Task: Listen to ANTIC – The Atari 8-Bit Podcast Needed: Web browser or podcast app Time: 1-2 hours Introduction There is so much to learn about Atari home computers. This is a lifetime hobby that never grows old. There is endless material in retro magazines,
Read moreInstall the Altirra Emulator (10-15 mins)
Task: Install the Altirra Emulator Needed: PC running Windows Time: 10-15 mins Introduction I very much enjoy running software on original Atari home computer hardware. However, it is also nice from time to time to be able to run something on my Windows-based PC. This
Read moreJoin Atari Age (5-10 mins)
Task: Join Atari Age Needed: Web browser Time: 5-10 mins Introduction As I have rediscovered my love for Atari home computers and video game systems I have found Atari Age to be a great place to participate in and learn from the community of enthusiasts
Read moreEnter a Retro Challenge (1 month)
Task: Participate in a retro challenge Needed: An Atari home computer and materials for the specific project Time: One month Introduction The Retro Challenge started in 2016 as an outlet for retrocomputing enthusiasts to enjoy their hobby. The goal is to start a project with
Read moreEaster Eggs (15-60 mins)
Task: Find easter eggs in several Atari home computer games Needed: Dig Dug and/or Donkey Kong cartridges Time: 15-60 minutes Introduction There are several Atari home computer games that have easter eggs left by the programmers. I have listed two of these here that I
Read morePurge Dangerous Power Supplies (15-60 mins)
Task: Identify and remove dangerous Atari power supply units and label the safe ones Needed: Labels and pen Time: 15-60 mins Introduction If you are like me and have a number of different Atari home computer models and peripherals then you also have a large
Read moreClean an 810/1050 Disk Drive Head (10-15 min)
Task: clean an Atari 810/1050 disk drive head Needed: Phillips-head screwdriver, Q-tip, alcohol Time: 10-15 minutes Introduction I started out back in the early 80s with an Atari 400 computer and a 410 cassette recorder for storing programs. Working with the 410 was tedious and
Read morePurchase an Atari 8-Bit Computer (1-2 hours)
Task: Purchase an Atari 8-Bit Computer Needed: $ Time: 1-2 hours (or longer) Introduction If you are reading this website it is very likely that you already have one or more Atari 8-bit computers. However, if you don’t own an Atari and would like to
Read more