Task: Learn About Scanlines Using PEEK in Atari BASIC Needed: Atari BASIC Time: 5-10 minutes Introduction The Atari 8-bit computers generate the video display one horizontal line at a time, starting at the top of the screen and progressing to the bottom approximately 60 times
Read moreRepair an Atari 800XL That Does Not Boot Cartridges by Replacing the GTIA Chip (1 hour)
Task: Repair an Atari 800XL That Does Not Boot Cartridges by Replacing the GTIA Chip Needed: Working GTIA Chip, Atari 800XL, Screwdriver, Chip Lifter Time: About 1 Hour or Less Introduction I acquired a non-working Atari 800XL in 2025 that would boot to a black
Read moreAdd HDMI Video Output to Your Atari 8-Bit Computer Using the LumaCode GTIA-dizer and RGBtoHDMI Devices (15-30 mins)
Task: Add HDMI Video Output to Your Atari 8-Bit Computer Using the LumaCode GTIA-dizer and RGBtoHDMI Devices Needed: Atari 8-bit computer with GTIA chip in a socket, GTIA-dizer board, RGBtoHDMI board, Raspberry Pi Zero, microSD card Time: 15-30 minutes Disclosure: Note that as an eBay
Read moreUpgrade an Atari 400 to Composite Video with the Super Color CPU Card (1-2 hours)
Task: Upgrade an Atari 400 to Composite Video with the Super Color CPU Card Needed: Super Color CPU Card and cables, soldering iron, solder, Dremel or drill Time: 1-2 hours Introduction The Atari 400 was my first computer. It is an aesthetically pleasing computer but
Read moreTry GTIA Graphics Modes in BASIC (30-60 mins)
Task: Try GTIA Graphics Modes in BASIC Needed: BASIC Time: 30-60 mins Introduction When the Atari 400 and 800 first shipped they included the Color Television Interface Adaptor or CTIA chip that creates the signal that goes to the television for display. The CTIA is
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