Messages

all current development efforts are now available on our facebook website.

all current development efforts are now available on our facebook website.

all current development efforts are now available on our facebook website.

all current development efforts are now available on our facebook website.

all current development efforts are now available on our facebook website.

Assembled all mainboards with the mod and all of them passed the verification beside one which seems to have some glitching issues with the power switch (if you move them left/right the console resets). So I will replace them today with a new one. I will also complete the housings and boxes so the consoles are finished by end of week.

Nunchuk and power supplies arrived....

I just updated the Atari 2600 Junior Value Line Edition with a glossy brezel which looks closer to the original Irish version of the console. There are also plannings to offer more advanced mods for that type of console as it sold very strong in the past. It is the cheapest solution getting latest state of the art mod's for Atari 2600 games.


Front: Value Line 2015 version, in the back original Atari Irish version

Due to broken SMD chips the EX Mod is delayed. We ordered a new batch which arrived yesterday. Meanwhile we are in production of the Atari 2600 Junior White Edition (limited to 10 consoles). A special version of the Junior console painted in white color with silver brezel, silver function keys in a nice box with power supply, games and Nunchuk controller. AV Plus composite video SCART output, simple stereo mod (without surround).



EX Mod completion starts just after delivery of the White Edition.  All pre-orders are still valid.

The mod board is now fully assembled and all cables attached. Pre-test of board already done.



The picture outlines the board prior molding. The firmware for the MCU (for stereo algorithm) was installed and next step is to use synthetic resin to integrate the PCB into the molding housing. Inside the molding housing is a metal plate which also shields the PCB. Finally there is no further installation needed as the mod is simple attached to the console shielding. A clean installation method which also prevents any shortcuts or cable bending.
 

yesterday a new batch of SMD chips arrived so testing continues soon. I also investigated the audio problem and found a possible solution. this project has top priority after the Atari 2600 White Edition.

To simplify production and time spent to alter existing Nunchuk controllers I bought the right parts on local electronic shop to shorten migration process.  I also sorted out the quickshot controllers for cable transplant.

I've 3 big boxes full of Quickshort controllers, half of them are heavily broken specially the model I and II from early days. So they are perfect candidates for cables.

Completed the preparation of the mainboards. The stereo on/off switch is now ready, the boards repaired/completed and passed extensively testing.

As I only use consoles having heavy scratches or broken housings for such projects (preserves good one) I noticed the available number of those consoles went quickly down. I currently own more "like brand new" Junior consoles with silver protection having not one scratch. I also found some very rare types which are fully socket for all custom chips having numbers on each component - so those will be kept as well. I currently count 4 consoles with sockets. Having sockets is nice as you are able to easily repair such console without dealing with a solder iron. Whereas replacing custom chips on dual layer PCB's is not fun specially if those having up to 24 pins. . Seems I must spent some time to repair them even it is economically not worth (a TIA chip is about $8, an used console $5-$10 plus spent time for repair).

Nunchuk controllers and power supplies have not arrived yet. So next step is to integrate the mod boards and run a burn in test to ensure all is working.
 

 

On weekend I completed the boxes as printer service delivered in time. The painting of the housings and the simple stereo/AV plus PCB boards are completed. The scart connectors are also pre-soldered. Finally I must wait for the new power supplies (as we only deliver 5V power supplies I run out of stock of the rare 9V type) and the Nunchuk controllers.

Certificate and manual will be created and the mainboards fitted with the mod soon. The mod will be moulded in a special plastique housing. So if all went fine all consoles will be ready end of week.

it is not a kit. We can't sell kits as this is against local and foreign regulations. As a company you can't start soldering or selling without following rules. For example we can't offer our famous Coleco Powersupply in the US as an import require having a local representative. Else we risk that the item is dumped during import inspection and we are blocked for further business.

Same for PCB's. We can't offer locally or in other countries as it require in having a certificate which is of course expensive. So we must follow the legal way and delivering internally.

The upcoming mod might allow playing NTSC games on PAL consoles as the chipset support that feature. The HDMI mod will definitely allow that but may require - depending on console - alternate source clocks (for example on Atari 7800).

Always look forward to seeing your new mods but not sure about this one.

I don't doubt it works as it should but I couldn't imagine playing any games with it.
I don't mind using a Megadrive pad with my Atari but it really needs a joystick IMHO.

Also, mixing one of my favourite consoles of all time with a controller from the least favourite.......

Well the nunchuk might not be the answer for all games, like quickshot for decathlon. But it is a cheap and easy solution which might be a good choice for some genre of games. As you still have the option to use another one this is the way to go if not comfortable with it.

We also offer cx24 in black and wood design, cx78 in black/silver style, cx40 with golden/ silver design. All fully refurbished and technically enhanced. The nunchuk is another option which perfectly works specially for horizontal shooters like space invaders, deamon attack, centipede. It's also great on decathlon but might fail on pitfall or pole position. Currently it is bundeled with the white edition of an atari 2600 only.