VIC-20 from off-the-shelf parts and X16 update.

I completely agree that canibalising old machines to build new ones isnt really the best solution. But being as this is a hobby exercise to see if it could be done makes a whole lot of sense. What would be great would be a replacement board design for those with eaten traces. Then all the original chips can go back into the same housing with a new board. I'm sure that sort of thing exists though. *curiously now looks for an AtariST version of something like that* 🤔

AmpSmashed Music

Oh, an Atari-8bit version. I might actually have to buy it for that. I still have my original Atari 130xe and xegs. I wonder how hard it would be to emulate a vic chip using a small lattice fpga?

Kaz Redclaw

A what a shame. Well, I just have to go component hunting then. :-P Thanks for a great video. :-) <3

It was sent to me by Dan Werner. However, this product is not for sale. So it's more like a one-off design.

The 8-Bit Guy

Travis, that certainly could be the case. I had been told once it had to do with sealing the chip from moisture. As in, whatever material the chip is made from is porous and would allow moisture (and thus corrosion) to reach the actual die. But baking the chip would cause the material to shrink and thus keep the moisture out, prolonging the life of it. Whether that is true or not, I'm not sure.

The 8-Bit Guy

My understanding is that having moisture absorbed into the package can lead to bad outcomes if you put it in certain high-temperature processes, so yes, one would bake the chips at X temperature for Y minutes to drive the moisture back off before (e.g.) putting them in a wave soldering machine. This is similar to how one needs to bake ceramic crucibles (at a relatively low temperature) prior to putting them in an actual high-temperature furnace to drive off trapped moisture slowly rather than... explosively.

Travis Snoozy

Can't argue with that. :)

50_SHADES_OF_BEIGE

That's it. There's nowhere you can buy it. Dan made it clear to me this was a hobby for him to design but has no interest in trying to sell it.

The 8-Bit Guy

Where can I buy this kit? cant find it online, just the bitbucket site.

Always educational videos. But why would one need to bake the chip? Is it just stick in the oven for a few minutes?

Chad Armstrong

Hey, nice video, apart from the low frequency buzzing noise (it's a low D if I'm not mistaken) when you're recording your voice in the studio. :)

Great video! I must say, the colors/saturation are perfect to me now with your new studio! You looked great and it felt closer to how you appeared in the old studio.

Very cool so see project like this! Where did you get the VIC-2020? I didn't get anywhere with Google.

Nargles

Great video! Can't wait for Atari Robots - the Atari computers are my favorite 8-bit systems so I'm always pleased to see any new software coming out, let alone a game as good as PETSCII Robots!

Daniel Aufmann

Great as always David! I lived my youth in the 90's, but still I am very fond of old technology in general. Currently working with tech in my daily work, we have come a long way. Look forward to your videos, as always. Cheers.

Joerie Brugts

BTW. The moisture would only be a problem if use soldered the components in a oven. The moisture would expand and possibly pop open the package.

Thomas Lövskog