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Main => Project Announcements => Topic started by: degenatrons on June 17, 2013, 08:15:57 pm

Title: Convert Atari 2600 to multi-console (Android 2600:Part 3) - with video
Post by: degenatrons on June 17, 2013, 08:15:57 pm
Part 3 of the Android 2600 project (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,132935.msg1367494.html#msg1367494)

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:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNJ2lWi7jrc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNJ2lWi7jrc#ws)

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

(http://i.imgur.com/pFK5AkWl.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/peXw4oVl.jpg)

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

(http://i.imgur.com/66MNNlnl.jpg)

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

(http://i.imgur.com/g1YRZ5zl.jpg)

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
Title: Re: Convert Atari 2600 to multi-console (Android 2600:Part 3) - with VIDEO
Post by: Skivt68 on June 17, 2013, 09:25:07 pm
Very cool idea!  I'm looking forward to seeing how this project progresses.
Title: Re: Convert Atari 2600 to multi-console (Android 2600:Part 3) - with video
Post by: mgb on June 17, 2013, 11:10:28 pm
This is a neat project.
Looking forward to the progress.
Title: Re: Convert Atari 2600 to multi-console (Android 2600:Part 3) - with video
Post by: Superfrog on June 18, 2013, 05:26:31 pm
 :notworthy:
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  :cheers:

Keep them coming  :applaud:
Title: Re: Convert Atari 2600 to multi-console (Android 2600:Part 3) - with video
Post by: mcseforsale on June 19, 2013, 12:55:08 pm
Hmmm...I got an old colecovision hanging around.

AJ
Title: Re: Convert Atari 2600 to multi-console (Android 2600:Part 3) - with video
Post by: degenatrons on June 21, 2013, 05:03:26 am
:notworthy:
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  :cheers:

Keep them coming  :applaud:
I'm honoured to receive praise from such a fine arcade builder.  You're the man/frog Superfrog  :cheers:  BTW You made me get into playing Popeye again!
Title: Convert Atari 2600 to multi-console (Android 2600:Part 3) - with video
Post by: thefox on June 21, 2013, 05:20:16 am
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. 

Title: Re: Convert Atari 2600 to multi-console (Android 2600:Part 3) - with video
Post by: SlammedNiss on June 21, 2013, 09:00:47 am
Do you happen to still have the cartridge slot?
Title: Re: Convert Atari 2600 to multi-console (Android 2600:Part 3) - with video
Post by: Superfrog on June 21, 2013, 11:47:00 am
BTW You made me get into playing Popeye again!


 :laugh2: Thanks,

That's the nice thing of hanging around on fora  :cheers: 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  :censored:

Greetings

Title: Re: Convert Atari 2600 to multi-console (Android 2600:Part 3) - with video
Post by: PL1 on June 21, 2013, 12:52:32 pm
Do you happen to still have the cartridge slot?

If not, Best Electronics (http://www.best-electronics-ca.com/2600_Tech_Tips.htm#based) has tons of Atari parts including cartridge slot connectors.


Scott
Title: Re: Convert Atari 2600 to multi-console (Android 2600:Part 3) - with video
Post by: degenatrons on June 21, 2013, 12:58:04 pm
Do you happen to still have the cartridge slot?
Sorry,  cartridge slot was damaged and I broke it some more during removal  :-[
Title: Re: Convert Atari 2600 to multi-console (Android 2600:Part 3) - with video
Post by: degenatrons on June 26, 2013, 07:50:24 pm
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. 
(http://t.imgbox.com/acsedyGN.jpg)

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.

(http://t.imgbox.com/ablBfYmi.jpg)
(http://t.imgbox.com/acqGL4d5.jpg)
(http://t.imgbox.com/abwe4NWi.jpg)

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.

(http://t.imgbox.com/acu9jzfW.jpg)
(http://t.imgbox.com/acma2WaI.jpg)

I cut traces on the PCB to prevent the old circuit from receiving power.
(http://t.imgbox.com/abwbP9ki.jpg)

I connected the mini USB to the Android stick.
(http://t.imgbox.com/abnOnRd3.jpg)

Powered up and working  ;D

Title: Re: Convert Atari 2600 to multi-console (Android 2600:Part 3) - with video
Post by: ark_ader on June 30, 2013, 08:55:12 pm
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!  :applaud: