10 replies to this topic

[Moonpig]

After doing some research and talking to some people who offer a UK modding service, I am confused which is the best method to use.

DIY Kit
eBay Auction -- Item Number: 300592126324

When I asked another modder if he used the kits he said

“No, I didn't use that kit. I got my parts separately.
To be honest, I would never use those standard connections. I only use gold connections as they produce better quality.

The parts used for this mod are widely available, you just have to know what you are looking for. Also its cheaper than that kit.”


Are the kits better than buying the bit separately, or do they produce equally good results and I should just go with which method is cheaper?

Also are there any other kits available for a PAL Atari 2600?

Thanks

Edited by Moonpig, Thu Feb 9, 2012 3:09 AM.

[GroovyBee]

What kits are you comparing this against?

[Moonpig]

I have been offered a modding service from 2 different people, 1 uses the Kits above and the other says he buys better bits separately with gold connections, which are better and its cheaper than the kits.

So I am wondering if both these methods will produce equally good results or if in fact gold connecters will make a difference to picture sound quality.

Also if there are any other kits available?

Thank you

[GroovyBee]

Gold connectors are a small part of the equation. If you have poor quality cables from the Atari to the TV that will have a much larger effect. If you can solder you can get the parts from your local Maplins for much less than the price of a kit. The hard part is finding the right hook-up points on the PCB because most of the AV mods adapt NTSC machines. However, with a bit of searching on the forums you should be able to find the hook-up points for a PAL machine.

[atari2atari]

Moonpig, on Thu Feb 9, 2012 3:04 AM, said:

After doing some research and talking to some people who offer a UK modding service, I am confused which is the best method to use.

DIY Kit
eBay Auction -- Item Number: 300592126324

When I asked another modder if he used the kits he said

“No, I didn't use that kit. I got my parts separately.
To be honest, I would never use those standard connections. I only use gold connections as they produce better quality.

The parts used for this mod are widely available, you just have to know what you are looking for. Also its cheaper than that kit.”


Are the kits better than buying the bit separately, or do they produce equally good results and I should just go with which method is cheaper?

Also are there any other kits available for a PAL Atari 2600?

Thanks

Those kits you reference in the eBay link are Mike Pagano's mod kits and service - - he is an EXCELLENT individual to deal with and sells a very simple and effective pre-made mod kit for all models of ATARI 2600s.

I have purchased multiple mod kit units from him, and have been very pleased.

HOWEVER, from personal experience I have determined that the kits were designed primarily for NTSC units.

I think that his mod kits MIGHT work for some ATARI 2600 PAL models, but I attempted to use one on a PAL ATARI 2600 Jr and was only able to get black and white, which means it is not pulling the components from the right place. Further testing on all the known "pickup points" on the PAL board still did not produce results with that mod kit, and so I moved onto other methods.

You mileage may vary, though - - I want to stress that Mike is a VERY helpful individual and would do his best to get your system correctly set up!

You might do better sending it to him for the service, rather than buying a kit, though.


**OR, might I suggest a mod for a PAL Atari 2600 Jr system that I found on a German forum? See the attached PDF.

 Junior Atari 2600 video mod without additional board.pdf   1.53MB   49 downloads

This is very specific for a 2600 Jr, but it might be adaptable for whatever unit you are working on.

What type of ATARI 2600 are you working with? A four-switch woody or Vader, perhaps?

I am planning to implement this method myself (I was actually just laying out the parts this morning) and I will let you know how it goes. I plan to use a small board, rather than going direct to the PCB as the author seems to prefer, but that's just personal preference.

Best of luck!

-a2a

[Moonpig]

Thanks for the tips, i plan to do this to a woody or a vader, I have not decided yet.

[batari]

This is appears to be the basic transistor mod. It's not a bad mod for its simplicity, but there are far better mods out there. Using gold connectors with this kit is kind of pointless. I'd start with a better mod before I'd worry about gold.

Edit: I stand corrected. It's not even the transistor mod. It's just a bunch of resistors sloppily stacked without even a pcb. Gold connectors with this is like lipstick on a pig. Avoid!

Edited by batari, Fri Feb 10, 2012 11:47 PM.

[atari2atari]

Interesting, though, isn't it, in its simplicity?

I gave it a go yesterday on a spare unit, and despite being a pile of resistors, I was pleased with the output.

Mind you, I took it all back apart, and am considering a board for all the components, but I liked how cheap and fast it was.



As for better mods, I have ordered a few of these, which I think are great for the price - -

http://electronicsen...led%20Mods.html

I think you know this fellow, Batari? He mentioned you when I was purchasing them from him online.

Very professional, and a nice price!



The other mod units that the original poster mentioned as for sale in his first post here eBay Auction -- Item Number: 300592126324 by Mike Pagano are just these - -






Also inexpensive and effective, for a transitor mod, but for barely $10 more, you can go with the very nice pre-printed PCBs of "electronicsentimentalities" . . .


-a2a

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[batari]

I don't recommend the resistor mod. It doesn't work at all on some televisions. If it works for you, though, go with it, but don't bother with gold, that's a waste of money for this one.

The transistor mod isn't bad, though - it works on televisions that don't like the resistor mod.

I think I know the person you linked, but I'm not sure. Really, it could be anyone. My video mod is open source. The schematic and board gerber files are free. Anyone can get boards made and assemble one if they wish, or even sell them.

[atari2atari]

batari, on Sat Feb 11, 2012 12:14 AM, said:

I don't recommend the resistor mod. It doesn't work at all on some televisions. If it works for you, though, go with it, but don't bother with gold, that's a waste of money for this one.

The transistor mod isn't bad, though - it works on televisions that don't like the resistor mod.

I think I know the person you linked, but I'm not sure. Really, it could be anyone. My video mod is open source. The schematic and board gerber files are free. Anyone can get boards made and assemble one if they wish, or even sell them.

Good advice and information, thanks! I didn't know that compatibility fact about resistor versus transistor mods.

I agree on the gold - - it's a gimmick!


Ah, I figured it out, "electronicsentimentalities" is LittleJoe here on AtariAge - -

http://www.atariage....ost__p__2349210

And, looks like many people are happy with his version of your board, Batari.


Moonpig, if you are interested, it looks like his board will indeed work with PAL units - -

http://www.atariage....ost__p__2251727


Best of luck in whatever you choose! Let us know what you finally end up going with, and how it works!

-a2a

[Moonpig]

Thanks again for all the great info, i will report my results here.