ATARI 600XL Retro Computer with 6502C 8-bit CPU from 1983

ATARI 600XL and 800XL are 8-bit computer from the XL line released in 1983. The 6502C 8-bit CPU from MOS Technology runs at 1.79MHz for NTSC users and 1.77MHz for PAL users. 600XL is smaller and features 16KB RAM (although it can be expanded to 64KB). The ROM is 24KB: 16KB for the OS and 4KB for the BASIC interpreter.

ATARI 600XL features various ports:

• SIO (Serial Input/Output) for attaching peripheral devices
• 7 DIN for power input
• 5 PIN for a monitor
• RF antenna output for a TV
• 2 control ports for joysticks
• a cartridge port

The video includes unboxing, getting started and playing games with a do-it-yourself controller. Several years ago I purchased this ATARI 600XL as a used item. It is not in a perfect condition but was excellent value for money in a original styrofoam packaging with accessories, including a cartridge with the legendary game Pac-Man. Although the computer is made in Hong Kong, the cartridge is made in the USA. To play any games I needed an appropriate controller. Unfortunately, as of the moment I do not own an original joystick so instead thanks to PCBway, the sponsor of the video, I decided to go for a do it yourself solution. I ordered a blue printed circuit board which was quickly delivered by DHL.

To play games, an more precisely the Pac-Man cartridge, on this ATARI 600XL I have assembled Commodore, Atari, Amiga 9-pin DIY Game Controller by C64iSTANBUL from PCBWay Shared Project. Huge thanks to C64iSTANBUL for designing the printed circuit board and providing the gerber files through PCBway Shared Projects. Soldering skills and the following components are required to assemble the controller:

• 9 pin DB9F 9P D-sub female right angle connector
• 4 6x6x5mm 4 pin tactile button
• 2 12x12x5mm 4 pin tactile button
• 9 pin gamepad joystick extension cable

I have purchases these components from the office in Plovdiv of my local supplier comet.bg and I used an old extension cable that I bought several years ago online (probably from ebay or aliexpress).