This motherboard is the compact version of the u2600+8 "FANTASY" console (an all-in-one board). Designed with the future in mind, it omits the ability to plug traditional VCS 2600 cartridges into the console (VCS 2600 games can only be loaded via SD card). However, it still utilizes the original 1977 chips and, of course, delivers the fantastic graphical capabilities characteristic of the "FANTASY" console series.
A new feature for musicians is the ability to plug a "SID Orchestra 16" expansion board directly onto the motherboard. Featuring 16 SID chips and 48 voices, it offers unprecedented possibilities for composition and is perfectly suited for the Public Domain SID (PDsid).
The u2600+8 "FANTASY" console comes fully soldered and pre-populated with standard ICs. However, please note that the Atari-specific TIA chip is not included and must be sourced and installed by the user.
Features:
- Switchable Standard: PAL/NTSC switchable (via jumper)
- Audio Expansions: SID I/II sound chip options & FM YM3812 sound chip option
- Memory: Extra RAM/Kernel in the memory range 0x700-0x7FF
- Peripherals: USB MIDI, keyboard, and mouse support
- Networking: Internet connectivity via Ethernet
- Storage: SD card slot for loading ROMs via the internal menu
- Data Transfer: ROM/Software transfer available via USB
Specifications:
Dimensions: approx. 225x155 mm
Power Consumption at 12V: approx. 350mA
Hardware and Software Details
In addition to improved video and audio output (S-Video), the core components (the TIA, 6507 CPU, and 6532 I/O chip) are now complemented by new sound chips, including SID I, SID II, and FM sounds via a YM3812. Furthermore, the board has been upgraded with an Ethernet port for internet access, USB MIDI, and an SD card slot.
An internal menu appears on the screen immediately upon powering up, allowing you to launch both classic game ROMs and your own custom-programmed ROMs. Alternatively, ROMs can be transferred and launched directly via USB—an excellent feature for developing your own VCS 2600 homebrew games.
Online ROM Loader: >
Link
Online SD Card Manager: >
Link
The software and online features are being continuously expanded.
Musical Capabilities
For those looking to be musically creative, the u2600+8 and its USB connection open up exciting new possibilities, allowing a USB MIDI keyboard to be plugged directly into the console. A dedicated music composition program is currently in development. However, resourceful programmers can already create their own custom music software. Access to the specific memory addresses for MIDI and Ethernet within the 0x700-0x7FF memory range is detailed in a separate document.
But that’s not all. If you want to find out what else the future holds, check out the website at https://uni64.com/net
Note: Currently, not all .bin ROM files are supported by the internal ROM loader, but continuous work is being done to support as many formats as possible.
Orderable (delivery in 5 weeks)