Great episode and cool mod and what a difference! What can I say great minds think alike, we both happen to work on a 2600 this week. Now I want one for mine as well.
Hey, thanks very much. I love the old Atari systems and to play games on an old 2600 (even a clone one) is made even better when you can move away from RF (I still can use the RF if I want to though, to keep it retro). You did a very nice job on getting that 2600 of yours back up to scratch. Now all you need is a TinyComp in it ;)
Thanks Peter, for your honest review of the TinyComp. Yes, the transitor may sit high,however solder in the resistors first and bend them out a bit and things will fit better. I think the next version may have to be a bit bigger. Now with your mod, you can have picture on both RF and composite out. Good for 2 players. Thanks for sharing!
You're welcome Rudy, and thank you for sending me a few to try out. They'll be put to good use. I will however make sure to keep one in the drawer beside my testbench as the TinyComp's a really handy thing to have around the workshop (as a test tool). I tried out the Atari with two TVs, it's kinda cool to have an old system running on two screens at once ;)
That's a good idea. The PSU is a cheap replacement and gives a lot of noise too, but the Composite mod cleared up an awful lot of that. The vertical lines in some games are caused by the 2600 clone as far as I can tell, they stay in the same place on screen and never get lighter or darker. The system works great apart from that ;)
Always a good day when you pop up on my Feed.. Interesting little board - maybe make it a fraction larger to allow the transistor to sit lower & help prevent component lead shorting ? Plenty of room in most retro hardware . Will also like to see a PAL version ..
It's great to know that somebodys happy to see me ;) As for the TinyComp, it's a really handy, quick way to get a decent signal from an old RF output. In fact tit works equally well for both PAL and NTSC signals, the device doesn't really care what type of signal it's been given it just amplifys it. Thanks as always for watching and the comment. 👍
Cool unit :) def many could use it, so could i on a few of my sets, but overall, i end up using coaxial than audio video anymore on most of my sets, looks like a decent signal for an old unit thou, i do notice some of my Atari boxes sent a clearer nicer pic than others, i imagine due to the quality of the build of the switch box " or lack of such" lol
It's always nice to use the old RF output to get that "back in the day" feel we all remember. It seems to me that the RF signal from the old units is a lot cleaner and clearer than I remember, I believe that it's something to do with the fact that RF frequencys are no longer being used to transmit TV channels anymore so there's a lot less interfearence floating around. I like that this mod can easily be reversed if you want to and also that you're not obliged to scrap the RF out altogether if you don't want to. I kept mine so now I have the choice of either RF or composite, or even both at the same time if I want to hook two TVs up to the old Atari clone I got. The very best of every world ;)
@@8bitsinthebasement that is awesome, i do hate when mods destroy the original hook ups lol Like a lot do with the Atari 5200, many hate the switch box on it and mod them with AV hook ups, but usually it destroys the original lol plus it is getting harder to find TV's with AV hook ups, when many new digital TV's still got the old Coaxial hook ups lol Great video :) keep up the great work good sir.
I bought two sets of these which means I have four and I have yet to build them . This is something I will be doing soon. Great video and thanks for sharing!
Looks good, but the signal will probably look even better on a CRT. A yellow rca plug might be a "better" choice for the cable. I've got a similar kit on a 7800 and it's been fine for a few years. I think it splits off the audio into Left and Right rca jacks, which is convenient. It would be interesting to learn if one of his kits would be able to work for a Pong console!
You can be sure that a CRT would make a world of difference to the image (but I have no CTR anywhere in the house anymore). The audio left and right could be set up easily enough and isn't a bad idea, I may well do that. Which would mean that I would have to invest in a yellow RCA lead for video (you're right it's a better choice, it is the standard after all). I'd imagine that this mod would work just fine on an old Pong console but it would be worth checking what type of signal is feed into the Pong consoles RF just to be sure. Thanks for watching and for leaving a comment ;)
That is a lot neater than the overly complex contraption I use to composite mod consoles whose composite output is too weak for a TV. (embarrassing to say... mine has to use a potentiometer to bias the signal into the transistor and you need an oscilloscope to tune the friggin thing in)
Yeah, but I bet yours looks really cool and when you're tuning it prople get really impressed. I like when things are a little overly complicated, makes me feel clever. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment ;)
Great video .. as for coco2 you have to reconfigure the mc1372 chip in the rf can to get a composite signal. It could be used for a b&w signal on the coco2 but then you would have only co2 :)
On systems where you have access to raw chroma/luma, it's a better goal to do an S-Video mod. You really only want composite on systems where the graphics chip only outputs composite, or where the system uses NTSC artifact color (like the Apple II)
That is an excellent point, S-Video is superior to composite so it would be a fool's errand to comp mod a system with luma and chroma sources. However a cap had been placed between the two outputs on the chip from the factory, directing a weak composite signal to the RF modulator. As I wanted to keep the system as close to stock as possible (retaining the RF output) and the comp mod to be reversable, I decided that composite was the way to go (of course I also wanted to demonstrate the TinyComp board). But you are right if it can be done an S-Video mod is the way to go, Thanks NozomuYume ;)
Excellent video. Just what I was looking for. I need to comp mod my 2600 and CoCo2 and wasn't sure how to do either one. I don't understand why this won't work on the CoCo2. I'll have to research why this doesn't work.
You can however convert that R-Y B-Y to a composite signal. At that point you would not need this circuit. I think analog Devices has an IC that does this. R-Y B-Y is essentially component video.
Hi Tron Magnum, I would have thought that a composite mod would have been straight forward enough on the Coco2 until everyone chimed in and said otherwise (my coco2 doesn't have a RF modulator it came with a RGB output) but yeah, it seems that it's a little complicated to do. Are you a member of the Coco Discord channel? you'd find a whole lot of info and help from the people over there. If you're not here's a link discord.cocotalk.live/
So, So sorry I've taken so long to answer your question. I've taken a look for you but it would seem that the composite mod for the Atari 400 is a little more complex than most. I don't believe that the TinyComp can help you with it. Thanks for watching.
The Atari can be used with almost any TV now thanks to the mod, even on HDMI with a composite to HDMI converter. But this mod is not exclusive to Ataris, it can be done on almost any system that has a RF output. Thanks for watching Perdrito ;)
On a Coco 1 it will work with very little hastle. Rudy did a video on converting the NTSC Coco1 on his channel ruclips.net/video/GXVS1jthHkc/видео.html . As for the Coco 2 it's a little more complicated as GORF pointed out below. There are mods for the Coco 2 available though. Hope this helps ;)
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Great episode and cool mod and what a difference! What can I say great minds think alike, we both happen to work on a 2600 this week. Now I want one for mine as well.
Hey, thanks very much. I love the old Atari systems and to play games on an old 2600 (even a clone one) is made even better when you can move away from RF (I still can use the RF if I want to though, to keep it retro). You did a very nice job on getting that 2600 of yours back up to scratch. Now all you need is a TinyComp in it ;)
@@8bitsinthebasement Thank you! Will be getting one for sure!
Thanks Peter, for your honest review of the TinyComp. Yes, the transitor may sit high,however solder in the resistors first and bend them out a bit and things will fit better. I think the next version may have to be a bit bigger. Now with your mod, you can have picture on both RF and composite out. Good for 2 players. Thanks for sharing!
You're welcome Rudy, and thank you for sending me a few to try out. They'll be put to good use. I will however make sure to keep one in the drawer beside my testbench as the TinyComp's a really handy thing to have around the workshop (as a test tool). I tried out the Atari with two TVs, it's kinda cool to have an old system running on two screens at once ;)
You can also get rid of some of the interference by adding 2 or 3 Ferrite chokes onto the DC adapter power cord.
That's a good idea. The PSU is a cheap replacement and gives a lot of noise too, but the Composite mod cleared up an awful lot of that. The vertical lines in some games are caused by the 2600 clone as far as I can tell, they stay in the same place on screen and never get lighter or darker. The system works great apart from that ;)
very useful video and very detailed with a great explanation, it stays very clear to me, thanks!!
Always a good day when you pop up on my Feed..
Interesting little board - maybe make it a fraction larger to allow the transistor to sit lower & help prevent component lead shorting ? Plenty of room in most retro hardware .
Will also like to see a PAL version ..
It's great to know that somebodys happy to see me ;) As for the TinyComp, it's a really handy, quick way to get a decent signal from an old RF output. In fact tit works equally well for both PAL and NTSC signals, the device doesn't really care what type of signal it's been given it just amplifys it. Thanks as always for watching and the comment. 👍
Cool unit :) def many could use it, so could i on a few of my sets, but overall, i end up using coaxial than audio video anymore on most of my sets, looks like a decent signal for an old unit thou, i do notice some of my Atari boxes sent a clearer nicer pic than others, i imagine due to the quality of the build of the switch box " or lack of such" lol
It's always nice to use the old RF output to get that "back in the day" feel we all remember. It seems to me that the RF signal from the old units is a lot cleaner and clearer than I remember, I believe that it's something to do with the fact that RF frequencys are no longer being used to transmit TV channels anymore so there's a lot less interfearence floating around. I like that this mod can easily be reversed if you want to and also that you're not obliged to scrap the RF out altogether if you don't want to. I kept mine so now I have the choice of either RF or composite, or even both at the same time if I want to hook two TVs up to the old Atari clone I got. The very best of every world ;)
@@8bitsinthebasement that is awesome, i do hate when mods destroy the original hook ups lol Like a lot do with the Atari 5200, many hate the switch box on it and mod them with AV hook ups, but usually it destroys the original lol plus it is getting harder to find TV's with AV hook ups, when many new digital TV's still got the old Coaxial hook ups lol Great video :) keep up the great work good sir.
A definite improvement over the RF even if not perfect. Nicely done sir!
Thanks Gorf ;)
I bought two sets of these which means I have four and I have yet to build them . This is something I will be doing soon. Great video and thanks for sharing!
Glad you liked it Rocky. Good luck with the mods ;)
I just did my 2600 Jr. and TS1000 and they both came out great.
Did you use the TinyComp boards or did you build up your own circuit?
Looks good, but the signal will probably look even better on a CRT. A yellow rca plug might be a "better" choice for the cable. I've got a similar kit on a 7800 and it's been fine for a few years. I think it splits off the audio into Left and Right rca jacks, which is convenient. It would be interesting to learn if one of his kits would be able to work for a Pong console!
You can be sure that a CRT would make a world of difference to the image (but I have no CTR anywhere in the house anymore). The audio left and right could be set up easily enough and isn't a bad idea, I may well do that. Which would mean that I would have to invest in a yellow RCA lead for video (you're right it's a better choice, it is the standard after all). I'd imagine that this mod would work just fine on an old Pong console but it would be worth checking what type of signal is feed into the Pong consoles RF just to be sure. Thanks for watching and for leaving a comment ;)
That is a lot neater than the overly complex contraption I use to composite mod consoles whose composite output is too weak for a TV.
(embarrassing to say... mine has to use a potentiometer to bias the signal into the transistor and you need an oscilloscope to tune the friggin thing in)
Yeah, but I bet yours looks really cool and when you're tuning it prople get really impressed. I like when things are a little overly complicated, makes me feel clever. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment ;)
Great video .. as for coco2 you have to reconfigure the mc1372 chip in the rf can to get a composite signal. It could be used for a b&w signal on the coco2 but then you would have only co2 :)
I see what you did there ;)
On systems where you have access to raw chroma/luma, it's a better goal to do an S-Video mod. You really only want composite on systems where the graphics chip only outputs composite, or where the system uses NTSC artifact color (like the Apple II)
That is an excellent point, S-Video is superior to composite so it would be a fool's errand to comp mod a system with luma and chroma sources. However a cap had been placed between the two outputs on the chip from the factory, directing a weak composite signal to the RF modulator. As I wanted to keep the system as close to stock as possible (retaining the RF output) and the comp mod to be reversable, I decided that composite was the way to go (of course I also wanted to demonstrate the TinyComp board). But you are right if it can be done an S-Video mod is the way to go, Thanks NozomuYume ;)
Excellent video. Just what I was looking for. I need to comp mod my 2600 and CoCo2 and wasn't sure how to do either one. I don't understand why this won't work on the CoCo2. I'll have to research why this doesn't work.
Your coco2 uses R-Y Y B-Y to the RF modulator and not a direct video out signal.
You can however convert that R-Y B-Y to a composite signal. At that point you would not need this circuit. I think analog Devices has an IC that does this. R-Y B-Y is essentially component video.
Hi Tron Magnum, I would have thought that a composite mod would have been straight forward enough on the Coco2 until everyone chimed in and said otherwise (my coco2 doesn't have a RF modulator it came with a RGB output) but yeah, it seems that it's a little complicated to do. Are you a member of the Coco Discord channel? you'd find a whole lot of info and help from the people over there. If you're not here's a link discord.cocotalk.live/
Does this work on the Atari JR?
It should in much the same way as it is fitted to the Atari 2600. However I can't say for certain as I've not tried it in a JR myself.
Good work and nice improvement!!
Will this work on an Atari 400?
So, So sorry I've taken so long to answer your question. I've taken a look for you but it would seem that the composite mod for the Atari 400 is a little more complex than most. I don't believe that the TinyComp can help you with it. Thanks for watching.
interesting project, if I had an atari I would try it without hesitation
The Atari can be used with almost any TV now thanks to the mod, even on HDMI with a composite to HDMI converter. But this mod is not exclusive to Ataris, it can be done on almost any system that has a RF output. Thanks for watching Perdrito ;)
Great video Peter! What's new on your other channel?
Hi Matt, The other channel I've not touched in quite some time. I will get back to it though, just give me a little bit longer. 🙏
@@8bitsinthebasement no worries Peter.
Peter could this work in a CoCo?
Not unless you convert the R-Y Y B-Y first. As far as I remember, the 6847 video chip does not have a direct video out.
On a Coco 1 it will work with very little hastle. Rudy did a video on converting the NTSC Coco1 on his channel ruclips.net/video/GXVS1jthHkc/видео.html . As for the Coco 2 it's a little more complicated as GORF pointed out below. There are mods for the Coco 2 available though. Hope this helps ;)