SuperPET

History and Preservation Issues

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ral-clan
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SuperPET

Post by ral-clan »

Hi guys,

How much would you pay for a SuperPET? There's one available very close to me for around $300. So I'm thinking of letting it pass. That's much richer than I've ever spent on a vintage computer (by far), but I recognize it is a rare machine. Is this something you'd definitely buy at that price?
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ral-clan
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Re: SuperPET

Post by ral-clan »

Doing some research I just found out that a lot of 40 column PET software won't run properly on an 80 column PET. This is a big problem for me as the major nostalgic attraction of the PET is being able to run all those old 40 column games I played as a kid (like Space Invaders).

So this is a bit of a deal-breaker for me at that price point, as almost all my PET software I've collected is for the 40 column machine.

Apparently there are two ways to run 40 column software on an 80 column PET:

1. software 40 column driver: this only reduces the number of screen columns to 40, essentially using half the screen and centering the 40 columns in the middle of the monitor. So you get a narrow column of 40 characers in the centre of the screen with the aspect ratio not being proper. Also, I think this driver would be wiped out by machine language programs such as Space Invaders (it behaves that way in emulation).

2. hardware modification: apparently this is possible (at least on the 8032 models) using jumpers, removing some chips, and burning a new screen editor ROM. I can't do the latter without some significant trouble (finding someone to do it + cost). So not an ideal solution!
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sjgray
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Re: SuperPET

Post by sjgray »

Something else to consider. Some 40-column pet games scan the keyboard themselves and expect a "graphic" keyboard. Most 80-column machines have the "business" keyboard so the keys used to control the game will be different or perhaps not even available.

Yes, you can change to 40 columns with software (ie: 80240.PRG) or custom editor rom:
http://www.6502.org/users/sjgray/projec ... index.html

or by hard-wiring via jumpers (universal dynamic pet motherboards).

There were also some 40/80 switcher boards that could select 40 or 80 column mode with a single switch:
http://www.6502.org/users/sjgray/comput ... index.html

I'd say $300 for a SuperPET is a fairly reasonable price at the moment.

Steve
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ral-clan
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Re: SuperPET

Post by ral-clan »

Thanks. I actually just learned about the business keyboard vs. graphics keyboard. That's too bad, but I wonder how easy it would be to modify programs to read the other type of keyboard?

While I would prefer a 40-column / graphics keyboard PET in order to have compatibility with games, I may go with the SuperPET. It's not like one can be picky or choosy regarding PETs these days.

I actually had *two* 4000 series PETs with graphics keyboards as late as 2001. Silly me, I sold them. Regretted that move only a few years afterward.

I will keep this thread informed as to what happens regarding the SuperPET.
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sjgray
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Re: SuperPET

Post by sjgray »

A 40 column SuperPET with graphic keyboard would be interesting to see. The PET side would be fine, but I think the Super (6809) side would expect 80 columns. I think a 40/80 switcher would be vital in this case. I have a project to create the ultimate PET:

http://www.6502.org/users/sjgray/projec ... index.html

Of course it has SuperPET mode. Still sorting out some details. Not sure if the 6809 board will work on 8296 motherboard, or if everything will fit in the SK case. So it's a long-term project....

Steve
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ral-clan
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Re: SuperPET

Post by ral-clan »

Well, I picked up the SuperPET! The fellow was very nice and I negotiated a very reasonable price.

Cosmetically, it's in good shape - only minor dings. There is some screen burn-in, but what can one expect?

Electronically, there may be issues. When he showed it to me the screen occasionally came up with garbled characters. Now that I've got it home, I'm not even going to turn it on until I've got everything clean and all socketed chips re-seated.

I'll report back here. Hopefully with pictures.

And yes, it would be great to install a 40-column switcher. I'd do it for sure if I knew it could fit under the SuperPET's daughter board. I'm pretty sure that except for the daughter board, the rest of the computer is a stock 8032.

If I am able to go with a 40 column switcher, it would have to be done in a way that it could be invisible or disabled so that the SuperPET side could run fine. I wouldn't want to do anything irreversible.
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ral-clan
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Re: SuperPET

Post by ral-clan »

Hi folks. Here are the pictures as promised. I've started a new thread to talk about repairing this machine here:
http://sleepingelephant.com/ipw-web/bul ... 310#p88310

(click on any of the pictures below to make them bigger)
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jpg images

Thread discussing this display problem here:
http://sleepingelephant.com/ipw-web/bul ... 310#p88310
Image Music I've made with 1980s electronics, synths and other retro-instruments: http://theovoids.bandcamp.com
rhurst
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Re: SuperPET

Post by rhurst »

Sounds like you got everything you wanted, very nice and thanks for sharing. 8)
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SkydivinGirl
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Re: SuperPET

Post by SkydivinGirl »

Wow, I'm extremely jealous. I've been wanting a SuperPET for ages but they don't seem to show up in the USA. I'm so glad it went to a good home!

Heather
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mingle
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Re: SuperPET

Post by mingle »

Great stuff. Thanks for the pictures. I think for $300 (here in Aus) that would be a real bargain.

Looks to be in good shape to.

Cheers,

Mike.
Kakemoms
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Re: SuperPET

Post by Kakemoms »

Thats a really goodlooking machine. The PCB is still flawless. Wow.
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