Convert Atari 2600 to multi-console (Android 2600:Part 3) - with video

[degenatrons]

Part 3 of the Android 2600 project

I bought a broken Atari 2600 VCS on ebay.  The plan is to mod it to house an Android based multi-console system.

I made a start with fitting HDMI out and have replaced the cartridge slot with USB and SD card slots.

Check out progress in this video:



The USB hub fits nicely into the cartridge slot and the USB plugs are visible after cutting the PCB hole




I made a sticker for the SD card adaptor to make it look like an Atari game cartridge:



The HDMI socket is secured with screws and I use washers to elevate slightly to fit dead centre of the hole.



Parts used:
StarTech 3 ft Standard HDMI Cable for Panel Mount - F/M - from ebay
USB Hub 4 Ports + SD Card Reader Slot for SONY PS3 SLIM - from ebay

[Skivt68]

Very cool idea!  I'm looking forward to seeing how this project progresses.

[mgb]

This is a neat project.
Looking forward to the progress.

[Superfrog]

 
You come with some fine new ideas all the time.....
Fun projects that sometimes pops in your head once a while, and comes along, and see the daylight at Degenatrons 

Keep them coming 

[mcseforsale]

Hmmm...I got an old colecovision hanging around.

AJ

[degenatrons]

You come with some fine new ideas all the time.....
Fun projects that sometimes pops in your head once a while, and comes along, and see the daylight at Degenatrons 

Keep them coming 

I'm honoured to receive praise from such a fine arcade builder.  You're the man/frog Superfrog    BTW You made me get into playing Popeye again!

[thefox]

What a fantastic idea ! Pure genius.

My old woody 2600 still works (guess they built'em well), but if/when it stops working, I might consider this. 

[SlammedNiss]

Do you happen to still have the cartridge slot?

[Superfrog]

BTW You made me get into playing Popeye again!

  Thanks,

That's the nice thing of hanging around on fora  everybody can read about there favorite game, build, or software thing.
I can't read all the stuff here passing by, got big eyes in the morning 

Greetings

[PL1]

Do you happen to still have the cartridge slot?

If not, Best Electronics has tons of Atari parts including cartridge slot connectors.


Scott

[degenatrons]

Do you happen to still have the cartridge slot?

Sorry,  cartridge slot was damaged and I broke it some more during removal 

[degenatrons]

I adapted the power socket on the 2600 to take 5V DC power.   Atari 2600 has a 3.5mm jack and I want to keep the original socket.

I thought that an iPod Shuffle charger would be a good start because it has 3.5mm jack. 


It didn't work though. The ground part of the jack was not big enough for the Atari socket and electrical contact was bad.  I bought a mono jack and replaced the stereo type jack.





This gave better results.  Connections are good and tested with multimetre.  So external power connection is done.
Next for the internal power.  I soldered a mini USB cable to the socket - on the underside of the PCB.




I cut traces on the PCB to prevent the old circuit from receiving power.


I connected the mini USB to the Android stick.


Powered up and working 

[ark_ader]

You should have bought one of those cheap 7" tabs or maybe one of those reversing monitors for cars for a display.

Plenty of real estate on that console.

I'm contemplating something similar but need more power.

Keep up the good work!