https://www.passingit.com/retro/ Fri, 11 Sep 2026 11:31:14 +0000 MyBB https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=88 Sun, 23 Aug 2026 21:13:17 +0100 Mark]]> https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=88
I wanted to purchase a multi cart solution and this is where the architecture of the 7800 becomes interesting. To make the 7800 console backward compatible with the 2600 a TIA chip as used in a 2600 has been used to provide that compatibility but sadly, also limites the the sound for 7800 games to the 2600 sound. The idea Atari had was games that wanted enhanced sound could add a Pokey chip to the game cartridge but this of course comes at a cost for the games developer and only 2 original games (as far as I can find) included a Pokey onboard 
in the game cart - Ballblazer and Commando. A few homebrew games have since used Pokey or Hokey chips to unlock enhanced sound. Hokey is a modern replacement for the Pokey that is no longer being manufactured. 

List of sound chips - Wikipedia

I managed to find a Concerto Plus cartridge that has a Hokey onboard and seems to provide a wealth of other enhancements. Ordered and is on its way from the US to the UK. Let's see how quick that will be but could find any locally.

Concerto - 8BitDev.org - Atari 7800 Development Wiki

I'll report back once I've managed to get this all together.

Mark]]>
I wanted to purchase a multi cart solution and this is where the architecture of the 7800 becomes interesting. To make the 7800 console backward compatible with the 2600 a TIA chip as used in a 2600 has been used to provide that compatibility but sadly, also limites the the sound for 7800 games to the 2600 sound. The idea Atari had was games that wanted enhanced sound could add a Pokey chip to the game cartridge but this of course comes at a cost for the games developer and only 2 original games (as far as I can find) included a Pokey onboard 
in the game cart - Ballblazer and Commando. A few homebrew games have since used Pokey or Hokey chips to unlock enhanced sound. Hokey is a modern replacement for the Pokey that is no longer being manufactured. 

List of sound chips - Wikipedia

I managed to find a Concerto Plus cartridge that has a Hokey onboard and seems to provide a wealth of other enhancements. Ordered and is on its way from the US to the UK. Let's see how quick that will be but could find any locally.

Concerto - 8BitDev.org - Atari 7800 Development Wiki

I'll report back once I've managed to get this all together.

Mark]]> https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=87 Sat, 22 Aug 2026 21:23:09 +0100 Mark]]> https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=87 After a few hours researching a slipping down a few rabbit holes I found a composite video mod kit on TFW8b.com >  8bit Deluxe Composite Video Mod Kit

Looks a clean mod and will be able to put the 3.5m jack where the RF cable would normally go. 

Will post my progress once I get my hands on it.

Cheers
Mark]]> After a few hours researching a slipping down a few rabbit holes I found a composite video mod kit on TFW8b.com >  8bit Deluxe Composite Video Mod Kit

Looks a clean mod and will be able to put the 3.5m jack where the RF cable would normally go. 

Will post my progress once I get my hands on it.

Cheers
Mark]]> https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=86 Sat, 22 Aug 2026 14:06:11 +0100 Mark]]> https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=86
Over the coming weeks I will be modifying the console to allow me to use on a modern TV, look at what repairs, if any are needed and look for a multi cart that addresses the pokey challenges of a couple of cart having pokey chips installed.

I haven't decided if I should video the progress or just document with some photos, let me know what you'd like to see?

Cheers
Mark


  ebay2.jpg (Size: 441.83 KB / Downloads: 1) ]]>
Over the coming weeks I will be modifying the console to allow me to use on a modern TV, look at what repairs, if any are needed and look for a multi cart that addresses the pokey challenges of a couple of cart having pokey chips installed.

I haven't decided if I should video the progress or just document with some photos, let me know what you'd like to see?

Cheers
Mark


  ebay2.jpg (Size: 441.83 KB / Downloads: 1) ]]> https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=10 Mon, 24 Jul 2023 10:46:10 +0100 Mark]]> https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=10
Date 29 January 1986

Aset of 6 ROMS. These ROMS are identified as follows:
PART NUMBER

C026160-001 U2
C026244-001 U3
C026245-001 U4
C026163-001 U5
C026246-001 U6
C026247-001 U7

See PDF for  schematics and fault finding information including hand written notes.

  TN002-1.PDF (Size: 1.42 MB / Downloads: 2) ]]>
Date 29 January 1986

Aset of 6 ROMS. These ROMS are identified as follows:
PART NUMBER

C026160-001 U2
C026244-001 U3
C026245-001 U4
C026163-001 U5
C026246-001 U6
C026247-001 U7

See PDF for  schematics and fault finding information including hand written notes.

  TN002-1.PDF (Size: 1.42 MB / Downloads: 2) ]]> https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=9 Mon, 24 Jul 2023 10:01:08 +0100 Mark]]> https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=9
Subject: TOS ROM UPGRADE
This document should accompany a set of 6 ROMS. These ROMS are identified as follows:
PART NUMBER    LOCATION

C026160-001  U2
C026244-001  U3
C026245-001  U4
C026163-001  U5
C026246-001  U6
C026247-001  U7

See PDF for additional topics such as:
Upgrading Colour Systems (Glue chip versions)
Further ROM information such as Boot EPROM and version before masked roms were available.
Hand drawn schematics 
...

  TN002.PDF (Size: 4.7 MB / Downloads: 4) ]]>
Subject: TOS ROM UPGRADE
This document should accompany a set of 6 ROMS. These ROMS are identified as follows:
PART NUMBER    LOCATION

C026160-001  U2
C026244-001  U3
C026245-001  U4
C026163-001  U5
C026246-001  U6
C026247-001  U7

See PDF for additional topics such as:
Upgrading Colour Systems (Glue chip versions)
Further ROM information such as Boot EPROM and version before masked roms were available.
Hand drawn schematics 
...

  TN002.PDF (Size: 4.7 MB / Downloads: 4) ]]> https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=8 Mon, 24 Jul 2023 09:51:47 +0100 Mark]]> https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=8
Date: 7 January 1986

Subject: 520ST RGB Output
Early models of the 520ST support seperate VSYNC (pin 12) and HSYNC (pin 9) for RGB.

The Thomson colour monitor CM36382 AR requires a combined SYNC input on (pin 20 of the SCART connector). 520ST's manufactured after Nov 85 have been modified to provide combined SYNC on pin 2 of the DIN connector.

These  modified  520ST's can be identified  by their serial number, as it should start with a 4.

The modification to the 520ST is as follows:
All components should be mounted on component side of PCB in area reserved for UHF modulator.

See PDF for schematic

  TN001.PDF (Size: 399.6 KB / Downloads: 1) ]]>
Date: 7 January 1986

Subject: 520ST RGB Output
Early models of the 520ST support seperate VSYNC (pin 12) and HSYNC (pin 9) for RGB.

The Thomson colour monitor CM36382 AR requires a combined SYNC input on (pin 20 of the SCART connector). 520ST's manufactured after Nov 85 have been modified to provide combined SYNC on pin 2 of the DIN connector.

These  modified  520ST's can be identified  by their serial number, as it should start with a 4.

The modification to the 520ST is as follows:
All components should be mounted on component side of PCB in area reserved for UHF modulator.

See PDF for schematic

  TN001.PDF (Size: 399.6 KB / Downloads: 1) ]]> https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=7 Sat, 22 Jul 2023 09:08:40 +0100 Mark]]> https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=7
1 May 1986
Dear Dealer 
I would like to introduce to you the first batch of Technical Bulletins.  These will be presented
to you on a monthly basis, included in  the Atari monthly News Bulletin.  The object of the
Technical Bulletin is  to pass onto you technical information that we feel  will help you sell and
support Atari Products.  The Technical Bulletin will contain bath hardware and software
information.

I would also like to introduce you to the Atari Technical Support Team.

Software Support - Robert Katz
Hardware/Service Support  - Knolly Shadrache/Philip Wong Victoria Everitt
General Technical Information - Victoria Everitt
Customer Relations - Lucinda Bell


We would be grateful if you would avoid passing these names to end Users as we are all here
principally for Dealer Support. End User overload results in less capacity to help you.

Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us. Yours sincerely

LesPlayer
Technical Manager

Technical Note: TN002
Subject: TOS ROM UPGRADE

This document should accompany a set of 6 ROMS. These ROMS are identified as follows:
PART NUMBER

C026160-001 U2
C026244-001 U3
C026245-001 U4
C026163-001 U5
C026246-001 U6
C026247-001 U7

These ROMS should be handled with caution.
Before starting an upgrade, ensure that the 520ST is fully operational, then remove all power, video and disc cables.


UPGRADING COLOUR SYSTEMS

Some colour monitors will not have enough adjustment on their vertical and horizontal adjustments to centre the screen.  The GLUE IC C025915-38 will now compensate for this.  If you do not have this version then you will also need to upgrade your GLUE IC:

There are three versions of the GLUE chip:
Version 
1: C025915
2: C025915-20
3: C025915-38

.....

  TN002.PDF (Size: 2.64 MB / Downloads: 2) ]]>
1 May 1986
Dear Dealer 
I would like to introduce to you the first batch of Technical Bulletins.  These will be presented
to you on a monthly basis, included in  the Atari monthly News Bulletin.  The object of the
Technical Bulletin is  to pass onto you technical information that we feel  will help you sell and
support Atari Products.  The Technical Bulletin will contain bath hardware and software
information.

I would also like to introduce you to the Atari Technical Support Team.

Software Support - Robert Katz
Hardware/Service Support  - Knolly Shadrache/Philip Wong Victoria Everitt
General Technical Information - Victoria Everitt
Customer Relations - Lucinda Bell


We would be grateful if you would avoid passing these names to end Users as we are all here
principally for Dealer Support. End User overload results in less capacity to help you.

Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us. Yours sincerely

LesPlayer
Technical Manager

Technical Note: TN002
Subject: TOS ROM UPGRADE

This document should accompany a set of 6 ROMS. These ROMS are identified as follows:
PART NUMBER

C026160-001 U2
C026244-001 U3
C026245-001 U4
C026163-001 U5
C026246-001 U6
C026247-001 U7

These ROMS should be handled with caution.
Before starting an upgrade, ensure that the 520ST is fully operational, then remove all power, video and disc cables.


UPGRADING COLOUR SYSTEMS

Some colour monitors will not have enough adjustment on their vertical and horizontal adjustments to centre the screen.  The GLUE IC C025915-38 will now compensate for this.  If you do not have this version then you will also need to upgrade your GLUE IC:

There are three versions of the GLUE chip:
Version 
1: C025915
2: C025915-20
3: C025915-38

.....

  TN002.PDF (Size: 2.64 MB / Downloads: 2) ]]> https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=6 Sat, 22 Jul 2023 08:53:09 +0100 Mark]]> https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=6
Date: 16 June 1986

Atari XC12 Program Recorder Torque numbers when new:

PLAY 52 g/cm
REWIND 110 g/cm
WIND FF 84 g/cm

100 Second count with 800XL 98 seconds.

  XC12.PDF (Size: 1.1 MB / Downloads: 1)

  Recorder Manual.PDF (Size: 1.07 MB / Downloads: 1) ]]>
Date: 16 June 1986

Atari XC12 Program Recorder Torque numbers when new:

PLAY 52 g/cm
REWIND 110 g/cm
WIND FF 84 g/cm

100 Second count with 800XL 98 seconds.

  XC12.PDF (Size: 1.1 MB / Downloads: 1)

  Recorder Manual.PDF (Size: 1.07 MB / Downloads: 1) ]]> https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=5 Fri, 21 Jul 2023 23:30:45 +0100 Mark]]> https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=5
Date@ 21 April 1986

Re: Current Approved Disc Media


Atari currently recommends the use of the following disc media:-
3 1/2" Single Sided Double Density
Dysan 
Sony 
Fuji
Kasei - Verbatim 
Konishiroku

3 1/2" Double Sided Double Density
Sony
Konishiroku

  TN009.pdf (Size: 242 KB / Downloads: 1) ]]>
Date@ 21 April 1986

Re: Current Approved Disc Media


Atari currently recommends the use of the following disc media:-
3 1/2" Single Sided Double Density
Dysan 
Sony 
Fuji
Kasei - Verbatim 
Konishiroku

3 1/2" Double Sided Double Density
Sony
Konishiroku

  TN009.pdf (Size: 242 KB / Downloads: 1) ]]> https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=4 Fri, 21 Jul 2023 23:28:15 +0100 Mark]]> https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=4
Date: 17 April 1986

Re: STM UHF Modulator Adjustment

The UHF TV output may not appear central on some TV sets, slight modulator adjustment should
correct inconsistent positioning.
Proceed as follows:-
1.    Only Qualified service personnel should attempt to carry out the following procedure on the
520STFM and 1040STFM as mains voltage exists within these models.

2.  Remove plastic cover and R.F. shield
3.  Remove modulator shield
4.  Apply power and adjust the plastic cross head screw on the modulator PCB until the display is
central.
5.  Replace shields and all screws.

As well as producing a modulated output, the STM also provides an un-modulated composite colour
output on pin 2 of its 13-pin Din socket which connects to pin 20 of the Atari Scart Connector.

  TN008.pdf (Size: 361.88 KB / Downloads: 1) ]]>
Date: 17 April 1986

Re: STM UHF Modulator Adjustment

The UHF TV output may not appear central on some TV sets, slight modulator adjustment should
correct inconsistent positioning.
Proceed as follows:-
1.    Only Qualified service personnel should attempt to carry out the following procedure on the
520STFM and 1040STFM as mains voltage exists within these models.

2.  Remove plastic cover and R.F. shield
3.  Remove modulator shield
4.  Apply power and adjust the plastic cross head screw on the modulator PCB until the display is
central.
5.  Replace shields and all screws.

As well as producing a modulated output, the STM also provides an un-modulated composite colour
output on pin 2 of its 13-pin Din socket which connects to pin 20 of the Atari Scart Connector.

  TN008.pdf (Size: 361.88 KB / Downloads: 1) ]]> https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=3 Fri, 21 Jul 2023 23:25:09 +0100 Mark]]> https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=3 Date 8 April 1986

Starting up with ROM Based ST's

The following information is aimed at ROM based Atari ST computers , i.e. the Atari 520STm, Atari 1040STf and those Atari
520ST computers with ROMs instal led. To check whether your computer has a ROM based Operating System:

- Set up the ST, Disk Drive and Monitor (or TV) as described in the ST Owners Manual supplied with your computer.
- Turn on the monitor or TV and Disk Drive, ensure that the computer is turned off .
- Insert the Language Disk supplied with your computer into Disk Drive A.
- Turn on the computer, the Disk Drive Busy light will illuminate. If your system is ROM Based , the Desktop as described in the ST owners guide will appear. If you have a computer requiring a disk based Operating System, the computer will display a message prompting you to insert your System Disk.
- If you still have a disk based machine, please contact your Dealer for information on obtaining and installing Operating System  ROMs.

Installing Desk Accessories
Desk Accessories are one or more (upto six) programs that reside in your computers memory alongside a main GEM application , such as ST Basic or ST Logo. These Accessories can be accessed at any time and may provide small utilities such as a notepad, diary or calculator. The Language Disk supplied with the Atari 520STm and Atari 1040STf contains two files ending with '.ACC', these files contain four useful utilities , each of these being described in detail in the ST Owners Manual.

....

  TN006.PDF (Size: 921.18 KB / Downloads: 3) ]]> Date 8 April 1986

Starting up with ROM Based ST's

The following information is aimed at ROM based Atari ST computers , i.e. the Atari 520STm, Atari 1040STf and those Atari
520ST computers with ROMs instal led. To check whether your computer has a ROM based Operating System:

- Set up the ST, Disk Drive and Monitor (or TV) as described in the ST Owners Manual supplied with your computer.
- Turn on the monitor or TV and Disk Drive, ensure that the computer is turned off .
- Insert the Language Disk supplied with your computer into Disk Drive A.
- Turn on the computer, the Disk Drive Busy light will illuminate. If your system is ROM Based , the Desktop as described in the ST owners guide will appear. If you have a computer requiring a disk based Operating System, the computer will display a message prompting you to insert your System Disk.
- If you still have a disk based machine, please contact your Dealer for information on obtaining and installing Operating System  ROMs.

Installing Desk Accessories
Desk Accessories are one or more (upto six) programs that reside in your computers memory alongside a main GEM application , such as ST Basic or ST Logo. These Accessories can be accessed at any time and may provide small utilities such as a notepad, diary or calculator. The Language Disk supplied with the Atari 520STm and Atari 1040STf contains two files ending with '.ACC', these files contain four useful utilities , each of these being described in detail in the ST Owners Manual.

....

  TN006.PDF (Size: 921.18 KB / Downloads: 3) ]]> https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=2 Fri, 21 Jul 2023 23:16:17 +0100 Mark]]> https://www.passingit.com/retro/showthread.php?tid=2

Please be aware that NEC E-Proms cannot be used in ST products since their input conditions are incompatible with other
manufacturers.

The following vendors are acceptable:
AMD(Advanced Micro Devices)
Fujitsu
Hitachi
Toshiba
Mitsubishi

  TN005.pdf (Size: 237.32 KB / Downloads: 1) ]]>

Please be aware that NEC E-Proms cannot be used in ST products since their input conditions are incompatible with other
manufacturers.

The following vendors are acceptable:
AMD(Advanced Micro Devices)
Fujitsu
Hitachi
Toshiba
Mitsubishi

  TN005.pdf (Size: 237.32 KB / Downloads: 1) ]]>