Atari 8-Bit XE Game System XEGS Review, Teardown, Repair and SIDE2 Compact Flash Hard Disk Upgrade!
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- Опубліковано 16 лют 2017
- Here is a full comprehensive review, teardown and repair of the amazing Atari 8 bit XE Gamesystem XEGS.
Song: The Ghost, written and produced by myself - download available at / the-ghost
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Is it a computer or a console?
Modern Vintage Gamer yes.
I would consider it as both.
more like the function of a PC before its time in away
Plus an egg holder :-D
a consolized computer
the golden rule of electronics repair is ASAP: always start at power
I've been watching a lot of the arcade-game repair videos at Joe's Classic Video Games, and that's a point that gets hammered home hard in every video--the guy *always* starts by checking and usually refurbishing the power supply, and works forward from there.
good rule for political analysis as well
You were using the dreaded "Ingot" power supply! Never use that model, ever! I have one and have been meaning to toss it for years. The seller didn't give you the power supply that came with the XEGS originally, which was not this bastard. I know this video is years old, but everyone needs to know that this particular PSU will destroy your machine.
You need to make more videos please :) these are quality gold and you know your stuff!. Great to see another Aussie reviewer on you tube, keep up the great work and very impressed back in the xbox days with your work of emulation for the system.
Flamin' awesome. I'm with you mate, love the look of the XEGS. Got my first back in 92 and a replacement about 8 yrs ago. So thanks for going more in depth than some of these other drongos, who obviously don't do any research. So thanks again good job cheers
Great video.. The first desoldering scene went on a little to long, but otherwise I rally enjoyed it! Also, I'm curious if you actually tested the RAM chips, or just assumed they were destroyed because they were so hot?
hey thanks! i actually cut out quite a bit of it but yeah i think another 30 seconds was probably needed. I appreciate the advice.
as for the RAM, i had no way of testing them (ie no logic probe) - and its likely i fried them as soon as i plugged in the Atari PSU and powered it on - that was my mistake
it was really a process of elimination at that point. I fried the 2 original chips, replaced them and used the same Atari PSU (with +6.8v coming out of it - ugh), replaced with new chips again but with a +5v PSU and it worked.
Well, I would have tried using the existing chips after replacing the power supply. And if it still didn't work, then I would have put some new ones in. Just because they were hot is no guarantee they were damaged. In fact, if you think about it, all of the chips on the board were exposed to the high voltage spike and they still work too. Anyway, that's just what I would have done. But the important thing is you got it working!
thats a good thought, i will try that, but id bet they are as dead as doornails :) - and yeah i think i was very fortunate that nothing else died. Its amazing theres no fuse or protection anywhere on the motherboard or the psu
Modern Vintage Gamer He's asking if you tried the "fried" chips again after replacing the PSU. Unless you tried them after fixing the power issue it seems to be an assumption that they are fried. Yeah, they got really hot, but I'm still curious to know if they might still work!
yep - i will try them tonight. i doubt they will work but who knows :) ill update here
Flashing back to old vids here in ‘19 and I see you were still awesome back
In the day. Fav channel bar none
I was in love with this system when I was a kid! My neighbors got one when they came out and I NEVER left their basement :) Thanks for the memory boost dude!!!!!
One of my babysitter's had this in the 80s and I liked the 80s pastel color scheme. I played the Atari XEGS version of Mario bros and loved it. I don't remember if the XEGS had any exclusive games that were not Atari 8 bit or Atari 5200 games.
Love this system, I got one for Xmas 89. It was awesome. Only problem was that In the U.K. you couldn't get any cartridge based games where I lived.
So my dad bought a used Atari cassette player from an older model and and ton of games. It was amazing. I wish I still had it.
I had the Atari 400 computer with its membrane keyboard. I hated the keyboard but loved the little cartridge games. I particularly loved Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. You brought back so many memories of me as a kid playing it with my mom and dad. These memories are especially fond to me because not long after I lost my father to illness. Great video and thanks for rekindling those memories.
Great video and well done on the fix. I laughed out loud on the 'Hallelujah' music, well timed.
Thanks for bringing it back to life. Definitely worth celebrating.
8:43
"Then I thought about it, I never tested the voltage coining from the power supply. Maybe I should have done that first."
I remember when I was studying computer hardware and network engineering one thing my instructor always said, "start with the simple problems first, because even though you know the system inside and out, it doesn't mean it's a complicated issue." And sure enough, the more I learned the more I was tempted to try more complex solutions when about 80% of the time it was simple issues.
A few hints: When operating the desoldering gun, wiggle it. This way you'll get the solder more easily.
Also, if you first use/add some fresh solder to the pins, the old solder goes away more easily.
And thirdly, to avoid damage to the pads, make sure the chip is properly desoldered before attemting to remove it. If desoldering is done properly it falls out on its own (maybe with a little sideways nudge). If you try to pull it out, while still attached, you'll rip out a soldering pad and maybe even a line.
My grandmother had one of these. This is the first time I've seen one since 1990 or so. Those pastel buttons are seared into my memory, but I was too young to even read the labels on them.
Back in the day I was a religiously Atari computer fan only pulled to Commodore with Anita's release...great video.
I remember my father bringing one of these home. He found it somewhere, probably someone threw it out. We didn't have any cables or games for it but it was always an intriguing console because back in the 90s we had no idea how to get it running due to how much it was missing.
The diagonal joystick ports are what broke mine back in the 90s. These days soldering a new right angle DB9 would be no issue. But in the 90s, I just had no ability to do that kind of stuff. I'm not proud to admit that it ended up in a landfill. 😢 -- Such a good console. Thank you for restoring this one and taking care of it. The pastel buttons are lovely. 🙂
Very nice overview and repair. I have a 130XE, 800XL and 400 machine with slightly different solid state storage solutions and quite an avid collector of ' left ' cartridges. I have never come across the pastel tinted XE Game system in the wild.
I still have my original 800XL from 1983. I play games like Jumpman Junior and Shamus weekly! Currently using an UNOcart and love it! 👍🏻
Awesome video man. I'm always super jelly of your retro computer gear.
I was so happy when that thing fired up with an image
Great video! I had one of these back in the 80's - Just like you, we played all our consoles and used the Atari XE, With a Commodore monitor. I bought it because I thought it would be better than an NES (Atari had good commercials), When I finally bought the NES, we were all "wowed" by it (The NES). Still we got a lot of use out of it, we learned how to program a little and also ran a business with it
Thanks for the memories! I had forgotten what the XE Game system looked like.
Been watching your videos on Roku, but had to take time out to comment on this one.
It's amazing how the MOS 6502 series of chips could be found in almost everything. I read the history of that CPU a while back and how they were able to reduce cost by having better quality micro film for their production line making more successful runs of the 6502 with much less defected ones to throw out. Or at least that is what I remember reading.
Nice video, we had an Atari 800XL back in the 80s and used to love playing games like Thrust and The Goonies etc.
Amazing video bud. It is brilliant how you got that beauty working again. I wish I had your electronic repair skills. it just isn't my area of expertise. That said, the tip about checking the power supply first is fantastic. I have to get one of those Sideii cartridges for my 800 and 800XL. Great work on the machine and on the video! -- Bill
The SIDE3 is due soon and will be better than SIDE2. Also AVG-CART is fantastic too. SIDE2 is not as good but still nice.
I have no prior experience with this machine but it's starting to grow on me. Need to get myself one someday.
My only complaint is I would have liked to see more software, you edit a lot like me which makes me smile
I really want one. It’s aesthetic also appeals to me.
While I never owned an Atari XE model, that pastel asethetic reminds me of a makeup mirror my Mom had when I was a little kid back in the mid/late-80's which similarly had that pastel look... where pushing on the pastel buttons changed the color of the lights so she could see her makeup in different lighting conditions. I'm super nostalgic for that mirror and-by extension-the XE. I'd love to see other mid/late-80's products with that pastel look as well!
Great video with a valuable lesson. I hope you do a video on the Atari 8bit demoscene
Nice video had one of these in the day. Had an old Atari 400 from new and the power pack actually caught fire some years later so its worth checking power supplies if investing in retro. If you're after light gun games there was Crossbow, Barnyard Blaster and Crime Busters. The only other one was Operation Blood Made by a Polish company in 1992 a really well done game that was! Atari made some cracking hardware they had a 1st class R&D team but the lack of 3rd party software support caused its demise
Hey, MVG! I recently ran across you during your "dream of Rowan" stream on christmas eve! Didn't know you mucked around with the electronics side, too. I've got the same model of desoldering iron... I love that thing! Cheers!
I just ordered that Hakko from Amazon!! I cant wait (260$ later, I better like it more than my 8$ spring loaded solder suckers). Great video man, very cool find! this is one of the oddball consoles I always wanted to add to my collection, but haven't found a decent unit anywhere around me in CT.
I always thought socketing was a neat habit to have that would probably not help a whole lot in the long run, but you definitely proved me wrong in this video! =D
Great job, and great advice at the end there! It's lucky that none of the main chips died from the over voltage there - I guess the RAM is more susceptible to over voltage damage.
Ahh man I had an XE back in about 88 or 89? It was hard to find cartridges but man I played flight Sim on that thing for HOURS. I loved it. Also there's some trick, you hold down one of the four buttons when you power it on and it has Asteroids built in. At least mine did.
I've actually wanted one of these for a long time. I'm a Commodore devotee, but, this Atari 8-bit, to me was always one of the coolest looking systems.
Awesome. You can still get XEGS machines. They are out there! The whole line is great retro fun. Prices have dropped due to CV lockdown. Atariage A8 forum is the place to go for advice.
Excellent video! I think the XEGS has a wonderful late 1980s style to it. Atari 65XE computers aren't easy to come across; at least on eBay. For some reason, there are quite a few of them from Mexico. I loved "The Ghost", and am going to go download it!
Loved the video. Atari 600 XL was my first computer. Your system is a little bit more modern in design. Looks great both external and internal. Damn PSU.
Hi, I never heard of this system before. Thanks for this video.
Beautiful Solder work! You soldered the sockets in like an artist! Top tier! thanks for the video! (P.S. to all of you watching... perfect soldering is not easy.. Cold Solder joints are very common in this kind of work.. but this guy has NO COLD solder joints! He kicks Butt!
Wow, that was pretty difficult getting to work. Well done! 👍
Smashed the hell out of Star raiders and Blue Max on this . Still have mine with carts in Mint Condition
That things guts are gorgeous! I love it man
As always good stuff. the power supply tip is good to know.
Mvg love the fact that you pronounce sega in the classic Australian way: seega
Really enjoying your content. Keep up the good work :)
THAT MUSIC IS OFF THE TOP! LOVED IT!
I dug one of these out of my garage, and the very first thing I did was check the voltage on the supply. Luckily, mine gave a solid 5v and the system's working perfectly. I need to check my old 130XE though and see if I can get it working.
The very fist computer ever to enter our house in 1987.Marvel for my little brother and me.We wanted C64 but were so young that we told our dad who was truck driver in Italy,to buy us "computer".Our good friend in the neibourghud had C64 and also called it the "computer".In the end my dad bought us Atari XE, computer :).
My first system ever, i was 7 years old, 1987.
Brings back memories, had one as a kid.
Loved it! Great video
I bought one of these brand new, when I was a teen. I loved it, but unfortunately it was let down by poor support from sales staff and outlets. (Australia)
Neat'O Brother never seen one of these before. Thanks for sharing 😄 👍❤🎉👏👏💯
Atari 8bit chipset lasted so long because they were ahead of their time. Nice piece of kit, I dreamed of owning one but as I’m in Australia the c64 was dominant and great value. No regrets.
Great montage music!! Fits the time period too :-)
Ahhh my first game console. Still have it but haven’t really played it in years.
Atari 8bit computers were extremely popular in Poland back in the day, so it doesn't surprise me that Side2 cartridge originated there.
I had the 130XE, which i thought was super cool looking (as was the ST). However, the XEGS pastel colored buttons made the "new" XE look like a toddlers toy. That's what I thought then when it was "new", and that's still what I still think today. Thanks for the Great Review!
I just got an Atari XE for a steal here in Mexico. The first thing I did? Testing the power supply of course!
the Atari xe was the first console I own as a child I wish I still had but it's nice to see you get that one back running again . did it still have the built-in games on it
Great video, just got one of these today with controller, lightgun and 7 games but unfortunately no keyboard, the Side 2 looked interesting, might see if I can get me one of those :)
i had one. i think the design is WAYY after its time, i think it still holds up.. Better then any other console in its time period
Excellent video and work! How do you get the self diagnostics going?
Great video buddy! And dat Hakko saves the day! I have the older 808 version and it's a godsend for this kinda stuff. I love the fact the XL and XE computers only require 5 volts DC on the psu. Sooo easy to build a replacement psu (unlike the c64). My 800XL is acting up and as soon as I get home tonight I'm going to pull it out and see if I can sort out its issues. Atari's 8 bit machines are great!
Those desoldering guns are cool, but I don’t desolder enough to justify the cost. Instead I use a Xytronic model that is basically a Norman desoldering pump with a heated tip. It works surprisingly well.
Nice repair and diagnosis
I think it goes without saying any retro console you buy today needs to have some help ;). Nice work!
I had never heard of this system. Cool find.
That was my first console. I used to spend hours playing Missile Command and programming in Atari Basic from the thick manual that came with the system. MS Flight Sim 2 and Bug Hunt were fun for a little bit but didn't hold my young mind for long, although Flight Sim did get me hooked on flight sim games. My basement used to flood every year and one year I watched my XE float around in that flood. I still miss it. ^_^
My cart said MS Flight Simulator II, that was the name regardless who made it. Still my favorite game, beat out Bug Hunt. ^_^
Super cool video, thanks bud.
I had one of those, it came with a huge manual/program manual, and 1 game (cartridge), it could be connected to a cassete player to load games, it was noisy and the tracks had music on top of the data sounds (like the old modem noises), also there were a 1200 modem available and it was compatible with the ST MIDI port. THere were few games available made specifically for the system, I had, KARATEKA, Basic and a Calc spreedsheet.
And I think I still have some cartridges and some cassettes!
Is there any way to make the system itself run faster? I like Flight Simulator II but it only runs at 2 frames per second as stated in the instruction manual.
Didn’t have a two port model so I got another “working” Atari 5200 recently. The screen was looking very similar but I didn’t remember this video. I got it along with another 7800 that was also showing issues: scrambled 7800 games but working Atari 2600 games. After they warmed up for 15 minutes they suddenly started working! Well, the 5200 was showing black and white graphics for a little while but after another 15 minutes it was back to 100%. Unlike the 7800, the 5200 stayed fixed. The 7800 would go back to scrambling 7800 games until warming up for 12-15 minutes any time it was allowed to cool down but, strangely, it works perfectly with no RF shield. You can literally hover it close over the board with no contact and cycle the power but it won’t work until you are about an inch or more away.
Anyway, because the Atari 5200 is based on Atari 8 bit home computer 400/800/XL/XE hardware, I thought it might be relevant. I completely discharged it and let it sit for two weeks but the issue didn’t return.
Here in the US, the white and black brick power supplies for the early Atari 800XL computers are the best ones. They can be opened up and actually be repaired.
My childhood all over again... even down to opening the thing because i broke one of the keyboard port pins!!!!
Hi buddie I know you did this video a few years ago but I was wondering if you could help me out with a problem I have with one of these systems. Like yours my XEGS turns on ok (green light comes on) but I get no picture?. The TV recognises the signal but just a black screen. I've tried RF and composite also no chips are getting hot so not to sure where to go from here. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated buddie.
great idea/upgrade to put in those sockets.
I found a xegs but it stucks on memory test and shows two red squares on rom. I've tried to reseat rom and gtia but nothing any idea?
Awesome video!!
Good advice on testing PSU's, those old iron core PSU's are notorious for over volting, I switched my Genesis, Famicom and SNES to modern switching PSU's
I remember when I was around 8, I would go over my great grandmothers house every so often and since I couldn't bring my NES or Genesis (this was just before the SNES) she had randomly bought this one day and had it there for me to use.
I remember being so confused by the thing and it always reminding me of candy for some reason (obviously the odd color choice they used for the console).
This was an oddity...and I am sure i'm one of the rare few who grew up in the US, who actually played this thing.
I own one of these systems! What a gem!
Great content man! Thank you!
Great video! I've seen many for sale advertised as having bad ANTIC chips, but now I wonder if it's power supply issues. Really wish you had tested it with the new power supply BEFORE replacing the RAM chips. I bet they are okay.
Out interest - all the parts on the board that are "missing", what would happen, if they were populated with the correct parts? Would it give it any extra functions / safe guarding?
FairFight14
I guess he doesn't know...
I wanted one of these as a kid, I had saved for ages and ages and they were out of stock everywhere, I ended up with a ZX Spectrum +2A instead from Tandy which in hindsight was a better buy long term as the Atari 8 Bits faded from the UK about a year afterwards and games were next to impossible to find where Speccy Software was available for years and years.
great retro save and nice looking system well done
Great work, Tks for showing the process you used,. Awesome little system, Shame Atari didn't take off as well as it could have in Aus,
If you want to speed up the Desoldering process, clip all of the leads from the chip before desoldering. Then you can pull the leads out one at a time.
The console buttons remind me of a set of children's sidewalk chalk.
Yep. Pastel colours. Pastel pretty much means crayon (powered pigment bound with gum/resin/oil). Not far from what chalk is.
Just curious, could the ram size be increased on a console like this, or does it have to be the same amount?
эта вещь, а точнее два в одном, домашний компьютер и игровая ТВ приставка Atari XEGS у меня появилась в СССР в 1988 году, и для меня открылась новая игровая жизнь!Так как большая часть людей в стране вообще не знали о таких вещах, а я окунулся с головой и открыл для себя и для моих друзей новый мир игр и развлечений! Atari XEGS до сих пор со мной и в рабочем состоянииМне сейчас 48 лет, и я по прежнему с большим удовольствием включаю Atari XEGS и наслаждаюсь играми, тех времен!Я считал и считаю по прежнему, что Atari это мать всех игр и игровых приставок😁😎👍
Congrats on getting the system working although I cringed a little at the RAM chip removal process :)
Cal Barnes same here. What about static? And it seems like he's manhandling it.
Never had an XE/XL/XEGS system, just an Atari Sixteen Thirty-two and Lynx 2. Still have my Lynx 2.
Great Video! Thanks
The song sounds like picture picture time!
great vid!
Can you possibly explain a little bit more about socketing the chips? It sounds like a great idea and I would like to know a little bit more about it
great review!