I would like to introduce two new very simple devices build for better video signal generated by Atari. As probably everyone know, used by Atari original CD4050 as simply DAC is not insufficient to generate sharp and good quality picture - especially in the middle of grey table:
The problem is that CD4050 working without synchronization with Atari clock and "transmitting' to video output everything what is coming to CD4050's buffer inputs. There is very easy solution for this issue proposed by my colleague KKRYS - member of PTODT (Polskie Towarzystwo Ochrony Dziedzictwa Technicznego/ Polish Society for the Protection of Technical Heritage) which is eliminating issue with pixels synchronization on Atari video output. Using Atari VideoFixer (XE) or Atari FideoFixer (XL/XE/XEGS) as CD4050 replacement is good idea if you are quality purist :-) - especially it's recommended for Atari XE series because this has worst video quality. So after replace CD4050 with VF/FF we have something like this:
We will see that gap on the middle of grey scale was eliminated. More over, text is really sharpen than before. Above screenshots were taken from my Composite->HDMI->USB grabber - that's so many colors you see :-). Below I added a few real photos make with A800XL NTSC (Yes, it's working fine with each system!) and FF v1.0, so that you can evaluate the results yourself...
Really sorry because of mess on the desk :-)
Device is very easy to install, just disassemble CD4050 from PCB (if it's not socket-ed), place VF/FF into socket and iron one wire to clock signal on Atari PCB like this:
In summary, this very easy and cheap mod is very usable if you have low quality video output. This is not only one solution for each noises generated by Atari bad PCB design but it's very good mod which is truly satisfied my eyes :-)
Thank you KKRYS - very good job.
Mod will be available in PTODT's shop very soon....
Best Regards,
pancio
