74 replies to this topic

[wt808]

A while ago I convinced myself that the 5200 mainboard could be reduced to the size of a game cartridge, but still using the original 40DIP ICs and DIP ROM. Last Fall, I gave it a try. Family obligations and the dread of soldering small SMT components put the project on the back burner until a couple of days ago.

It works wonderfully! The mainboard measures 88mm x 108mm and features audio line out and svideo out. Here it is in comparison with a 5200 cartridge. And with an Atarimax USB flash cartridge, shell removed, running Pac-Man off of that cartridge.

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[TheGameCollector]

This is great. With how large the original system is, I think many Atari fans would enjoy this. This board is so small, it could probably even be used for a benheck style handheld version of the 5200 as well as a tiny consolization. Maybe at last we can get some new clones of systems that haven't been cloned yet if people do things like this enough.

[toptenmaterial]

It's small than the controller!

Simply wonderful.

[TrekMD]

That is cool!

[Allan]

Very very cool! Any chance of making more? Is there any way to add more RAM to it? How about doing an 8-bit computer version since they are so similar?

Allan

[Nerf Herder73]

Very impressive!

[Atari Joe]

WOW!

That is truly incredible. Please be willing to make some more of these available for purchase!

Also, WELCOME To AtariAge!

[remowilliams]

Holy crap that's amazing! I want one!

[pboland]

WOW! That is awesome. Paired with that Atarimax USB flash cartridge, it is almost like a new Flash Back unit.

[Wickeycolumbus]

That's ridiculously cool. Any chance of you selling these in the future?

[toptenmaterial]

Wickeycolumbus, on Mon Jul 25, 2011 9:59 AM, said:

That's ridiculously cool. Any chance of you selling these in the future?

Man, if you were up to it, that's a service many people here would demand. I sure as hell can't shrink that thing down myself. You are very talented!

[Toraborakid]

wt808, on Mon Jul 25, 2011 1:26 AM, said:

A while ago I convinced myself that the 5200 mainboard could be reduced to the size of a game cartridge, but still using the original 40DIP ICs and DIP ROM. Last Fall, I gave it a try. Family obligations and the dread of soldering small SMT components put the project on the back burner until a couple of days ago.

It works wonderfully! The mainboard measures 88mm x 108mm and features audio line out and svideo out. Here it is in comparison with a 5200 cartridge. And with an Atarimax USB flash cartridge, shell removed, running Pac-Man off of that cartridge.

AWESOME, simply AWESOME great work..

so besides to usuaol questions of if you are going to sell these (which i hope you will btw).

Have you ever considered other mounts for the board such as a 7800 case or one of the flashback cases?

or better yet, mounting this inside of the 5200 trackball controller?

and last but not least, Since your so awesome at making this, would you ever make a colecovision version of this PCB?

[tz101]

You now have the highest rep points to postings ratio of anyone in AA history.

[doctorclu]

Bravo!!!

Could have taken that to Kuwait with me. Currently Atari-less.

[svenski]

Amazing, simply amazing!

[toptenmaterial]

doctorclu, on Mon Jul 25, 2011 11:10 AM, said:

Bravo!!!

Could have taken that to Kuwait with me. Currently Atari-less.

Are you military? The troops would have LOVED that, especially your older commanders! I can picture limitless fun on base with that beast.

[Cebus Capucinis]

AMAZING! Absolutely fantastic! I hope there is a cool way to make a 5200 handheld out of this! COULD BE SO NICE!

[Cafeman]

But ... where is the bay to store my controllers?

Seriously, that is very cool and the S-video-out really is a sweet extra.

[wood_jl]

Sheer genius.

(edit: Ditto the suggestion for Atari 8-bit computer version)

Edited by wood_jl, Mon Jul 25, 2011 1:22 PM.

[jetset]

My amazement never ceases at this place. Truly awesome. I'm afraid to make the simplest adjustment to my 5200. I can't imagine the knowledge (and patience) to accomplish something like that.

You sir, are the shiz.

[Jr. Pac]

Awesome!!! If it gets turned into a real product for purchase and is compayible with carts, I'll take one (or if there are mini carts for it)!

[sgrddy]

When can I buy this?

[Allan]

Maybe you could mount it into some kind of Atari case. Maybe 1030 Modem or something. I do like the 5200 Trackball idea as well. There would have to be some kind of external switch for using the joysticks though.

Allan

[1980gamer]

Sign me up! I'll take one too!

This will fit in 2600 Jr. or 7800.

You could put 7800 and 5200 in one case with the same s-video and sound.... It would be a slice of heaven!

Great job.

[Shawn Sr.]

I tried to send a PM asking to buy one of these but it seems the OP has his PM's disabled.
If your reading this wt808 please message me with any info about how to purchase one of these
mini 5200's from you or even just a PCB that I could populate myself.