Frequently-Asked Questions››                Classic Atari 2600/5200/7800 Game Systems››                        Fourth Edition 94-11-12 (21K bigger)›                         Third Edition 94-10-29 (30k bigger)›                        Second Edition 94-10-18›                         First Edition 92-07-17›››            Send additions/corrections/comments/money/carts to:›                Andrew K. Heller (cagsfaq@akh104.rh.psu.edu)›››  Author's note: Most of this work was stollen from other articles/works›  that either have appeared on netnews or are available via FTP.›  So, if you see something in here word for word the way you typed it›  aren't you proud I didn't have to change a thing! =)››››TABLE OF CONTENTS:››    INTRODUCTION›0)  Who am I and why do you care?›››     GENERAL›1.1) What NetNews groups exist for the CAGS?›1.2) What Atari 2600/5200/7800 games list exist?›1.3) What information sites for Atari game machine information exist?›1.4) What is The 2600 Connection?›1.5) In the news...›››     SOFTWARE ›2.1) Where can I find games for my 2600/5200/7800?›2.2) What are the best games for the 2600?››2.3) Cartridge quantity:›2.3.1) What are the most common and rarest 2600 games?›2.3.2) What are the most common and rarest 5200 games?›2.3.3) What are the most common and rarest 7800 games?›2.3.4) What games were available via GameLine services?››2.4) Games and Controllers›2.4.1) What 2600 or 7800 games used a light gun?›2.4.2) Which 2600 games used Kid pads/key pads?›2.4.3) Which 2600 games used paddles?››2.5) What is this Starpath CD I keep hearing about?›2.6) What Easter Eggs (cheats) exist for the 26/52/7800?››2.7) Programming:›2.7.1) What out there exists to help programmers?›2.7.2) What is the 7800 encryption algorithm?››2.8) Bugs:›2.8.1) What's up with 7800 Impossible Mission?›››     HARDWARE ›3.1) What different 26/52/7800 models and accessories did Atari make?›3.1.1) The Atari 2600›3.1.2) The Atari 5200›3.1.3) The Atari 7800››3.2) What vaporware hardware is there?›3.3) How many 2600 clones/emulators were made and by who?›3.4) What light guns work with the 2600/7800?››3.5)  What add on devices existed for the 26/52/78?›3.5.1) What add on modules existed for the 2600?›3.5.2) What add on modules existed for the 5200?››3.6) What are the known specs for the 2600/5200/7800?››3.7) Pinouts›3.7.1) 2600 and 7800 Joystick pinouts ›3.7.2) 2600 Cartridge Pinouts and information ›3.7.3) 5200 Cartridge and Expansion Pinout ›3.7.4) 7800 Cartridge and Expansion Pinout››3.8) Power supply informatiion ›››     PROJECTS ›4.1) Building a switchbox for the 4 port 5200.›4.2) Composite/audio/chroma/luma output for the Atari 2600›4.3) Video driver for the 2600/7800››To add (i.e. I need info):›3.7.4) 7800 Cartridge and Expansion pinout›››================================================================›0)  Who am I and why do you care?›››   Well, perhaps you don't care.  But anyway, I have always been a big›Atari nut.  In my earlier youth (I am only 22.83 now) I was known for being›able to tell you the product number of any given piece of Atari (non ST)›hardware.  I also held the high score on the then many Atari bbs's for›being able to list off memory locations within the 8bit computer OS.›So, I took all this as a sign to go to college and get a degree in ›Computer Engineering with a minor in Computer Science.  ››  This is my 5th year at the wonderful Penn (pepsi) State University.›I will be graduating in May, thank God.  All the work that was done›on this Faq was done at the expense of other class work.  Well, okay,›I like saying that, but actually I probably would have found something›else that was non-academic to take up my time.  However, ›I decided to stay in my dorm room and finish this up for my›fellow collectors.  That is one of the advantages of having my own ›Unix box on the internet . . . hehehe)››  A while ago I found a Classic Atari Game System Faq from 1992.  The      ›project seemed to have fallen apart and I knew that it would be hard›to actually get a communal effort together to work on this thing so I›took up the task myself, of course, with the help of contributions from›the internet.  This is my first big contribution to the world of›classic systems.  (My second, I hope, is going to be a wonderful software›package for collectors... maybe I'll work on that over xmas.)››  I hope this FAQ helps someone....›››==========================================================›1.1) What NetNews groups exist for the CAGS?››   Currently there are the following netnews groups with various information› pertaining to the 26/52/78 systems:››   alt.atari.2600vcs (and its various other clones, .2600 and .2600.vcs)›   alt.games.video.classic›   rec.games.video.classic›   rec.games.video.marketplace  (to buy things of course!)›››==========================================================›1.2) What Atari 2600/5200/7800 games list exist?››  There are several game lists available.  Games are listed by manufacturer›or by game title;  some have rarity codes, others have prices.  The two›most widely used lists by collectors are listed here:››1)  VGR (Craig Pell) maintains a gigantic listing of every known game›    cartridge produced for the Atari 2600 or 7800.  The list contains the›    game's name and manufacturer's model number.  Games are grouped together›    by the cartridge manufacture and then by product number. ››    To receive a copy of the latest game listing, or to suggest a change or›    update to the list, send e-mail to VGR at vgriscep@wam.umd.edu.››2)  The most "generic" list of games, and perhaps the most easy to use›    are maintained by Dean Dierschow (dean@xocolatl.com).  Current lists›    are available from wiretap.spies.com under /game_archive/cartList.›    Games are grouped together by manufacture and then by alphabetical›    title.››    Entries   File Name      System                               Date›    -------   ------------   ----------------------------------   --------›      1010    AT2600.LST     Atari 2600                           10/21/94›        94    AT5200.LST     Atari 5200                           10/21/94›        69    AT7800.LST     Atari 7800                           10/21/94› › ›    You will also need the file "carts.lst" for important information.››    Dean also has lists for just about every other system in existence.››3)  "The Giant List of 2600 Label Variations" is the list for all of›    us "sick" collectors who need to tell exactly what carts we own.›    This list goes into detail.  Here is an excerpt:››    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›››     Send requests to: ›     John Earney - jearney@farad.elee.calpoly.edu ››››››==========================================================›1.3) What information sites for Atari game machine information exist?››  Via FTP:  ››        1)  aurora.alaska.edu /atari.dir››            2600-PROGRAMMING-2.INFO;1       6/8      3-OCT-1992 ›            2600-PROGRAMMING.INFO;1         90/92    3-OCT-1992 ›            2600CONNECTION.INDEX;1          40/40   18-DEC-1992 ›            CLASSIC-ATARI.FAQ;1             40/40    3-OCT-1992 ›            GIANT-ATARI-2600-7800.LIST;4    175/176  9-MAR-1993›            INDEX.LKI;4                     2/4     18-JUN-1993  ›            PROG2600-0.DIGEST;1             10/12    3-OCT-1992  ›            PROG2600-1.DIGEST;1             18/20    3-OCT-1992  ›            PROG2600-2.DIGEST;1             20/20    3-OCT-1992    ›            PROG2600-3.DIGEST;1             229/232  3-JUN-1993 ›            PROGRAM-2600-LIST.WELCOME;5     5/8     18-JUN-1993›            STELLA.TXT;1                    177/180 18-JUN-1993   ››        2)  atari.archive.umich.edu /atari/8bit/Vcs›            (or amiga.archive.umich.edu /atari/8bit/Vcs)›            (atari.archive is usually bogged down)››            1094762 Jun 18  1993 2600_doc.zip›            36939   Jun 18  1993 2600_txt.arc›            252     Jun 18  1993 aa.8bit.vcs›            16325   Jun 18  1993 tech2600.arc››        3)  akh104.rh.psu.edu /pub/Oldatari››            This is my own machine.  Most of the stuff here is ›            just copies of all the other sites dumped together.›            It is a mess in there.  Anybody want to clean it up     ›            for me?›››  Via WWW:›   ›        1) Classic Video Games Homepage›           http://www2.ecst.csuchico.edu/~gchance/››        2) VGR's homepage›           http://cville-srv.wam.umd.edu/~vgriscep/››        3) [I know there is more...]››     ›          These sites also carry copies of 2600 instructions.›››==========================================================›1.4) What is The 2600 Connection?››  It is a bi-monthly Atari 2600 collector fanzine published by›Tim Duarte. The 2600 Connection 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 $6 for a year's worth of bi-monthly issues.››To subscribe send a check payable to Timothy Duarte to:››The 2600 Connection›c/o Tim Duarte›P.O. Box N664›Westport, MA  02790-0606››E-Mail: tduarte@umassd.edu›››================================================================›1.5) In the news....››-----›Famous Brand Electronics Outlet in Woodbury, MN, has a large supply›of *new* 7800s, along with a box of 40 *unopened* games, for $70.›I talked with a clerk there on Monday, and he said that they *will*›ship to people from the Internet, provided they have valid credit cards,›etc.  Note that not all the games are 7800 games. ››The phone number for Famous Brand Electronics is (612) - 730-7375.›Tell them Greg sent you.››Greg Nelson›gjnelson@cantor.ee.umn.edu›››[AUTHOR'S NOTE:  As of this writing only 18 out of the original 50?› systems remain...  Someone should tell this guy to obtain more...› LOTS more. =)  I have yet to purchase a set, nor will I probably› get a change to. 8~( ]›› ›------›Datamation magazine (Oct 15, 94) is reporting that Activision plans to release ›2 compilations of Atari 2600 games for Windows, on floppy or cdrom.  Feb 1995›is the release date for the first compilation, which will include Pitfall!,›Kaboom!, River Raid and Chopper Command.››(Zube  Zube@cs.colostate.edu)›››------›Hey?  Whats going on with the PC version of Adventure?›››==========================================================›2.1) Where can I find games for my 2600/5200/7800?››      There are still several sources for new game cartridges.›Mail order firms such as Telegames USA and Best Electronics  are›probably the best source for new games. They still stock many›different games cartridges for all the Atari game machines.  Many›titles they carry are extremely rare and collectible.  Although›some of the rarer titles in their inventories are dwindling, they›seem to have good stock of many others. ››      Occasionally some retail stores will still have Atari›cartridges in stock, although sometimes they are hidden in the›backroom. One good places to look is toy stores who used to carry›the Atari, such as Toys 'R Us, Kaybee Toys (formerly Circus ›World), and Children's Palace (now in bankruptcy).  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, but their discounts are the›greatest.››      Another excellent source for rare and collectible games is›the classified ads in The 2600 Connection. The Usenet newsgroups›are another place to find new and used game cartridges. There are›frequent postings to both rec.games.video and misc.forsale by›individuals who have Atari game cartridges for sale.  You might›also find a rare Atari want-ad in a local newspapers or›pennysaver.  A better source would likely be the want ads  of a›local Atari computer user's group newsletter.››     Finally, there are the many good 2600 games and systems›waiting to be liberated from flea markets, thrift stores, and›yard sales around the country. Few people will advertise that›they have Atari games for sale, but if you get out and look›around, you'll find them.  If you relish the thought of finding›"a diamond in a dumpster" and you've always liked treasure›hunting, you may enjoy rumaging through piles of junk to fill›those elusive gaps in your game list at minimal cost.››  Also, you may now special order shrinkwrapped Atari 2600 games from›Radio Shack.  As I understand it, Atari themselves still have some for›sale.        [Anybody got a list of what they have and how much?]›››  Best Electronics has several games and parts for the classic›systems:››   Best Electronics›   2021 The Alameda, Suite 290›   San Jose, CA›   U.S.A. 95126›   tel: (408) 243-6950›››Nice selection of 2600/5200/7800 games.  Send $1.00 for catalog to: ››   Video Magic›   c/o Frank M. Polosky   ›   P.O. Box 9542›   Pittsburgh, PA.  15223›››Also, the entire back page of 2600 Connection #24 has 30 vendors.›› ANYBODY HAVE THE POST THAT LISTED ALL OF THESE VENDORS?› PLEASE SEND ME A COPY ASAP.››››==========================================================›2.2) What are the best games for the 2600?››This can be a subjective matter, of course, but Mike Littau conducted›an informal 2600 games poll on r.g.v. a few years ago, trying to find›answer this very question.  Here are the results, with some slight›changes in format:››From: littaum@jacobs.CS.ORST.EDU (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 2600 game:         Best original idea for a 2600 game:›1. Adventure                    1. Pitfall!›2.(tie) Solaris,Yar's Revenge   2. Adventure›3. Asteroids                    3. Yar's revenge›4. River Raid                   4.(tie) Stampede, Kaboom, Kool Aid Man››Best music or sound for a 2600 game:        Best adventure game:›1. Pitfall II: The Lost Caverns             1. Adventure›2. Frogger                                  2. Raiders of the Lost Ark›3.(tie) Haunted House, California Games     3. Haunted House›4. 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,›5.(tie) Chopper Command, Moon Patrol     RealSports Football, 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›4.(tie) Barnstorming, Slot Racers       4.(tie) Barnstorming, Demon Attack,›                                          River Raid››------------------------------------------›In addition, The 2600 Connection ran an article on the 2600›cartridge "Hall of Fame", listing the best classic 2600 games. There›was an excellent capsule description of each game.  Here is the list:››The 2600 Connection Cartridge Hall of Fame (from issue #10:››Combat                  Asteroids                    Honorable Mention:›Super Breakout          Centipede (and Millipede)    Draggonfire›Defender                Donkey Kong (and Jr.)        Demon Attack›Adventure               Mario Bros.                  Megamania›Space Invaders          Pitfall! (and II)            HERO›Missle Command          River Raid (and II)          Rampage›Pac-Man                 Kaboom                       Miner 2049er›Ms. Pac-Man             Frogger                      Skatboardin'›Solaris                 Q*Bert›››==========================================================›2.3) What are the most common and rarest games?››The following lists are a quick compilation of what some collectors would›consider to be the most common and rarest 2600 games.  Neither list is›exhaustive, they are simply provided as as quick reference.››Those games that are NOT listed as rare are not necessarily common, and›vice versa.  Many, many, games fall into the "hard to track down" catagory.››The following lists ARE contraversial.  Even combat is depending›on what type of label it has.››It is in the readers best interest to obtain VGR's list and run›the following commands on it from a unix machine:››grep ' xx ' filename > xx.lst››Where 'filename' is the name of VGR's list and 'xx' is ER, R, U, C.›xx.lst will then contain the output of this extraction.›››==========================================================›2.3.1) What are the most common and rarest 2600 games?››Common Atari 2600 Games:›------------------------››    Activision      AX-018       Pitfall!›    Atari           CX2613       Adventure›    Atari           CX2649       Asteroids›    Atari           CX2650       Berzerk (w/ Atari Force #2)›    Atari           CX2607       Canyon Bomber›    Atari           CX2676       Centipede›    Atari           CX2630       Circus Atari›    Atari           CX2601       Combat›    Atari           CX2609       Defender (w/ Atari Force #1)›    Atari           CX2615       Demons To Diamonds›    Atari           CX2637       Dodge 'Em›    Atari           CX2674       ET: The Extra Terrestrial›    Atari           CX2611       Indy 500›    Atari           CX2638       Missile Command›    Atari           CX2675       Ms Pac-Man›    Atari           CX2646       Pac-Man›    Atari           CX2632       Space Invaders›    Atari           CX2612       Street Racer›    Atari           CX2608       Super Breakout›    Atari           CX2648       Video Pinball›    Atari           CX2610       Warlords›    Atari           CX2655       Yar's Revenge›    Coleco          CO2451       Donkey Kong›    Imagic          IA3200       Demon Attack›    M-Network       MT5666       Astroblast›    M-Network       MT5659       Space Attack›    Parker Brothers PB5050       Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back›    Parker Brothers PB5300       Frogger››››Rare Atari 2600 Games:›----------------------››Assault›Atari Video Cube                        Bachelor Party/Gigolo   ›Beat Em & Eat Em/Lady in Wading         Berenstain Bears        ›BMX Airmaster (Atari release)           Boing!›Bumper Bash                             Burning Dersire/Bachelorette Party›Cakewalk                                Challenge›Chase the Chuckwagon                    Chuck Norris Superkicks/Ghost Manor›Chuck Norris Superkicks/Spike's Peak    Color Bar Generator›Condor Attack                           Cosmic Corridor›Crazy Climber                           Cubicolor›Dishaster                               Double Dragon›Eli's Ladder                            Gas Hog›Glib                                    Gravitar (Silver label)›Great Escape                            Gremlins›Halloween                               I Want my Mommy›Knight on the town/Jungle Fever         Kyphus›Lochjaw                                 MagiCard›Malagai                                 Mangia›Marine Wars                             Master Builder›Math                                    Math Gran Prix (Sears)›Mr. Do's Castle                         Music Machine›Obelix                                  Oscar's Trash Race›Out of Control                          Pele's Championship Soccer›Pengo                                   Philly Flasher/Cathouse Blues›PLate Mania                             Pooyan›Q*Bert's Qubes                          Quadrun›Rescue Terra I                          River Patrol›Roin Hood                               Robin Hood/Sir Lancelot›Roc N Rope                              Rubik's Cube›sir Lancelot                            Smurfs Save the Day›Space Monster                           Spider Kong›Stronghold                              Submarine Commander›Subterrania                             Surf's Up›SQ Waterworld                           Texas Chainsaw Massacre›Time Pilot                              Tomarc the Barbarian›Tooth Protectors                        Track and Field ›Tuby Bird                               Up N Down›Video Jogger                            Video Reflex›Wall Defender                           X-Man›Z-Tack›››==========================================================›2.3.2) What are the most common and rarest 5200 games?››Common Atari 5200 Games:›------------------------››    Atari           CX5208       Pac-Man›    Atari           CX5203       Super Breakout››››Rare Atari 5200 Games:›----------------------›    Atari           CX5257       Gremlins›    Big Five                     Bounty Bob Strikes Back›    Intellicon                   Meteorites›    Parker Brothers              Frogger II Threedeep!›    Parker Brothers              James Bond 007›    Parker Brothers              Star Wars: Death Star Battle›    Parker Brothers              Star Wars: The Arcade Game›››Prototypes:›-----------›    Atari                        Asteroids (????)›    Atari                        Battlezone›    Atari                        Black Belt›    Atari                        Jr. Pac-Man›    Atari                        Last Starfighter›    Atari                        Looney Tunes Hotel›    Atari                        Meebzork›    Atari                        Microgammon›    Atari                        Millipede›    Atari                        Miniature Golf›    Atari           CX5219       Realsports Basketball›    Atari           CX5254       Rescue on Fractalus›    Atari                        Roadrunner›    Atari                        Spitfire›    Atari                        Sport Goofy›    Atari                        Tempest›    Atari                        Track and Field›    Atari                        XARI Arena›    Atari                        Xevious›    Imagic                       Fathom›    Imagic                       Moonsweeper›››   Spitfire -  It was made available, but was in the very early stages.›       	It supposedly has nice graphically, but there was as of yet no›        game involved. (atariman@athena.mit.edu (Shane D Shaffer))››   Tempest  -  Sort of playable, never completed.  (Jeff Minter)››   Battlezone - Tough to find (as if any of these are easy)››   Jr. Pac-Man - Just about complete, but it wasn't released commercially.››   The Last Starfighter - adapted from the computer Star Raiders II,›       complete except for the lack of shields.››   Looney Tunes Hotel - Almost complete, but unpolished.››   Meebzork - Has a few bugs that cause freezes and black-outs.››   Millipede - See Jr. Pac-Man››   Miniature Golf - Really stinks.  Very early stages, worse than the›       2600 version.  It's just a bunch of dots and lines.››   Roadrunner - Almost complete, but no sound.››   Realsports Basketball - scrapped very early.››   Sport Goofy - Mostly complete, but has a few bugs.››   Track N Field - See Millipede››   Xari Arena - See Battlezone››   Xevious - See Track N Field››   The following 5200 Proto's were available from BEST.  NOTE: WERE!››   Basketball              Track And Field         Gremlins›   Millipede               The Last Starfighter    Looney Tunes Hotel›   Sport Goofy             Meebzork ›   Xevious (works only with 2-port model)›   Road Runner (Proto they carried had no sound)›   Miniature Golf (same as Road Runner)›   Pac-Man Jr. (Works on 4 ports, but works best on 2 port version)›››==========================================================›2.3.3) What are the most common and rarest 7800 games?››Common Atari 7800 Games:›------------------------›    Atari           CX7805       Galaga›    Atari           CX7808       Pole Position II›    Atari           CX7807       Ms. Pac-Man›››Rare Atari 7800 Games:›----------------------›    Absolute        AM-039       Kung Fu Master›    Activision      AM-050       Double Dragon›    Activision      AM-049       Rampage›    Atari           CX7859       Barnyard Blaster›    Atari           CX7863       Mat Mania Challenge›    Atari           CX7875       Meltdown›    Froggo                       Tank Command›    Froggo                       UFO›    Froggo                       Water Ski›››Prototypes (?):›---------------›    Atari                        Eidilon, The›    Atari                        Electro Cop›    Atari                        KLAX›    Atari                        Lode Runner›    Atari                        Night of the Ninja›    Atari           CX7816       Rescue on Fractalus›    Atari                        Sentinal›    ?????                        Sky Fox›    ?????                        White Water Madness›    Froggo                       Pyromania›    Froggo                       Scrapper Story›    Froggo                       UFO›››››==========================================================›2.3.4) What games were available via GameLine services?››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                  Revenge 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››››==========================================================›2.4.1) What 2600 or 7800 games used a light gun?›››2600:›-----›    Sentinal›››7800:›-----›    Atari           CX7855       Alien Brigade›    Atari           CX7859       Barnyard Blaster›    Atari           CX7844       Crossbow  (gun or stick)›    Atari           CX7875       Meltdown››››==========================================================›2.4.2)  Which 2600 games used Kid pads/key pads?› (THE second most commonly asked question these past months...)››A Game of Concentration (Hunt & Scare, Memory Match)›Alpha Beam with Ernie›BASIC Programming›Big Bird's Egg Catch›Brain Games›Codebreaker›Cookie Monster Munch›MagiCard›Oscar's Trash Race›Star Raiders›››==========================================================›2.4.3) Which 2600 games used paddles?››Bachelor Party                  Beat Em' & eat Em›Blackjack                       Breakout (Breakaway IV)›Bumper Bash                    ›Casino (Poker Plus)             Circus Atari (circus)›Demons to Diamonds              Eggomania›Encounter at L-5                Fireball (Supercharger game)›Guardian›Kaboom!                         Mangia›Music Machine                   Night Driver›Party Mix (Supercharger game)   Piece O Cake›Solar Storm                     Steeplechase›Street Racer (Speedway II)      Super Breakout›Tac-Scan                        Video Olympics (Pong Sports)›Warlords                        Warplock›››Canyon Bomber (can also use joysticks to play 2 players at once)›Indy 500 (used special 360 paddles)›G.I. Joe Cobra Strike (players 1 & 2 use paddle--player 3 uses joystick)››››==========================================================›2.5) What is this Starpath CD I keep hearing about?››  Currently there is a project that involves putting all the ›Starpath SuperCharger audio tapes onto a CD.  The author is looking›for un-released games and PAL versions.  Check out the 2600›news groups for update information.›››==========================================================›2.6) What Easter Eggs (cheats) exist for the 26/52/7800?››   This section has grown rather large and a new version ›of the cheats faq is available EMAIL from Galen Tatsuo Komatsu.›The current list size is about 30k.  The previous one posted›in the FAQ was about 6k.››Request "Send B-TECH" from:››gkomatsu@uhunix.uhcc.hawaii.edu›ar592@cleveland.freenet.edu›››================================================================›2.7.1) What out there exists to help programmers?››  For 2600 users there is the "Stella" guide.  It is availabe›from the FTP sites mentioned in this list.  Atari.archive.umich.edu›has a modified version of Stella that is postscript format with›graphs and diagrams.››  For the 7800 there is Harry Dodgson's (dodgson@coyote.cs.umich.edu)›Monitor Cart plus documentation.  The 250+ pages include a stella guide,›a 2600 programming manual which is a bit more readable, the Maria specs,›and the 7800 docs.›››================================================================›2.7.2) What is the 7800 encryption algorithm?››   The 7800 uses a data encryption key to determine whether or not the›7800 cartridge is valid and allows 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 not many people at Atari know what the algorithm is or›how to use it anymore.››   It is now also rumored that it was released for the Lynx Dev-Kit›for the Amiga's.  Rumors...rumors....›››================================================================›2.8)  Bugs.››   This section deals with major software/hardware bugs.›   Anybody know of some more?›››================================================================›2.8.1) Whats up with 7800 Impossible Mission?››  7800 Impossible mission REALLY is impossible.›  The cart was released with a bug where some of the pieces you need›  were hidden under computer terminals...YOU CAN'T SEARCH THE TERMINALS.›  This bug was fixed, but I don't think Atari ever released the updated›  version.››  ghtthing@aol.com (NightThing)›› [Author's Comment:  How does somthing like this happen?]›››================================================================›3.1) What different 26/52/7800 models and accessories did Atari make?››Some people not only collect game cartridges, but hardware systems as›well.  Here is some basic information on the various game systems that›Atari has made over the years.›››================================================================›3.1.1) Atari 2600 and Sears Video Arcade Systems››Atari VCS CX2600 - Original model. Woodgrain and black plastic enclosure.›        Six silver switches across the upper front panel.   Bundled›        accessories include 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."››Sears Tele-Games Video Arcade I - Same as above except external cosmetic›        differences (the "difficulty" switches  are labeled "skill level",›        switch panel is silver instead of black, woodgrain pattern is›        different.)›        Sample wording on label on bottom of unit:›        "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.   Internally, the motherboard is a simplified›        one-piece design.›        Sample wording on label on bottom of unit:›        "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 external cosmetic›        differences.›        Sample wording on label on bottom of unit:›        "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›        mild revision of the 2600A.›        Sample wording on label on bottom of unit:›        "Mfd. for Atari, Inc. by Atari Taiwan Mfing. Corp. in Taiwan.›        Serial # AT831150153."››Sears Tele-Games Video Arcade II - Entirely new model of the 2600 designed›        just 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 accesories include two›        combination joystick/paddle controllers, AC adapter, TV switch›        and a Space Invaders game cart.›        Sample wording on label on bottom of unit:›        "Sears, Inc. (Atari, Inc.) Serial # SV 392 005539."››Atari 2600 "Jr." - Third revised model.  Slighlty bigger than a VHS video›        tape case.  Push and slide button switches.  Jet black with large›        metallic silver strip running lengthwise with "Atari 2600" on it.›        Known 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.››Atari 2600 "Jr." - same as above except silver plate has a larger rainbow›        strip without an embossed border.››2600 Accessories›----------------›CX20 - Driving controllers for Indy 500 (set of 2)›CX21 - Video Touch Pad for Star Raiders›CX22 - Track ball, black top, white base, with round fire buttons›          and white/yellow ball.›CX23 - Kid's keyboard controller for Sesame Street titles›CX30 - Paddle controllers›CX40 - Joystick›CX42 - Remote control joysticks (set of 2)›CX50 - Keyboard controllers (set of 2)›CX80 - Track ball, all black with wedge shaped fire buttons.›››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. The hole in there on›      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.››4 front switch, woodgrain panel:››Among these are some minor, minor differences. On some, the difficulty›switches are marked "Expert/Novice" (or was it "Advanced/Beginner"?) and›others are marked only as "A/B". Rumors persist that the pictures on the›packaging was different. Pac-Man was the pack-in cart later on. Also, if›you really want to get picky, some 2600s were made in Taiwan, some in Hong›Kong, some in Sunnyvale, (anything else). I've got to go through my›duplicate 2600s and match all these variations up with the revision numbers›(A, B, C, D, etc.).››4 front switch, black panel:››   [Need more info]›››Also, were there color variations in the lettering, the the borderline›around the switches, and cart slot? I have yellow ones and orange ones›or is this just fading?››(Bruce James Robert Linley - linley@netcom.com - Amateur radio: KE6EQZ)›››================================================================›3.1.2) Atari 5200››Atari CX5200 - Original model.  Four controller connectors on lower front›        panel.  Bundled accessories include two CX-52 controllers, AC adapter,›        CX-522 TV switch, and a SuperBreakout game cart.›        Sample wording on label on bottom of unit:›        "Atari, Inc.,  Atari Model No. 5200,  Serial # 0151320 SV-442."››Atari CX5200 - Revised model.  Two controller connectors on lower front›        panel.  Bundled accessories include two CX-52 controllers, AC adapter,›        TV switch, and a SuperBreakout game cart.›        Sample wording on label on bottom of unit:›        "Atari,  Inc.,  Atari Model No. 5200,  Serial # 036412 EP-233."›››   There are slight cosmetic changes to the shells of the 5200, in ›particular the base section has seen several versions.  There are at least›two different bases with hooks for winding up the video cable, and at least one›version without any hooks at all.››5200 Accessories›----------------›CX52  - Controller›CX53  - Track ball›CX55  - 2600 cartridge adapter (only for 2 port models or modified 4 port)›CX522 - TV switchbox for 4 port models.›››================================================================›3.1.3) Atari 7800››Atari CX7800 - Two joystick ports on lower front panel.  Vastly modified›         and enhanced Atari 2600 model.  New chipset (except sound which›         is the 2600 chip).  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.››Atari CX7800 - Second Revision.  Expansion port connector removed from›         mother board but is still etched.  Shelll has indentation of›         where expansion port was to be. ››Atari CX7800 - Third Revision.  As above but only a small "blemish" mark›         on shell.››         Some versions will play more 2600 games than the other.  Please›         note that this incompatability problem only shows up on one or›         two 2600 cartridges out of the 1000 or so made;  most notably›         Activision's "Robot Tank."››                [need more information]››› ›From: Krishna@tiac.net (Glenn Saunders)››        The very first 7800s which hit the market (I believe) were the›ones originally manufactured years earlier in the tail end of the Warner›Atari ownership.  The box on my 7800 vaunts the expansion interface which›would be used akin to the XEGS to make it into a REAL computer.  One of›the reasons I bought the 7800 was on the odd chance that something like›that would surface although I already owned an Atari 8-bit home›computer.  I could tell from the box that it was old because I think it›still had the Warner copyright on it.››        The 7800 was designed as the true successor to the 2600.  The›5200 was a diversion and a waste of time for the most part, duplicating›what the home computer line was doing.  Atari dropped the ball by not›releasing the 7800 when it was finished, in the can, and units all ready›to go.  When Tramiel took over and saw that Nintendo had revived the›computer industry with its 6502 based 8-bit NES, he decided to get back›into the game world and dusted off the 7800.  If you notice the copyright›dates on the early games they all say 1984 on them but the unit itself›was not released until at least late 86 if not 87.  By this time Nintendo›had established itself as the leader of the newborn video game industry›and Atari's 2600 and 7800 were left to rot off the shelves for a few more›years.  The 7800, however, had the capability to compete with the NES had›it been developed for with the vigor of Nintendo during the video game›rebuilding process of 84-86.››        The 7800 has a true operating system and a DOS/BASIC was›developed for it.  It has I think 16K RAM inside and the expansion port›could I guess be a serial I/O port.  But Warners had big plans for the›computer end of the 7800.  They knew they really couldn't make the›"Graduate" keyboard add-on for the 2600.  The 2600s limited 6507›processor just made memory management a royal pain in the ass.  The 7800›uses the same processor as the Atari XL/XEs and thus would have made a›pretty good computer.›››7800 Accessories›----------------›CX24 - Proline joystick›CX78 - European joystick  Gray with yellow/orange fire buttons and›           mini thumb joystick.›››==========================================================›3.2) What vaporware hardware is there?››  ›2600 Computer Keyboard called the "Graduate."›2600 Voice command system and a "head-mounted-thought" driver controller.››››==========================================================›3.3) How many 2600 clones/emulators were made and by who?››Coleco Gemini Video Game - Inexpensive clone 2600 made by Coleco. All black,›        box-shaped enclosure. Six small slide switches on top of front›        panel. RF modulator port and power adapter port on back panel.›        Two joystick ports and difficult switches on front panel.›        Bundled accessories included two dual-joystick/paddle›        controllers, a 9volt/500ma DC adapter, RF cable, TV switch and›        Donkey Kong game cart (?).›        Sample wording on label on bottom of unit:›        "Coleco Gemini VGS - Coleco Ind., Inc., Serial # AG0145189."››ColecoVision Expansion Module #1 - [need more infomation]››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 fit 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 ›                         g == Game Select (square button)››         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 text from bottom, one white label and one orange label:›	 "Model No. 4610  FCC ID: BSU9RD4610  Serial No. 003255"›         (vsp@netaxs.com)››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.›        [need more information]›››==========================================================›3.4) What light guns work with the 2600/7800?›› There is no light-gun made specifically for the 2600 or 7800, however,› Atari's light gun (model number XG-1) that came with the XE-Game-System› works well. ›› Additionally, Best Electronics has "The Best Lightgun" which› works better than Atari's own.›› Antic Magazine  published an article on how to convert a sega› master system light gun for use on the Atari's.›› From Antic Magazine, August 1988, Vol. 7, num. 4›     "First look: Inside the XE Game System: Hardware surprises revealed!"›     by Matthew Ratcliff›     page 45››   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›instead of normally open.›››==========================================================›3.5)  The following are interfaces to enhance the a base›      system's abilities›››==========================================================›3.5.1) What add on modules existed for the 2600?››Compumate - 42 key touchpad computer add on from Spectravideo.  Adds›            16K ROM, 2K RAM, and has BASIC.  Looks like a small keyboard ›            attatched to a cartridge, which is in turn connected to the›            joystick ports.  Originally sold for $79.99››Copy Cart - from Vidco, allowed tranfer 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 to a networked database. ›            See Game Doctor in Electronic Games in early '94.›          ›            [Somebody want to scan this in for me?]›››Game Selex - from Starplex, allows 9 cartridges to be plugged in at›            once; turn a dial to choose the game.››Kid Vid Control - 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.  Made by Coleco.››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›            had a cable with standard 1/8" jack for plugging into   ›            tape recorders.  Games came on regular audio cassettes  ›            with previews of upcoming releases.  Added memmory and  ›            graphics(?) to the system.  [need tech specs]  ››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 frot of that ›           cartridge. ››Videoplexer - ??  Holds 8 games.  [Need more info]›››==========================================================›3.5.2) What add on modules existed for the 5200?››The Masterplay Interface - by Electra Concepts.  Allowed the ability›           to use 2600 controllers with the 5200.  The company›           also released a game called "Meteorites."  I have seen›           pictures of this device in the ORIGINAL Electronic›           Games (or whatever it was called back in 83/84.)› ›           IF ANYBODY HAS ONE OF THESE I WOULD APPRECIATE›           A SCHEMATIC or the ability to tinker with one  ›           in order to duplicate one!!››››==========================================================›3.6) What are the known specs for the 2600/5200/7800?››The information here is incomplete in some places, misleading in others,›and possibly just wrong in other places.›››Specifications for the Atari 2600/7800››                2600                            7800››CPU:            6507                            6502C (custom, NOT 65C02)›RAM:            128 Bytes, in VLSI              4K, high speed›ROM:            6K max   ?!?!?!                 52K max›Cpu Clock:      1.19 MHz                        1.79 MHz›Graphics Clock: 3.58 MHz                        7.16 MHz›Slot Config:    Rom access only                 Most CPU lines + video/audio›CPU Avail:      less than 50%                   over 90%›››Notes:›1. ROM specs are based on a non-bank select scheme.›2. Graphics Clock is the master clock used to drive the video chips.›››                 5200››CPU:             6502C + 3 Custom VLSI's›RAM:             16K›ROM:             ? ›Cpu Clock:       1.79 MHZ›Graphics Clock:  7.16 MHZ?   ››   All 5200 specs are very similar to the Atari 8bit Computer line.››››==========================================================›3.7.1) 2600 and 7800 Joystick pinouts:››From: galt%asylum.cs.utah.edu@cs.utah.edu (Greg Alt)››_________________›\ 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››››Pinout for the 5200 controllers.›--------------------------------››Pin  Function›1    Keypad -- right column›2    Keypad -- middle column›3    Keypad -- left column›4    Start, Pause, and Reset common›5    Keypad -- third row and Reset›6    Keypad -- second row and Pause›7    Keypad -- top row and Start›8    Keypad -- bottom row›9    Pot common›10   Horizontal pot (POT0, 2, 4, 6)›11   Vertical pot (POT1, 3, 5, 7)›12   5 volts DC›13   Bottom side buttons (TRIG0, 1, 2, 3)›14   Top side buttons›15   0 volts -- ground›››==========================================================›3.7.2) 2600 Cartridge Pinouts and information:››The 2600 Cartridge:›        A standard 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.› ›The Pinouts:›Note:   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   A11  A10  A12  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››Note 1: On both of the cartridges I took apart, GND was also connected›        to SGND.  Best to make sure that they are wired together.››Note 2: 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››    ____________›    |   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›    |__________|›I also set VPP at +5V for the 2764.›››==========================================================›3.7.3)  5200 Cartridge and Expansion Pinout:›››5200 Cartridge port:›--------------------› ›             Top                  Bottom›-----------------------------------------------››D0                       1   36      Interlock›D1                       2   35      A11›D2                       3   34      A12›D3                       4   33      A10›D4                       5   32      A13›D5                       6   31      A9›D6                       7   30      Audio In (2 port)›D7                       8   29      A8›Enable 80-8F             9   28      Not Connected›Enable 40-7F             10  27      A7›Not Connected            11  26      +5V DC›Ground                   12  25      Ground›Ground                   13  24      Ground (Video In on 2 port)›Ground (System Clock›02 on 2 port)            14  23      Ground›A6                       15  22      A4›A5                       16  21      A3›A2                       17  20      A1›Interlock                18  19      A0››››5200 expansion connector:›-------------------------››             Top                  Bottom›-----------------------------------------------›+5V DC                  1   36      +5V DC›Audio Out (2 port)      2   35      Not connected›Ground                  3   34      Ground›R/W Early               4   33      Not connected›Enable E0-EF            5   32      D7›D6                      6   31      D5›D4                      7   30      D3›D2                      8   29      D1›D0                      9   28      Ground›IRQ                     10  27      A0›Ground                  11  26      A1›Serial Data In          12  25      A2›Serial In Clock         13  24      A3›Serial Out Clock        14  23      A4›Serial Data Out         15  22      A5›Audio In                16  21      A6›A14                     17  20      A7›System Clock 01         18  19      A11››››==========================================================›3.7.4) 7800 Cartridge and Expansion Pinout››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›››All signals starting with M are Maria signals›MLum* is 4 bits of luminance - giving 16 shades of each color›MCol is the color phase angle›Msync and Blank are Maria combined sync and blanking outputs›Extmen is an external Maria Enable input›OscDis disables the 14.31818 MHz master clock and ExtOsc is an input to› replace it.›CVideo is the input to the RF modulator so it includes the modulated audio too›Clk2 is the phase 2 clock from the 6502›Rdy is an input to the 6502›› Many thanks to Harry Dodgson for the pinouts.› I hope there are no errors with my transcription.›››==========================================================›3.8) Power supply informatiion:››2600 power supply:›------------------››Input: 120VAC 60Hz›Output: 9VDC 500mA›Polarity: Center +, Outer -››››5200 power supply:›------------------››Input:  120VAC 60Hz›Output: 11.5VDC 1.95Amp›Polarity: Center +, Outer - ›››7800 power supply:›------------------››Input: 120VAC 60Hz 15W›Output: 9VDC 1Amp›Polarity:›                     ___›                -----| |-----›             -  | o       o | +›                -------------››› [Is this looking into the jack or the power supply?]››If you are handy with a soldering iron, you can get 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.    ›››==========================================================›4.1) Building a switchbox for the 4 port 5200.››[Heller:  In my own trials of attempting such things I have actually›gotten the 5200 to work by plugging the DC line cord directly into›the RCA cable on the 4port model.  Then, inside, I wire up another RCA›cable to carry the video to a standard 2600 switchbox. THIS OTHER›CABLE PLUGS INTO THE RCA JACK INSIDE THE 5200!! NEVER NEVER NEVER›PLUG the power line into the internal RCA jack nor never plug›the standard 4 port rca cable into a power pack and then into›a 2600 switchbox!! - This mod, however, does not take into account›what havoc is occurring by pumping video signals directly into the›power supply.  I however, just wanted to see if this concept worked.›The 5200 4/2 models are similar inside for what components are used›for video.  It may be quite possible to convert a 4 port into a ›standard 2 port video source and vice versa...]›››Where do I hook up the power supply to my 4 port Atari 5200?! ››The early Atari 5200s came with an unusual switchbox which supplied power›to the 5200 down the same wire the 5200 uses to send the video signal to ›your TV. The power supply plugged into the switchbox. Unfortunately, these ›switchboxes seem to have gotten lost over the years and are difficult to›come by. Newer 5200s (the one with only two controller ports) had the›power supply jack on the console itself. Fortunately, it is not difficult›to construct your own RF/power supply box for the 5200. There is one›difference, though. The original 5200 switchbox would automatically switch›from your TV antenna/cable to the 5200 when you turned the console on.›With the RF/power box described below, you will need to use a standard›game/TV switchbox to accomplish this function. ››What do I need to build the RF/Power box? ››The following parts are needed to construct the box. Where applicable, ›Radio Shack part numbers, and prices, have been provided. You may use ›another RCA jack in place of the F jack if you wish. I chose to use the ›F jack to avoid ever accidentally plugging the 5200 and TV cables in›backwards, which would result in 11.5 volts DC going into your TV set,›possibly damaging it. ››RS#       Part                                     Price›--------  ----------------------------             -----›270-235   2"x2.75"x1.625" Aluminum Box             $1.99›274-1563  Coaxial DC power jack                    $1.79›278-212   Cable TV type F jack (2 pack)            $0.99 (optional, see above)›274-346   RCA type phono jack (4 pack)             $2.49›272-131   0.01 uF Ceramic Disc capacitor (2 pack)  $0.59›          Small metal bolt (1" long, 3/8" diam, approx)›          22 guage solid wire (14" or so)›                                             Total $7.85 + local tax››How do I build it? ››Drill holes in the aluminum box for each jack to match the diagram below.›The box itself forms the common ground connection to all three jacks. ›To reduce signal loss and ensure the common ground, I recommend using ›chrome or gold plated type jacks. ››         F jack (to TV)›               __ ›+-------------|  |-------------+›|             |__|             |<--- Aluminum box›|               |              |›|               \    0.01uF    |      Solder the leads of the capacitor to›|                \  _   Capacitor     the center pins of the F jack and the›|                 \/@|         |      RCA jack. Make the choke by winding at›|                  \/          |      least 10 turns of 22 guage solid,›|                   \          |      insulated wire around a 3/8" (approx)›|          Choke     \         |      diameter bolt. Wrap tape around the›|        ---|/////|---\        |      completed choke to prevent it from›|       _L            _L       |      unwinding. Strip the insulation off of›+------|  |----------|  |------+      each end of the choke leads. Solder the›       |__|          |__|             leads of the choke to the center pins of›  DC power jack     RCA jack          the DC power jack and the RCA jack.›  (to pwr supply)   (to 5200)         Screw the box shut. You're done.››How does it work? ››The capacitor transparently passes the video signal from the 5200 to the ›TV output jack, while at the same time preventing the DC power from the ›power supply jack from going into your TV. The choke (inductor)›transparently passes the the 11.5 volt DC power to the 5200 via the RCA›jack while at the same time preventing the video signal from escaping back›down the power supply wire. The bolt around which the choke is wound helps›to increase the choke's inductance to block more of the video signal from›going back into the power supply than it otherwise would. The aluminum box ›itself helps keep the video signal confined to where it belongs to prevent›possible interference and to ensure that as much of the signal as possible ›gets to your TV. For this reason, plastic boxes are not recommended. ››Power supply info (if you don't have one). ››The 5200 power supply is 11.5 volts DC @ 1.95 amps and has a standard type ›coaxial plug (center positive 5mm OD, 2.1mm ID). Or you could construct›one from a transformer, 4 diodes, two capacitors, a resistor, a 3A adj. ›voltage regulator, heat sink, case, and cabling, or find a 12V 2A power ›supply and add a diode inline to drop the voltage by 0.5V, but that's›another project! ››(Bruce James Robert Linley  - linley@netcom.com - Amateur radio: KE6EQZ)›››==========================================================›4.2) Composite/audio/chroma/luma output for the Atari 2600 by THOMAS CLANCY››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 tweek. 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››thom@garfield.cs.mun.ca›thom@saturn.cs.mun.ca›thom@morgan.ucs.mun.ca›››(C)1993 Thomas Clancy›This article is freely distributable so long as it is not modified.›It must be distributed in it's entirety.›››==========================================================›4.3) Video driver for the 2600/7800›››How to make a video driver suitable for a 2600 or 7800››Parts list:››T1      2SC1815›R1      2.7K›R2      150›R3      68›L1      180 uH›L2      2.7 uH›C1, C2  100 uF 6.3 V››wire list:››R1:1 to Ground›R1:2 to Video In›R2:1 to Video In›R2:2 to T1 base›R3:1 to Ground›R3:2 to T1 emitter›L1:1 to +5V›L1:2 to T1 collector›C1:1 to Ground›C1:2 to T1 collector (positive lead of C1)›C2:1 to L2:1›C2:2 to T1 emitter   (positive lead of C2)›L2:1 to C1:1›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 78000, 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. ››(Harry Dodgson Jr.     dodgson@coyote.cs.wmich.edu)›››================================================================›Updates:››1.5) In the news....››2.3.1) What are the most common and rarest 2600 games?›       TONS OF CHANGES››2.3.2) What are the most command and rarest 5200 games? ›        Many changes.››2.3.3) What are the most common and rarest 7800 games?›       Absolute's Title Match Pro Wrestling removed from prototype list›       A few catagory changes.››2.4.1) What 2600 or 7800 games used a light gun?›       2600 "Off the Wall" removed›       2600 "Shooting Gallery" removed, claimed to be non-existent.››2.4.3) Which 2600 games used paddles?›       Many updates.››2.8) Bugs:›2.8.1) Whats up with 7800 Impossible Mission?››3.5.1)  Add on modules for 2600      ›        Many additions.››3.5.2)  Add on modules for 5200 ››3.1.1) Atari 2600 and Sears Video Arcade Systems›       2600 Jr. contents ››3.1.2) Atari 5200›       Cosmetics››3.1.3) Atari 7800›       Clarification of missing expanion port.››3.2) Vaporware:›       A little info added.››3.7.4) 7800 Cartridge and Expansion Pinout››3.8) Power supply informatiion:›     2600 power supply›››       ›================================================================›Still needed:››2600:  Sample wording from bottom of 2600jr.››5200:  Do all 4 port models have an RCA standard RF jack inside›       the unit (next to the current video output cord) ?››7800:  Sample wording from bottom of 7800.››----›››End of Classic Atari Video Game FAQ ›››  End Of Line›››