🚀 go-pugleaf

RetroBBS NetNews Server

Inspired by RockSolid Light RIP Retro Guy

Article View: net.micro.atari8
Article #310

Atari 800

#310
From: jhs
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 1986 21:30
37 lines
2413 bytes
I need expert advice from some 800 gurus.

I have just acquired a non-functioning Atari 800.  I was told that it has a
bad memory chip or two and that is probably all that is wrong.  It also lacks
a power transformer and TV connection box.  The case is is pretty good
condition, with only one non-obvious scratch I can find.

(1)  What is an 800 in this condition worth?  (What would be a fair "donation"
to send the organization that gave it to me?  What would an 800 enthusiast be
willing to pay for it?)

(2)  Does anybody know where to get a replacement power transformer and TV
switch box?  What should I pay for them?

(3)  Does anyone have advice on the best way to fix the memory?  In
particular, can I readily use the 65K chips I took out of my 800XL to
replace the old style RAM?  Or will I run afoul of competition between RAM and
ROM trying to respond to bus signals? What's in there now is a 16K module plus
a "RAMCRAM" 32K module.

(4)  Has anyone tried to solve the problem of making an 800 act like a 800XL?
I was thinking along the lines of putting in a switch or something to select
normal 800 operation or certain features anyway of 800XL operation such as
using the second PIA to switch in BASIC and maybe to control memory mapping a
la 130XE and Newell board.

(5)  What memory expansion or other upgrade gadgets are available for the 800?
I have been thinking in terms of the 800XL until I acquired this new toy.
I imagine there must be a lot of older upgrades I have never heard of.

(6)  Is anyone out there eager to get another 800, either before or after I
fix it?  If so, get in touch and let me know what you would be willing to pay
for it either way.  Phone is (617) 235-8753 at home, (617) 271-1515 at work.
Mail address is John H. Sangster, 9 Bellevue Rd., Wellesley Hills MA 02181.

-John Sangster
jhs@mitre-bedford.arpa
Technical Details
Message-ID: <8606272123.AA12622@mitre-bedford.ARPA>
Path: arc1-ca.pugleaf.net!utzoo!watmath!clyde!caip!topaz!ll-xn!nike!ucbcad!ucbvax!MITRE-BEDFORD.ARPA!jhs

Show Full Headers
Complete Article Headers
Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Path: arc1-ca.pugleaf.net!utzoo!watmath!clyde!caip!topaz!ll-xn!nike!ucbcad!ucbvax!MITRE-BEDFORD.ARPA!jhs
From: jhs@MITRE-BEDFORD.ARPA
Newsgroups: net.micro.atari8
Subject: Atari 800
Message-ID: <8606272123.AA12622@mitre-bedford.ARPA>
Date: Fri, 27-Jun-86 17:30:32 EDT
Article-I.D.: mitre-be.8606272123.AA12622
Posted: Fri Jun 27 17:30:32 1986
Date-Received: Sat, 28-Jun-86 09:13:18 EDT
Sender: daemon@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU
Organization: The MITRE Corp., Bedford, MA
Lines: 37