The 8 Bit Files

In this episode of "The 8-Bit Files," hosts John and Dave delve into the world of Atari 8-bit computers. John shares his personal experiences of owning and discovering these computers. The guys discuss the Atari 400, 800, 600XL, 800XL, and other models, exploring their features and compatibility. The hosts reminisce about their first encounters with Atari computers, the peripherals that accompanied them, and the transition from consoles like the Atari 2600 to the more powerful 8-bit computers. They touch on the availability of software, the absence of the internet in those days, and how magazines played a role in building anticipation for games. The discussion also covers tape drives, floppy drives, loading times, and modern hardware devices like Fujinet.

Links:

ANTIC Magazine archive: https://archive.org/details/antic-magazine

AtariAge - one of the largest and most active online communities dedicated to Atari systems: https://www.atariage.com

Atari Mania - a comprehensive resource for Atari 8-bit software and games: https://www.atarimania.com

Fujinet - a multi-peripheral emulator and WiFi network device for vintage computers: https://fujinet.online/

In this episode, John and Dave talk about the Atari VCS/2600, the iconic console that launched the video game industry in the late 1970s.  Whether you grew up playing Atari or you're just curious about its history and legacy, this episode will take you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane.  The guys discuss their favourite (and not so favourite) 2600 games, hardware peripherals, personal memories, and more.

Links:

Atari 2600 hardware: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_2600_hardware

Atari 2600 homebrew: https://atariage.com/store/

Stella Atari 2600 emulator: https://stella-emu.github.io/

Atari 50th: The Anniversary Celebration: https://atari.com/products/atari-50th-the-anniversary-celebration

Harmony Cartridge: http://harmony.atariage.com/Site/Harmony.html

In this episode, John and Dave talk about Multicarts & SD based storage solutions for 8 bit computers and gaming consoles.  

These devices let you load hundreds of games from a single memory card and play them on your original hardware. Some of them even support advanced features like flash cartridges, speed loaders and co-processors. 

Dave also talks about the WiC64, a device that lets you connect your original Commodore computer to the internet.

Links:

SD2IEC: ⁠https://www.thefuturewas8bit.com/index.php/sd2iec-info⁠

Pi1541: ⁠https://cbm-pi1541.firebaseapp.com/⁠

SIO2SD: ⁠http://sio2sd.org/index.html⁠

Fujinet: ⁠https://fujinet.online/⁠

Kung Fu Flash: ⁠https://www.thefuturewas8bit.com/kung-fu-flash.html⁠

PiTrex: ⁠http://www.ombertech.com/pitrex.php⁠

Harmony Cartridge: ⁠https://harmony.atariage.com/Site/Harmony.html⁠ WiC64: ⁠https://www.wic64.de/⁠

In this episode, John and Dave talk about one of the most unique and innovative 8 bit gaming consoles of all time - the Vectrex.

The Vectrex was a cool video game console that came out in the early 80s. It had a built-in screen that used vector graphics, which looked different from other games at the time. It also had overlays that you could put on the screen to make the games more colourful.  It was one of a kind and still has fans today.

John also talks about a potential remake of the Atari 800XL, Atari’s 8 bit computer from 1983.

Links:

In this episode, John and Dave talk about the use of emulation vs original hardware when it comes to retro gaming and computing.

Emulation is the process of running old games on modern devices, such as computers or smartphones. Original hardware is the actual console or computer that the game was designed for. Both options have their pros and cons, and it ultimately depends on your personal preference and budget. Listen to this episode for some great discussion on this topic.

Dave also gets John’s opinion about the requirement for a RAM expansion unit to run games on retro hardware when they discuss the recent port of Sonic the Hedgehog to the Commodore 64.

Links:

MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator): https://www.mamedev.org/

MiSTer FPGA: https://www.retrorgb.com/mister.html

TheC64 Mini: https://retrogames.biz/products/thec64-mini/

VICE - Commodore 64/128/VIC20 emulator: https://vice-emu.sourceforge.io/

Atari 800 emulation: https://www.atariage.com/800/emulation/

Sonic the Hedgehog for the Commodore 64: https://csdb.dk/release/?id=212190

In this episode, John and Dave talk about Bulletin Board Systems (BBS).  A BBS is a form of computer network which was popular in the 80s and early 80s, where users can connect and share messages, files, games and other content.   BBS systems were often run from 8-bit computers and were typically accessed by a traditional telephone line and modem.

John and Dave share their own BBS stories, from both a user and system operator (Sysop), reflecting on their BBS experiences in the 80s and 90s.

Links mentioned in this episode:

The BBS documentary (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7nj3G6Jpv2G6Gp6NvN1kUtQuW8QshBWE 

Compute’s Gazette magazine archive (Archive.org): https://archive.org/details/compute-gazette 

BBS software archive: http://bbsdocumentary.com/software/ 

Active BBS Directory (modern and retro): https://8bitboyz.com/bbs-directory/ 

How to call a BBS today: https://www.howtogeek.com/686600/remember-bbses-heres-how-you-can-visit-one-today/ 

The last call BBS: https://www.zachtronics.com/last-call-bbs/ 

Commodore 64/128 Wifi modem (Retro Rewind): https://support.retrorewind.ca/commodore/c64/wifi-modem

CCGMSx (modern Windows, MacOS, Linux software for calling BBS): https://style64.org/release/ccgmsx-v1.0.1-style

In this episode, John and Dave talk about how they got started in 8 bit computers and gaming.  John talks about his love for the Atari 800XL, the Vectrex and other machines.  Dave talks about his admiration of the Commodore 64 and how he almost got a VIC20 instead.

The guys talk about BBSes, trading pizza subs for floppy disks and a lot more!