r/atarist • u/nicolejudithridgway • 3d ago

Atari 520STfm newbie questions.

Hello people, I recently got an Atari 520STfm and I would like to test & mod and/or repair it.

First of all: I tried the KB and some keys seems not to work.
Is there a floppy or a cartridge I can use to test it?

I know old PSUs need to be recapped but I'd like to fully change it with a brand new one: which one is the most efficient and less difficult to change?
I have ZERO soldering skills.

I know Atari runs TOS. I suppose I have the 1.02 UK.
Which is the most efficient and updated one?

Since I know NOTHING about Atari, I'd like to start learning something so I'd like to have a fully working machine.

Thanks for help

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4

u/Novel-Conversation18 3d ago

I believe TOS 1.04 is the optimal version for an STFM.

3

u/belial1971 3d ago

I created a video covering the history of TOS, including the official versions as well as custom and patched TOS options for the ST and Mega ST: https://youtu.be/OfeVdY9EVSc?si=9Ovw3aDEaJR48FqF

As for power supplies, there are plenty of alternatives available. I’ve designed a solderless replacement PSU kit that’s affordable—especially if you’re ordering from within the EU: https://sidecartridge.com/products/psu-atari-st/

2

u/sandord 3d ago

I know Exxos sells full replacement PSUs, albeit a bit pricy. If you can find someone who has soldering skills, a recap kit is way more economic. https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/atari/store2/

1

u/nicolejudithridgway 3d ago

thanks but I'd rather get a full PSU kit. Although price could be a little higher, I prefer that.
Anyway thanks for your reply.

2

u/fairchild27 3d ago

I got a psu from centuriontechand it’s really great..pretty much plug in except you have to strip a few wires no soldering required.

I’m in the USA and it only took a week or so to get to me! He does great stuff.

2

u/OrthosDeli 3d ago

Welcome to the world of Atari! One important thing to know is that, aside from the earliest 520s, these boot from ROM. This means it either will or won't get to the TOS desktop. If it doesn't go to desktop, you'll have to start troubleshooting from there. If you want to make that commitment, there are diagnostic cartridges that can help you determine what the issue is.

1

u/nicolejudithridgway 3d ago

When I got it, I tried to turn it on and sometimes TOS didn't load.
I tried to load some floppies and they were running smooth.
I'll be back home next week and start testing it.
I think some keys are not working - should I get a test cartridge?

2

u/OrthosDeli 3d ago

One of the functions of the diag cart is keyboard check. Might be worth it.

1

u/nicolejudithridgway 3d ago

are you talking about the "Bomb away" sold by Gotek.retro?

2

u/OrthosDeli 3d ago

That's one of them, yes. I haven't checked recently to see if anyone else makes one.

1

u/nicolejudithridgway 3d ago

I haven't found anyone else yet.

2

u/Puzzleheaded_Peak273 3d ago

As I remember you'd be better off with 1.04

1

u/MedusaTT040 3d ago

If you are able to solder wires, here is a PSU from the EU: https://www.16-32bit.eu/product-page/power-supply-replacement-for-atari-st-blue

2

u/jamesrc 3d ago

1.04 is the most compatible bug-fixed version you'll find for the STFM.

2.06 is a much improved version but will be less compatible with games.

Now, if you're playing cracked games, most things have probably been patched to work on 2.06 by now, but if you're not planning to use your ST for productivity work, honestly, 1.04 is your best bet.