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Main => Consoles => Topic started by: rchadd on June 17, 2005, 08:53:17 am

Title: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: rchadd on June 17, 2005, 08:53:17 am
http://www.classicgaming.com/features/articles/flashback2/

hackable to accept real carts too
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: Hoagie_one on June 17, 2005, 09:37:14 am
have youplayed atari today
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: JoyMonkey on June 17, 2005, 09:57:42 am
They had one at the FunSpot annual classic videogame tournament (http://www.coin-op.tv/columns/funspot05.htm) a few weeks back. Looked pretty cool; much much smaller than the old VCS.
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: grueinthebox on June 17, 2005, 11:34:48 am
I've got a stack of 4 and 6 switch 2600's in the closet, and I think one of them is non-functional...  Think I'll pick one of these up, hack it for the cart slot and install it in the original case with original switches.  Likely be more reliable than my current A/V modded 4 switcher (which doesn't like to work on some TVs).
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: ChadTower on June 17, 2005, 12:17:47 pm
have youplayed atari today

Yes, I play Atari nearly every day with my kids.  The other day we played Berzerk for probably two hours.
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: brained on June 30, 2005, 11:18:45 am
Speaking of Atari, my atari is not working, I'm only getting a black screen. Does somebody knows what it can be??
HELPPPPPPPPPPP I've bought a ton of NOS atari joysticks to sell them through ebay and now I don't have a way to test them!! :(

Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: daywane on July 05, 2005, 09:20:27 am
atari what?
2600?
400?
800?
800xl
800 xe
1200
st?

what have you tried?
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: brained on July 05, 2005, 12:09:31 pm
it's a 2600, i've only tried cleaning the connectors, only that!! :(
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: daywane on July 05, 2005, 05:37:57 pm
I would guess its your cable going to TV.
That is my first guess

if that don't fix it try opening case, give everything a real good cleaning.
I have stuck many Atari Pc's in the tub. ( I have heard other used a dish washer)

some people even dry there boards in the oven. low heat! like 100 degree

this should help.

If it was the 8 bit PC I could have been more help.
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: brained on July 07, 2005, 11:56:01 am
I've already did the cleaning thing, BTW it was really clean inside... and still no luck :(
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: daywane on July 09, 2005, 09:23:19 am
best I can say is try a new cord going to the tv.
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: brained on July 11, 2005, 12:06:49 pm
It's sending data to the TV, 'cause when I switch to channel 3 and I turn on the Atari I get a Black Screen!!  :'(
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: JoyMonkey on July 11, 2005, 05:23:17 pm
Did you blow into the cartridge? That's as far as my console troubleshooting goes  ;)
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: daywane on July 12, 2005, 08:02:49 am
a pencil eraser will clean the carts. if that is the problem.
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: ferrarimanf355 on July 12, 2005, 01:02:02 pm
I'm tempted to get one of these and put it on display next to the Xbox 360 I have on order. Old school meets new school...  :angel:
And the price is only $30, according to Gamestop...
http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=322166
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: missioncontrol on July 30, 2005, 09:47:52 pm
I wish they would hurry up and get these on the shelves........

I can't wait to take one apart........

have youplayed atari today

yep, I got my 2600 right in my computer room.........

I play it reguarly  ;D 8)
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2 - cart hack
Post by: RecycledPast on August 04, 2005, 11:18:21 am
Here's a link to a hack to use cartridges
http://www.atarimuseum.com/fb2hacks/index.htm

The site might be getting slammed since the link is getting posted all around.  I found the link at http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000860053083/
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: Level42 on August 05, 2005, 03:39:24 pm
Geeeezzzz and I thought they would make it EASY to hack ???
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: geomartin on August 06, 2005, 02:11:56 am
Holy crap Bat Man, thats alot of work just to play 2600 carts.  I can find an Atari 2600 with games and multiple paddles/joysticks for less than the Flashback console and mod equipment.  Check your local flea markets
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: Level42 on August 08, 2005, 04:34:45 pm
Yeah, when I read that they would make it hackable and even that they would make indications on the PCB, I at least thought they would include soldering islands to solder in a connector, and away you go....but this sounds insane to me....
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: jhanson on August 13, 2005, 02:24:16 pm
Yeah, that's a bit much.  I've got an old Atari 2600 Jr clone around here somewhere that accepts cartridges and has 32 built in games.  I'll have to dig it out sometime and list it on the B/S/T forum.
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: USSEnterprise on August 13, 2005, 05:06:59 pm
One day I want to pick up a 2600, stick a m-ITX pc in the case, and run Stella on it. Would be cool.
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: USSEnterprise on August 14, 2005, 12:09:03 am
Then you could hack apart a cartridge, replace the original media with a flash card, and have it plug into the cartridge slot like a normal cartridge.
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: missioncontrol on August 14, 2005, 03:28:23 pm
One day I want to pick up a 2600, stick a m-ITX pc in the case, and run Stella on it. Would be cool.

there's a tutorial on how to do it in this book:

Game Console Hacking (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1931836310/104-1266470-0368703?v=glance)
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: Havok on August 15, 2005, 12:21:00 am
I wish they would hurry up and get these on the shelves........

I can't wait to take one apart........

have youplayed atari today

yep, I got my 2600 right in my computer room.........

I play it reguarly  ;D 8)

Coming soon - August 23rd!!!

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?dest=9999999997&product_id=3942996&sourceid=1500000000000001547870
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: Havok on August 15, 2005, 12:22:16 am
Holy crap Bat Man, thats alot of work just to play 2600 carts.  I can find an Atari 2600 with games and multiple paddles/joysticks for less than the Flashback console and mod equipment.  Check your local flea markets

But it won't be new - could die any day...
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: geomartin on August 15, 2005, 01:19:22 am
At $29.82, I'm sure they used the finest quality electronic parts in the Atari Flashback 2 ::)  I will take the original any day.  Just to make sure, I have 4 Atari 2600's in my stockpile ;D
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: missioncontrol on August 16, 2005, 01:17:48 pm

Coming soon - August 23rd!!!

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?dest=9999999997&product_id=3942996&sourceid=1500000000000001547870


yes 2 days after my birthday............ guess that'll be my present to myself...........
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: MameMaster! on August 17, 2005, 05:46:25 pm
holy cow!....I thought for "fun" I would try my hand at a hack for once.....sigh. That's WAY too complicated!!!

But I'll buy one for sure.

Even though we have amazing modern gaming machines that can outdo anything an Atari did...it's still really cool to see an entire Atari 2600 with 40 games essentially on a chip.

Neat!

MameMaster!
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: Stingray on August 18, 2005, 12:54:18 pm
Looks pretty easy to me. I'm pretty sure I'll be able to do it in an evening in front of the TV. I'm really looking forward to this thing coming out. I may actually build that VCSp that I keep thinking about.

-S
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: JoyMonkey on August 23, 2005, 01:21:49 pm
Oooh! It's on sale as of today! Where else other than WalMart carries it? I'm part of the union boycott so couldn't shop there even if I wanted to.

Edit: Looks like CompUSA is also selling them, but their not in stock anywhere yet.
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: Havok on August 23, 2005, 06:05:29 pm
Oooh! It's on sale as of today! Where else other than WalMart carries it? I'm part of the union boycott so couldn't shop there even if I wanted to.

Edit: Looks like CompUSA is also selling them, but their not in stock anywhere yet.

Lots of places will be carrying this:

Best Buy, Best Buy Canada, Blockbuster Canada, BMG Direct, Canadian Tire, Circuit City, Columbia House, CompUSA, Inc., EB Games Canada, Fred Meyer Inc, Fry's Electronics, Inc, Future Shop, Gamestop, Hastings Book Music Video, HEB, Hollywood Video, J&R Music World, Jumbo Video, Kmart, Loblaws, London Drugs, Macy's, Meijer, Inc., Micro Center, Movie Gallery, QVC, Real Canadian Superstore, Royal Electronics, Sears, Shopko Stores Inc., Staples, Target, The Musicland Group, Toys R Us, Transworld Music, Videotron, Walmart, Zellers

Take your pick!
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: JoyMonkey on August 23, 2005, 08:09:32 pm
None of them have it today though  :-[
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: Hoagie_one on August 24, 2005, 09:15:41 am
walmart only had one the other day
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: Stingray on August 24, 2005, 02:51:07 pm
I haven't seen one on the shelves yet. I'll probably wait for the inevitable post-xmas price drop before I buy one or two of them.

-S
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: Havok on August 24, 2005, 10:52:18 pm
Just got an update from Atari - there was a batch of units that had a defect in the sound chip, (I believe they actually used an incorrect model) so they have delayed shipping to get it fixed. If you buy one now (from Wal-mart), you will have the defective sound unit. The new release date is by 10/5, so we'll just have to wait...
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: missioncontrol on August 27, 2005, 08:08:02 pm
Just got an update from Atari - there was a batch of units that had a defect in the sound chip, (I believe they actually used an incorrect model) so they have delayed shipping to get it fixed. If you buy one now (from Wal-mart), you will have the defective sound unit. The new release date is by 10/5, so we'll just have to wait...


I wait waiting.......
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: JoyMonkey on September 02, 2005, 07:33:19 pm
My very thoughtful wife just gave me a Flashback2! It works great (apart from Millipede which has vertical screen roll) and the joysticks are spot on! Now I can't get her to stop playing River Raid.
No problems with the sound chip as far as I can tell.
I haven't opened it up to see if there's space on the pcb to add the cartridge slot, but all in good time...

 ;D

Edit: Yep, this one does have the sound problem (no voice sounds in Quantum).

Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: JoyMonkey on September 02, 2005, 08:28:32 pm
Okay, curiosity got the better of me; I took it apart to see if the rumours of a possible edge-connector addition were true. There seems to be some kind of strange array of 14 large mirrored connections; this thing screams "edge connector", but I was picturing a set of 24 connectors. A litle more investigation will need to be done. There's a million threads on adding a cartidge slot over on AtariAge, better have a gander over there.

Here's some photo's of its innards (click for a big photo)...

(http://www.joymonkey.com/misc/flashback2/t-assembeled.jpg) (http://www.joymonkey.com/misc/flashback2/assembeled.jpg)
(http://www.joymonkey.com/misc/flashback2/t-guts3.jpg) (http://www.joymonkey.com/misc/flashback2/guts3.jpg)
(http://www.joymonkey.com/misc/flashback2/t-guts1.jpg) (http://www.joymonkey.com/misc/flashback2/guts1.jpg)
(http://www.joymonkey.com/misc/flashback2/t-guts2.jpg) (http://www.joymonkey.com/misc/flashback2/guts2.jpg)
(http://www.joymonkey.com/misc/flashback2/t-pcb1.jpg) (http://www.joymonkey.com/misc/flashback2/pcb1.jpg)
(http://www.joymonkey.com/misc/flashback2/t-pcb2.jpg) (http://www.joymonkey.com/misc/flashback2/pcb2.jpg)
(http://www.joymonkey.com/misc/flashback2/t-connector.jpg) (http://www.joymonkey.com/misc/flashback2/connector.jpg)

Edit: For anyone wondering, here's a guide to adding a cartridge slot (http://www.atarimuseum.com/fb2hacks/index.htm).

Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: Scott84 on September 02, 2005, 09:51:23 pm
That seems sooo complicated to do that. My atari 2600 and its cartridges shall stay tucked away in my closet for the next while to come.
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: missioncontrol on September 06, 2005, 02:18:07 pm
That seems sooo complicated to do that. My atari 2600 and its cartridges shall stay tucked away in my closet for the next while to come.

come out of the closet man....
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: Stingray on September 06, 2005, 02:58:48 pm
Wow, the board really is tiny isn't it? I saw on eof these in a store over the weekend. I was tempted, but I kept my resolve to not buy one until they get cheaper.

-S
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: JoyMonkey on September 06, 2005, 03:37:27 pm
Wow, the board really is tiny isn't it? I saw on eof these in a store over the weekend. I was tempted, but I kept my resolve to not buy one until they get cheaper.

-S

Cheaper than $30? Wow, I thought I was tight.   :P
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: Stingray on September 07, 2005, 10:40:09 am
Why pay $30 for one now when the same thing will probably be $15ish after xmas? I've already got four real 2600s.

-S
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: Pik4chu on September 07, 2005, 05:34:09 pm
that is kind of a letdown.  All that soldering just so I can play my big box of games because my atari's stopped working a while ago.

Im not all that good at soldering, and it would be cool.  maybe after I get my next few cab projects done.

But also, look on the bright side. atleast its only a 24pin slot.  Not like your trying to splice a JAMMA harness/board in there or something :P
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: Stingray on September 08, 2005, 10:06:54 am
If you really just want to play your old games again, jump on ebay and buy yourself a real 2600. You can buy a Junior any day of the week for less than a FB2.

-S
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: missioncontrol on September 11, 2005, 10:46:28 am
everytime I go into wal-mart or any other store with a toy section, I allways head state for the toy section to see if they have them yet........
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: Havok on September 11, 2005, 01:02:23 pm
If you really just want to play your old games again, jump on ebay and buy yourself a real 2600. You can buy a Junior any day of the week for less than a FB2.

-S

But you get two brand new controllers, which will work with the old 2600s as well. Besides - it's so tiny!

 ;D
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: Stingray on September 12, 2005, 11:10:31 am
Controllers? This is BYOAC. I built my own 2600 controller (http://www.stingraysmadness.com/index.php?module=photoalbum&PHPWS_Album_id=14&PHPWS_Photo_op=view&PHPWS_Photo_id=117). Didn't you?

-S
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: Havok on September 12, 2005, 01:41:31 pm
Controllers? This is BYOAC. I built my own 2600 controller (http://www.stingraysmadness.com/index.php?module=photoalbum&PHPWS_Album_id=14&PHPWS_Photo_op=view&PHPWS_Photo_id=117). Didn't you?

-S

Nah - I only rebuilt them, which should also count!

Besides, yours is only good for actually using if it duplicates the cramping in the hand that you get from playing too much...

 :laugh:
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: Stingray on September 12, 2005, 02:02:29 pm
Sadly, that feature could not be implimented in this version. ;)

-S
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: Pik4chu on September 12, 2005, 03:53:33 pm
Sadly, that feature could not be implimented in this version. ;)

-S

nothing a little reworking wouldn't fix.  Just replace the balltop with a mini-stick,the button with a mini, make the box smaller and you will be getting those Hand Cramps
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: Level42 on September 13, 2005, 12:55:47 pm
If you really just want to play your old games again, jump on ebay and buy yourself a real 2600. You can buy a Junior any day of the week for less than a FB2.

-S

But you get two brand new controllers, which will work with the old 2600s as well. Besides - it's so tiny!

 ;D
Wow, 2 brand new, most awkward, flimsy, clumsy, wrist-paining controllers ever made that break exactly after the 6 month warranty expired. Good thing we now have 2 years warrant by law in Europe ;)
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: MajorLag on September 16, 2005, 03:00:24 am
*cough* somebody could probably make a tidy profit selling pre-moded AF2s *cough*

I know I'd buy one.
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: missioncontrol on September 16, 2005, 11:49:25 am
most people here will wait till they are on sail then b y o
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: missioncontrol on September 27, 2005, 11:48:09 am
Someone claiming to be on the Flashback 2 Engineering Team posted in the Atari Flashback thread on the main page....

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=43443.msg406763#msg406763


edit by moderator: direct link to message
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: Stingray on September 27, 2005, 12:20:25 pm
I'm pretty sure he's on the level. I know that Curt Vendel is involved with the FB2 design.

-S
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: missioncontrol on September 29, 2005, 11:47:53 am
yeah I've been keeping up with that thread alot of interesting things in the works.......

I just wanted to point it out here incase someone missed it.....
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: missioncontrol on October 09, 2005, 08:34:17 am
The new release date is by 10/5, so we'll just have to wait...

I still havn't seen one in the stores yet  :(
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: Stingray on October 10, 2005, 10:49:49 am
I have, but IMO, they're still too much. If you you really want one I can pick one up for you if you like.

-S
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: daywane on October 11, 2005, 10:06:42 am
ok , who is this guy? I have seen his case mods on teck TV screen savers.
now look at what he is doing to the flash back
http://mods.xkill.net/redir_minimame.html
if this don't take you to the flash back hit his current project.
man! his PC case mods and his skills at molds make me SICK. I am so green I am just going to bed.
Title: Re: Atari 2600 Flashback 2
Post by: missioncontrol on October 11, 2005, 08:41:11 pm
I have, but IMO, they're still too much. If you you really want one I can pick one up for you if you like.

-S

I'll just wait it out. but thanks anyway.........