Panda Chan
Offline
Melbourne, Australia

So, I've been inspired by Ultrasyd and Henry Homesweet and just love the sounds they squeeze out of the ST, and I have downloaded STEEM and Maxymiser and had a crack at making chiptunes using the ST so I'm not a total beginner with the software, however...
I'm interested in getting an actual ST and using it, but I have no idea what to do, as I have never owned a computer older than a windows 98... hmm
So, if people could please give me some advice (before I buy one) on:
a) Good places to buy them (I'm guessing ebay? but there might be others)
b) What to look for?
c) Additional hardware/software I may require?
d) General things to know about operating an ST?
e) anything else?

Thanks! big_smile

xylo
Offline
Holland

Ebay is a good place to find an ST. Look for an STe preferably but an STf works as well.

You can use your own TV with scart if you look for a cable like this: http://www.retrogamingcables.com/atari- … d-rca.html that is a lot cheaper than an actual Atari ST screen.

Musicmon is a good way to start as well if you're not that in to Maxymiser, but Maxy will do just fine!

Panda Chan
Offline
Melbourne, Australia

Musicmon looks awesome! Why did I not find this before? Maybe use both?! wink Thanks!
I also heard that ST's had MIDI capabilities? If so, then is there any software that I could use to control MIDI synths using the ST? Because that would be awesome. big_smile

Edit: How do you put programs onto it? Copy on to floppy disk and then put the floppy disk in ST or?

Last edited by Panda Chan (Dec 16, 2013 12:06 pm)

XyNo
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Joliette, QC, Canada
Panda Chan wrote:

Musicmon looks awesome! Why did I not find this before? Maybe use both?! wink Thanks!
I also heard that ST's had MIDI capabilities? If so, then is there any software that I could use to control MIDI synths using the ST? Because that would be awesome. big_smile

Edit: How do you put programs onto it? Copy on to floppy disk and then put the floppy disk in ST or?

The ST have MIDI I/O, and you are lucky you can control synths on MaxYMiser since the last version (which was out something like 2-3 months ago !)
And for the disks it's a little bit tricky but easy to do...
you need to tape the one of the hole on the floppy (not the with the write protection but the other) use a computer with Win XP or lower and format the disk in 720k ! (You got the choice in the floppy format screen !)

Panda Chan
Offline
Melbourne, Australia

Ah awesome! XD
That sounds a little tricky, but not too bad! Thanks! smile

Comptroller
Offline
Edinburgh

Re: disk formatting, I believe if you format disks using an STe then it can automatically be read by both ST and PC. Simpler way of doing it (unless I'm mistaken).

herr_prof
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Unsubscribe

there is also a way to format disks via the command line in windows:

format a: /t:80 /n:9,

Panda Chan
Offline
Melbourne, Australia

Awesome, thanks for the help guys! big_smile

katsumbhong
Offline
Taichung, Taiwan

I have an Atari 520 STFm for sale, but I'm in the US.

XyNo
Offline
Joliette, QC, Canada
katsumbhong wrote:

I have an Atari 520 STFm for sale, but I'm in the US.

I don't think Musicmon will run if it's still with 520k ram !

gwEm
Offline
London

make sure you get a mouse!

maxYMiser will support 520 machines, but the most fun option is a 1040STe because you get an extra soundchip for sample playback, proper audio outs, upgradeable memory and it formats PC disks

xyno: the MIDI output supporting version of maxYMiser was actually out 7 months ago or something wink

XyNo
Offline
Joliette, QC, Canada
gwEm wrote:

make sure you get a mouse!

maxYMiser will support 520 machines, but the most fun option is a 1040STe because you get an extra soundchip for sample playback, proper audio outs, upgradeable memory and it formats PC disks

xyno: the MIDI output supporting version of maxYMiser was actually out 7 months ago or something wink

Ohh damn I'm totally late then !!! hahaha Still a great tracker man, thumbs up !!! (Finally kicked my ass to learn that instrument editor !!! XD)

Panda Chan
Offline
Melbourne, Australia
katsumbhong wrote:

I have an Atari 520 STFm for sale, but I'm in the US.

Yeah, I think the US is a little too far away... tongue and I think a 1040 STe might be preferable. But thanks anyway! big_smile

And I'll make sure to get a mouse, thanks gwEm. tongue