Homebrews & more - AtariThe ultimate blog dedicated to hardware and software gadgets. e-mail : buzz.computer (at) free.fr2023-10-20T18:38:31+02:00urn:md5:2016c8f8cd726b8af6fbbaba24b013faDotclear256-in-1 : 256 games cartridge for Atari 2600/7800urn:md5:7ef9aa446a2f15c9a7830d3395e29bad2016-11-03T15:57:00+01:002021-06-14T09:27:45+02:00BUZZAtari <figure style="{figureStyle}"><img alt="256in1-Pcb.png" class="media" src="http://buzz.computer.free.fr/public/.256in1-Pcb_m.png" />
<figcaption> </figcaption>
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<p><strong>Version 07/05/2014</strong></p>
<p>Few months ago, I finished a new cartridge for the Atari 2600/7800.</p>
<p>This piece of hardware can be seen as a huge cartridge, containing up to 256 (Atari 2600) games or homebrews. Originaly, this board was made just to show something to users during a retro-gaming day (AC 2014). Because I had only one month to do it before the show, I decided to do something very simple and cheap.</p>
<p><strong>Usage and restrictions</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>This cartridge can handle 2KB and 4KB rom images only (Not banked),</li>
<li>Only Atari 2600 rom images are supported,</li>
<li>The board can be plugged-in Atari 2600, Atari Jr and Atari 7800,</li>
<li>User should select the rom image with the corresponding micro-switch position before power on.</li>
</ul>
<p>Enjoy !</p>
<p>Buzz</p>Atari 7800 Multicarturn:md5:12e6f490d89921c1a9c77f4c553c248d2016-11-03T15:44:00+01:002021-06-14T09:35:50+02:00BUZZAtari <figure style="{figureStyle}"><img alt="A7800-MultiCart.jpg" class="media" src="http://buzz.computer.free.fr/public/.A7800-MultiCart_m.jpg" />
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<p><strong>Version: 30/09/2014</strong></p>
<p>A long time ago, I have created a Multicart for the Colecovision.</p>
<p>Now, it is time to do the same for a very nice console : Atari 7800 console.</p>
<p>For the moment, only a prototype has been made and I am still debugging it. I will post the full package when all bugs are fixed.</p>
<p>Keep in touch !</p>
<p>Buzz</p>
<p> </p>FFin1 : 255 games cartridge for Atari 2600/7800urn:md5:08134273a6d7bb9d3bcb78fb6a82de8d2016-11-03T15:42:00+01:002021-06-14T09:37:40+02:00BUZZAtari <figure style="{figureStyle}"><img alt="FFin1-Pcb.png" class="media" src="http://buzz.computer.free.fr/public/.FFin1-Pcb_m.png" />
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<p><strong>Version: 30/09/2014</strong></p>
<p>Few weeks after making the 256-in-1 cartridge, my friend ZX81 and I have decided to do something better.</p>
<p>We have made a new cartridge, containing up to 255 (Atari 2600) games or homebrews</p>
<p>Instead of using micro-switches to select the rom image, a bootloader and associated electronics have been added</p>
<p>The user power-up the console, highlights the game with the joystick and press fire to launch the game</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Usage and restrictions</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>This cartridge can handle 2KB and 4KB rom images only (Not banked),</li>
<li>Only Atari 2600 rom images are supported,</li>
<li>The board can be plugged-in Atari Jr and Atari 7800,</li>
<li>Due to the form factor, the cartridge can not be inserted into the Atari 2600 slot without modification,</li>
<li>Bootloader must be inserted at the beginning of the ROM.</li>
</ul>
<p><u>Warning</u> : The bootloader is not included into the package.</p>
<p>Please go to my friend ZX81 web site to get it <a href="http://zx81.zx81.free.fr"></p>
<p>Have fun !</p>
<p>Buzz<br />
</p>Atari 2600 F8 bankswitching cartridgeurn:md5:4d0a7a40a5006f1a43fc6682fd68543a2012-12-11T22:45:00+01:002021-07-09T15:32:57+02:00BUZZAtari <p> </p>
<figure><img alt="A2600-ROM-CART-pcb.png, juin 2021" class="media" src="http://buzz.computer.free.fr/public/A2600-ROM-CART-pcb.png" /></figure>
<p>This board implements the F8 bank switching method to be used with 8K A2600 ROM files.<br />
An extra two 2-positions dip-switch is used to select a 8K portion of the 32K Eprom.<br />
This board is based on the F8 bankcswitching design: <a href="http://www94.pair.com/jsoper/bankswitch_f8.html">http://www94.pair.com/jsoper/bankswitch_f8.html</a></p>
<p><strong>Files</strong><br />
A2600-ROM.sch : Schematics (Eagle 5.0.0)<br />
A2600-ROM.brd : PCB (Eagle 5.0.0)</p>
<p><strong>Usage</strong><br />
Just 'flash' four 8ko files to the UVProm and plug-in the cartridge into the console.</p>
<p>JP1 : </p>
<ul>
<li> 1-2 : ROM is Bank-swiched for 8K ROM (F8 method)</li>
<li> 2-3 : ROM is not bank-switched. A12 is grounded to GND</li>
</ul>
<p>S1 : 1 & 2 : Used to select a 8K portion of a 32K ROM (4 slots)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The attached package contains all you need to build your own cartridge.<br />
Enjoy !</p>
<p>Buzz</p>