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Conference 7.286::atarist

Title:Atari ST, TT, & Falcon
Notice:Please read note 1.0 and its replies before posting!
Moderator:FUNYET::ANDERSON
Created:Mon Apr 04 1988
Last Modified:Tue May 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1433
Total number of notes:10312

1430.0. "help choosing st for Midi use!" by COMICS::GLEDHILL () Tue Nov 21 1995 08:39

Apolgies if covered elsewhere, not sure what keyword to look for unti I get
a reply to this! Feel free to move this note, I will cross post this in the
wanted section anyway.

I am wanting to buy an atari (cheap), primarily for the midi seq software, but
also would like to use the pc emulator sw, graphics etc. I also have various
keyboards (korg M1, roland d70 and a yamaha tx81z module) and wonder if there
is stuff specically for them models. 

I am confused by the all models advertised in the free adds eg ste, stfm 
and the various memory sizes. What I want to know if which models/memory size
should I get in order to do the above. I also I remember some later models
had a D/A converter on them, what are they called?

If I get a cheap 520 say how much would it cost to upgrade to a bigger memory
size later. Can they all be upgraded to the max (is it 4Mb?) or only certain
models??

Thanks for any help.

Dave Gledhill (in wales, but working from basinging stoke @uvo)


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1430.1WOTVAX::BOURNEJTwo grandsons Timothy & JoshuaTue Nov 21 1995 11:2512
    Dave,
    
    I am also looking for a system for MIDI use and from advice in another
    note here I think that the STE with as much memory as possible is the
    best choice.
    
    Other than that, I know nothing about these systems till I get hold of
    the one that I'm after.
    
    Regards,
    
    Jim
1430.2Some general ST family infoGANTRY::ALLBERYJimWed Nov 22 1995 14:1629
    The original 520ST or 1040ST systems were not designed to accomodate
    memory upgrades (the 520ST has 1/2 MB, and the 1040 has 1 MB).  There
    are/were 3rd party upgrade kits.  Generally speaking, these involve
    soldering (which may or may not scare you off).
    
    I believe the STFM is a later version of the ST that included a 
    built-in R/F modulator which allowed you to display low-res color on
    a standard television.  STFMs were not designed for memory expansion
    either.  The Mega was an ST variant with a detached keyboard, and
    provisions for an internal hard drive.
    
    The STE was the next family.  I believe the STEs use SIMM memory,
    so memory upgrades are easier.  I think they also included a
    blitter chip for improved graphics.  There was a Mega STE, too.
    
    The TT was the high-end of the line.
    
    The Falcon is the current machine.  It is the one that includes
    the reasonbly high-quality digital sound stuff.
    
    Anyway, that's what I remember off of the top of my head.  I don't
    guarantee the accuracy, but if I've got something wrong, hopefully
    someone else will correct it.  If nothing else, the above info
    may give you some ideas of topics to search for in this conference.
    
    Personally, I wouldn't recommend a 520ST.  At least go for the
    1040.  An STE is better yet.
    
    Jim (a more-or-less x-ST user these days)
1430.3STFM & STe upgrade to 4MBKERNEL::BLANDNorman Bland 833 3797 CSC, BasingstokeThu Nov 23 1995 09:3812
    The STe (and probably Mega Ste) can be upgraded from 512KB to 1MB, 2MB
    & 4MB. I upgraded my 520STe from 512KB to 4MB. You discard the two x
    256KB SIMM's and install four x 1MB SIMM's. The cheapest you are likely
    to get these for in the UK is around 82.50 UKP + PP. There are
    companies that will do the upgrade for you at a price.
    
    The STFM can also be upgraded to a maximaum of 4MB. a company called
    MARPET do a module that will take SIMM's; I'm not sure if it is a
    solder job or not. I could dig out more details on the MARPET upgrade
    if you want but it would be wiser to go for an STe IMHO.
    
    Norman  
1430.4thanksCOMICS::GLEDHILLThu Nov 23 1995 19:077
Thanks for all the info everyone. Nice job. 

one final question does the tt have any sort of sound chip on it (low res 
sound even?)

dg.

1430.5WOTVAX::BOURNEJTwo grandsons Timothy & JoshuaMon Nov 27 1995 19:078
    Dave,
    
    I think all the ATARI's have a sound chip as standard, but I don't know
    from experience as I still organising my system.
    
    Regards,
    
    Jim
1430.6I have the spec.KERNEL::ADAMSBrian Adams CSC-Viables '833-3026Sat Dec 02 1995 06:1915
    
    Dave,
    
    I have a copy of the "Engineering Hardware Specification of the
    Atari ST Computer System" as published by the Atari Corporation,
    Sunnyvale, California  7th January 1986.
    
    Although old, it might help with some of your questions. Next time
    your in the CSC, pop round and take a look.
    
    My system is an STe with 4Mb memory, 2 disks, printer etc, but I've
    never used it for MIDI. 
    
    Brian.