wide for 1200XL, bare pcb will fit, it is also too tall for 800, can be used with cartridge door opened and door switch triggered)

Changelog (v0029):

  • Added type 83 (SIC+ 1MB)
  • 1MB extmem support for ATR files (PBI/ECI)
  • Fix for X in stacked SDX (don’t disable IDE)
  • Some search fixes
  • XEX loader fix (Getris)

Download:

source: atariage.com

AVGCART (Atari SD multicart) v0028 Firmware Update

February 12th, 2023 No comments

A new version of the firmware for the AVGCART (SD multicart for 8bit Atari) by tmp is released.

The AVGCART is a FPGA based multicart for 8bit Atari computers, extensible with SIO and/or ECI/PBI cables.

  • supports CAR (cartridge dump) files up to 1MB and most bankswitching types
  • supports XEX (executable) files
  • supports ATR (floppy image) files (read/write) – support is limited without an optional SIO or ECI/PBI cable due to Atari cartridge port constraints (e.g. SW that uses RAM under OS does not work)
  • supports ATX (protected floppy image) files (read-only, SIO cable required)
  • supports CAS (cassette) files (SIO cable required)
  • supports AVF (video) files
  • supports PDM (audio) files
  • fast file search, file shortcuts, randomizer and tons of other features
  • when used with optional ECI/PBI cable, it can expand ATARI memory to up to 576kB, it can also provide extra 48kB RAM to stock 16kB 600XL machines (some limitations apply)
  • firmware upgradeable via SD card (no additional hw needed)
  • SIDE2 emulation (compatible with U1MB and SpartaDOS X)
  • ability to stack emulated cart with emulated SpartaDOS X cart, together with SIDE2 emulated HDD
  • unlike some other products, most of the functionality is running inside the cart and not on the host machine’s CPU which makes it faster and more versatile (it can do stuff in parallel with host machine without having to gain 6502 control and doesn’t require soldering extra internal upgrades like Ultimate 1MB for some basic functionality like ATR emulation or memory expansion)
  • compatible with 600XL, 800XL/XE, 65XE, 130XE, XEGS (cartridge shell is too wide for 1200XL, bare pcb will fit, it is also too tall for 800, can be used with cartridge door opened and door switch triggered)

Changelog (v0028):

  • Added type 75 (Atarimax 1MB “new”)
  • “About” (“?”) extended to show some useful information about current state/config.
  • Launching ROM files lets you choose cart type.
  • Menu (“CAPS” key)
  • Ability to choose bg/fg/border color.
  • OS choice (PBI/ECI cable), use included rompack.rpk to flash OS slots.
  • Most settings are now saved to a new config file so the old settings will be replaced with defaults.
  • Some random bugs fixed, some random bugs added.

Download:

source: atariage.com

AVGCART (Atari SD multicart) v0027 Firmware Update

September 8th, 2022 No comments

A new version of the firmware for the AVGCART (SD multicart for 8bit Atari) by tmp is released.

The AVGCART is a FPGA based multicart for 8bit Atari computers, extensible with SIO and/or ECI/PBI cables.

  • supports CAR (cartridge dump) files up to 1MB and most bankswitching types
  • supports XEX (executable) files
  • supports ATR (floppy image) files (read/write) – support is limited without an optional SIO or ECI/PBI cable due to Atari cartridge port constraints (e.g. SW that uses RAM under OS does not work)
  • supports ATX (protected floppy image) files (read-only, SIO cable required)
  • supports CAS (cassette) files (SIO cable required)
  • supports AVF (video) files
  • supports PDM (audio) files
  • fast file search, file shortcuts, randomizer and tons of other features
  • when used with optional ECI/PBI cable, it can expand ATARI memory to up to 576kB, it can also provide extra 48kB RAM to stock 16kB 600XL machines (some limitations apply)
  • firmware upgradeable via SD card (no additional hw needed)
  • SIDE2 emulation (compatible with U1MB and SpartaDOS X)
  • ability to stack emulated cart with emulated SpartaDOS X cart, together with SIDE2 emulated HDD
  • unlike some other products, most of the functionality is running inside the cart and not on the host machine’s CPU which makes it faster and more versatile (it can do stuff in parallel with host machine without having to gain 6502 control and doesn’t require soldering extra internal upgrades like Ultimate 1MB for some basic functionality like ATR emulation or memory expansion)
  • compatible with 600XL, 800XL/XE, 65XE, 130XE, XEGS (cartridge shell is too wide for 1200XL, bare pcb will fit, it is also too tall for 800, can be used with cartridge door opened and door switch triggered)

Changelog (v0027):

  • When used on 16kB 600XL with EXTMEM enabled, it tries to expand it to 64kB base RAM (if enough cart ram is free)
  • Changed key autorepeat delay/rate
  • Some fixes related to EXTMEM
  • EXTMEM tweak (not all SRAM chips are made equal)

Download:

source: atariage.com

AVGCART (Atari SD multicart) v0024 Firmware Update

January 30th, 2022 No comments

A new version of the firmware for the AVGCART (SD multicart for 8bit Atari) by tmp is released

Changelog (v0024):

  • PDS/COV/COS files run PDSPLAY/COVPLAY/COSPLAY
  • added ability to select (TAB) CAR files
  • selected files (ATR, CAS, CAR) don’t have to be in the same directory anymore, selection is cleared only after returning to the selector
  • ENTER on ATR/CAS/CAR file will replace the selection so SPACE was added to run with selected files, ignoring current file under cursor
  • search now allows navigation during searching and editing search string
  • CTRL-L disables item shortcuts and allows starting search by typing instead of ‘/’
  • ESC stops search, exiting search requires 2x ESC (to prevent accidental exit when search stops at the same time user tries to stop it)
  • disable cart was changed to SHIFT-ESC
  • short filenames should finally (hopefully) have proper case
  • filenames longer than screen width should be (finally) properly sorted
  • type 57 (2kB) fixed
  • right cart button will disable cart for carts <= 16kB (to make some CS turbo carts work)

New keys:

  • SPACE – run selected files (ignores item under cursor)
  • CTRL-L – toggle key shortcuts

Changed keys:

  • ESC -> SHIFT-ESC (disable cart and reboot)

Changelog (v0023):

  • [ECI] Auto-enable cart menu after reset (CTRL-SHIFT-E to enable, CTRL-E to disable)
  • [ECI] Patched OS for ATR emulation is forced as ROM, not just loaded into RAM under ROM, increases compatibility
  • [ECI+SIO] When emulating ATR, HSIO patched OS with inverted OPTION (BASIC off) is forced

Changelog (v0022):

  • [ECI] EXTMEM support up to 512kB (CTRL-SHIFT-M to enable, CTRL-M to disable)

Download:

source: atariage.com

AVGCART (Atari SD multicart) v0021 Firmware Update

September 18th, 2021 No comments

A new version of the firmware for the AVGCART (SD multicart for 8bit Atari) by tmp is released.

Changelog (v0021):

  • XEX loader now doesn’t occupy $0800 page
  • ATR/ATX emulation fixes (Bruce Lee, Ultima, Flight Sim II)
  • Allow IDE emulation together with ATR emulation (SIO)
  • Show COM/EXE files in browser
  • Increased limit of virtual drives to 8 (SIO)
  • Autorun key changed from ‘A’ to ‘N’ due to issues with PS/2 adapters
  • Added saving facility (used by FloB)
  • Stacking SpartaDOSX with another CAR (CTRL-SHIFT-RETURN)

Download:

source: atariage.com

AVGCART (Atari SD multicart) v0020 Firmware Update

October 20th, 2020 No comments

A new version of the firmware for the AVGCART (SD multicart for 8bit Atari) by tmp is released.

Changelog (v0020):

  • Support for optional SIO cable (ATR, ATX, CAS)
  • Copy/delete file, template dir
  • Autorun redone, added setting shortcuts
  • OSXEX renamed to OSXEX2 due to incompatible change (use the one from the update zip)
  • Support for playing PDM files (thanks to Xuel)
  • Scrolling long filenames (INV)
  • Run random file (CTRL-R)
  • See manual at https://atari8bit.net/de-re-avgcart/

Download:

source: atariage.com

Atari UnoCart 2600

October 11th, 2020 2 comments
Atari UnoCart 2600

The UnoCart is an Atari 2600 cartridge emulator at low price and open source under a GPL license. It supports cartridges with up to 64k of ROM and 32k of RAM with extensions; BIN, ROM or A26.

It comes with a 3D printed case and it works on PAL & NTSC systems! It will also run on most 7800 machines (but will not run 7800 ROMs).

Most games and demos, including Pitfall II, runs fine on 99% of systems. The firmware has been updated, we are on version 17 released in September 2020 to maker sure of maximum compatibility.

Recent homebrew releases, like Galaga, The End and some others that require DPC or DPC+ commands will not work yet.

Gallery:

Video:

Download:

Atari 2600 UNO Cart Shell: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4580701

AVGCART (Atari SD multicart) v0019 Firmware Update

May 23rd, 2020 No comments

A new version of the firmware for the AVGCART (SD multicart for 8bit Atari) by tmp is released.

Changelog (v0019):

  • Various speed-ups (SD card and FS handling rewritten.

Download:

source: atariage.com

AVGCART (Atari SD multicart) v0018 Firmware Update

January 3rd, 2020 No comments

A new version of the firmware for the AVGCART (SD multicart for 8bit Atari) by tmp is released.

Changelog (v0018):

  • Run AUTORUN.(CAR|XEX|AVF) on power-on if present in /_AVGCART/ directory.
  • Added type 44 (OSS 8 KB cartridge)
  • Added type 53 (Low bank 8 KB cartridge)
  • Added types 54, 55, 56 (SIC!)
  • Fix bank reenabling for some OSS carts.
  • Fix cursor position after running file from search results.
  • ESC exits search results instead of disabling cart.
  • Cart initialization speedup to remove the need to manually reset the machine upon power-on on certain configurations (e.g. QMEG OS)

Download:

source: atariage.com

Graph2Font v4.0.2.8 (Lite/Full) & Atari Graphics Studio v3.5.4

December 23rd, 2019 No comments

TomaszTebeBiela has released an update of the program Graph2Font v4.0.2.8 and the Atari Graphics Studio v3.5.4.

This project began many years ago as a simple graphics converter for Atari but over the years the features are significantly increased. The converter runs under Windows.

Download:

source: g2f.atari8.info

Some things for Atari 8bit from Lotharek

April 5th, 2019 No comments

Some things for Atari 8bit:

  • P-COVOX is a very simple device, 4channel, discrete component digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that fits under PIA chip. It isn’t as Hi-Fi as modern sound cards, but it`s perceptiom may be a lot better than a POKEY  – especially playing MODs or NEO files
  • Simple Stereo V2 – New version of the Simple Stereo now all in one. I replace my old version of Simple Stereo + U-Switch, the features are the same.
  • 64k RAM Module (Replaces base ram of 64KB in all 8bit ATARI, upgrades ram in 600XL to 64KB, PCB thickness is 0,8mm)

The 64k RAM module also replaces Multiplexers, DRAM, Delay Line C060472 and so on in XL series, the Delay Line is no longer available as spare parts.

source: lotharek.pl

Categories: Atari, News & Rumors, Today

Atari 800 XL (VBXE/U1MB/Stereo Pokey/Side2) my Favourite Games

March 24th, 2019 No comments
my Favourite Games

Atari 800 XL (VBXE-RGB/U1MB/Stereo Pokey/Side2) my Favourite Games

My Atari 800 XL Hardware Configuration:

  • VBXE (RGB output)
  • Ultimate 1Mb
  • Stereo Pokey
  • Side2 Cartridge

You can buy this additional hardware from this site: lotharek.pl

Favourite Games:

  • Bosconian
  • Time Pilot
  • Scramble
  • Popeye
  • Bomb Jack
  • Ms Pacman
  • Pacman
  • Pitfall II
  • Donkey Kong
  • Mario Bros
  • International Karate Enhanced Edition
  • H.E.R.O.

Gallery:

Download: my Favourite Atari Games (681)

AVG Cartridge for 8bit Atari + PDM Audio Player Video

March 12th, 2019 No comments
AVG Cartridge for 8bit Atari

First of all i have to thank Filippo Santellocco (Philsan) for this unexpected gift that i really appreciate.

AVGCART – SD multicart for 8bit Atari features:

  • Supports CAR files up to 1MB (most bankswitching types are implemented)
  • Supports XEX files.
  • Supports ATR files (read/write) – support is limited due to cartridge port constraints.
  • SIDE emulation (works with U1MB and SpartaDOS X)
  • Firmware is upgradeable via SD card.

Keyboard reference:

  • arrows to navigate the list, with CTRL jump to beginning/end of page/list
  • BACKSPACE for parent dir
  • ENTER and letters choose item
  • TAB to select multiple ATR files (right cart button to cycle them afterwards)
  • ESC disables cart and resets Atari
  • / for recursive search, use ESC to return to full navigation
  • SHIFT-S enables SIDE CCTL registers and resets

Use left cart button to return to file selector (after reset), right cart button resets current cart’s bank (also cycles ATR files)

Titles of the songs in the video:

  • AC/DC – Back in Black
  • Narada Michael Walden – Tonight I’m Alright
  • Kungs & Cookin’ On 3 Burners – This Girl
  • Sucker Punch (Dubstep Remix)

The songs are complete from beginning to end but for reasons of length of the video i have cut the songs.

The video can be only downloaded, because Youtube and Facebook have blocked the video streaming for copyrighted content, really ridiculous as the audio tracks are not complete and certainly not faithful to the original.

My personal note; the only two home computers that i follow with passion are Commodore & Atari.

…have a good listening

Download: AVG Cartridge PDM Player Atari Video (914)

source: atariage.com

Atari SAP Music Archive online repository

December 17th, 2018 No comments

Atari SAP Music Archive (ASMA) is a Atari XL-XE music collection. It is one of the largest and most accurate computer music collections known.

ASMA archive now uses an online repository, where it is constantly updated.

source: ASMA Repository

Categories: Atari, News & Rumors, Today

Graph2Font v4.0.2.1 (Lite/Full) & Atari Graphics Studio v3.0.1

January 22nd, 2018 No comments

TomaszTebeBiela has released an update of the program Graph2Font v4.0.2.1 and the Atari Graphics Studio v3.0.1.

This project began many years ago as a simple graphics converter for Atari but over the years the features are significantly increased. The converter runs under Windows.

Download:

source: g2f.atari8.info