Atari 800 - Diagnostic Cart Build & Key Cap 3D Printing -  

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My heart sunk when you found the missing key. Sorry for your gain.

Very sorry to see this Mark. Hope you and the family can recover from this complete waste of time and move on.

Mike Dailly! The Atari 800 needs Lemmings!

Any Atari 8-bit video is never a fail!

It was still worth telling the story! Sometimes the journey is more fun than the destination 😁

Needs a warning Label: "Do not hold this machine upside down!" You could 3D-Print it... Also these closeup soldering shots are absolutely hot, indeed.

Although I don’t think there is a 800 version, I was fully expecting you to find a Lemmings cartridge in that box. 😂

I feel for you. I once found not a key but a whole keyboard. Took me months to cope with the that. I mean, it even hat the right localisation, the amount of dry eyes on our home...

@MarkFixesStuff Tech Tangents (Shelby) came up with a 3D printed solution to the cracked parts of the key switches a while back. By the way, that type of key switch is designated as a "stackpole." Also, I myself have created a replacement keyboard for the OG Atari 800 using Cherry MX switches, but I have yet to be able to get any PCBs made so far (lack of funds).

Mark LOL don't be sorry - be happy! We still got to see the 3d printer in action! Cool video and wow what a great looking machine!

We've all been there. Look at it this way: You have a basic design you can fool around with, and if you decide to get fancy, make your own custom keys.

I always learn things from this channel. Today I learned my hair is like an Atari keyboard, because bits can and will go missing when it gets old. The difference is, I can find my old hair on the shower floor but it ain't going back on my head.

I'm so impressed at how nicely designed the enclosure on this computer is! I love those elegantly hidden but accessible memory slots.

The key caps go inside the plungers. Notice the cracks, they make the plungers open up and loose. You need square reinforcements to keep the plungers tight.

I think that’s backwards about newer vs. older machines. They were originally intended to ship with 16k but memory prices crashed and they ended up shipping with the maximum 48k. Since they were already maxed out, there was no need for the user to release the cover and, thus, no need for the thumb-turn latches. Mine has those, by the way. It also has two different styles of enclosed RAM carts… both before they stopped making the cartridge shells to save money. Again: If the user won’t be handling them, why do they need shells? These changes only make sense as later changes where the initial configuration was a vestige of the intent to ship with 16k.

At least we got to see what that printer can do with the fancy filament. Also learned a bit more about the Atari "8"00. Thanks Mark.

Another great video. Finding the key = priceless! Also, sorry for your loss.

The last I saw of mine was it falling off a shelf in the back of my storage unit a couple years ago with the sickening sound of the keys pinging off the concrete! It’s been in there since I was hit by an EF4 tornado and a picker buying some of my stuff had just destabilized it. I almost don’t even want to see the carnage when I get back to it. :(

Great video Mark! God, I LOVED the Atari 800 as a kid. It was way out of reach, so was always an aspirational machine for me. The 400 just didn't cut it with its membrane keyboard at the time, although today it does have a certain kind of appeal... Love your shelving / display by the way...

Mark, this "new" power supply could be 45 years old. I think I already wrote to you about old Atari psu in another video before, but I would strongly recommend replacing the caps in that "new" power supply as well. This is your first line of defense when protecting your old 800. Step up transformers can introduce additional noise to your power, so your old psu has to work harder. That's a peace of mind when you know you have fresh caps in your psu and a steady power supplied to your old computer :).

I remember a friend having the 800. Always quite liked it. Did laugh at the Norbreck comment. Spent a few nights there for my sins....

The Atari 800 was an incredibly advanced and well engineered home computer for its time. Its graphics/sound combo only usurped in the early 80s 8bit micro market by the later C64. Which wasn’t as well built.

Ah, it happens! And at least it meant you got the 3D printer set up!

It was a fun ride so all worth it! Plus we get to see you make some retro fun inspired 3d prints!

Wow, Great video! It is obvious you are new to A8 repair. Let me help a little. Long comment.... The 8 key and surrounding number keys are usually loose, and have broken plungers, as you show. This is something that happens to most 800's (white early, and yellow late, plungers) This is because fingers often slip when opening the Cart door, hitting and pressing in the wrong direction on those middle number keys. There are 3D replacement files available for plungers, I think. But the clearances are very tight, fyi. You have a later version of Atari 800, not earlier. The screws for the ram cover prove this. The later version cards have no plastic covers. They all should be bare PCB's. You are mixing types in the video. But there is no performance difference. It is suggested that there should be all open cards in this version to avoid any over heating issues. There should be a thin plastic bar with slots that hold the card separate and in place, going from front to back. If you do not have this, it is HIGHLY suggested the there be some kind of insulation between the cards. (I use 2x 1/2" rubber 'feet' at the top of the cards for this) The A8's do display S-video from the DIN connector. In your video, you display the lower quality composite, also available from the same DIN connector. You should get a video cable that can display both composite and S-Video. There are many sources on ebay and elsewhere. The PSU that you show should be good for many years if it is new old stock. That version is epoxy filled and should not degrade when not used. But there are many new alternative solutions available. The SDrive Max shown near the end of the video, is a Excellent solution to replace a floppy drive for the A8. (It was the small white box with a screen on top, wrapped in a cable. Many videos show how to use it) Star Raiders was the Very First first person shooter commercially available for a computer. The instructions are online,. The keyboard is much needed to play. (This is mostly why there is a keyboard on a Atari 400) The right cartridge slot is not the 'DOM" slot. The "DOM" sticker means "DOMestic USA". It is usually to the right of the space bar. But Atari and consumers tend to move it around in later years. There are 12 known carts that use the right cartridge slot. Monkey Wrench I, II are the most common. ALL other use the left slot. It is suggested the a complete teardown be performed and all socketed IC be reseated. I guarantee most, if not all, are loose. This would also provide and opportunity to adjust color output from the CPU card. There is an adjustment wheel, potentiometer, there. The system can be built up and work without the huge aluminum casing. A piece of tape will have to be put over the 'door switch'. People tend to recap a system going that far into it. A8's do not need that. in the 30 years I have been working with A8's, I have never needed to recap any of them. If you need additional assistance, pleases email.

I wouldn’t say it was a waste of time. You got to play with your new printer, and we got to see the Atari 800. A win for everyone.

This was a great video Mark, really enjoyed it as always.

Love those macro lense close up soldering shots. That's some really hot soldering! ❤‍🔥

The DOM sticker denotes "Domestic" ie US market NTSC machine

Lol! Sucks you wasted a day but looks on the bright side! You got to disprove the 3 minute theory and you found an original key! Every cloud Mark! Great content as always!

...but most importantly... you've let yourself down!

Hey, nothing failure about it. You gave me a laugh at the set up process for the printer, and you got to see how it worked, so all positive I think. I couldn't help wondering how much training someone has to do to achieve the 3 minute thing, that made me laugh too. All in all, one of you combo humour and techie videos that are always enjoyable. 👍

I can recommend the UGV video mod, however the 800 has probably the best video output of all the 8bit line out of the box, so maybe try a different TV as I have seen some horrible processing of Atari video on flat panel sets. And don't forget to smash the space bar playing defender, that's why my 800 has a non functional space bar😂 And agreed on the cx-40, it's much maligned but has a great almost analogue feel to it, not like the on/off feel of clicky arcade type sticks

I never got the original 800 or 400, but have many of the computers after that, including 2 1200XL in a great condition. Some NIB, never opened 800XL and 130XE as well. Don't have much time to use them, but it's good to know they are there:).

Mark, you have completely wasted my time. Good lord man, look in the box next time! 🤣🤣🤣 Isn't that the ways things go? I've spent hours looking for something and finally end up ordering a replacement. Then when it arrives, I find the one I had the next day!

My first gaming experiences were on an Atari 800XL. We played a lot of Boulderdash, King of the Mountain, and Claim Jumper. Pirated on disks of course.

For a moment i thought the philips G7000 was broken as that was my first console which was around 50 years ago. You know why the 8 key fell off its because its a 8 bit machine lol. Great video and keep up the good work mark.

I have an 800XL, still the aesthetics of the 800-model pleases my old eyes very much. Beautiful machine and built like a tank. On 800XL, getting S-Video out, meant soldering one wire from board to connector. Don't know about 800, though... Picture quality is lovely with that.

Spread my bits all over the table, just spat tea everywhere 😂. The built in camera on the printer is very cool. Sorry for your families loss mate.

I loved "Star Raiders" for the 2600, haven't played any other version, so couldn't tell you how other versions can be played. (Other games I like for the 2600 may be available on other systems also. I couldn't possibly comment on this, however. LOL).

So sorry to hear of the loss of your wifes dad.

Strange, I missed the part where you were on your knees begging for forgiveness. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Have a great day Mark!

Unneccessary idea to keep the plastic waste generator occupied: Print a bracket that holds the memory cards nice and straight in place. They looked a bit wobbly.

Great video as always and a fabulous twist at the end!

Well, that was an unfortunate turn of events. But at least you put a beautiful computer together and played some games on it. ;)

The C64 uses 9V AC, but a stock one may not have nuts enough for that old beast. I suspect a multipurpose Atari, C64, Vic20, C128 could be designed with an array of changeable ends

Ah yes, good old Creality QC. :)

It's not a disaster, its just a mistake. And its fine. :)

Maybe that can be a theme. An odd 8 key on every machine 🤣 Thanks Mark!

It’s a tough break when you’re looking for a fiver and you find a twenty.

I have a rare Amstrad pc20 and i would love a key replacement but its so uncommon probably no one will make one. I also need a key for a c128.

So, you had a chance to try out the printer, you learned that the keycaps don't age well and can easily be lost so you need to be careful, you have a spare cover just in case that does happen, and you don't need to order a new keycap. Mistakes are sometimes better lessons than successes - now all you need to do is learn that it's called 'Galaxian'. Single. NOT plural. Got it? :)

Those broken plungers seem to be a common-ish problem with hitek keyboards - notably I have a problem with my 8 key (the irony)

I wish I had found my missing key from my Amiga 1200 I just took out of the box. I have no idea where it is, where it went or what happened to it! I think a bit of the bermuda triangle overlapped with the North West of England and took it, along with all the missing socks.

lol maybe you should be called Mark Finds Stuff in boxes after having a Man Look ;) But seriously the Atari 800 is a proper thing of beauty and has so many games that are just plain fun. Defender is an absolutely brilliant version, now go play some Star Raiders to make you feel better. New printer look to be very good, current Flashforge 3 is working for cartridge shell production at the moment, but I will need something a bit faster going forward.

If you do find a solution to the split keys, the Oric community would be interested, as we have the same keys with the same issue.

If it makes you feel any better I lost the entire upper case and keyboard for an Amiga a600. Ordered a new one for several quid and the day after it arrived I found the old one. 😩😩😩

It actually makes me very happy knowing that "those" type of collectors are potentially getting triggered or better yet, upset about you using the pristine power adapter - God forbid you do what you wish with YOUR property, how very dare you! If I could bottle their tears, I most certainly would.

From memory Aussie PAL Super Nintendo power adaptors output 9Volts AC, with 240volt input, but only like 1.3amps. Maybe UK PAL SNES is similar?

Well, usually you can substitute AC Adaptors with DC Adaptors. Its just the other way around that isn't recommended ;)

DOH mate :) are you going to do a review on the K1c ?

Expensive computer in it day

9v AC adapters are easy to find. Every C64 power supply has it.

5:16 Would some classic Whitesnake lyrics be useful, here? "I'm gonna slide it in, right to the top Slide it in, I ain't never gonna stop Slide it in, right to the top I'm gonna slide it in, slide it in." 😋👍

...sounds like a Kate Bush album title... Well said!

To power my Atari 800xl I now use a phone charger together with a lead with USB A to Atari power sockets.

Dont feel bad it was still educational.

By the DOM (domestic) sticker, you can see that it is an NTSC machine. Probably the monitor is PAL. Maybe that's why the video quality is not that good.

Commodore 64 / 128 PSUs output 9V A/C on pins 6 and 7 if that's useful to anyone.

You could try the SpectreAV as a Video upgrade for the 800.

Mark's disappointment was immeasurable and his day was ruined. 😋

Surely this type of fail can only truly be appreciated by those who have a Peanuts does Freddie Mercury t-shirt!?

Is it maybe possible to 3D print replacement parts in the correct size for those yellow key plungers?

I've said it before....but sometimes you are a knob...You always put smile in my face. 😂 Great machines though, both of them.

Oh my.... this is a proper tale of 8⃣-bit archeology... the number 8⃣key for an Atari 8⃣0⃣0⃣. I weep with you but commend you for sticking with the title! Not all repairs have to be a success that you set out for it to be. And this might not class as a complete and utter failure either as there still is something wrong with the keyboard. Something intrinsically wrong that sets you of for more lost keys in the near future if you were to actually use the 800s keyboard and or move the computer around. You could still opt to replace the entire keyboard with 3D printed keycaps still! As those yellow sockets aren't doing their job properly! Or turn it into a faux C64 by adapting the system to look like a C64 with C64 keyboard and keycaps and run the C64 Basic kernal that was adapted to work on an Atari 400/800! Now that would be something. The C64 and the 400/800/XL machines share so much similarities that it actually is possible to run the C64 Basic (modified as the zero-pages of both machines are different) albeit a modified code. Have that boot up as the default basic 😂😎 Actually the Atari machine I was saving up for back in the day was an Atari 600/800XL (also was considering the VIC20 - but really wanted a C64) and I ended up with a C64 back in the day as mom took pity on me as well as the fact that the C64 was actually much more easy to find than the cheaper Atari 800XL machine. Ah well memories coming back to me when I watch this video. Thanks for that Mark, greetings from a fellow Mark.

Atari 8-bit and red colour? It is the same as expecting a fast transmission from floppy drive on C64 (without a fast load cart).

Perhaps you can 3d print the plungers ;)

Don't be sad you found the key, be happy. You got a free 3D printer and printed out a spare key. Lucky bugger 😊 *edit* I just became the person to push your "likes* to 500 😊😊😊

11:10 mmmm yes watching that moist flux sizzle away as you press your hot rod against the board 😉

What's your sponsor again? I seem to have forgotten

Sorry for your loss peeling porn extreme.. 17:01 "keep feeding it until you get a bit of resistance" That's what she said lol. btw it was a great video and good to see it's possible to make replacement keys

i knew it!

why did you touch the printer after it said not to touch the printer

not a waste at all.

seriously, is there an F8 invader key for an mechanical amiga keyboard in the box, I really need one of those. "# not sponsored" LOL

What songs are playing by chance at the 9 minute mark

Aluminium ? Or Die Cast/Zinc ?

Isnt the nintendo 8 bit a 9v ac supply?

When was Jumpman replaced by a Womble?

You can't beat China Kwalitee products. Whether it's documentation that doesn't match the product, claims that make no sense, or weird design flaws you think they'd notice. You can't beat China for making a thing that's *almost* perfect but lacking in attention to detail. 11/10 Creality, 11/0. Well done.

What happened to the printer??

Absolutely not a waste of time making this video! My Atari 800 has been missing its G key for quite some time and you have inspired me to fix it! Thank you!

pmsl, classic

You sound dismayed that you found the original keycap??? Anyone else would be YAYYYYYYY!!!!! , sure you had to test the 3D printer anyway surely? Are you always this pessimistic ? :)

So... you won't be needing that 3D printer then? Because mine just died. Just saying... 😉

The Atari 800 is ridiculously over engineered

Am I imagining it or is the picture quality of this video amazing? New camera?

Wow, Great video! It is obvious you are new to A8 repair. Let me help a little. Long comment.... The 8 key and surrounding number keys are usually loose, and have broken plungers, as you show. This is something that happens to most 800's (white early, and yellow late, plungers) This is because fingers often slip when opening the Cart door, hitting and pressing in the wrong direction on those middle number keys. There are 3D replacement files available for plungers, I think. But the clearances are very tight, fyi. You have a later version of Atari 800, not earlier. The screws for the ram cover prove this. The later version cards have no plastic covers. They all should be bare PCB's. You are mixing types in the video. But there is no performance difference. It is suggested that there should be all open cards in this version to avoid any over heating issues. There should be a thin plastic bar with slots that hold the card separate and in place, going from front to back. If you do not have this, it is HIGHLY suggested the there be some kind of insulation between the cards. (I use 2x 1/2" rubber 'feet' at the top of the cards for this) The A8's do display S-video from the DIN connector. In your video, you display the lower quality composite, also available from the same DIN connector. You should get a video cable that can display both composite and S-Video. There are many sources on ebay and elsewhere. The PSU that you show should be good for many years if it is new old stock. That version is epoxy filled and should not degrade when not used. But there are many new alternative solutions available. The SDrive Max shown near the end of the video, is a Excellent solution to replace a floppy drive for the A8. (It was the small white box with a screen on top, wrapped in a cable. Many videos show how to use it) Star Raiders was the Very First first person shooter commercially available for a computer. The instructions are online,. The keyboard is much needed to play. (This is mostly why there is a keyboard on a Atari 400) The right cartridge slot is not the 'DOM" slot. The "DOM" sticker means "DOMestic USA". It is usually to the right of the space bar. But Atari and consumers tend to move it around in later years. There are 12 known carts that use the right cartridge slot. Monkey Wrench I, II are the most common. ALL other use the left slot. It is suggested the a complete teardown be performed and all socketed IC be reseated. I guarantee most, if not all, are loose. This would also provide and opportunity to adjust color output from the CPU card. There is an adjustment wheel, potentiometer, there. The system can be built up and work without the huge aluminum casing. A piece of tape will have to be put over the 'door switch'. People tend to recap a system going that far into it. A8's do not need that. in the 30 years I have been working with A8's, I have never needed to recap any of them. If you need additional assistance, pleases email.