ScuzzBlog: Diaries June 2017
Entry 11th June 2017: Post: 02
Atari 400
Hi
That informative video I was discussing earlier related to the Atari 400.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNf8OQaud2M
What I would give to have a rummage through Tezza's kit. Man has he got
some nice computers. Here is mine ...
http://www.scuzzscink.com/amiga/amiga_scuzz248.htm
This machine is a cut down version of the 800 with flush membrane style
surface keys like the ZX81. Released in 1979 and codenamed Candy after
one of the Atari secretaries... ( the 800 was named Colleen ) I sense a
theme here that followed certain individuals to the Amiga ( girlfriend ).
The 400 was half the price pretty much of the 800 ( $550 and $1000
respectively ). This computer does not have a video port but was
designed specifically to be used with a conventional TV.
I have two of these computers and in truth I had no idea which if either
worked. I switched on the first and whilst it powered up it showed just
a grey screen. The second however fired up the Atari memopad or what
ever its called. I then typed a whole load with the memopad and even
tried to get it to run a BASIC program but found that just didn't work.
Nor should it. The computer was most responsive and also ran PacMan
which is where I just lost myself again.
I am making sure I record which machines work and the faults if any.
Further, I do aim to keep all these computer active and test them weekly
and sometimes daily. Since I started my endeavours to check machines I
haven't had one fall over. You may recall the three A2000s with the
various issues. Well I am comforted that there couldn't have been much
wrong with them as the A2000 with the GVP is functioning no issue. The
A2000HD is working without fault as is the A2000 with the card that I
lay on its side to get it to work if you recall.
Looking very promising at the moment I have to say.
So there you go two more computers today I will add to my check list.
Atari 400 and Spectrum48K. ( Just checked the 48K and still working ..
whoo hooo !! )
scuzz
|
