7 replies to this topic

[GhaleonsDeadMyFriend]

Hello friends,

I know very little about programming, especially Atari boards, so I wanted to turn to you folks (the experts) for the tough questions. I have a few dozen "E.T." 2600 cartridges that, if possible, I'd like to modify internally. When you pop the game into the console and turn it on, instead of being able to play the game, you are greeted with a full-screen static image with a sound 'clip' playing in the background on loop. Ideally that's all I'd like the game to do, nothing else.

Is this possible, and how hard would it be? If so, would anyone be willing to work with me? What kind of work would it involve (parts, welding, etc.)? I will be glad to provide payment for your services if the price is reasonable.

Thank you all for your time.

Edited by GhaleonsDeadMyFriend, Thu Oct 14, 2010 8:37 AM.

[GroovyBee]

You should be able to do this in batari Basic. However, it ultimately depends on the colour depth and size of the bitmap.

[Random Terrain]

You could make a tune yourself using batari basic and Visual batari Basic:

http://www.randomter...c-commands.html

http://www.randomter...-basic-vbb.html


And you should be able to create something that looks pretty good using the Titlescreen Kernel. Once you have it looking and sounding the way you want, you could have cartridges made.


[Oops, I see that GroovyBee beat me to it.]

Edited by Random Terrain, Thu Oct 14, 2010 8:53 AM.

[GhaleonsDeadMyFriend]

Random Terrain, on Thu Oct 14, 2010 8:48 AM, said:

You could make a tune yourself using batari basic and Visual batari Basic:

http://www.randomter...c-commands.html

http://www.randomter...-basic-vbb.html


And you should be able to create something that looks pretty good using the Titlescreen Kernel. Once you have it looking and sounding the way you want, you could have cartridges made.


[Oops, I see that GroovyBee beat me to it.]

That looks very, very doable for me. I see no problem with me handling that (assuming I can add the sound clip myself with no hiccups), but I worry about the "cartridges made" part. What's involved once I have programmed it? I assume some sort of physical modification is necessary by an experienced Atari guy/gal?

[Random Terrain]

GhaleonsDeadMyFriend, on Thu Oct 14, 2010 9:08 AM, said:

. . . but I worry about the "cartridges made" part. What's involved once I have programmed it? I assume some sort of physical modification is necessary by an experienced Atari guy/gal?

I think there are some people around here who can make cartridges for you. If you only need it for personal use, you can buy a Harmony Cartridge and put your own programs on it or any of your favorite classic Atari 2600 games:

http://www.randomter...ds.html#harmony

[GhaleonsDeadMyFriend]

Random Terrain, on Thu Oct 14, 2010 9:58 AM, said:

GhaleonsDeadMyFriend, on Thu Oct 14, 2010 9:08 AM, said:

. . . but I worry about the "cartridges made" part. What's involved once I have programmed it? I assume some sort of physical modification is necessary by an experienced Atari guy/gal?

I think there are some people around here who can make cartridges for you. If you only need it for personal use, you can buy a Harmony Cartridge and put your own programs on it or any of your favorite classic Atari 2600 games:

http://www.randomter...ds.html#harmony

Woah! Harmony looks awesome. Seems so easy to use. That's cool and all for personal use, but the goal is to make a few dozen copies and sell them, so that's why I am offering to pay for the labor.

[GroovyBee]

Custom 2600 cart from the AA store :-

http://atariage.com/...ct_detail&p=949

As RT said, there are people on the board who can make a run of carts for you too.

[GhaleonsDeadMyFriend]

GroovyBee, on Thu Oct 14, 2010 10:57 AM, said:

Custom 2600 cart from the AA store :-

http://atariage.com/...ct_detail&p=949

As RT said, there are people on the board who can make a run of carts for you too.

Thanks for the link. I've created the artwork and the printing of the labels is covered already, I'm just going to slap them on top of the old E.T. carts (after removing the original labels, of course). I suppose that leaves the act of transferring the binary to the board. Does anyone know if I can reuse these original E.T. boards or do new ones have to be purchased?

At least I have a starting point, that AA store service appears like it would still accommodate the binary side of things exclusively. Although if there is someone here who wants to pick up the job I'll be more than happy to hear a proposal.