Path: utzoo!attcan!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!gem.mps.ohio-state.edu!ginosko!uunet!microsoft!w-darekm From: w-darekm@microsoft.UUCP (Darek Mihocka) Newsgroups: comp.sys.atari.8bit Subject: Re: Emulating an Atari 8-bit Message-ID: <7827@microsoft.UUCP> Date: 25 Sep 89 17:22:05 GMT References: <1274@xyzzy.UUCP> <22445@cup.portal.com> Reply-To: w-darekm@microsoft.UUCP (Darek Mihocka) Organization: Microsoft Corp., Redmond WA Lines: 85 In article <22445@cup.portal.com> Bob_BobR_Retelle@cup.portal.com writes: >Victor Kan asks about writing an Atari 8-bit computer emulator (simulator).. > >The person to talk to would be Darek Mihocka. He's written a highly >successful 8-bit emulator that runs on the Atari ST. Unfortunately I don't >think he reads the 8-bit newsgroup, but he's active on the ST newsgroup, >as well as all of the major national information services. > >I'm afraid I don't know his e-mail address on UseNet, but I'm sure a message >in the ST newsgroup will catch his attention... > >BobR Yes, I am here on Usenet. Victor (and all others interested), The ST Xformer is an Atari 800/800XL/130XE emulator that has been in the public domain for 2 years now. I recently released the 130XE emulator into the public domain, and it is up on services like Compuserve, GEnie, Delphi, and most Atari bulletin boards. Due to the huge size of the ARCed files, I am not going to attempt to upload it here. The full ST Xformer package fills up an 800K disk, and I have uploaded several more megabytes of Xformer-ready 8-bit software to those same services. For the last year, ST Xformer was a shareware program, and for a $20 donation I would send the user the latest version of the software, and a user's manual, and provide almost free updates (and there have been many). Also available, not from me, is the ST Xformer Cable, which allows almost any 8-bit disk drive and printer to connect directly to the ST, so that 8-bit disks can be used on the ST. The Xformer cable is available from dealers, BEST Electronics, BRE software, or directly from Innovative Concepts, 31172 Shawn Drive, Warren Michigan for about $20. Call them at (313)-293-0730. A few weeks ago I decided to the end the Xformer shareware offer. The software is not in the public domain, as well as source code, and anyone who still wants to get the user's manual, pinouts for the cable (to build your own), or software on a disk, can get it from me for $10, although feel free to send $20 if you want. My mailing address is: Box 2624, Station B Kitchener, Ontario N2H 6N2 Canada My phone number (evenings) is (206)-883-6770 (for the next few weeks). The reason I decided to "drop" the Xformer is because I cannot in all honesty encourage any 8-bit user to waste their money on the Atari ST. The machine was good once, but by today's standards it is a bottom of the line toy. To make matters worse, Atari has been screwing the users with their lack of support, constant vaporware announcements, and inability to actually ship a new machine after 2 years of promises. So it's up to you. I have tons of ST Xformer disks and manuals still left, but if you do not yet own an ST, DO NOT BUY IT!!!! For the same price, you can get a very good PC or AT compatible computer. That is where the future is. Heck, get a Mac. Anything but an Atari. The Tramiels have ripped off enough people as it is already. Finally, to comment on Victor's idea to emulate the Atari 8-bit on an Intel processor, go for it! The 8088 family is better suited for emulating a 6502 than a 68000, and a 286 or 386 would allow you to emulate it in real time. The biggest problems would be with the wide variety of screen cards on the PCs. You'd have to pick a graphics mode that most cards can support, while not going to the lowest 320x200 4 color mode. Also, sound would be a problem, since most PCs only have the one built in speaker. You can find the source code for ST Xformer on most boards, and if not, write to me and I can send it to you. After 9 years of owning an Atari 400, an 800XL, several 130XEs, and several STs, and watching the company go downhill because of bad management, I've had enough. I will continue to support my other ST products, since people using those would already have STs anyway, and I want to support other users. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Darek Mihocka ST Xformer II CIS: (out of order) Box 2624, Station B Quick Utilities GEnie: DAREKM Kitchener, Ontario MegaBlit SSG SPX DELPHI: DAREKM N2H 6N2 Shareware, not Vaporware BIX: darekm Canada Blitter chip sucks! CheapNet: ...!uw-beaver!microsoft!w-darekm (519)-747-0386 A mind is a terrible thing to waste, so JUST SAY NO TO TOS. Opinions expressed are my own and not those of anyone not named Darek Mihocka. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------