Atari 2600/7800 FAQ

                           v. 12.3, Sep 4, 2000

                      Last minor update: Sep 4, 2000

                       Zube ([email protected])

This FAQ is an evolving document. Please help make it better. If you have
any additions, suggestions or corrections, please mail me
(mailto:[email protected]).

Prologue

Previous maintainers
What's new?
What information is missing from the FAQ?
Where can I find the latest version of this FAQ?

General

What Usenet groups discuss or are relevant to the 2600/7800?
What is the rec.games.video.classic charter?
Are there any mailing lists that discuss the 2600/7800?
Where can I find cart lists?
What magazines cover the 2600/7800?
What magazines covered the 2600/7800 in the 80s?
What books cover the 2600/7800?
Any there any videos that cover the 2600/7800?
Where can I view Atari TV commercials?
Where can I view Atari print advertisements?
Are there any other sources of general information about the 2600?
What is irc, #rgvc and how do I get on them?
What happened to the 5200 information that used to be here?
What happened to Atari?
But I still see games with the Atari logo. What's the story?
What scores were needed to earn an Activision patch?
What does the Atari symbol represent?
What does the word "atari" mean?
Where can I find Atari-like fonts?
What shows, events or gatherings cover the 2600/7800?

Software

Where can I find games for my 2600/7800 or the consoles themselves?
Where can I download game instructions?
What are the best games for the 2600?
What are the most common and most rare games for the 2600/7800?
What was Gameline and what games were available for it?
Which games use a lightgun?
Which 2600 games use the kid's controllers/keypads?
Which 2600 games use paddles?
Which 2600 games use the driving controllers?
Which 2600 games have voice?
Which 2600 carts do not work on the 7800?
What is the Starpath CD and can I still get one?
Have any new games been released lately?
What is a multicart and where can I get one?
What are some cheats and Easter Eggs?
What programming resources are available?
What is the 7800 encryption algorithm?
Is 7800 Impossible Mission really impossible?
Where can I get solutions to the Swordquest series?
I've seen pictures of 2600 Doom. Where can I buy it?
Is there a list of 2600/7800 game programmers?

Hardware (general)

What are the different 2600/7800 models?
What types of clones exist?
What companies made 2600 adapters for their own systems?
Are there any emulators for the 2600/7800?
What 2600/7800 hardware was announced but never released?
How do I hook up my Atari to a TV? / I've hooked up my system, but the
picture is fuzzy.
How do I fix my paddles?
Where do I get my 2600/7800 fixed?
Do Bally Astrocade joysticks work on the 2600/7800?
Which light guns work with the 2600/7800?
What hardware peripherals exist for the 2600/7800?
What are NTSC/PAL/SECAM and why should I care?
What is a TVboy and where can I get one?

Hardware (tech)

What are the specs for the 2600/7800?
How large do 2600 games get?
Are there any published 2600/7800 technical articles available?
Pinout information?
Power supply information?

Projects

How do I build a composite/audio/chroma/luma output interface for the Atari
2600Jr/2600A?
How do I build a video driver for the 2600/7800?
I hate the two mods above. Does anyone have anything better?
How do I convert Sega controllers to Atari pinout?
How do I convert a Sega Master System lightgun to Atari pinout?
How do I convert an NES controller to Atari pinout?
Is there a general site that contains all this conversion stuff?
What is an Atari Game Recorder and how do I build one?

Epilogue

Acknowledgments of thanks.

Q: Previous maintainers.

A: A. Karl Heller ([email protected]) maintained the 2600 FAQ up to
version 11, and co-maintained it up to and including version 11.5. The
classic community owes him a large debt of gratitude for his efforts.

Karl also deserves high praise for graciously stepping aside when his
interest in maintaining this FAQ waned. Karl allowed me to improve his
creation (starting with version 11) without becoming angry or possessive. I
sincerely hope that I am as gracious as he when it is my turn to pass this
FAQ on to someone else.

Maintainer's Note: This last sentiment, while sincere, surprised me by
jumping out of Eric S. Raymond's "The Cathedral & the Bazaar" in a slightly
different form. I believe there are only two explanations. Either Mr.
Raymond and I think very much alike on passing things off when interest
wanes or I've graduated from the "Remember What You Read But Forget Where
You Read It" School of Innovation, or perhaps both. I apologize to Mr.
Raymond if either of the latter two cases are true.

Q: What's new?

A:

  * (Feb 26) Version bumped to 12.2 and posted to Usenet.
  * (Feb 27) Anything80s carries games and consoles.
  * (Feb 28) Some complete Joystik magazines online.
  * (Mar 1) Barnyard Blaster does not work with a joystick.
  * (Mar 2) A potential apology to Eric S. Raymond.
  * (Mar 8) Your Childhood! carries games and consoles.
  * (Mar 13) Zap! is orderable from John Hardie for $15.
  * (Mar 17) Some links to Alexander Bilstein's 2600 nexus are down; they
    should return soon at www.atari2600nexus.com.
  * (Apr 6) Added bit on how to connect Atari to TV.
  * (Apr 7) 7800 High Score Cart availability pushed back to April 15.
  * (Apr 26) Overdue link to Giant List of Classic Game Programmers added.
  * (May 5) Links to Joystik scans and Joystik index added.
  * (May 5) Links to stella mailing list archive and index added.
  * (May 5) Link to Mactari site added.
  * (May 13) Atari name being used by Hasbro for many classic releases.
  * (May 13) Note about Ed Logg still being at Atari added.
  * (May 13) M-network emulator information added.
  * (May 19) Songbird productions now has rights to Temporary Sanity
    Design's VCS emulator for the Jaguar.
  * (Jul 2) Video Game Print Advertisement site added.
  * (Jul 7) iTari spoof added.
  * (Jul 7) High Score Carts available for $59.95 from B&C and Video 61.
  * (Jul 16) VCSS (VCS Simulator) link back from dead links file.
  * (Jul 16) O'Shea's list updated.
  * (Jul 16) Hozer now has 16K carts.
  * (Jul 26) Small corrections to shows and gatherings list.
  * (Jul 29) Stella at 20 Volume 1 to debut at CGE 2000.
  * (Jul 29) Some new games were available only to CGE attendees.
  * (Jul 29) Supercade book entry added.
  * (Jul 29) Escape from Supercade! released at CGE 2000, rom available
    sometime.
  * (Jul 29) Digital Press Collector's Guide sold out; taking pre-orders
    for sixth edition through PayPal.
  * (Jul 29) commercial-archive site, VGR cart lists, Indenture, Indenture
    FAQ added to dead links file.
  * (Jul 30) Eckhard Stolberg's VCS workshop page added.
  * (Aug 8) Stella at 20 Volume 1 orderable from Cyberpunks web site.
  * (Aug 13) Joe Cody has taken over Atari2600.com from JerryG, some links
    updated.
  * (Aug 19) Sea Battle and Swordfight may be available for order in the
    future.
  * (Aug 29) "hoax" section clarification. Not everything fits under
    "hoax."
  * (Sep 4) commercial-archive site back from dead links file.
  * (Sep 4) Link to Atari 2500 prototype added.

If you are the author of something in this FAQ and we have not given you a
proper attribution and a thank-you, please email us.

Q: What information is missing from the FAQ?

A: Bunches of stuff, some of which includes:

  * 7800 encryption code (ha ha)
  * Any link found in the dead links file
    (http://www.cs.colostate.edu/~dzubera/2600deadlinks.html). These links
    worked in previous versions of the FAQ, but have been relegated to the
    dead links file until I can find out where they went.

Q: Where can I find the latest version of this FAQ?

A: The FAQ (http://www.cs.colostate.edu/~dzubera/2600faq.html) is maintained
in html form and is amended as updates come in. Every so often (when there
is enough new material), the html version is converted to text, edited a
bit, and posted to rec.games.video.classic, rec.games.video.atari,
rec.answers and news.answers. The text version
(http://www.cs.colostate.edu/~dzubera/2600faq.txt) is on the Web as well,
but it is updated only before posting to Usenet.

Q: What Usenet groups discuss or are relevant to the 2600/7800?

A: There are several groups:

  * rec.games.video.classic
  * rec.games.video.marketplace
  * rec.games.video.atari
  * alt.atari.2600
  * alt.atari.2600vcs
  * alt.atari.2600.programming
  * alt.atari.2600.vcs
  * alt.games.atari

rec.games.video.classic (rgvc) is probably the best place to start, as it is
carried in most newsfeeds and generally has the most traffic.
rec.games.video.marketplace is for the buying and selling of video games and
systems and is not limited to atari or even classic systems. It is dominated
by post-classic ads, which is why you will often see buy/sell/auction posts
in rgvc. rec.games.video.atari usually contains Jaguar discussion, but will
occasionally digress into 2600/7800 discussion when it pertains to the
Jaguar (e.g. Tempest 2000). The five atari alt groups are not carried by
many newsfeeds; consequently, the traffic in these groups is minimal.

Do not post to alt.2600 or any of its subgroups about the Atari 2600/7800.
That group is for discussion of hacking and phreaking and you will probably
get flamed if you do.

If you don't have a newsfeed at your site, but do have a newsreader (most
web browsers have one built in), you can still get access to some, if not
all of these groups. See the List of public news servers
(http://www.toppoint.de/~epetter/publicnews/server_list.html) page for a
list of places where you might point your browser to see the rgvc groups.

Many of these servers have only a limited number of groups, so if the one
you choose doesn't carry rgvc, try another. Another possible solution is
newsone.net (http://newsone.net), which does carry all of the 2600 related
news groups. Make sure you use the "frames mode," or you'll get a new
browser window for each news article.

Maintainer's note: www.feedme.org used to be recommended, but disappeared
without a trace.

Q: What is the rec.games.video.classic charter?

A: We have uncovered the following:

rec.games.video.classic is an unmoderated newsgroup which passed its
vote for creation by 257:85 as reported in news.announce.newgroups on
13 Apr 1993.

And from the second Call for Votes
(ftp://ftp.uu.net/usenet/news.announce.newgroups/rec/rec.games.video-reorg),these
bits:

5) Should a newsgroup rec.games.video.classic be created?

This newsgroup would carry discussions regarding older, "classic" home
video entertainment systems like the Atari 2600, Coleco, Intellivision,
etc.  This newsgroup would supersede alt.games.video.classic.

Finally, for those of you wondering if buy/sell/auction posts are
discouraged on groups other than rec.games.video.marketplace, consider the
following:

3) Should a newsgroup rec.games.video.marketplace be created?

This newsgroup would carry offers to sell and requests to buy home video
entertainment products and accessories like systems, cartridges, etc.

The netiquette of the rec.games.video.* hierarchy would request that
people NOT cross-post buy/sell discussions to other rec.games.video.*
newsgroups.

Q: Are there any mailing lists that discuss the 2600/7800?

A: There are at least three. Jeremy Wilson ([email protected]) runs the
classic videogames mailing list, which covers both home and arcade classic
games. To subscribe, mail [email protected] with the following message body:

subscribe classic-videogames [email protected] Your Name

There is also a UK Classic Videogame mailing list; [email protected]
for subscribe requests, [email protected] for the list itself. For more
information, see this link (http://www.gyruss.demon.co.uk/ccnuk/). The above
page also contains a database of classic UK collectors. There is also a
separate UK list ([email protected]) exclusively for sale and trade
posts; [email protected] for subscription requests to that list as
well.

The Stella mailing list (also know as the Starpath CD mailing list and the
Atari 2600 Programming list) is for those using the Starpath CD development
tools to write 2600 games. To subscribe, mail [email protected] with the
following in the message body:

subscribe stella [email protected]

The informational snippet for this list is as follows.

"This list was designed as as support group for Starpath CD owners who are
writing 2600 games through the developer software. It is hoped that TOGETHER
we can write some new games for the 2600. Exchanging uuencoded binaries is
okay as long as it's in BIN form, not WAV."

BTW, here are the stella list archives as well as the stella archive
excavation (http://www.biglist.com/lists/stella/archives/">archives as well
as the Q: Where can I find cart lists?

A:

The long out-of-date VGR cart lists have disappeared from VGR's site.

Alexander Bilstein ([email protected]) maintains a set of cart
llists (http://www.atari2600nexus.com/rarity/intro.html) on his web site.
These lists are updated frequently.

Dean Dierschow ([email protected]) maintains game lists
(http://www.xocolatl.com/carts/) for several systems including the
2600/7800. The relevant files are at2600.lst, at5200.lst, and at7800.lst.
These lists are a good starting point for the new or general game collector;
alas, these files have not been updated since Oct 94.

The Giant List of 2600 Label Variations is for all of the sick collectors
who want to know label differences in excruciating detail. John Earney
([email protected]) maintains the list
(http://www.best.com/~jearney/lists/labelsv5.txt), which looks like this:

   Cosmic Ark                 IA3204
       silver label with no picture, "for use with..." in 5 languages
       silver label with picture 720104-1 Rev A.  1982 entirely to the
               right of the picture.
       silver label with picture 720104-1 Rev A.  right edge of picture
               is in the middle of 1982.
       ??? silver label with no picture
       Boxed: silver box (c)1982

Digital Press ([email protected]) markets its Classic Video Games
Collector's Guide which covers the Atari 2600/7800 and many other classic
and neo-classic systems. The fifth edition is sold out but the sixth edition
will be available shortly. They are currently taking pre-orders for the
sixth edition using the PayPal service.

See the CVGCG home page (http://www.digitpress.com/dpg_plug.htm) or send $20
(checks should be payable to Joe Santulli) after the new edition is released
to:

Joe Santulli
digital press
44 hunter place
pompton lakes, nj 07442

The Digital Press Collector's Guide CDROM Companion is a nice complement to
DP's paper guide. It contains box, cart and handheld scans, screenshots,
manuals, TV commercials, emulators and much more in a two-cd, not-for-profit
set for only $12. See Sean Kelly's DP CDROM page
(http://www.xnet.com/~skelly/dp-cd/dp-cd.htm) for the full story and
ordering information.

Atari2600.com, now run by Joe Cody, also markets a cart guide that was
called JerryG's Guide to the Classic Video Games. It was available as a beta
edition for $15, but alas, is now sold out. It is not clear if the proper
First Edition will ever see the light of day, since it was originally
scheduled to be released on December 12, 1998. See the JGCVC home page
(http://www.Atari2600.com/museum/guide/JerryGguide.html) for more
information.

In addition, JerryG maintains a cart list
(http://www.Atari2600.com/museum/2600/2600List.html) grouped by
manufacturer. It currently lists 1625 titles.

Leonard Herman ([email protected]) is the author of ABC's to the VCS , a
low-cost ($8.00) book containing descriptions of nearly all VCS games. See
the Rolenta Press (http://www.rolentapress.com) home page for more
information.

Q: What magazines cover the 2600/7800?

A: The 2600 Connection is the premier bi-monthly Atari 2600 resource. This
fanzine, published by Russ Perry Jr. ([email protected]), is an
excellent source of information about Atari video game collecting in
general, including news, game reviews, interviews, and entertaining
anecdotes. Rare and collectible games are frequently discussed. Classified
ads in the Connection are relevant to all Atari game machines. Subscription
price is $9 for a year's worth of bi-monthly issues (6) or $1.50 for single
copies.

To subscribe send a check payable to Russ Perry Jr. to:

The 2600 Connection
c/o Russ Perry Jr.
2175 S. Tonne Rd. #105
Arlington Hts, IL  60005

Back issues of the 2600 Connection are available from Tim Duarte
([email protected]), the previous publisher for $1.50. There is also a
master index of articles published in issues 1-50 available from Tim for the
price of a self-addressed stamped envelope with extra postage. You can reach
Tim at:

Tim Duarte
P.O. Box 885
Mattapoisett MA 02739-0885

or visit the 2600 Connection Home Page
(http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Lair/9260).

Digital Press (http://www.digitpress.com) also covers the 2600/7800, but it
is mixed with information about both neo-classic and modern systems. Hard
copy subscriptions are $10 for six bi-monthly issues. Back issues (#13-#40)
are available for $2.25 each, issues #1-#12 are available as a set for $20.
Contact Joe Santulli ([email protected]) for more information.

Russ Perry Jr. ([email protected]) also publishes Slap-Dash , an
eclectic collection of video game information, personal opinion, references
to beer and pictures of women bassists. Although a bit offbeat, it does
contain information about classic gaming not found anywhere else. For
example, Issue 6 contains bits of information culled from conversations of
many Ex-atari employees. Send $1.50 for the latest issue (#6) to:

Russ Perry Jr.
2175 S. Tonne Rd. #105
Arlington Hts, IL  60005

Classic Gamer (http://www.classicgamer.com) by Chris Cavanaugh, covers what
you might expect. The first issue is available for $8, the second and third
issues for $6 and issue four for $4.50. Yearly subscriptions for Classic
Gamer are $15.

Also worth mentioning is Retrogaming Times
(http://tomheroes.com/Video%20Games%20FS/Retrotimes/retrogam.htm), a free
'zine by Tom Zjaba.

The January 1996 issue of Ultimate Gamer has an article called The Atari
Quest which has both pictures and information about hardware and cartridge
prototypes. Some topics include Mindlink, 2600 Tempest, Airworld, Looney
Tunes Hotel, Microgammon SB, Meebzork, and Sport Goofy. For those of you who
weren't quick enough on the draw, Dennis Brown's Library
(http://members.tripod.com/~gamesmuseum/texts) contains jpg's of the
article.

Q: What magazines covered the 2600/7800 in the 80s?

A:

  * Atari Age
    (http://www.tripoint.org/games/literature/atariage/atariage.html)
  * Blip
  * Electronic Fun w/ Computers and Games
  * Electronic Games
  * Joystik (Many complete issues are at stormaster
    (http://x-stream.fortunecity.com/hackers/31/mag03.html">Joystik (Many
    complete issues are at neonghost
    (http://www.neonghost.com/vg/joystik/index.html).
  * TV Gamer (UK) (http://x-stream.fortunecity.com/hackers/31/mag02.html)
    (not to be confused with the non-classic, currently publishing Japanese
    mag)
  * Video & Arcade Games (2 issues, Spring and Fall 83)
  * Video Games
  * Video Games Player (later Computer Games)
  * Videogaming Illustrated
  * Vidiot

Cover scans (http://cvmm.vintagegaming.com/) of many of these magazines have
been made available by Phaze ([email protected]).

Q: What books cover the 2600/7800?

A: Leonard Herman ([email protected]) publishes Phoenix: the Fall & Rise of
Home Videogames. It covers the home video game industry in detail from the
pre-classic days, through the early 80s and up to 1993. At $12.99, it's a
steal for the amount of information contained in it. The second edition is
available for $10 to first edition owners, $19.95 otherwise (plus $3 for
priority shipping or $1.50 for 4th class shipping). See the Rolenta Press
(http://www.rolentapress.com) home page for more information.

Another book is Zap! : the Rise and Fall of Atari by Scott Cohen. Here is
some information on this out-of-print book:

AUTHOR       Cohen, Scott.
TITLE        Zap] : the rise and fall of Atari / Scott Cohen.
PUBLISHER    New York : McGraw-Hill, c1984.
DESCRIPTION  xii, 177 p. ; 22 cm.
SUBJECT      Atari, Inc. -- History.
             Electronic games industry -- United States -- History.
NOTE         Includes index.
BIBLIOGRAPHY Bibliography: p. 164-168.
ISBN         0070115435.

"The Macra Terror" makes the following observation:

It's a good history of Atari itself, but somewhat lacking in perspective
(competing game systems receive few mentions) and sometimes snide in tone.
It also covers the career of Nolan Bushnell, through the creation of
PizzaTime (later Chuck E. Cheese) restaurants. It ends ironically in the
middle of 1983, with Atari execs talking about the great things ahead.

Also note that searching for Zap! among stacks of books may not be that
difficult. The copy I (Zube) have seen was a thin, hardback, blue-covered
book with the title written in white down the entire length of the spine.

Thanks to John Hardie, the reprint of Zap! is now available. Send $15 to:

John Hardie
90 Judith Lane
Valley Stream, NY. 11580

This cost is probably for US shipping only. Contact him at
[email protected] for international orders.

The November 1996 issue of Next Generation magazine has excerpts from a
forthcoming book by Steven L. Kent called (at the time) Electronic Nation.
It covers the roots of the video game industry, including bits from people
like Bushnell and Alcorn. Next Generation has printed several other bits in
other issues as well. CNN reported
(http://cnn.com/TECH/computing/9812/04/nintendo.zelda/index.html) that
Kent's book is now called The First Quarter: The 25-Year History of Video
Games and is still forthcoming. None of the online bookstores have any
mention of it as yet.

Halcyon Days: Interviews with Classic Computer and Video Game Programmers is
an electronic book (html format) available from Dadgum Games
(http://www.dadgum.com/halcyon.html). A review of the book and several
snippets from it can be found in Issue #42 of the 2600 Connection. According
to the review, only six of the twenty-eight programmers interviewed worked
on the 2600, so much information contained in the book is not directly
relevant to the 2600 world.

Supercade: A Visual History of the Videogame Age 1971-1984 by Van Burnham is
scheduled for a spring 2001 release from MIT Press. See the Supercade web
page (http://www.supercade.com/supercade.html) for more information.

For comprehensive list of related material, see the Classic Video Game
Literature List (http://home.hiwaay.net/~lkseitz/cvg/cvglit.shtml),
maintained by Lee K. Seitz.

Q: Are there any videos that cover the 2600/7800?

A: Once Upon Atari (http://scottw.com/) is a four part series exploring the
early days of Atari. Produced by Howard Scott Warshaw ([email protected]), the
series is a first hand look at Atari from the people who worked there. The
four episodes are:

  * House of Video Games
  * The Enemy Within
  * They Just Have To Like It
  * The Agony & the Ecstasy

Episode 4 is available for $29.95 ($25.95 + $4 shipping). Episodes 1 and 2
are available together for $49.95 ($45.95 + $4 shipping). Episode 3 has not
yet been released. All videos may be ordered in NTSC or PAL formats, by
phone (1-800-711-3627), by mail:

Scott West Productions
PO Box 610787
San Jose, CA  95161

or by the on-line order form, one click away from their Ordering Information
(http://scottw.com/ouatari/oua_order.html) page.

Scott Crawford ([email protected]) has this to say about the fourth
part:

Once Upon Atari: The Agony & the Ecstasy is a great start to Howard Scott
Warshaw's Once Upon Atari video series. It's an entertaining, educational,
and most importantly, REAL glimpse of what happened at good ol' Atari. The
video focuses on interviews with 2600 VCS programmers like Rob (Night
Driver, Demon Attack, Missile Command) Fulop, Todd (Pac-Man) Frye, Carla
(Star Raiders, Warlords, Indy 500) Meninsky, and Larry (Air-Sea Battle,
Kaboom!) Kaplan. These interviews are at times hilarious (Frye's description
of how he programmed 2600 Xevious, Fulop's profanity-laden rant in praise of
VCS programmer Rick Maurer), as well as insightful (Ex-Atari Director Of
Software George Kiss' regret that he didn't write a line of code while at
Atari, Fulop's description of the job as "the definition of his life").
While the video is a bit light on running time (at 28 minutes), it is well
worth picking up, as I've watched it about a dozen times in the 2 months
since I got it.

Stella at 20: An Atari 2600 Retrospective is a series of documentaries from
Glenn Saunders ([email protected]). Both Volume 1, Tales of Stella and
Atari and Volume 2, The Game Designers or One Person, One Game
(http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/1698/cyberpunks/stellaat20_1.html">Volume
1, Tales of Stella and Atari and ordering page
(http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/1698/cyberpunks/Order.html) for more
information.

There is also a video of classic videogame commercials from Sean Kelly. See
the next entry for details.

Q: Where can I view Atari TV commercials?

A: The Digital Press CDROM contains Quicktime versions of many classic
videogame commercials from the early '80s. Also, the Commercial Archive
(http://www.commercial-archive.com) site is the home to many of the same
bits, in both Quicktime and Realplayer formats.

For those of you who want it all just as it was, the Classic Videogame TV
Commercial Archive (http://www.xnet.com/~skelly/video.htm) video is
available from Sean Kelly ([email protected]). 63 commercials, 36 minutes, $20
+ $3 shipping.

Q: Where can I view Atari print advertisements?

A: Tom Zjaba ([email protected]) maintains a video game ad site
(http://tomheroes.com/Video%20Games%20FS/game%20ads/video.htm) that contains
scans from various magazines and comic books.

Q: Are there any other sources of general information about the 2600?

A: Christopher James Pepin ([email protected]) maintains the Atari 2600
Fun Facts and Information Guide
(http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Stage/6058/stuff.txt), which
contains bits of information culled from Usenet postings, mailing lists and
the 2600 connection.

Q: What is irc, #rgvc and how do I get on them?

A: irc is Internet Relay Chat, a global realtime chat network. #rgvc is the
rec.games.video.classic channel. At most times of the day or night you can
find someone on the channel eager to talk shop. Thursday nights at 8 EST
used to be the weekly gathering time, although it isn't clear if it still
is. Note that the old rgvc irc channel #classic is no longer used for this
purpose; stick to #rgvc if you wish to discuss the 2600/7800.

If you are on a unix box and your sys admin doesn't mind irc, you might be
able to get on with a simple

irc -c '#rgvc'

Alas, irc does not come preinstalled on most machines, so if the above
command doesn't work or if you aren't using unix, you'll have to be more
resourceful. Here is an irc primer
(http://www.byz.org/~bi/docs/ircprimer.html), complete with listings of
where to obtain irc clients. Alas, it is quite outdated.

The Atari Gaming Headquarters site is the home of the #rgvc home page
(http://www.atarihq.com/rgvc/index.html), which contains tips on irc
etiquette, the #rgvc FAQ and a list of web pages and mail addresses of the
regulars.

Q: What happened to the 5200 information that used to be here?

A: Most of the 5200 information that used to reside in this FAQ was either
incomplete or horribly outdated. Keita Iida ([email protected]) maintains
the official 5200 FAQ (http://www.atarihq.com/5200/5200faq/index.html),
which is both extensive and up to date. Most of the old entries now live in
an auxiliary document (http://www.cs.colostate.edu/~dzubera/5200exp.html)
that is kept for historical purposes only and will not be updated.

Q: What happened to Atari?

A: The Atari that everyone knew, loved and hated is gone. On July 30, 1996,
Atari merged with disk drive maker JTS with more of whimper than a bang. Don
Thomas ([email protected]) has written a short, insightful bit
(http://www.Atari2600.com/museum/Goodby_nf.html) about the merger and the
history leading up to it that asks more questions than it answers.

The story doesn't end there, however. On Feb 23, 1998, JTS sold
substantially all of the assets of the Company's Atari Division, consisting
primarily of Atari home computer games and the intellectual property rights
and license agreements associated with such games (the "Atari Assets"), to
HIACXI, Corp. ("HIAC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hasbro Interactive,
Inc., for $5,000,000 in cash. Read the entire 8-K form
(http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/941167/0001047469-98-009085.txt)
that was submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding this
transaction.

In a related note, JTS filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection on
December 4, 1998, and then converted it to Chapter 7 on January 28, 1999.
What is the difference between the two? Christina Wood from PC World
magazine (July 1998, p. 41) says this:

If the company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, don't worry. The
business should operate as usual -- it's just reorganizing. If the company
files under Chapter 7, worry. The enterprise is going out of business and
planning to liquidate its assets to pay off certain creditors.

Q: But I still see games with the Atari logo. What's the story?

A: In 1984, Warner Communications sold off the home (console) and consumer
electronics (computer) divisions to the Tramiel family. These divisions
became Atari Corp., which later merged with JTS and whose assets are now
part of Hasbro Interactive. The update of Centipede
(http://www.hasbrointeractive.com/atari/product.cfm?product=99148) came (in
small part) from the ashes of Atari Corp. Interestingly, Hasbro has
resurrected the Atari name and logo; many of their recent classic releases
(Atari Arcade Hits 2, for example) appear under the Atari name.

You may have also seen the Atari logo for years in the arcades under the
Time-Warner Interactive label (Atari Games). In 1996, TW sold Atari Games to
WMS Industries (the Williams people), who turned around and spun off its
Midway division (announced in 1997, completed (?) in 1998). Atari Games
(http://www.atarigames.com) is now a subsidiary of Midway Games and was
responsible for games such as Gauntlet Legends and Rush the Rock. You might
also see the Atari logo for home conversions of these (and other) games
under the Midway Home Entertainment label. In spite of this corporate
shuffling, a few of the Atari veterans are still there including (as of
Summer 99) Ed Logg, whose credits include the arcade versions of Centipede
and Millipede as well as 2600 Othello.

The March 2000 Electronic Gaming Monthly reports that Midway has abandoned
the Atari name, renaming Atari Games as Midway Games West. This is probably
the end of the line for the Atari Games name.

Q: What scores were needed to earn an Activision patch?

A: Rodney Siddall ([email protected]) used to maintain the Activision Patch
FAQ (http://www.atari2600nexus.com/library/patchfaq.html). The above page
contains the FAQ itself, as well as pictures of some of the patches.

Q: What does the Atari symbol represent?

A: According to the Aug/Sep 1983 Video Games Player:

The Atari symbol was designed by George Opperman in 1972. Pong was very big
then, and the big letter A represented two opposing video game players with
the center of the Pong court in the middle.

Q: What does the word "atari" mean?

A: The word atari comes from the game of Go, perhaps the world oldest board
game. Several early 80's magazine references define atari as "you are about
to be engulfed," but the rec.games.go FAQ denotes that word in this way:

atari : A group of stones is in atari if it has only one liberty left.

Q: Where can I find Atari-like fonts?

A: iconsplus (http://www.iconsplus.com) has made available an Atari-like
font (the Atarian System v. 1.0) for both Windows and the Mac
(http://members.xoom.com/iconssites/shyfonts/atarian10.zip">Windows and the
Q: What shows, events or gatherings cover the 2600/7800?

A:

US

  * In 1998, there was the World of Atari
    (http://www.cgexpo.com/woa98/index.html), held in Las Vegas (August
    21-23).
  * In 1999, there was the Classic Gaming Expo
    (http://www.cgexpo.com/99recap/index.html), also held in Las Vegas (Aug
    14-15).
  * This year, the Classic Gaming Expo (http://www.cgexpo.com) was again
    held in Las Vegas (July 29 and 30).
  * For those anywhere near New Jersey, NAVA (North Atlantic Videogame
    Aficionados) (http://www.videogameconnections.com/meeting/nava.html)
    meetings are held every so often. Watch the Web page or rgvc for
    announcements.
  * CinciClassic (http://ic.net/~craig/cinci/), in its second year, was
    held in Cincinnati, Nov 5-7, 1999.
  * The Northwest Classic Gaming Enthusiasts Annual Meeting
    (http://members.xoom.com/nwcge/main.htm) was held on January 29, 2000
    in Kirkland, WA.
  * PhillyClassic (http://members.aol.com/davidn9000/philly.html) was held
    in Radnor PA from Apr 14-16, 2000. Another is planned for the spring of
    2001.

UK

  * Britmeet 3 (http://www.britmeet.co.uk/), the third annual UK Classic
    Video Games convention was held on June 24, 2000. The web page has all
    the details, as well as info and pictures from previous conventions.

Maintainer's note: there are many more I need to add.

Q: Where can I find games for my 2600/7800 or the consoles themselves?

A: Auction web sites seem to have taken over as the primary method of buying
(and selling) on the net. Here are a few:

  * Ebay (http://www.ebay.com)
  * Yahoo Auctions (http://auctions.yahoo.com)
  * Auction Addict (http://www.auctionaddict.com)
  * Amazon Auctions (http://auctions.amazon.com)

Ebay seems to be the only one that has reached critical mass, as yet. A
fairly complete list of online auctions sites can be found at Auctioninsider
(http://auctioninsider.com/6000/every.html).

There are still several sources for new game cartridges. Mail order firms
such as Telegames USA (http://www.telegames.com) are probably the best
source for new games. They still stock many different games cartridges for
all the Atari game machines. Some titles they carry are uncommon or rare.

Best Electronics (http://www.best-electronics-ca.com) (2021 The Alameda,
Suite 290, San Jose CA 95126-1127; (408) 243-6950) recently published
Revision 10 of their Worldwide Catalog which contains 228 pages of currently
available Atari items. While it is an excellent resource for the Atari
computer line and does present interesting pictures of console prototypes,
pinout information and "collector items" like T-shirts, mugs and
paperweights, it is a bit sparse in the 2600/7800 area. Much of the < 30
pages dedicated to this area concerns itself with console, joystick and
miscellaneous parts (such as pots, switches and replacement motherboards),
but not cart lists. It will also set you back $10.50 including shipping. You
can get each cart list (2600, 7800) by sending a "self-stamped full-sized
business envelope with 1st class US postage" and a polite request. [Mod
note: probably one envelope per request or one envelope with lots of extra
postage.] Their web page is finally up, so you can see their cart lists by
following the above link as well.

Here is a small list of places that carry new and used consoles and games:

  * B & C Computervisions (http://www.myatari.com)
  * Video 61 (http://www.angelfire.com/mn/video61)
  * 4Jays (http://www.4jays.com)
  * Anything80s (http://www.anything80s.com/vidgames.html)
  * Your Childhood! (http://www.yourchildhood.com/vg/Atarisales.htm)

Video Magic ([email protected]) carries both new and used Atari carts,
some for sale, most for auction. Send the above address some email to
request a paper catalog via snail mail.

Once in a great while, some retail stores will still have Atari cartridges
in stock, although sometimes they are hidden in the back room. Another good
source is discount liquidator stores, such as Toy Liquidators, Big Lots/Odd
Lots, and Sears Outlets. These stores typically have huge quantities of a
limited number of titles at closeout prices.

O'Shea Ltd. (http://www.oshealtd.com/) has 1.3 million bulk atari games for
$.80 each plus S&H. In the past, games had to be ordered in bulk (quantities
of 72, later 6), but Dauer ([email protected]) reports that one can now order
single carts. Contact Bill Houlehan ([email protected]) for more
information. They have recently sold out of many games; the following list
reflects what's left according to their (insecure) order form
(http://www.oshealtd.com/atariorderform.htm) (last updated July 16, 2000):

7800

  * Asteroids
  * Ballblazer
  * Barnyard Blaster
  * Baseball
  * Centipede
  * Dark Chambers
  * Dig Dig
  * Donkey Kong
  * Donkey Kong Jr.
  * Galaga
  * Hat Trick
  * Jinks
  * Joust
  * Meltdown
  * Ms. Pac-Man
  * One on One (listed as Basketball)
  * Pole Position II
  * Tower Toppler
  * Xevious

2600

  * Baseball
  * Battlezone
  * Dark Chambers
  * Dig Dug
  * Football
  * Galaxian
  * Gravitar
  * Joust
  * Jr. Pac-Man
  * Jungle Hunt
  * Kangaroo
  * Ms. Pac-Man
  * Pole Position
  * Venture
  * Solaris
  * Super Football

If you care more about playing than collecting, Hozer Video Games
([email protected]) will put almost any 2K or 4K image on a cart for $11
($16 for royalty-included games); 8K and 16K images are $22 ($25 for
royalty-included games). This may be the only way to play games such as
Wizard, Chase the Chuckwagon or Cubicolor on your 2600. See the Hozer Video
Games (http://www.netway.com/~hozervideo) site for more information.

Other sources for both new games, used games and consoles include:

  * 2600 Connection classified ads
  * newspaper classified ads
  * atari user group classified ads
  * thrift stores, flea markets, second-hand stores
  * rec.games.video.classic & rec.games.video.marketplace ads
  * web pages of many collectors
  * the Digital Press Collectors List
    (http://www.digitpress.com/dpconnec.txt).
  * the Classic Videogames Collector's Listing
    (http://www.angelfire.com/mi/ujb/rgvc.html).

Q: Where can I download game instructions?

A: Greg Chance ([email protected]) maintains a doc archive
(http://videogames.org/cgi/man-search.cgi) among other things on his web
page. Alexander Bilstein ([email protected]) also maintains an
instruction manual archive
(http://www.atari2600nexus.com/manuals/index.html). Between these two sites,
you should be able to find manuals for most of the 2600 library.

Mitchell Orman ([email protected]) maintains a doc archive
(http://members.aol.com/~Atari7800games/atari7800.htm) for 7800 games.

Q: What are the best games for the 2600?

A: This can be a subjective matter, of course, but Mike Littau conducted an
informal 2600 games poll on rec.games.video (before the split) a few years
ago, trying to find answers to this very question. Here are the results,
with some slight changes in format:

From: [email protected] (Mike Littau)
Subject: Atari 2600 poll results
Date: 12 Jun 92 16:49:35 GMT

Here are the results of the atari 2600 poll I conducted:

Best overall                    Best original idea
1. Adventure                    1. Pitfall!
2.(tie) Solaris,Yar's Revenge   2. Adventure
4. Asteroids                    3. Yar's revenge
5. River Raid                   4.(tie) Stampede, Kaboom, Kool Aid Man

Best music or sound effects:                Best adventure game:
1. Pitfall II                               1. Adventure
2. Frogger                                  2. Raiders of the Lost Ark
4.(tie) Haunted House, CA Games             3. Haunted House
5. Asteroids                                4. Superman
                                           5. Secret Quest

Best action game:                       Best sports game:
1. Asteroids                            1. Activision Tennis
2. Demon Attack                         2. Skiing
3. Missile Command                      3. RealSports Tennis
4. Warlords                             4.(tie)  Super Football, RS Football
5.(tie) Chopper Command, Moon Patrol      Activision Boxing

Best racing game:                       Best graphics for a game:
1. Indy 500                             1. Solaris
2. Enduro                               2. Pitfall!
3.(tie) Sprintmaster, Grand Prix        3. Moonsweeper
5.(tie) Barnstorming, Slot Racers       4.(tie) Barnstorming, Demon Attack,
                                         River Raid

In addition, The 2600 Connection (issue #10) ran an article on the 2600
cartridge "Hall of Fame," listing the best 2600 games. There was an
excellent capsule description of each game. Here is the list:

Combat                  Asteroids                    Honorable Mention:
Super Breakout          Centipede (and Millipede)    Dragonfire
Defender                Donkey Kong (and Jr.)        Demon Attack
Adventure               Mario Bros.                  Megamania
Space Invaders          Pitfall! (and II)            HERO
Missile Command         River Raid (and II)          Rampage
Pac-Man                 Kaboom                       Miner 2049er
Ms. Pac-Man             Frogger                      Skatboardin'
Solaris                 Q*Bert

Q: What are the most common and most rare games for the 2600/7800?

A: Commonality and rarity of a game depends upon many things, including
geographical location, cart and label condition, label variation and
personal experience. VGR's cart list, the Digital Press Collectors Guide and
Atari2600.com's Beta One all give ideas to a cart's rarity and subsequent
worth. (VGR and the Digital Press Collectors Guide #4 use a scale,
Atari2600.com's Beta One and the DP cdrom use prices, and DPCG #5 uses
both).

For those of you who yearn to know the prices carts have fetched in the
past, check out the Atari 2600/7800 Auction Price Database
(http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Labyrinth/5445/Auction.txt), which
contains final auction price information for hundreds of carts culled from
many net auctions.

Q: What was Gameline and what games were available for it?

A: Gameline was a service offered by Control Video Corporation that admitted
the downloading of games to the the 2600 over regular phone lines. The
Gameline used a variable 800-2000 baud modem, according to Kevin Horton's
no-longer-there Gameline Page. The Gameline Master Module originally sold
for $49.95 and there was a one-time membership fee of $15. Charges were
about $.10 a game or $1 for up to an hour of play. Contest games were $1 and
there was a $.50 charge to enter a score. On your birthday, not only were
you given free play for a day, but you also received a Happy Birthday
screen, complete with cake, candles and music.

Perhaps the funniest bit of advertising from CVC was in the form of a Q&A
session. The Q was, "What will happen if I don't join Gameline?" The A was
"Eventually, you'll be the only one on your block without Gameline. Your
friends will have mastered new games before you even hear about them. Are
you willing to take that chance?"

While the service did not last very long, the charred ashes of the service
begat what is now AOL.

The games that were available were:

Airlock                 Alien                   Atlantis
Bank Heist              Bermuda Triangle        Boing
Bugs                    Cakewalk                China Syndrome
Coconuts                Commando Raid           Cosmic Ark
Cosmic Creeps           Cosmic Swarm            Cross Force
Crypts of Chaos         Deadly Duck             Demolition Herby
Demon Attack            Dragonfire              The Earth Dies Screaming
Eggomania               Encounter at L-5        Entombed
Fantastic Voyage        Fast Food               Fire Fighter
Flash Gordon            Frankenstein's Monster  Gangster Alley
Gopher                  Guardian                Infiltrate
Jawbreaker              King Kong               Lost Luggage
M.A.D.                  Marauder                M*A*S*H
Megaforce               Mines of Minos          Moonsweeper
Name this Game          The Challenge of Nexar  Nightmare
No Escape               Picnic                  Piece O' Cake
Planet Patrol           Polaris                 Porky's
Raft Rider              Ram It                  R. of the Beefsteak Tomatoes
Riddle of the Sphinx    Room of Doom            Save the Whales
Shark Attack            Shootin' Gallery        Sneak & Peek
Solar Storm             Space Cavern            Space Jockey
Space Master            Squeeze Box             Sssnake
Stargunner              Star Voyager            Tape Worm
Threshold               Towering Inferno        Trick Shot
Turmoil                 Warplock                Word Zapper
Worm War I

Q: Which games use a lightgun?

A:

  * 2600
       o Sentinel
       o Shooting Arcade (prototype)

  * 7800
       o Sentinel
       o Alien Brigade (joystick ok)
       o Barnyard Blaster
       o Crossbow (joystick ok)
       o Meltdown

Q: Which 2600 games use the kid's controllers/keypads

A:

  * A Game of Concentration (Hunt & Score, Memory Match)
  * Alpha Beam with Ernie
  * BASIC Programming
  * Big Bird's Egg Catch
  * Brain Games
  * Codebreaker
  * Cookie Monster Munch
  * Grover's Music Maker (prototype)
  * MagiCard
  * Oscar's Trash Race
  * Star Raiders

Q: Which 2600 games use paddles?

A:

  * Astroblast (joystick ok too)
  * Bachelor Party
  * Backgammon
  * Beat Em' & Eat Em
  * Blackjack
  * Breakout (Breakaway IV)
  * Bugs
  * Bumper Bash
  * Canyon Bomber
  * Casino (Poker Plus)
  * Circus Atari (circus)
  * Demons to Diamonds
  * Eggomania
  * Encounter at L-5
  * Fireball
  * Guardian
  * Kaboom!
  * Mangia
  * Music Machine
  * Night Driver
  * Party Mix
  * Picnic
  * Piece O Cake
  * Solar Storm
  * Star Wars: Jedi Arena
  * Steeplechase
  * Street Racer (Speedway II)
  * Super Breakout
  * Tac-Scan
  * Video Olympics (Pong Sports)
  * Warlords
  * Warplock

Q: Which 2600 games use the driving controllers?

A: There are two: Indy 500 and Stell-A-Sketch. Interestingly, the driving
controllers have found a use in another system: the Jaguar FAQ details their
use in a home-built rotary controller for Tempest 2000.

Q: Which 2600 games have voice?

A: There are two: Quadrun and Open Sesame. Due to the limitations of the
2600, the screen is blank when the voice is played.

Q: What 2600 carts do not work on the 7800?

A: There are known incompatibilities with some NTSC versions of the 7800
(PAL 7800s seem to be unaffected). Games that may not work include Robot
Tank, Decathlon, Space Shuttle, Time Pilot, Kool-Aid Man and the
Supercharger. In a recent Usenet posting, Jay Tilton ([email protected])
describes a series of tests with various versions of the 7800. In short,
7800s manufactured in 1984 seem to be fully compatible, whereas those
manufactured later have inconsistent incompatibilities. Here is an edited
version of the posting:

I recently acquired another 7800 console, and discovered that it works with
the notoriously cranky Activision carts and the Supercharger. I decided to
sit down with all my 7800 decks and an armload of carts and see how much of
the 7800 compatibility mystery I could sort out.

Test decks:
           Serial #                           Board part#
Deck#        72R4BR-  Country  Expansion port     CO25233-  Board Date
-----  -------------  -------  --------------  -----------  ----------
 1    AT  8 5037836   Taiwan    Full port       001 REV A       84-25
 2    A1 76 5904610   Taiwan    Full port       002 REV A       87-17
 3    A1 77 5951337   Taiwan    Hole/no pins    002 REV A       87-17
 4    A3 87 5139813   Taiwan    No port         002 REV B       88-28
 5    A3 07 5298641   China     No port         002 REV B       88-30

Board part number/revision is taken from the underside of the board, just
above the cart slot. The full number always begins with "CO25233." The
boards' top side has a different part number, "CO25234," but no revision
level is given. Board dates are also taken from the underside of the board,
near the Atari logo. I changed the notation a bit to make sorting by date
easier. They're really written like "2584" instead of "84-25," which would
indicate the twenty-fifth week of 1984.

The carts tested were:

  * Decathlon (2 different carts)
  * Robot Tank (3)
  * Space Shuttle (5)
  * Supercharger (2)
  * 7800 Food Fight

Results:  "Yes"  = cart works fine.
         "No"   = cart doesn't do a thing.
         "Roll" = cart works, but picture rolls.
         "Lock" = cart plays for a while, then locks up the system.

               Deck #
    Cart          1        2        3        4        5
               ------   ------   ------   ------   ------
   Decathlon 1    Yes       No       No      Yes      Yes
             2    Yes       No       No      Yes      Yes
  Robot Tank 1    Yes     Roll     Roll     Roll     Roll</pre><pre id="faqspan-2">
             2    Yes      Yes     Roll     Roll      Yes
             3    Yes      Yes     Roll     Roll      Yes
Space Shuttle 1    Yes      Yes      Yes      Yes      Yes
             2    Yes      Yes      Yes      Yes      Yes
             3    Yes     Roll     Roll     Roll      Yes
             4    Yes     Roll     Roll     Roll      Yes
             5    Yes      Yes      Yes      Yes      Yes
Supercharger 1    Yes       No       No       No       No
             2    Yes       No       No       No       No
    Food Fight    Yes      Yes     Lock     Lock      Yes

  * Whether or not a given cart works on a given deck depends on both cart
    and deck. There's no real consistency among different carts of the same
    title.
  * It looks like the Supercharger is the proof test of whether a given
    deck will be fully compatible with any 2600 cart.
  * The conventional wisdom saying that a deck with the expansion port will
    work with anything is false. Presence or absence of the port is not a
    reliable indicator of compatibility with all 2600 carts.
  * Likewise, the deck's geographical origin is not a reliable indicator.
    The one manufactured in China (#5) has fewer compatibility problems
    than the others, but it still has some.
  * The oldest deck (#1) performed flawlessly in all tests. This is
    probably from the earliest production run, and was either sold in one
    of the limited test-markets or was warehoused until Atari Corp realized
    the home video game market was still viable.

IMHO, the manufacturing standards of deck #1 are better than the others. All
the major chips inside are all socketed instead of being soldered directly
to the board. Some of the other decks also have had some minor factory
patchwork performed. They occasionally have resistors bridging points where
they were clearly not originally intended to be, i.e. soldered directly to a
chip pin or placed on the underside of the board.

Wondering if that 7800 deck sitting in the thrift store could be one of the
fully-compatible ones? There are some very minor externally visible
differences between my deck #1 and the others. I can't conclusively say
these are 100% reliable indicators, but they are conspicuously different.

  * The labels on the undersides of decks 2-5 have a box drawn around the
    serial number. Deck #1 has no box drawn.
  * The serial number itself on deck #1 is different from the others. The
    "72R4BR" prefix is very much smaller than the rest of the number.
    "AT85037836" is one continuous string of black characters with no
    spaces, while on deck #2 (#3-5 are similar), "A1 76 5904610" does have
    the spaces, and the "76" is stamped in blue.
  * The cart contacts of deck #1 have a definite copper color, while the
    contacts of the others have a silvery appearance.

Eric Chapin ([email protected]) has also run a series of compatibility tests
on his Atari 7800 and the results are on his web page
(http://members.xoom.com/Wilykat/videogame/7800.html).

One other note: both Chris Cracknell ([email protected]) and George Torch
([email protected]) report that Superchargers may be permanently damaged
when used on the 7800. Chris suggests trying Robot Tank first and then
proceeding only if that cart works. George adds that his dead Supercharger
was the original one (Arcadia, not Starpath) and that the serial number of
his 7800 is 72R4BRA3055274987. If anyone else has experiences of 7800s
ruining a Supercharger, please let me know.

Q: What is the Starpath CD and can I still get one?

A: The Starpath Supercharger Game Collection on CD, or Stella Gets a New
Brain was a non-profit, long-awaited labor of love from the CyberPuNKs (Russ
Perry Jr., Glenn Saunders, Jim Nitchals and Dan Skelton). This CD not only
contains NTSC and PAL versions of most of the Supercharger games (PAL
Survival Island is missing), but also development tools, a collection of
Supercharger and Vectrex material, and several surprises (including SoundX
from Hozer Video Games and the UR Polo from Carol Shaw). While it was an
amazing value for $18 ($15 + $3 shipping), it is now sold out: you'll have
to look for rgvc sales or auctions if you wish to obtain one now.

But fret not. The commercial version (Stella Gets a New Brain v. 2.0) is now
available. The cd is $20 + shipping + tax if you live in California and
contains all the Supercharger games plus the Stella mailing list archives,
company newsletters, projects notes, fonts, several homebrew games and
bunches more. See for yourself. Here is the ordering page
(http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/1698/cyberpunks/stellagetsbrain2.html">See
for yourself. Here is the

For general information about the supercharger, see the supercharger FAQ /
Cyberpunks FAQ (http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/1698/cyberpunks/faq.html)
which contains some interesting information about the Starpath company, the
supercharger, and the Cyberpunks.

Q: Have any new games been released lately?

A: Over the past couple of years, several new games have been developed for
the Atari 2600. Ed Federmeyer wrote both SoundX, a sound generator, and
Edtris, a Tetris clone. They are both available for $16 from Hozer Video
Games (mail [email protected] for information).

Rescue Bira Bira by Chris Cracknell ([email protected]) is also available
from Hozer (here is the binary image
(http://www.hwcn.org/~ad329/other/birabira.bin)). RBB is a modification of
Jungle Fever with the adult bits removed. Chris' latest effort is a Video
Time Machine (http://www.hwcn.org/~ad329/other/clock-v3.bin) meaning a
24-hour clock. It is also available from Hozer.

Piero Cavina ([email protected]) is the creator of Oystron, a shooter
that is quite possibly the first game ever to feature space oysters. Get the
full story and the game from the Oystron Home Page
(http://www.io.com/~nickb/oystron.htm).

Eric Bacher recently authored Alfred's Challenge
(http://www.best-electronics-ca.com/feature.htm), a platformer that also
alleges to work properly under any TV standard (NTSC, PAL or SECAM). It is
available for $20 from Best Electronics.

Several carts were available in very limited runs to those who attended the
Classic Gaming Expo (CGE). In 1999, both Eric Bacher's Pesco and Igor
Barzilai's Merlin's Wall were offered. This year, it's Sword Fight and Sea
Battle (High Seas) from Intellivision Productions (these two may be
available for order sometime in the future). There was also Escape from
Supercade! (http://supercade.com/escape/), programmed by Bacher and
Barzilai, released to commemorate the upcoming Supercade book. According to
the web page, the first 26 carts will be given away at CGE 2000 and the
other 74 will be distributed among people who "registered to win" at CGE
2000. Unlike the other games, the rom for Escape from Supercade! will
eventually be available for download.

Nick Bensema ([email protected]) maintains a page of links to newly developed
2600 games (http://www.io.com/~nickb/atari3.htm). Many of the games listed
in this section are there, as well as several others including Cubis, The
Dark Mage and Mondo Pong.

Bob Colbert ([email protected]) seems to be the most prolific 2600
developer of late. Okie Dokie (a puzzle game), Cheetah (a Game Genie-type
program for the Supercharger or emulator), and now Stell-A-Sketch
(Etch-a-Sketch clone) are all available from Bob's home page
(http://members.home.com/rcolbert1/).

Yak (Jeff Minter), author of Llamatron, Tempest 2000, Defender 2000 and the
Jaguar Virtual Light Machine had some fun turning Space Invaders into Beast
Invaders (http://www.magicnet.net/~yak/beastinv.htm). I've been able to
track down only the picture of the game, but not the game itself. Anyone
have a pointer?

Hozer Video now carries many new games. To save space, here are the links:

  * released games (http://www.netway.com/~hozervideo/atari/section1.html)
  * non-royalty games
    (http://www.netway.com/~hozervideo/atari/section2.html)
  * graphics-altered games
    (http://www.netway.com/~hozervideo/atari/section3.html)
  * unfinished games
    (http://www.netway.com/~hozervideo/atari/section4.html)

Q: What is a multicart and where can I get one?

A: A multicart is simply a multiple game cart. Sean Kelly ([email protected])
makes them for both the 2600 and 5200. Prices for the 2600 are $65 for a 64
game cart, $100 for a 128 game cart and $150 for a 256 game cart. The 5200
cart contains nearly all games ever made (including prototypes) for $125.
Email him or see Sean's Web Page (http://www.xnet.com/~skelly) for more
information.

Randy Crihfield ([email protected]) at Hozer Video Games also builds
multicarts. A 128-in-1 cart is $100, as is a 32-in-1 Activision cart.

Other examples of multicarts exist, including Atari's 32-in-1 for the 2600
(PAL) and their 32-in-1 for the 7800 (which is a relabeled 2600 32-in-1; all
games on the cart are 2600 games).

There is also the multi-game CD, Worship the Woodgrain
(http://home.earthlink.net/~resqsoft/wtw.htm), by Lee Krueger. The first run
of 50 is sold out, but a second edition is shipping. You'll need a
Supercharger to use the CD and you must modify your Supercharger to be able
to play all the games (about 65% are playable without the mod).

Q: Where can I find a list of cheats and Easter Eggs?

A: Galen Tatsuo Komatsu ([email protected]) maintains the B-TECH list;
mail him directly with "Send B-TECH" as your subject line. Note: this is not
a mailserver so please give him time to respond.

Q: What programming resources are available?

A: For 2600 users there is the 2600 Programming
(http://videogames.org/2600Stuff/2600Programming) guide. The Stella Guide
(http://www.io.com/~nickb/stella.txt) is another useful document.

Schematic, bankswitching and other 2600 technical information is available
at Kevin Horton's 2600 page (http://www.tripoint.org/kevtris/2600.html).

Another tech page which includes annotated source code for both combat and
adventure is Dan Boris' VCS page (http://atarihq.com/danb/vcstech.htm).

A fairly comprehensive page is Nick Bensema's 2600 Programming Page
(http://www.io.com/~nickb/atariprg.htm), complete with gobs of source
examples and programming tools.

John Saeger ([email protected]) maintains the Atari Documentation Depot
(http://members.xoom.com/atari_docs), which contains both 2600 and 7800
programming, development and game standards manuals.

Bob Colbert ([email protected]) provides many development tools for the
Supercharger (http://members.home.com/rcolbert1/super.htm) on his home page.
These tools are different than those found on the Supercharger CD.

Eckhard Stolberg's ([email protected]) VCS Workshop
Page (http://buerger.metropolis.de/estolberg/) also contains many tools and
source code files. Of particular interest is devkit2.zip
(http://buerger.metropolis.de/estolberg/tools/devkit2.zip) which contains
instructions on how to modify a 7800 such that it may be used as a
development system and cart reader for 2600 and 7800 games.

Mac PowerPC users might wish to mosey on over to the Mactari
(http://hometown.aol.com/mactari/index.html) site, which houses 2600
development tools for the Mac.

For the 7800 there was Harry Dodgson's ([email protected]) Monitor Cart
plus documentation. The 250+ pages included a stella guide, a 2600
programming manual which was a bit more readable, the Maria specs, and the
7800 docs plus numerous corrections to the Atari documentation. The package
price was around $65. Alas, Harry has said that no offers will get him to
make another monitor cartridge (he stopped making them a while ago when he
didn't sell any in a 6 month period). About 3 dozen total were made.

Dan Boris's 7800 Tech Page (http://atarihq.com/danb/78tech.htm) also
contains a wealth of information on the 7800.

Finally, see the Stella entry in the mailing list section. The stella
mailing list is dedicated to 2600 programming.

Q: What is the 7800 encryption algorithm?

A: The 7800 uses a encryption key to determine whether or not the 7800
cartridge is valid and to allow the system to be put in 7800 mode as opposed
to 2600 mode. The encryption algorithm is said to be proprietary. Rumors
exist, however, that Atari released the algorithm for use on the the Atari
ST series of computers. If anybody has this program we would all be very
happy to have a look at it. It is also rumored that the code was released
with the Lynx Dev-Kit for the Amiga, yet it does not appear in version 1.3.
Rumors...rumors...

Not a rumor, however, is that as designed, the 7800 required a valid 960-bit
digital signature generated by Atari before a native 7800 game (as opposed
to a 2600 game) would run on the 7800; no digital signature, no Maria chip.
Also, crypto export restrictions (960 bits are a lot even for
military-quality crypto) are probably the reason that European 7800 consoles
and games have no digital signature.

The final word on the encryption/authentication/validation/signature bits of
the 7800 (save for the key itself) with respect to emulation comes from a
section on Dan Boris' 7800 tech page called The Encryption Issue
(http://atarihq.com/danb/78tech.htm). You'll have to scroll about 3/4s of
the way down to read the entry. In short, emulation of the 7800 is
independent of the validation key, but the creation of new games that will
run on unmodified 7800s isn't.

Q: Is 7800 Impossible Mission really impossible?

A: Yes.

The cart was released with a bug where some of the pieces you need were
hidden under computer terminals, but the terminals cannot be searched. This
bug was fixed, but Atari probably never released the updated version. The
PAL version is not impossible, as the programmer of the PAL version fixed
the bug. A special thanks to Harry Dodgson for this tidbit.

Q: Where can I get solutions to the Swordquest series?

A: Walton C. Gibson ([email protected]) maintains the SwordQuest
Comic Book Archive (http://www.tripoint.org/sq/sq.html) which contains both
the comics and the solutions.

Q: I've seen pictures of 2600 Doom. Where can I buy it?

A: You can't. It doesn't exist. The following list contains hoaxes, jokes,
spoofs, parodies, fakes, etc. that do not exist. Some people were aiming for
deception, others for humor and some for both.

  * 2600 Doom
    (http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Arcade/8691/2600DOOM.HTM).
    Electronic Gaming Monthly covered this in their January 1998 (#102)
    letters section.
  * Pitfall III. Lee Krueger's bit of hijinx is documented on page 224 of
    DP #5.
  * Garfield. Some clever chap faked a label for this game, which has only
    recently turned up in prototype form. The DP cdrom has a jpg of the
    label.
  * Original artwork for the Starpath games Swords of Saros, Survival
    Island and Sweat!. The artwork for these games on the Stella CD was
    created by Dan Skelton. This item is not a hoax, as the CyberPuNKS were
    going after completeness, not deception.
  * perl for the 2600. Issue #12 (vol 3, no 4; winter 1998) of the Perl
    Journal shows perl as one of the carts in a 2600 cart stack. For all
    you future deceivers, this image modification was done with "the gimp."
  * The Mar/Apr 1999 2600 Connection takes April 1 very seriously by
    reporting on Quake 3, Timber, Tron, Wacko, Lucky Charms, a Camel
    Cigarettes game, (big breath here) Tomb Raider, Street Fighter II and a
    Microvision Emulator.
  * The Spring Special 1998 2600 Connection is also chock full of hoax.
    Therein lie ET 2000, The Battle of Jericho, Alien Vs. Predator Vs. Men
    In Black, the 2600 CD, Sonic the Hedgehog, the Atari 26000, MS Windows,
    Word and Excel 2600, and a 2600 Robot. Many other hoaxes are mentioned
    but not shown.
  * Final Fantasy VII (http://www.thegia.com/news/n990401a.html).
  * Mortal Kombat Trilogy. On his old web site, Ed Boon displayed the box
    art for MKT for the Atari 7800 (and the Astrocade and the Channel F).
    These pictures were not carried over to his new web site. Did anyone
    save these pictures?
  * The John Deere Atari
    (http://home.earthlink.net/~resqsoft/john_deere_atari.htm), complete
    with Johnny Tractor cart.
  * Metrowerks Codewarrior (http://combee.techwood.org/cwcart2.jpg).
  * Battlesphere
    (http://www.fortunecity.com/roswell/shelly/55/bs2600.jpg?popup=1).
  * Russ Perry Jr. mentioned (in a personal email) some other hoaxes: Space
    Haggis, Frank Traut's Jiminy's Farm and Barn and The Monkey Adventure,
    and an anonymous someone's Cybermorph.
  * Lee Krueger has also created hoaxes
    (http://home.earthlink.net/~resqsoft/a2600.htm) for Alien vs. Predator,
    Planet of the Apes and the Greatest American Hero, as well as labels
    for Harry Dodgson's Monitor Cart and a new label for 2600 Pac-Man.
  * The iMac meets the 2600 in the iTari
    (http://www.aalgar.com/aalcorp/062900/index.html) from the Aalgar
    Corporation. This one was humor only, folks.

Q: Is there a list of 2600/7800 game programmers?

James Hague ([email protected]) maintains The Giant List of Classic Game
Programmers (http://www.dadgum.com/giantlist). The list is both extensive
and not limited to 2600/7800 programmers, so it may take a while to find
2600/7800-specific information.

Q: What are the different 2600/7800 models?

A:

This list is horribly incomplete. If you go to the bottom of the next
question, you'll see a link to JerryG's much more complete list of clones
and changers. I will, however, continue to add systems that are not denoted
in that list.

2600 models

Atari VCS CX2600 - Original model. Woodgrain and black plastic enclosure.
Light and heavy weighted plastic. Six silver switches across the upper front
panel. Bundled accessories included two CX40 joysticks, one CX30 paddle
controller, AC adapter, TV switch and a CX2601 Combat game cart. Sample
wording on label on bottom of unit:

Mfd. by Atari, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA.  Serial # 048181.
Mfd. by Atari-Wong Ltd. in Hong Kong.  Serial # 568213514.
Manufactured for Atari Inc. by TRU Electronic Components Company in Taiwan.
Model NO: CX-2600 Serial # 81281713"

Sears Tele-Games Video Arcade I - Same as above except external cosmetic
differences (the "difficulty" switches are labeled "skill level", the switch
panel is silver instead of black, and the woodgrain pattern is different.)
Sample wording:

Mfd. for Atari Inc. by Dimerco Electronics in Taiwan for sale to
Sears, Roebuck, and Co.  Serial # 82077230.

Atari VCS 2600A - Revised model. Externally it is nearly identical to the
original, except there are four silver switches across the upper front panel
instead of six. The difficulty switches were moved to the rear of the unit.
Internally, the motherboard is a simplified one-piece design. Sample
wording:

Mfd. for Atari, Inc. by TRW Electronic Components Co. in Taiwan.
Serial # 811510200.
Mfd. for Atari, Inc. by Atari Taiwan Mfing. Corp. in Taiwan.
Serial # 827030354.

Sears Tele-Games Video Arcade I(A) - Same as above except for external
cosmetic differences. Sample wording:

Mfd. for Atari Inc. by Dimerco Electronics in Taiwan for sale to
Sears, Roebuck, and Co.  Serial # 82299647.

Atari VCS 2600A (black) - Second revised model. Externally it is nearly
identical to the 2600A, except the enclosure has a more modern looking
"black out" treatment. The areas of woodgrain on the original models are now
simply black plastic. Internally, the motherboard is a slight revision of
the 2600A. Sample wording:

Mfd. for Atari, Inc. by Atari Taiwan Mfing. Corp. in Taiwan.
Serial # AT831150153.
Manufactured for Atari Inc. by Atari Ireland, Ltd in Ireland. Model No CX-2600 AP.
Serial 508 AI 0020153

Sears Tele-Games Video Arcade II - Entirely new model of the 2600 designed
exclusively for Sears. Black wedge-shaped enclosure, with push button
switches and LEDs on top panel. Essentially an Atari 7800 shell. Four
joystick connectors on lower front panel with rocker switch. Internally very
different from other 2600 models, but still uses the same basic chipset.
Bundled accessories include two combination joystick/paddle controllers, AC
adapter, TV switch and a Space Invaders game cart. Sample wording:

Sears, Inc. (Atari, Inc.) Serial # SV 392 005539.

Atari 2800 -- same as Sears Tele-Games Video Arcade II but with Atari label.
Released only in Japan. Very rare.

Atari 2600 "Jr." - Third revised model. It is slightly larger than a VHS
video tape case. Some versions have "Jr" stamped onto the bottom sticker.
Large black buttons. Power and b/w switches slide, while Reset and Game
Select are push buttons. Jet black with large metallic silver strip running
lengthwise across the front with "Atari 2600" on it. Marketed as the "Under
50 bux, the fun is back!" machine. Bundled accessories include one joystick,
AC adapter, TV switch box, and RCA connecting cable. Box is designed as a
carrying case with handle and a white section which reads: "This Atari 2600
belongs to:". No bundled cart. The unit came in either a maroon or silver
box. Sample wording:

        Atari Logo                           Atari 2600
        --------------------------------------------------
        FCC ID: EBA72R2600
        ATARI CORPORATION
        MADE IN TAIWAN
        [FCC wording deleted]
                        S.N. A1 81 1494278
        ---------------------------------------------------
        [Atari logo embossed in plastic] [made in taiwan in plastic]

        or

        MANUFACTURED FOR ATARI CORPORATION,
        BY ATARI TAIWAN MANUFACTURING
        CORPORATION IN TAIWAN
        MODEL NO. CX-2600 JR.
        COVERED BY US PATENT NUMBER
        4, 122, 422 OTHER PATENTS, AND
        PATENTS PENDING

                  ----------------
              S.N.|A1 873 412187 |
                  ----------------

        [ATARI & FUJI LOGO]      MADE IN TAIWAN

Atari 2600 "Jr." - same as above except silver plate has a larger rainbow
strip without an embossed border.

A few miscellaneous notes:
All 6 switch Ataris had a large shield casing. There were at least two
6-switch versions:

(6-1) The original. The entire bottom half of the console was made of
quarter inch thick plastic (~6mm)! Combined with the thick aluminum RF
casing, this is the heaviest 2600 ever made. Also, this 2600 has no 2/3
channel select switch. There is a channel select hole in the case and it's
marked Channel A/B, but there's no switch inside on the PCB. These consoles
came with "01 combat". (1977 models only)

(6-2) The lighter 2600. No armor plating. Bottom half of console is made of
thin plastic, like the 4 switch models. Channel switch now present. Thick RF
shield still present. Plain ol' "combat" included.

The were also minor variations on 4 front switch, woodgrain panel models. On
some, the difficulty switches are marked "Expert/Novice" (or was it
"Advanced/Beginner"?) and others are marked only as "A/B".

Finally, a hodge-podge of facts that don't fit anywhere else:

  * Rumors persist that the pictures on the packaging varied.
  * Both Pac-Man (see Atari Age V2 #4) and Centipede were pack-in carts.
  * 2600s were made in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Sunnyvale, Ireland and China.

7800 models

Atari CX7800 - Vastly modified and enhanced 2600 model. Two joystick ports
on lower front panel. New chipset (except sound chip; pokey chips could be
added to carts). Side expansion port for upgrades and computer add ons.
Bundled accessories included two CX24 ProLine joysticks AC Adapter,
switchbox, RCA connecting cable, and Pole Position II cartridge. Plays all
2600 games except 3 or so (which ones?).

Atari CX7800 - Second Revision. Expansion port connector removed from mother
board but is still etched. Shell has indentation of where expansion port was
to be.

Atari CX7800 - Third Revision. As above but only a small "blemish" mark on
shell.

Q: What types of clones exist?

A: Probably the most famous is the Gemini, an inexpensive clone 2600 made by
Coleco. It sports an all black, box-shaped enclosure with six small slide
switches (say that fast) on top of front panel. On the back panel, there is
an RF modulator port and a power adapter port. Two joystick ports and
difficult switches live on the front panel. Bundled bits include two
dual-joystick/paddle controllers, a 9volt/500ma DC adapter, an RF cable, a
TV switch and Donkey Kong and Mouse Trap carts. Sample wording:

Coleco Gemini VGS - Coleco Ind., Inc., Serial # AG0145189.

Q: What companies made 2600 adapters for their own systems?

A: ColecoVision Expansion Module #1 - Black, 5" x 10", 1 3/4" high in front,
sloping to 2 3/4" in back.

              _____      a = expansion connector to ColecoVision
       ______|__a__|__   b = 2600 cart slot
       |      _____   |  c = color/b+w slide switch
       |     |__b__|  |  l = left difficulty slide switch
       |.........     |  r = right difficulty slide switch
       | clr gr :     |  g = game select push button
       |________:_____|  r = reset button
                  ^ ^  <---- joystick ports

Chips inside are: "COLECO 73192 E4002" (TIA clone?), SY6507, SY6532.
Curiously, there is an empty space for a 14 pin chip and assorted resistors
and capacitors on the right side of the circuit board. The space for a "Y1"
indicates that this was probably intended to be a clock generator. (Could
this board also be intended for standalone use, such as in the VGS?) There
is also an adjustment hole on the bottom that turns a potentiometer
[probably color control]. The reset button on the main ColecoVision console
acts as a hard reset for the expansion module. The connection to the
ColecoVision unit isn't very physically stable, at least not on carpet,
resulting in flaky performance. Sample wording:

       "ColecoVision [tm]
        Model No. 2405
        Coleco Industries, Inc., Amsterdam, NY 12010
        Serial # A0065820         For service help call:
        F.C.C. ID# BNV8432405     1+800+842-1225
        Coleco Industries, Inc.   (Nationwide)
        Made in U.S.A.            Printed in U.S.A. 74859A"

Intellivision System Changer - Made by Mattel, copyright 1983. White,
roughly about 5-6" square and 2" high, with a piece sticking out of the left
side that fits into the Intellivision cartridge slot.

           ___________ <-Top face.
           |  _____  |
         __| [__a__] |  a == Atari cartridge slot  b == insert into Inty II
        | b          |  c == Game Reset (square button)
        |__   cdefg  |  d, f == left and right difficulty (toggle switches)
           |_________|  e == Color/B+W toggle switch

Front face had two standard joystick ports. Known to work with virtually all
2600 carts except those that don't work with other adapters (i.e. those like
Space Shuttle and Starmaster that use standard 2600 hardware functions).
Does not work with the "original" (2609) Intellivision Master Component
without factory modification. Sample wording:

(one white label and one orange label) "Model No. 4610  FCC ID: BSU9RD4610
Serial No. 003255

Commodore VIC-20/2600 game adapter - Rumored to exist. Was advertised by
Protecto in mail order ads in during the 1983 time frame. Plugged into VIC
expansion connector and provided 2600 software emulation. Original price,
emulation quality, and reliability all unknown.

The September 1983 issue of Electronic Games (page 41) shows an
advertisement for Cardapter, a 2600 cart adapter for the Vic-20. The
distributor was Cardco, Inc. in the US, LSI Distributors Ltd in W est
Canada, Hobby Craft Canada in East Canada, and Audiogenic in Europe.
Additional information on this bit would be interesting.

JerryG ([email protected]) maintains a list of both 2600 clones and
changers
(http://www.atari2600.com/museum/2600/2600%20hardware/2600HWtypes.html).

Q: Are there any emulators for the 2600/7800?

A: Dennis Brown ([email protected]) maintains the 2600 emulator FAQ
(http://members.tripod.com/~gamesmuseum/texts/2600emu.txt). It focuses
mostly on the Activision Action packs and is also out of date. Question 5.2
(http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet-faqs/html/emulators-faq/part3/faq.html)
of the comp.emulators.misc FAQ discusses emulators for the 2600 as well.

Speaking of the Activision Action packs, a word about them is an order since
they aren't covered anywhere else in the FAQ. Activision released a total of
5 titles (which included the games + an emulator):

  * Atari 2600 Action Pack (Win 3.1, 486/33, 8 meg ram)
  * Atari 2600 Action Pack (Mac, 68LC040-25 MHz or PPC 601-60, 8 meg ram)
  * Atari 2600 Action Pack II (Win 3.1, 486/33, 8 meg ram)
  * Atari 2600 Action Pack II (Win95, 486DX (?), 8 meg ram)
  * Atari 2600 Action Pack 3 (?)

According to Activision's Web site, here are the games on the three packs:

  * Action Pack I: Boxing, Chopper Command, Cosmic Commuter, Crackpots,
    Fishing Derby, Freeway, Frostbite, Grand Prix, HERO, Kaboom!, Pitfall,
    River Raid, Seaquest, Sky Jinks, Spider Fighter.
  * Action Pack II: Atlantis, Barnstorming, Dolphin, Dragster, Enduro, Ice
    Hockey, Keystone Kapers, Laser Blast, Megamania, Oink!, Plaque Attack,
    River Raid II, Skiing, Stampede, Tennis.
  * Action Pack 3: Breakout, Night Driver, Combat, Private Eye, Space War,
    StarMaster, Canyon Bomber, Checkers, Pressure Cooker, Title Match Pro
    Wrestling and Yar's Revenge.

These packs used to be available for pre-paid download but the stores that
used to carry them have disappeared. Any information on where to download
the packs are appreciated.

Activision also recently released its Classics Collection (30 games + an
emulator) for the Playstation. Reviews of it can be found in Issue 51 of the
2600 Connection, and the December 1998 Electronic Gaming Monthly.

Matt Pritchard ([email protected]) mentions in a Usenet posting that the
forthcoming commercial Intellivision emulator may include a 2600 emulator
and images of all m-network/intv games (including unreleased ones). Alas,
this one is on hold indefinitely as ownership questions need to be
untangled.

The January 1996 Ultimate Gamer mentions that Atari had some plans for a
2600 emulator for the Jaguar CD. Dave Staugas, who programmed both Millipede
and Krull, was working on it. According to Slapdash #6, it was approximately
90% complete, although that number is probably optimistic. With the demise
of Atari, the probability of the emulator seeing the light of day is almost
0.

Temporary Sanity Designs was also developing a 2600 emulator for the Jaguar.
Damien M. Jones ([email protected]) was kind enough to send the following
email detailing its development.

In April-ish of 1995 we (Bryan [Edewaard] and I, Temporary Sanity
Designs) approached Atari with this idea. Since they'd never heard of
us, they asked us for some proof that we could actually program; over
the weekend, we put together a program which looked like Combat,
running on an Atari TT or Falcon. It looked like Combat because we
disassembled the cartridge, converted the 6507 code to 68030 code, and
then wrote routines to emulate the hardware. It wasn't complete, of
course, but it drew the sprites and you could control them with the
joystick.

Apparently they were impressed enough to send us a Jag dev kit, and told us
we had two months to prove the concept was workable on the Jaguar. We spent
three weeks learning how the machine worked, and produced a morphing
fractal animation. When we sent this to Atari, at first they thought it was
just a compressed Cinepak movie; we had to explain that, no, it was
real-time generated fractals using both RISC processors, etc.

Five more weeks resulted in a 70% working emulator, which we sent to Atari.
One of the problems with emulation in general is that you have to have a
lot of work done before you get to see anything; we spent weeks working on
the 6507 emulator, which because of some peculiar problems in the Jaguar,
had to be extremely compact code. Also, because of the way the display
hardware in the 2600 works (line-oriented instead of frame-oriented) the
video hardware emulation was fiendishly difficult. The demo we sent to
Atari had a 99% complete CPU emulator (we think there were a few bugs in it
still, and we were fairly sure we would have problems with bank-switched
cartridges) and a 40% complete hardware emulator. We had games like Pacman
and Adventure running, with players and playfield, plus a hand-tuned
palette. We sent Atari a couple of different versions, with different games
included. (Trying to remember which ones we included--Berzerk and Yars'
Revenge spring to mind.)

Anyway, at some point during 1995 we heard that Jeff Minter had commented
on a 2600 emulator, and we figured that was good... until we were told he'd
mentioned *Dave Staugas* doing it, and not us. We got on the phone to Atari
and asked what the hell was going on, and we were told basically that
nobody was supposed to talk about anything that was going on. I'm told that
shortly thereafter Jeff Minter posted a sort of retraction. We've never
spoken to Jeff directly, and any e-mail we sent at the time went unreplied.
(I can understand that, as I'm sure Jeff received zillions of messages and
he ignored 99.9% of them.)

Atari spent a few months deciding what to do about our emulator. We hadn't
spent any more time finishing it, since Atari wasn't actually paying us.
Eventually, they suggested that if we could finish the cartridge quickly
and fit it into a 1M cartridge (scuttling our plans to include a lot of
games on it, along with complete manuals) that maybe they'd think about
publishing it. We never got a contract with them, though, before they axed
all Jaguar products in early 1996 and merged with JTS.

So there's a bit more on the story for you. None of it really matters at
this point, but we had to come up with some really creative approaches to
making the emulator work in the Jaguar. The CPU emulator--even with all our
tricks--only just managed to keep up with the 1.2MHz 6507 in the 2600. The
hardware emulators were equally pressed for performance.

But all this work may not have gone to waste. Songbird Productions
(http://songbird.atari.net) has obtained the rights and source code to TSD's
emulator, (now?) called Virtual VCS (VVCS). While it is not certain that the
emulator will be completed and released, it is under consideration as a
future project for the company.

There is also a VCS simulator by Christian Bogey ([email protected])
called VCSS (http://chris.bogey.free.fr/VCSS.htm) which simulates the
functions of the Atari VCS 2600. VCSS isn't an emulator, so it won't run any
rom images.

For the 7800, we now have V7800 (http://cgexpo.com/danb/files/v7800r12.zip)
v. 0.12, courtesy of Dan Boris. He has also written a driver for the next
release of MESS (http://mess.emuverse.com), the Multi Emulator Super System.

Q: What 2600/7800 hardware was announced, but never released?

A: The short answer is quite a bit . Here are some examples:

  * 2600 keyboard by Atari, called the Graduate or My First Computer. It
    was designed by Peripheral Visions Inc.
  * 2600 voice command system
  * a headband controller, Mindlink
  * Atari 2500 (http://www.atari-history.com/videogames/2500.html)
  * Atari 2700 - Remote control joystick/paddles, touch sensitive console
    buttons.
  * Atari 3600 - 10-bit system, made it to prototype stage.
  * Amiga Power Module for 2600. Similar to the Supercharger, it had dialup
    capability (to play against others). Also, some 3D games were planned
    for it as well.
  * U.S. Games Joystick, similar to Coleco Super Action Controller (EF May
    83, p. 91)
  * 7800 High Score Cart. However, thanks to Curt Vendel and Gary Rubio, it
    has finally seen the light of day. They are available from B&C
    Computervisions and Video 61 for $59.95. Note that the High Score Cart
    works only with the original 9 games designed for the 7800 (Asteroids,
    Ms. Pac Man, Dig Dug, Galaga, Xevious, Joust, Food Fight, Robotron,
    Centipede), as those were the only ones programmed to use the cart.
    Kevin Osborne of GCC claims that Nile Flyer, the early version of
    Desert Falcon also had the code to work with the High Score Cart.
  * 7800 Keyboard, peripherals and computer games. The 7800 keyboard was
    designed by GCC Inc., the same company that designed Ms. Pac-Man and
    Jr. Pac-Man for the 2600.
  * 7800 adapter for the 5200 (!) (both a recent Usenet posting and Phoenix
    mention this oddity)
  * much, much more. Pictures of prototypes and the stories behind them for
    all three systems can be found at the Atari History
    (http://www.atari-history.com/videogames/videogames.html) site.

Q: How do I hook up my Atari to a TV? / I've hooked up my system, but the
picture is fuzzy.

A: Consider the following diagram of a manual switch box and a 75-300 ohm
converter:

       A                      B

  | C
 -|-----------
|             |
|             |             ------
|      ! F    | G         H|  I   |
|      !      | -----------*  .   |
|      !      | -----------*      |
|      !      |            |      |
--D            |             ------
|             |
|             |
 ----*---*----
       E

  * A -- A manual switch box. It must be manual, not automatic, as the
    Atari 2600 does not emit a strong enough signal. If you try to use an
    automatic one, you'll get a snowy picture. Radio Shack carries manual
    switch boxes.
  * B -- A 75 to 300 ohm converter. If you have a fairly recent tv that has
    cable input (i.e. not a very old tv that has 2 screws for UHF and two
    screws for VHF), you'll need to get one of these too. Radio Shack has
    these as well.
  * Note: Some manual switch boxes end in a cable connector rather than two
    Y-shaped connectors. If this is the case, then A and B above are really
    just one item, so you don't have to buy a separate B.
  * C -- Game connector. The RF cable from the Atari goes here.
  * D -- 75 ohm input. If you want to keep this switch box permanently
    connected to your TV, run your cable input from the wall to D.
  * E -- 300 ohm input, usually labeled "To Antenna." This is only for
    really old cable input or antenna input. Safely ignored in most cases.
  * F -- The switch. The top is labeled "Game" and the bottom "TV." You
    move the switch to Game when you want to play the Atari and back to TV
    when you don't.
  * G -- Usually labeled "To TV VHF," it is two wires that end in Y-shaped
    connectors. On old TVs they are connected to the two VHF screws; in
    most cases they will be connected to the screws on the 75 to 300 ohm
    converter.
  * H -- The screws on the 75 to 300 ohm converter where the Y-shaped
    connectors connect.
  * I -- A male cable plug that plugs into your TV's cable connector.

One way to hook up the Atari is:

  * Remove cable input from back of TV
  * Take A+B, connect I to back of TV
  * Run RF cable from Atari to C
  * Set my TV to channel 3
  * Put Switch on Game Setting
  * Turn on Atari

If your picture is fuzzy, the most probable cause is that you are using an
automatic RF switch (i.e. one that does not physically have to be switched
between the "TV" and "game" position). Most (all?) systems starting with the
NES use automatic RF switches. These will not work for the 2600/7800, as the
signal is not strong enough to trigger the switch completely. A manual RF
switch, available at any Radio Shack or equivalent, is the way to happiness.
Another possible cause is that the TV is set to channel 3 but the Atari is
set to channel 4 or vice versa.

Q: How do I fix my paddles?

A: Dirty paddles are a cause of great frustration. To clean them, buy a can
of Cleaner/Degreaser (available at Radio Shack, catalog #64-4422), open up
the paddles and spray directly into the pot area. Close them up, give them a
few twists and they should be good as new. Silicon spray, WD40 and TV tuner
can also be used, although there are warnings about possible gumming with
WD40, and possible plastic rot with TV tuner.

Q: Where do I get my 2600/7800 fixed?

A: In general, it is usually more cost effective to buy another console.
Still, 4Jays (http://www.4jays.com) repairs and reconditions consoles. Mail
Jay Colen ([email protected]) for more information. In the UK, you might
contact Mark Hourahane ([email protected]) who claims to fix
consoles. He writes:

"I would be happy to repair old Atari consoles of any format, although I may
not be able to test non-PAL machines. Anyone wanting repairs, modifications
etc. should e-mail me."

He has recently made the following generous offer as well:

"I would be happy to help with any Atari queries or repair needs, whether in
the UK or not."

Q: Do Bally Astrocade joysticks work on the 2600/7800?

A: No. Even though they use the standard 9-pin connector, the pinouts are
different. However, the Bally/Astrocade FAQ
(http://www.alteeve.com/%7Elance/Ballyfaq.html) documents the proper
rewiring scheme to allow them to work on the 2600/7800.

Q: Which light guns work with the 2600/7800?

A: There is no light gun made specifically for either system. However,
Atari's light gun (model number XG-1) that came with the XE-Game-System
works well. Additionally, Best Electronics sells the Best Lightgun which
supposedly works better than Atari's own. (comments?) Also, see the entry
for rewiring a Sega lightgun elsewhere in the FAQ.

Q: What hardware peripherals exist for the 2600/7800?

A: Note: This list is by no means complete.

2600 peripherals

  * Compumate - 42 key touchpad computer add on from Spectravideo. Adds 16K
    ROM, 2K RAM, and has BASIC. Looks like a small keyboard attached to a
    cartridge, which is in turn connected to the joystick ports. Originally
    sold for $79.99
  * Copy Cart - from Vidco, allowed transfer of a game onto a blank
    cartridge. Battery powered, not all games can be copied because of
    memory limitations.
  * CVC GameLine - Play games via modem. See Gameline entry above.
  * Game Selex - from Starplex, allows 9 cartridges to be plugged in at
    once; turn a dial to choose the game.
  * Kid Vid Control - Coleco cassette recorder and cartridge interface.
    Additional wire connects recorder to joystick port. Voices and songs
    tell player what to do on screen. Tape shuts off automatically to wait
    for player input. 3 tapes per game, only games were Berenstain Bears
    and Smurfs Save the Day.
  * Personal Game Programmer - By Answer, similar to Game Genie.
  * ROM Scanner - from Marjac, allows 10 cartridges to be plugged in, press
    a button to choose game.
  * Starpath Supercharger - Large cartridge that plugged into the 2600
    slot. It has a cable with standard 1/8" jack for plugging into tape
    recorders. Games were distributed on cassette tape. The unit itself
    contains 6K RAM and 2K ROM. ROM is in top 2K and RAM is banked in lower
    2K.
  * Video Game Brain - from RGA International Limited. A multiple cartridge
    adapter that holds six games to play, and contains 2 dummy slots for
    additional cart storage. You select the game you want to play by
    pushing a button in front of that cartridge.
  * Videoplexer by Compro was an 8 cart bankswitcher. It had a smoke brown
    plexiglass hood and 8 sensor touch buttons on the front panel. The
    manual claimed to Reduce the wear on your expensive system and
    cartridges.
  * Unimex SP280 by Unimex. A game duplicator which copied games to a EPROM
    cart. Available EPROM carts were 2K and 4K; 8K (and perhaps 16K) EPROMs
    were announced, but none have been seen. The manual stated that the
    carts could be erased by opening them and placing the EPROM under a
    tanning lamp (Unimex also offered erasing services for a nominal fee).
  * A fantastic number of different controllers. Two lists, one containing
    Atari controllers and one containing all other controllers
    (http://www.atari2600nexus.com/gallery/atari_controllers.htm">Atari
    controllers and one containing Q: What are NTSC/PAL/SECAM and why
    should I care?

    A: NTSC (National Television Standards Committee), PAL (Phase
    Alternating Lines) and SECAM (SEquentiel Couleur Avec Memoire) are
    different worldwide, generally incompatible television standards. Some
    short, not completely accurate information follows.

    what               where                      freq/frames/scan lines
    ----               -----                      ----------------------
    NTSC               US/Japan                         60hz/30/525
    PAL                Europe                           50hz/25/625
    SECAM              France & many others             50hz/25/625

    For detailed and accurate (but muddled) information, see the Worldwide
    TV standards page (http://www.ee.surrey.ac.uk/contrib/WorldTV). Why is
    this information important? Different carts will exhibit different
    characteristics based on what kind of TV and console are used. For
    example, a PAL cart on an NTSC console and TV will roll the screen and
    exhibit a strange color scheme. An adjustable vertical hold is a must
    in these situations. The console compatibility FAQ
    (http://www.gyruss.demon.co.uk/ccnuk/compat.html) details much of this
    information for the Atari 2600/7800 and other consoles as well.

    Q: What is a TV Boy and where can I get one?

    A: The TV Boy is a handheld-sized Atari 2600 (made by SystemA) with 127
    built-in games that connects to your tv (it does not have its own
    screen). While it features a built-in Gameboy-like joypad and external
    9-pin ports so one can connect one's favorite controller, it does not,
    alas, have a cartridge slot. Inside the TV Boy is a jumper marked
    "NTSC/PAL," so it appears that it will work on either type of TV.

    There is also a TV Boy II which does not have external 9-pin ports.
    Thus, there is no way to play two-player (simultaneous) games (only the
    built-in directional pad is left) with two players; In two-player games
    the pad controls both players at the same time. For example, in Traffic
    (nee Freeway), the pad controls both chickens.

    For PAL preferers there is the MegaBoy which is nearly identical to the
    TV Boy, although it has only 126 predominately PAL games.

    If things weren't confusing enough, Ian Pleasance ([email protected])
    adds the following:

    "...there are also PAL versions of the TV Boy I and TV Boy II. The TVB1
    is exactly the same physically as the US version, whereas the TVB2 had
    a design change and is shorter, it also adds a 127th game (pirated
    MegaMania), and had the second joystick port removed (on games with a
    two-player option the second joystick is rerouted to the Joypad). Both
    the TVB1 and TVB2 were sold in the UK by SystemA.

    "SystemA also recently launched the "Super TV Boy", renamed the TVB2
    to "TV Boy" and dropped the TVB1.

    The Super TV Boy is the same internally as the TVB2, however the
    casing has changed drastically, and the internal joypad is now
    "removable" in that it clips on to the main unit case and is attached
    by a wire, so you can unclip it and play it at a distance. The Super
    TV Boy looks in some ways like a mini-NES except that half of the casing
    is bright pink (!).

    More information on the TV Boy can be found courtesy of Atari2600.com,
    which maintains the TV Boy page
    (http://www.atari2600.com/catalog/Specials/GamTVBoys.html).

    The MegaBoy is not available from anywhere we know of. NTSC TV Boys
    ($199.95), PAL TV Boy II's ($89.95) and PAL Super TV Boys ($99.95) are
    available from Atari2600.com. Argos, a UK mailorder company, has TV
    Boys for 24.95 pounds, but they do not take orders from outside Great
    Britain or Northern Ireland. (Argos Customer Service: 01908 600 161;
    Direct Home Delivery: 0345 427 467; the TV Boy catalog number is
    364/4834). Gultronics in Tottenham Court Road, London, England as well
    as Index, a UK-wide catalogue shop both sell the TV Boy and Super TV
    Boy. Finally, one can also purchase TV Boys direct from SystemA
    (SystemA (UK) LTD, 12 Albury Close, Loverock Road, Reading, Berkshire,
    RG30 1BB) for approximately $50.00 + shipping and handling.

    JerryG, in an email message, mentions a completely different MegaBoy
    (from South America) that does not include built-in games, but rather
    has a cartridge slot (!).

    Finally, The Maverick ([email protected]) mentions that a 7800
    controller plugged into the left joystick port (but not the right port)
    of the TV Boy will keep it from operating. Corroboration anyone?

    Q: What are the specs for the 2600/7800?

    A: The information here is incomplete in some places, misleading in
    others, and possibly just plain wrong in still other places.

                    2600                            7800

    CPU:            6507                            6502C (custom, NOT 65C02)
    RAM:            128 Bytes, in VLSI              4K, high speed (mostly VRAM)
    ROM:            4K max                          52K max
    Cpu Clock:      1.19 MHz                        1.79 MHz
    Graphics Clock: 1.19 MHz                        7.16 MHz
    Slot Config:    Rom access only                 Most CPU lines + video/audio</pre><pre id="faqspan-3">
    CPU Avail:      less than 50%                   over 90%

    Notes: ROM specs are based on non-bank select scheme, the graphics
    clock is the master clock used to drive the video chips.

    Q: How large do 2600 games get?

    A: There are several 2600 games with 16K bytes (e.g. Road Runner).
    There are also games with 128 bytes of RAM on the cartridge (called the
    Atari Super Chip), such as Jr. Pac-Man. Supercharger games that do
    multiple loads may be even larger (which ones?; the Supercharger people
    should know.) Fatal Run is 32K. The 32-in-1 cart is 64K, 2K per game.
    The MegaBoy cart from Dynacom is also 64K, 16 banks of 4K.

    Kevin Horton ([email protected]) maintains a detailed list
    (http://www.tripoint.org/kevtris/files/sizes.txt) of cart sizes and
    bankswitching methods, from which most of the above information is
    culled.

    Q: Are there any published 2600/7800 technical articles available?

    A: Andy Clayton was kind enough to type up Design Case History: the
    Atari Video Computer System
    (http://www.atari2600nexus.com/library/design_case.html) from the March
    1983 IEEE Spectrum. It is quite an interesting read although it
    contains no code.

    IBM's patent server (http://patent.womplex.ibm.com) also contains a
    wealth of information including many Atari patents.

    Q: Pinout information?

    A:

    Joystick Pinouts

    2600/7800 pinouts:

    _________________
    \ o5 o4 o3 o2 o1/
     \ o9 o8 o7 o6 /
      \___________/

    pin #  2600 control     7800 control
      1    WHT- Up          WHT- Up
      2    BLU- Down        BLU- Down
      3    GRN- Left        GRN- Left
      4    BRN- Right       BRN- Right
      5    unused           RED- Button (R)ight (-)
      6    ORG- Button      ORG- Both buttons (+)
      7    unused           unused
      8    BLK- Ground(-)   BLK- Ground(-)
      9    unused           YLW- Button (L)eft  (-)

    2600 control (button)

    pin 6 ORG(+) --------------()------------BLK(-) pin 8
                          Button

    7800 control (buttons)

                                           /----------YLW(-) pin 9
                                Button L  /
                          /---------()---| YLW splits
                         /                \----/\/\/-----\
    pin 6 ORG(+) -------| ORG splits           520 ohm    |---BLK(-) pin 8
                         \                /----/\/\/-----/
                          \---------()---|     520 ohm
                               Button R   \ RED splits
                                           \----------RED(-) pin 5

    Note that some controllers have 620 ohm resistors rather than 520 ohm ones.

    2600 cartridge pinouts

    A standard 2600 cartridge contains the equivalent of a 2716 or
    2732/2532 with one notable exception: the chip select line is active
    high, not low. The high order address line of the 6507 (A12) is used as
    the chip enable. There was at least one company that used EPROMs with a
    74LS04 inverter to compensate for this. Note that numbers indicate left
    to right numbering.

            Top Row                 Bottom Row
    Slot    2716    CPU             2716    CPU

    1       13      D3              1       A7
    2       14      D4              2       A6
    3       15      D5              3       A5
    4       16      D6              4       A4
    5       17      D7              5       A3
    6       *       A12             6       A2
    7       19      A10             7       A1
    8       NC      A11             8       A0
    9       22      A9              9       D0
    10      23      A8              10      D1
    11      24      +5V             11      D2
    12      12      Shield Ground   NC      Ground
        * to inverter and back to 18 for chip select

    (Looking at the bottom of the cartridge -- i.e. edge connectors first)
                            Top
     D3   D4   D5   D6   D7   A12  A10  A11  A9   A8  +5V   SGND
    --1- --2- --3- --4- --5- --6- --7- --8- --9- -10- -11- -12-
     GND  D2   D1   D0   A0   A1   A2   A3   A4   A5   A6   A7
                            Bottom

    Dx = Data line x
    Ax = Address line x
    +5V = +5 volts
    SGND = Shield Ground
    GND = Ground

    Notes:
       o On both cartridges that were opened, GND was also connected to
         SGND. Best to make sure that they are wired together.
       o A11 and A12 could be switched. On both the chips I've checked, A12
         was hardwired to +5 volts which leads me to believe that it is the
         highest address line. Since I believe that these chips are only
         4Kx8 ROMs, this seems logical, since A12 would actually be just
         the chip enable for ROM (right?). Only the 2600 info tells
         differently, and it doesn't give any connection for A11 on the
         EPROM, so I don't trust it. Unfortunately, since the 2716 EPROM is
         used as an example, we won't know without actually trying one,
         since the 2716 doesn't really use A11 or A12 and either one could
         be used as a chip enable.

    Address
    lines           Memory
    used            Available       EPROM   Memory
    ======================================================
    A11             2048            2716    2K
    A12             4096            2732    4K
    A13             8192            2764    8K  (needs support chips for banking)
    A13             8192        2 x 2732    8K  (most common of 8K config)

        ____________
        |   2716   |
    A7  | 1     24 | VCC [+5 V]
    A6  | 2     23 | A8
    A5  | 3     22 | A9
    A4  | 4     21 | VPP [Doesn't matter probably.  +5V]
    A3  | 5     20 | !Output Enable (always on) [GND]
    A2  | 6     19 | A10
    A1  | 7     18 | !Chip Enable (make high bit) [inverted A12]
    A0  | 8     17 | D7
    D0  | 9     16 | D6
    D1  | 10    15 | D5
    D2  | 11    14 | D4
    GND | 12    13 | D3
        |__________|
        ____________
        |   2732   |
    A7  | 1     24 | VCC [+5 V]
    A6  | 2     23 | A8
    A5  | 3     22 | A9
    A4  | 4     21 | A11
    A3  | 5     20 | !Output Enable (always on) [GND] / VPP
    A2  | 6     19 | A10
    A1  | 7     18 | !Chip Enable (make high bit) [inverted A12]
    A0  | 8     17 | D7
    D0  | 9     16 | D6
    D1  | 10    15 | D5
    D2  | 11    14 | D4
    GND | 12    13 | D3
        |__________|
        ____________
        |   2764   |
    VPP | 1     28 | VCC [+5 V]
    A12 | 2     27 | !Program Strobe (no connection?) [+5V]
    A7  | 3     26 | No Connection
    A6  | 4     25 | A8
    A5  | 5     24 | A9
    A4  | 6     23 | A11
    A3  | 7     22 | !Output Enable (always on) [GND]
    A2  | 8     21 | A10
    A1  | 9     20 | !Chip Enable (always on) [GND]
    A0  | 10    19 | D7
    D0  | 11    18 | D6
    D1  | 12    17 | D5
    D2  | 13    16 | D4
    GND | 14    15 | D3
        |__________|

    VPP was also set at +5V for the 2764.

    7800 Cartridge and Expansion Pinout

    7800 Cartridge port

    1       R/W         17       A15
    2       Halt        18       EAudio
    3       D3          19       A7
    4       D4          20       A6
    5       D5          21       A5
    6       D6          22       A4
    7       D7          23       A3
    8       A12         24       A2
    9       A10         25       A1
    10      A11         26       A0
    11      A9          27       D0
    12      A8          28       D1
    13      +5V         29       D2
    14      Gnd         30       Gnd
    15      A13         31       IRQ
    16      A14         32       CLK2

    Expansion port

     Gnd   +5v  CVideo MLum0 Mlum3 Blank OscDis ExtMen Gnd
    --1-- --2--  --3-- --4-- --5-- --6-- --7-- ---8-- --9--

    -18-- -17--  -16-- -15-- -14-- -13-- -12-- --11-- -10--
     Gnd  Audio   Rdy   MCol MLum2 MLum1 Msync  Clk2  ExtOsc

    Notes:
       o All signals starting with M are Maria signals
       o MLum* is 4 bits of luminance - giving 16 shades of each color
       o MCol is the color phase angle
       o Msync and Blank are Maria combined sync and blanking outputs
       o Extmen is an external Maria Enable input
       o OscDis disables the 14.31818 MHz master clock and ExtOsc is an
         input to replace it.
       o CVideo is the input to the RF modulator so it includes the
         modulated audio too
       o Clk2 is the phase 2 clock from the 6502
       o Rdy is an input to the 6502

    Q: Power Supply Information?

    A:

    2600

    Input: 120VAC 60Hz
    Output: 9VDC 500mA
    Polarity: Center +, Outer -

    European 2600

     [ATARI FUJI LOGO]
      PART NO.:CO 18084-319
          AC/DC ADAPTOR
      INPUT: AC 240 V#50Hz 9W
       OUTPUT: DC 9V 500 mA
      BS415 [Polarity C+, O- diagram]
    FOR USE WITH MODELS CX 2600
         XEP 80 OR SX212
          WB JUN-AUG 87

    7800

    Input: 120VAC 60Hz 15W
    Output: 9VDC 1Amp
    Polarity:

                                     _
                               -----| |-----
                             - | o       o | +
                               -------------

    [looking into the power supply]

    If you cannot find a 7800 power supply but are comfortable with a
    soldering iron, one possibility is to find similar connectors and
    solder them onto a more easily-found power supply. Mitchell Orman
    ([email protected]) suggests using an end connector from an old cordless
    phone battery. For the one he procured, the part was made by Philmore
    and is the Panasonic type #BC1000. Caution: the connector will plug in
    to the 7800 either direction so one needs to mark polarity correctly.

    Another possibility is to buy a more standard jack and just solder it
    in parallel with the original connector, then buy a power supply at
    Radio Shack for a few bucks.

    One good place to solder alternate power connections is to the two
    joints on the underside of the board, located near the original power
    plug (the polarity is easy to follow because the traces from the power
    and to the barrel capacitor are polarity-marked). Either an external
    jack (1/8" mono) can be run through the old jack's hole (or a vent
    hole) -or- an internal jack can be installed where convenient such as
    the thick "strut" near the original hole or on the right side (when
    facing the unit for play). You can use a 2600 power supply; the only
    difference is half an amp, which the techies say doesn't matter much.

    European 7800

    PART NO : C024943-309
    AC/DC ADAPTOR
    INPUT:240V~50Hz 15W
    OUTPUT:DC 9V 1A
    TO COMPLY WITH BS415
    [diagrams]
    INDOOR USE ONLY WITH
    MODELS PAL 1 7800
    WB 9340

    Q: How do I build a composite/audio/chroma/luma output interface for
    the Atari 2600Jr/2600A?

    A: Moderators' note: This entry has been left exactly as it was in the
    last version because of the copyright notice at the end. The author has
    been contacted, but he has not given his blessing to our edits as yet.

    [The following mod is for SOME Jr's.  Please see section end for
    2600A update.]

    File revision 1.1

    After finding my entertainment budget disappear (poor university
    student) I was forced to economize--I dusted off the Ole'2600.
    I figured I would hook it up to my computer monitor, but to my
    dismay there was no composite output on the beast (Atari).
    Determined to overcome, I quickly disassembled it. After some
    poking and prodding around I managed to locate the required
    signals.

    Benefits:  No longer require a TV. You no longer require those
               god-awful switch boxes. No more interference patterns
               on the screen (from the RF cable being used as a bloody
               antenna). No longer requires the 100' hookup RF cable.
               Crisp clear audio etc;

    Drawbacks: No longer get to see sister trip in 100' RF cable. No
               longer get to fall asleep with psychedelic interference
               patterns on screen.

    Materials Required:
      Phillips screwdriver, a soldering iron, solder, a small piece of
      wire, 2 or 3 patch cables and a small pair of needle-nose pliers.

    * The following schematic is for the NEWER model which is sometimes
      referred to as the "Atari Junior".  The older model is much the
      same.

    1-Simply unplug everything from your console, turn it over and
      remove the 5 screws.
    2-Remove the top and bottom plastic case pieces. When removing the
      TOP piece carefully pull out the ribbon cable that connects it to
      the main board.
    3-You should now have the board (covered by a metal shield) in your
      hands. Turn it over, you will see little clasps on the edge of the
      shield that hold it in place. Straighten these with your pliers
      and you can then remove 2 LARGE shields (One on Bottom of unit,
      one on Top). The small shield remaining (On Top) covers the RF
      modulator.
    4-Orient the exposed board into the position that it would normally
      be in. ie: The way it is when you play (On/Off switch near Top
      Left).
    5-Look in the LOWER RIGHTHAND AREA of the TOPSIDE (front) of the
      board. You will see a setup that resembles the schematic below.

                                  __________________
    TOPSIDE OF THE BOARD,        |                  |
    LOWER RIGHTHAND CORNER       |O      RF         |
                                 |    MODULATOR     |
                                 |                  |
                                 |__________________|

                                            ------ TP5 (Luma)
                                            |
                                 _____      V      ___
                                |     | ||| o ||| | O |
                                |_____| RRR   RCR |___|
                                        |||   |||
                                          ^    ^
                                          |    |
                           R41 (Chroma) ---    --- C19 (Audio)
                           Gold/Red/Grey/Blue      Usually turquoise
                           Color-banded            colored

    NOTE: You can connect the Audio to EITHER side of the Capacitor,
          the best results are obtained by placing it on the BOTTOM
          of the Capacitor (as shown).

          The Chroma *MUST* be hooked up to the BOTTOM of the resistor
          (as shown).  It will NOT work if you hook it to the top of
          the resistor.

    To gain Chroma/Luma/Audio output you will need 3 RCA patch cables
    [the kind commonly used with stereos]. Simply solder the cables at
    the required points (Chroma/Luma/Audio) as shown. Remember to GROUND
    ALL cables! ie: solder the GROUND wire [the wire that wraps around
    the inner wire] to any point that the board shield connects to.

    To gain Composite/Audio output you need 2 RCA patch cables [the kind
    commonly used with stereos]. Here it gets a little different than
    above. Simply solder a "jumper" [a piece of wire] from R41 (Chroma)
    to TP5 (Luma), then connect a patch cord to TP5 [Presto! you now have
    composite]. Solder the remaining cable to C19 (Audio). Again, remember
    to GROUND all cables. Do *NOT* GROUND the jumper!

    Simply re-assemble the unit and you are done. You will find that it
    is easier to have the newly installed cables exit through the joystick
    port. Alternatively, you could cut a notch in the case for a separate
    exit. Having the cables exit through the RF output is not recommended.
    There will not be enough room (without pinching the cables) to hook up
    the RF cable. Adjust your brightness/contrast. Enjoy!

    If you ever wish to adjust your color (chroma) there is a "POT" that
    you can tweak. It can be found near the OFF/ON switch. It is the only
    pot on the left side of the board.

    DISCLAIMER:

    I can not, and will not, be held responsible for any damages that you
    or your system incur.  This document is provided for informational
    purposes only.

    Send all Questions/Comments/Cartridges you are no longer using to:

    Thomas Clancy
    1 Hunt's Lane
    St. John's NF, Canada
    A1B 2L2

    [email protected]
    [email protected]

    (C)1993 Thomas Clancy
    This article is freely distributable so long as it is not modified.
    It must be distributed in it's entirety.

    chroma/luma output for 4 switch 2600

         TIA pin 2 -----Sync
         TIA pin 5 -----Lum 1                o 5V (TIA pin 20)
         TIA pin 7 -----Lum 2                |
         TIA pin 8 -----Lum 0                |  +
         R206(1K)/C208 Bottom ---Audio       |---|(----,
         C210/R210(6.8K) Top ----Color       |  100uF  |
                                             |         \/ GND (TIA pin 1)
                                             |
            ,--------------------------------|                    10uf
            |    __________                  `------,---/\/\/---,--|(--,
            `---|1         |   CR1  750       1.6K  |    10     | +    |
                |         2|--|<]--/\/\/-,  ,-/\/\/-`           |      \/ GND
      TIA2<-----|3 CD4050  |   9.1K      |  |        ___/-------`        ..........
      TIA5<-----|5        4|---/\/\/-----|  |    Q1 /|/c\                .    RCA
      TIA7<-----|7         |   4.7K      |--|------(b|   )               .   Cables
      TIA8<-----|9        6|---/\/\/-----|  |       \|\e/          75    .       __
             ,--|14        |   18K       |  |           \-----,---/\/\/----Luma-O__
             |--|11      10|---/\/\/-----`  |  2K             |          .      |
             |--|8         |                `-/\/\/-,--/\/\/--`          .  GND \/
             |  |__________|           5v o         |    75              .
             |                            |     GND \/                   .
             \/ GND                Q2 ___/                               .
                             6.8K    /|/c\          75                   .       __
      Top of C210/R210<-----/\/\/---(b|   )   ,----/\/\/---------------->Chroma-O__
                                     \|\e/    |                          .      |
        CR1 - low power silicon          \----|     75                   .  GND \/
              (glass) diode (RS 276-1122)     `----/\/\/---,             .
        Q1,Q2 - 3904 or equiv. (RS 276-2016)               |             .
                                                           \/ GND        .
                                 1uF                                     .       __
      Bottom of R206/C208<-------|(-------------------------------------->Audio-O__
                                +                                        .      |
                                                                         .  GND \/
                                                                         ..........

    The CD4050 is a video buffer. It provides a sharper signal than just
    picking the signals off of the TIA, which is an unbuffered and open
    collector. The unused buffer inputs are tied to ground to reduce noise
    (pins 14&11). On the outputs of the buffer, the 3 Luma pins and Sync
    are combined into what will become Luma. Each Luma signal is supposed
    to be twice as bright as the previous one, so the resistance on each
    Luma pin is roughly 1/2 the previous one. If you cannot find the exact
    values, at least try to be within 10% or stack values to get close. The
    Sync signal is added in via a diode to protect the output of the buffer
    and is dropped slightly through a 750 ohm resistor.

    Next, the combined Luma signal is connect to 5v & ground through
    resistors to reference the voltage for the base of Q1, our Luma
    amplifier. Its output is set to 75 ohm impedance (75 ohms is best but
    70-100 ohms will work in the place of the 75 ohm resistors. The closest
    Radio Shack has is a 1/2 watt 82 ohm resistor 271-011 which works
    fine).

    The Chroma signal is picked off the board at the junction of C210 and
    R210. Looking at the board, R210 is the 4th component from the right in
    the bottom row of resistors/capacitors under the shield. It connects to
    C210 (5th component from the right) at the top of both components, and
    this is where to solder the wire for the Chroma circuit.

    The Chroma circuit is just a simpler version of the Luma amplifier.
    Again, the output is 75 ohm impedance.

    The Audio circuit is simply a capacitor to filter out the DC offset on
    the audio signal. Pick the audio signal off the board at the junction
    of R206 and C208. R206 is the 4th component from the right in the 2nd
    row of components at the bottom. Solder the Audio wire at the bottom of
    R206 and/or C208 (3rd component from the right).

    Be sure to solder the outer shield from the RCA cables to ground and
    connect the signal to the inner conductor. Also, do not disconnect any
    pins of TIA from the circuit (if the pins are lifted out of the socket
    or PCB, the open collector outputs will no longer function).

    I used a small piece of perfboard from Radio Shack and hot-glued it
    into the 2600 case and made a small hole in the RF shield to run the
    wires to the new board. I ran the RCA cables (Chroma, Luma, Audio) out
    the hole for the RF cable.

    I'd like to acknowledge Ben Poehland and Charles Cole whose Super Video
    upgrades are the basis for this project. When you complete this
    circuit, your 2600's picture quality will be comparable to a Super
    Video upgraded Atari 8-bit.

    Q: How do I build a video driver for the 2600/7800?

    A: Parts list:

       o T1 2SC1815
       o R1 2.7K
       o R2 150
       o R3 68
       o L1 180 uH
       o L2 2.7 uH
       o C1, C2 100 uF 6.3 V

    wire list:

       o R1:1 to Ground
       o R1:2 to Video In
       o R2:1 to Video In
       o R2:2 to T1 base
       o R3:1 to Ground
       o R3:2 to T1 emitter
       o L1:1 to +5V
       o L1:2 to T1 collector
       o C1:1 to Ground
       o C1:2 to T1 collector (positive lead of C1)
       o C2:1 to L2:1
       o C2:2 to T1 emitter (positive lead of C2)
       o L2:1 to C1:1
       o L2:2 to Video Out

                                      +5 Volts
                                         |
                                         (
                                      L1 (
                                         (
                                         |
                            R2      |/---+---+
       Video In -------+---^^^------| T1     |     + C2      L2
                       |            |\       |
                       |              >>-+---|-------| |----nnn----  Video Out
                       >                 |   |
                    R1 >                 >   _ +
                       >              R3 >   - C1
                       |                 >   |
                       |                 |   |
                       +-----------------+---+--- Ground

    This is a simple common emitter amplifier. It is a non-inverting
    current amplifier and serves here to allow the video signal from the
    game to drive a standard composite monitor with 75 ohm impedance.

    In order to prevent the audio from interfering with the video signal,
    the mixing oscillator must be disabled on the main circuit board. On a
    7800, remove the base lead of Q1. It is located near the RF modulator.

    The audio doesn't need any extra buffering.

    Places to get signals:

    1. from RF modulator
       pin 3 is video
       pin 1 is ground
    2. from Expansion Interface on 7800
       pin 1 is ground
       pin 2 is +5V
       pin 3 is video
       pin 17 is audio
    3. from main circuit board
    on a 7800, video and ground are across C7; +5V and audio are across C4

    This circuit may not work or be required with all versions of the 2600.
    It is required for the 7800 and the Sears Video Arcade II version of
    the 2600. It is probably not necessary for a 5200.

    Q: I hate the two mods above. Does anyone have anything better?

    A: Yes.
       o Chris Cracknell's Easy 2600 Composite Hardware Modification
         (http://www.hwcn.org/~ad329/2600vidm.htm)
       o John Soper's composite mod
         (http://x35.deja.com/=dnc/getdoc.xp?AN=535714166.1) based on the
         composite mod two questions back.
       o Jay Tilton's (thankfully saved by Lee Krueger) 7800
         Chroma/Luma/Audio mod
         (http://home.earthlink.net/~resqsoft/7800_mod.htm).

    Q: How do I convert Sega controllers to Atari pinout?

    A: [Note: Based on a non-random sample of size 2, it was found that
    unmodified Sega controllers work fine on the 2600/7800, with B acting
    as the single fire button. As an aside, Sega Master System controllers
    (model 3020) work too, with button 1 as the fire button. Use the
    instructions below if you wish to have a truly 7800 compatible stick
    with 2 separate fire buttons.]

    [editor's note: who is this talking?]
    First the Disclaimer. I am not responsible for:
    1. Any damage done to your Atari 7800 or Atari 2600.
    2. Any damage done to the Sega Genesis Controller.
    3. Any errors in these instructions.

    This design is free for you to make your own controllers or adaptors.
    If you make controllers or adaptors to sell to other people, I would
    like (no surprise here) a cut of the profits. The only other thing I
    ask is that if make your own, drop me an email so I get an idea of how
    many people are using my design.

    I'm not going to give step by step instructions. I'm going to assume
    that the reader has some basic knowledge of electronics and can figure
    out what to do with the schematics and info presented here. I will,
    however, answer questions if asked.

    This design works with the Atari 2600 as well as the Atari 7800. Also,
    any system that can use Atari 2600 joysticks, should be able to use
    this design. This design can be put inside a Sega Genesis controller or
    with the addition of two 9 pin connectors, it can be made into an
    adaptor. It works with any Sega Genesis controller including those with
    autofire.

    Parts List

       o 2 3906 PNP Transistor
       o 2 1K Resistor
       o 2 620 Ohms Resistor

    For Adaptor only

       o 1 9 pin Male Subminiature D connector
       o 1 9 pin Female Subminiature D Connector

    Schematic:

    Sega B button --> Atari Left Button:

                             ____ Atari 6
                  1K      | /
    Sega 6   __/\/\/\/\___|V PNP
                          |\ 3906
                            |_______ Atari 9
                            |
                            <
                                                    < 620 Ohms
                            <
                            |
                          Atari 8

    Sega C button --> Atari Right Button:

                             ____ Atari 6
                  1K      | /
    Sega 9   __/\/\/\/\___|V PNP
                          |\ 3906
                            |_______ Atari 5
                            |
                            <
                            < 620 Ohms
                            <
                            |
                          Atari 8

    Sega 1 -------- Atari 1      (Up)
    Sega 2 -------- Atari 2      (Down)
    Sega 3 -------- Atari 3      (Left)
    Sega 4 -------- Atari 4      (Right)
    Sega 8 -------- Atari 8      (Ground)

    Sega 5 ___.
              |
              |---- Atari 7      (+5V)
    Sega 7 ___|

    Pins listed as Sega refer to the 9 pin male connector that the Sega
    Controller plugs into. Pins listed as Atari refer to the 9 pin female
    connector that plugs in the Atari 7800.

    Q: How do I convert a Sega Master System lightgun to Atari pinout?

    A: The Aug 1988 (Vol 7, Num 4) Antic Magazine contained an article
    called First look: Inside the XE Game System: Hardware surprises
    revealed (http://www.atarimagazines.com/v7n4/firstlook.html). It
    described the conversion:

    To modify the Sega gun for the Atari, you'll have to cut off the
    incompatible connector. The wires must be stripped back and soldered
    into an Atari joystick connector as follows:

            SEGA GUN                    ATARI JOYSTICK PORT
            Blue wire                   Pin 1 stick FWD
            Gray wire                   Pin 6 trigger
            Green wire                  Pin 7  +5 volts
            Black wire                  Pin 8 Ground

    Because of the close fitting connections for the XEGS ports, don't wire
    in a DB9 female connector that has "ears". Most joysticks don't have
    wires for unused signals, so cutting up an old joystick cable may not
    work. Specifically, an Atari joystick does not need the +5 volts, so
    there isn't likely to be a wire connected to Pin 7. However, you can
    find joystick extension cables at Radio Shack, which have all nine pins
    wired from male to female. Antic disclaims responsibility for any
    damages that might occur during improper implementation of this, or
    any, hardware modification project we publish.

    Once it's all hooked up, you'll notice that gun fires when you release
    the trigger, which is annoying. The Sega trigger wiring is the opposite
    of what the Atari light gun uses. To rewire the trigger switch, remove
    the five screws (one is under the Sega logo on the side). Find the
    trigger micro-switch with three connections. Wire to the normally
    closed contacts.

    Q: How do I convert an NES controller to Atari pinout?

    A: See the following link
    (http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Stage/6058/2600nes.txt) for
    step-by-step instructions. You will need a 2600 controller connector
    cable to make this work.

    There is also a mod
    (http://www.atari2600nexus.com/library/nes_atari.html) to convert an
    NES controller to 7800 pinout.

    Q: Is there a general site that contains all this conversion stuff?

    A: Yes. Jay Tilton ([email protected]) maintains a page
    (http://www.erols.com/tiltonj/games/tech/index.html) of various video,
    joystick and lightgun pinouts and conversions for the 2600, 7800 and
    many, many others.

    Q: What is an Atari Game Recorder and how do I build one?

    A: An Atari Game Recorder is a device that copies carts to cassette
    tape and also admits the playing of games from tape. Instructions and
    schematics are in the following issues of Radio Electronics (it's a
    three-part article):

    Dec 84 vol 55 no 12 p. 69-72.
    Jan 85 vol 56 no 1 p. 51-58.
    Feb 85 vol 56 no 2 p. 69-72.

    The article was written by Guy Vachon and David A. Chan. The
    construction of the AGR is not for the faint of heart, but if anyone
    does decide to construct an AGR, please mail Zube and provide details
    of how well it works and any problems encountered in its construction.
    BTW, the AGR as described in the article does not handle bankswitched
    carts.

    Here is the article, in twelve separate jpg files (one for each page).
    Here is a another page (http://www.gamingdepot.com/2600/">article, in
    twelve separate jpg files (one for each page). Here is a
    Acknowledgments of thanks.

    Much thanks to the following people:

       o Karl Heller ([email protected]) for giving me (Zube) a shot
         at revising this FAQ.
       o NightThing ([email protected]) for the 7800 Impossible Mission
         entry.
       o Bruce Tomlin ([email protected]) for the Expansion Module #1 entry
         and for the last paragraph of the 7800 encryption entry.
       o Jeff Coleburn ([email protected]) for the Intv System changer entry.
       o Greg Alt ([email protected]) for the 2600/7800 Joystick pinouts.
       o Brian Hammock ([email protected]) for the 95 Radio Shack
         list, the redo of the 7800 polarity diagram and the last paragraph
         in the 7800 power supply section.
       o Thomas Clancy ([email protected]) for the chroma/luma 2600 Jr
         bit.
       o Bryan Edewaard ([email protected]) for the chroma/luma 4
         switch 2600 bit.
       o Harry Dodgson Jr ([email protected]) for the video driver
         information, the 7800 pinouts, the keypad cart list, the PAL
         Impossible Mission bit, and much more of this FAQ than we give him
         credit for.
       o The Macra Terror ([email protected]) for the review of Zap!
       o Mike Doughty ([email protected]) for the info about Video and
         Computer Games Fall 83 issue.
       o Ken Kopin () for the birthday information in the Gameline entry.
       o Craig Harris ([email protected]) for mentioning the 7800
         adapter for the 5200 in a posting to rec.games.video.atari.
       o Glenn Saunders ([email protected]) for pointing out the
         official home of the supercharger faq, for information on the
         commercial Stella CD, for mentioning information about the Stella
         artwork in an rgvc posting, for the Stella at 20 info, for
         Hasbro/Atari info, for the Ed Logg bit in the Atari Games section,
         for the M-network emulator update and for the note about the 2600
         emulator for the Jag.
       o Kevin Horton ([email protected]) for pointing out the 2600
         technical information on his web page, for most of the cart size
         entry, for noticing the NTSC/PAL switch inside the TVboy, and for
         the Gameline baud information.
       o Leonard Herman ([email protected]) for previous Gameline bps
         information.
       o Dan Boris ([email protected]) for mentioning his vcs tech page in a
         rgvc posting and for gobs of 7800 information, including his
         emulator, tech page and explanation of the validation key.
       o Jay Tilton ([email protected]) for the 7800 incompatibility
         information, a pointer to his tech site and a note about the
         Garfield cart in an rgvc posting.
       o Christopher James Pepin ([email protected]) for the Fun Facts
         link, the NES controller link, the stella mailing list info, and a
         pointer to the 7800 32-in-1 cart.
       o Greg Legowski ([email protected]) for the second fire button
         explanation of the Sega controller to Atari pinout entry.
       o Russ Perry Jr. for Slap-Dash info, for information on how complete
         the Jaguar 2600 emulator is, for a correction to the list of
         CyberPuNKs, two Stella updates (2600 connection), the Video 61
         link (2600 connection), for a great list of additional hoaxes and
         for information I regularly purloin from the 2600 connection,
         including the fact that Joe Cody has taken over Atari2600.com from
         JerryG.
       o Jerry Greiner ([email protected]) for pointers to his clone list,
         the Beta One Guide, Don Thomas' bit and especially for the TVboy
         information.
       o Sean Kelly ([email protected]) for the multicart info and Classic
         Videogame TV Commercial Archive Video from his web page.
       o Rich Arroyo ([email protected]) for the Atari Game Recorder
         info.
       o Colin Woodbridge ([email protected]) for the Auction
         Price database info, the UK classic videogame mailing list info,
         and for the information regarding JTS' sale of Atari.
       o Mike Davidson ([email protected]) for TVboy and TVboy II
         information.
       o Dennis Remmer ([email protected]) for the 7800 32-in-1 info and
         picture.
       o Chris Cracknell ([email protected]) for the Rescue Bira Bira info,
         for the info on the 7800 damaging the Supercharger, and for the
         Easy Composite mod link.
       o Scott Charles ([email protected]) for Radio Shack info and
         warnings about using tv tuner spray on paddles.
       o Bert Whetstone ([email protected]) for references to several
         files on his ftp site.
       o Matthew Pritchard ([email protected]) for mentioning the
         Intellivision emulator bit in a rgvc posting.
       o Hans Reutter ([email protected]) for the Videoplexer and
         Unimex SP280 info.
       o Howard Scott Warshaw ([email protected]) for mentioning his video in
         an rgvc posting.
       o Scott Crawford ([email protected]) for his review of the
         Once Upon Atari video.
       o Nick Bensema ([email protected]) for his tech page and game page link.
       o The Maverick ([email protected]) for 7800 joystick/TV boy
         info.
       o Sean McGrail ([email protected]) for additional games available
         from O'Shea.*
       o David H. Hovemeyer ([email protected]) for mentioning in an rgvc
         posting that mpja has Atari Track balls.
       o Andy Clayton ([email protected]) for a link to the IEEE
         article and IBM's patent server.
       o Greg Troutman ([email protected]) for mentioning his game in a posting
         to the stella mailing list.
       o Lance F. Squire ([email protected]) for the Astrocade joystick
         rewiring pointer.
       o Dauer ([email protected]) for the O'Shea information regarding single
         carts.
       o Phil Gorski ([email protected]) for mentioning that O'Shea has
         2600 Crossbow as well.
       o Piero Cavina ([email protected]) for the Oystron home page.
       o Bob Colbert ([email protected]) for many things already mentioned
         in the FAQ and for the Usenet announcement of
         alt.atari.2600.programming.
       o Ian Pleasance ([email protected]) for additional info
         regarding the CCNUK web page, separate trade/sale CCNUK list, a
         link to the console compatibility FAQ, gobs of PAL TVboy
         information, 7800 PAL compatibility information, and for posting
         information about Britmeet 3 to rgvc.
       o Dennis Brown ([email protected]) for the old Atari emulator FAQ
         and for the pictures from Ultimate Gamer.
       o [email protected] for TV Boy II, Super TV Boy information, and
         SystemA's address and ordering information.
       o Michael Bennett ([email protected]) for mentioning that
         alt.atari.2600.programming is available from www.feedme.org.
       o Curt Vendel ([email protected]) for the link to the
         Atari History page, the 7800 keyboard bit, the Graduate keyboard
         bit, the High Score Cart bit, a slew of other interesting
         information and for mentioning the Best Electronics' web page in
         rgvc.
       o Walton C. Gibson ([email protected]) for the Atari Age and
         SwordQuest pages.
       o [email protected] for the link to the Once Upon Atari
         home page.
       o Ben Sipriano ([email protected]) for the bit that Radio Shack's
         newest pages were out.
       o Garon Grainger ([email protected]) for mentioning Randy
         Crihfield's page in a stella list posting, for a link to the
         Joystik mag index and to the original Joystik scans, for
         mentioning the Mactari site, for a link to the stella archive
         excavation and for various other suggestions.
       o Sean R. O'Neill ([email protected]) for the Gemini pack-in
         info.
       o Keith Ainsworth ([email protected]) for the TV Gamer info.
       o Alexander Bilstein ([email protected]) for his gallery of
         controller pictures, his cart lists, his instruction archive, his
         library archive, many good suggestions, for mentioning Bill
         Connolly's Atari Font find and for the VCSS link.
       o Chris Cavanaugh ([email protected]) for the Classic Gamer link.
       o Tom Zjaba ([email protected]) for the Retrogaming Times link and
         for the video game ad site link.
       o David J. Robbins ([email protected]) for mentioning
         that Centipede was once a pack-in cart.
       o Phaze ([email protected]) for the link to his page of mag cover
         scans.
       o Mark Hourahane ([email protected]) for mentioning
         his repair service.
       o Scott Stilphen ([email protected]) for the Atari Age reference to
         Pac-Man. as a pack-in game, for mentioning the Classic Videogame
         TV Commercial Archive Video in an rgvc posting, and for mentioning
         that JerryG sold off Atari2600.com.
       o James Catalano for the 2600 Doom page.
       o Jim Agar ([email protected]) for a link to the Classic Videogames
         Collector's Listing.
       o "Mark" ([email protected]) for pointing out that Bugs
         and SW: Jedi Arena are paddle games.
       o Nick Blesch ([email protected]) for mentioning the FF VII
         hoax in a rgvc posting.
       o Eric Chapin ([email protected]) for his 7800 compatibility page.
       o George Torch ([email protected]) for the info on the 7800
         damaging the Supercharger.
       o Billy Ray Connolly Jr. ([email protected]) for adding several
         entries to the paddle list, for mentioning iconfiles' Atari-like
         font and for keeping a sharp eye out for dead links and outdated
         information.
       o The Atari Corp v. Atari Games bit was a patchwork of bits from the
         comp.sys.atari.8bit FAQ, a CNN article, the WMS web page and the
         Atari Games web page.
       o John Hardie ([email protected]) for the Classic Gaming Expo '99
         Update of 7/15/99 posted to rgvc, for mentioning the Garfield
         proto in a Usenet posting,and for the Zap! re-release information.
       o Jay Colen ([email protected]) for the 4Jays link and for the fact
         that 4Jays repairs consoles.
       o Shaun Stephenson ([email protected]) for mentioning the
         commercial-archive site in a ccnuk posting.
       o Kevin Savetz ([email protected]) for the link to the Sega
         lightgun pinout article in Antic.
       o Damien M. Jones ([email protected]) for the information on
         Temporary Sanity Designs' 2600 emulator for the Jag.
       o Gimpy ([email protected]) for hosting the AGR files.
       o Cheesepimp ([email protected]) for hosting the AGR files.
       o Chris Hind ([email protected]) for cover scans of TV gamer and
         Joystik.
       o Lee Krueger ([email protected]) for the link to the John
         Deere hoax, for many other hoaxes (should I be thanking him for
         these?) for the link to the Worship the Woodgrain page, for the
         link to the 7800 mod page, and for mentioning the NWCGE meeting in
         a rgvc posting.
       o Ben Combee ([email protected]) for the link to the Codewarrior
         hoax.
       o [email protected] for the link to the Battlesphere hoax.
       o Mark Santora ([email protected]) for the link to his CGE 1999
         Video page.
       o William Augustine ([email protected]) for mentioning CinciClassic
         in an rgvc posting.
       o Jason J Leinen ([email protected]) for noting that that polarity
         in the 7800 Power Supply diagram was reversed.
       o John Soper ([email protected]) for posting his composite mod
         with hints to rgvc.
       o steve c ([email protected]) for noting that SMS controllers work on
         the 2600/7800.
       o Paul and Shannon Budd ([email protected]) for reporting that Radio
         Shack no longer sells 2600/7800 games and accessories.
       o John Saeger ([email protected]) for the Atari Documentation Depot
         link.
       o Gaz Reese ([email protected]) and Jim Groom
         ([email protected]) for separately mentioning 2600s made in
         Ireland.
       o kevdempsey ([email protected]) for various and sundry 2600 Jr.
         info, the PAL 7800 power supply info and for mentioning that 2600s
         were made in China.
       o Mitchell Orman ([email protected]) for an updated Oshea's list, a
         link to the NES to 7800 controller conversion, for catching that
         the buttons were reversed in the Sega controller mod, for the 7800
         controller 620 ohm note, for the ersatz 7800 power supply
         connectors bit, for the 7800 doc archive,for the new VCSS link and
         for noting that Hozer now has 16K images.
       o David Newman ([email protected]) for mentioning the
         PhillyClassic event in an rgvc posting.
       o Eichman ([email protected]) for noting that Barnyard Blaster does
         not work with a joystick.
       o James Hague ([email protected]) for the link to The Giant List of
         Classic Games Programmers.
       o Carl Forhan ([email protected]) for the VVCS information.
       o Eckhard Stolberg ([email protected]) for a
         link to his VCS workshop page.
       o Ron "Aalgar" Watt ([email protected]) for the clarification of the
         hoax section.
       o All people previously mentioned in the FAQ.

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