Atari 5200:Atari 5200 Model Differences: Difference between revisions

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'''Base content/research taken from [https://io55.net/wiki/eop/video_game_consoles-home/1st_and_2nd_generation/atari_5200 io55.net's Atari 5200 page] with permission, in collaboration.'''
[[Category:Atari_5200]]
'''Some page content & researching collaboratively taken from [https://io55.net/wiki/eop/video_game_consoles-home/1st_and_2nd_generation/atari_5200 io55.net's Atari 5200 page] with permission.'''


There are 2 released models of the 5200, and no meaningful internal revisions for either of them.
There are two 5200 models.


== Models ==
== Models ==


''Models are arranged chronologically. There are no revisions.''
''Models are arranged chronologically.''


=== “5200 (4 controller ports)” (1982-1983?) ===
=== 4-port model (1982-1983) ===
This version of the 5200 has four controller ports as its primary identifying feature and was the initial version of the console released in 1982. However, its major downside is that the console uses a single cable for combined audio, video and power; and requires an unusual switchbox. Thus, a large element of unreliability and risk comes along with this version because a broken switchbox means no power and no video output for a 5200 without an easy replacement. These can be modified to bypass the switchbox by adding a power jack and removing an inductor from the main board.


This version of the 5200  has 4 controller ports, as it's primary identifying feature However, it's major downside is including the “RF Switch box”, a silly attachment that contains literally every input for the Atari 5200 that isn’t a controller. Thus, a large element of unreliability and risk comes along with this version, because a broken box means no power and no video output for a 5200, without an easy replacement.
Most 4-port models also have smooth, smoked plastic controller storage lids and front bezels, which are easily scratched and attract dust. These were replaced at some point in 1983 with textured matte pieces. The VCS Cartridge Adaptor (CX55) is also not compatible with most 4-port models without modification, as the 4-port's cartridge port is not properly wired to pass through the composite video and audio from the CX55 and unregulated DC voltage to the adapter.


====4-port variations====
Some later 4-port 5200 consoles (mainly those manufactured in mid-1983) use a newer revision motherboard, and these are also the only 4-port consoles that are compatible with the CX55 out of the box. These can usually be identified by their serial number, which contains an asterisk.


In addition, when Atari Corporation began assembling and selling 5200 consoles in 1985 and 1986, they would often use whatever parts were at hand from the massive parts inventory they had inherited from Atari Inc., since the 5200 had already been officially discontinued. Because of this, some 4-port consoles exist which use the 2-port bottom case but have an old 4-port motherboard inside, along with a factory power jack modification to fill in the spare hole near the channel select switch. Because these odd Atari Corp. units use the original 4-port motherboard, they are not compatible with the CX55 without modification.


=== “5200 Super System (2 controller ports)” (1983-1984) ===
=== 2-port model (1983-1984) ===
 
Despite removing two controller ports, this version is widely considered to be the superior model of the two, as it has a built-in power jack and does not rely on an external switchbox for power. Due to this, one can use any standard RF switchbox or a 75 ohm to F-type connector to connect the 5200 directly to a TV. All 2-port models support the CX55 adapter, but the 2-port does have some minor game compatibility issues due to possessing a different BIOS from the 4-port model. The BIOS chip can be swapped with one from a 4-port or a 2716 EPROM burned with the 4-port BIOS.
Despite removing two controller ports, this version is the superior one of the two. While the RF switch box still exists, the power and channel select switches are now on the console itself, instead of the box. Furthermore, one can use any standard RF box, which eliminates the reliability issue. Lastly, the memory addresses here have been changed to support an Atari 2600 adapter, which the 4 port models only have in certain later revisions.


== References ==
== References ==
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_5200 Wikipedia page on the Atari 5200]


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari_5200
[https://gametrog.com/atari-5200-vcs-video-computer-system-information-specs/ Atari 5200 information and specs (Game Trog)]


https://gametrog.com/atari-5200-vcs-video-computer-system-information-specs/
[http://www.ataricompendium.com/faq/5200_vcs_adapter_mod.pdf Atari service bulletin on modifying 4-port models for the CX55] ([[:File:5200_vcs_adapter_mod.pdf|mirror]])

Latest revision as of 17:17, 4 November 2024

Some page content & researching collaboratively taken from io55.net's Atari 5200 page with permission.

There are two 5200 models.

Models

Models are arranged chronologically.

4-port model (1982-1983)

This version of the 5200 has four controller ports as its primary identifying feature and was the initial version of the console released in 1982. However, its major downside is that the console uses a single cable for combined audio, video and power; and requires an unusual switchbox. Thus, a large element of unreliability and risk comes along with this version because a broken switchbox means no power and no video output for a 5200 without an easy replacement. These can be modified to bypass the switchbox by adding a power jack and removing an inductor from the main board.

Most 4-port models also have smooth, smoked plastic controller storage lids and front bezels, which are easily scratched and attract dust. These were replaced at some point in 1983 with textured matte pieces. The VCS Cartridge Adaptor (CX55) is also not compatible with most 4-port models without modification, as the 4-port's cartridge port is not properly wired to pass through the composite video and audio from the CX55 and unregulated DC voltage to the adapter.

4-port variations

Some later 4-port 5200 consoles (mainly those manufactured in mid-1983) use a newer revision motherboard, and these are also the only 4-port consoles that are compatible with the CX55 out of the box. These can usually be identified by their serial number, which contains an asterisk.

In addition, when Atari Corporation began assembling and selling 5200 consoles in 1985 and 1986, they would often use whatever parts were at hand from the massive parts inventory they had inherited from Atari Inc., since the 5200 had already been officially discontinued. Because of this, some 4-port consoles exist which use the 2-port bottom case but have an old 4-port motherboard inside, along with a factory power jack modification to fill in the spare hole near the channel select switch. Because these odd Atari Corp. units use the original 4-port motherboard, they are not compatible with the CX55 without modification.

2-port model (1983-1984)

Despite removing two controller ports, this version is widely considered to be the superior model of the two, as it has a built-in power jack and does not rely on an external switchbox for power. Due to this, one can use any standard RF switchbox or a 75 ohm to F-type connector to connect the 5200 directly to a TV. All 2-port models support the CX55 adapter, but the 2-port does have some minor game compatibility issues due to possessing a different BIOS from the 4-port model. The BIOS chip can be swapped with one from a 4-port or a 2716 EPROM burned with the 4-port BIOS.

References

Wikipedia page on the Atari 5200

Atari 5200 information and specs (Game Trog)

Atari service bulletin on modifying 4-port models for the CX55 (mirror)

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