Yeah, I’m a computer geek - I always have been.  Growing up in New York in the 1980s, I had to spend much of the winter months indoors, and my Atari computers kept me good company during that time.  Although the Atari 400 was a bit before my time, I always thought of this machine as representative of the home computer as it was back then - fun, simple, and very campy.

:: The recognizable Atari 400 computer cartridge door - click on image to enlarge ::

Back then, there were many computers, but the two big camps were the Atari users and the Commodore users.  I was always on the Atari side of things, and the two machines were very similar in capability - the Atari edging the Commodore in graphics, while the Commodore had the audio advantage with its onboard synthesizer chip.  Putting those issues aside, the Atari computers were easier to program, and the disk drives (a luxury back then) were much, much faster.

I remember countless winter days and nights, hanging out with one of my friends in his den using his Atari 800, and later on, his Atari 130XE.  Back then typing in game programs was actually a fun thing to do, always waiting for our next issue of COMPUTE! or Antic.  There was no internet, though I remember playing a really crude “computer porn” game for the Atari computer called Strip Poker.  Win a hand, and you undress the girls - all in 8-bit, 4-color glory.  Even as prepubescent teenagers we thought it was lame.

:: Atari serial peripheral port (left) - click on image to enlarge ::

The main CPU of the Atari was the now legendary MOS Technologies’ 6502 (which was also used in the Nintendo Entertainment System).  The Atari 400 originally came equipped with 8KB of RAM, and later models (such as this one pictured) included 16KB as standard.  Funny to think that this minuscule amount of memory was considered adequate at the time, but it was for many tasks.  Atari later released a 48KB upgrade, which required some modification to the machine to install.  48K-equipped Atari machines could run Atari DOS (Disk Operating System), which was an absolute necessity to realize the full potential of disk-based software.

:: The membrane keyboard was typical of entry-level computers - click on image to enlarge ::

Most people didn’t perform any serious tasks with these machines - unless you consider playing Defender and Dig-Dug ’serious’.  Even today, these little 8-bit computers make excellent gaming machines, and there are many dedicated gamers that still use their Atari and Commodore computers to this day.  So what’s the story with this particular Atari 400?  It’s a new, never used machine that’s part of my collection.  Yeah, I know it’s geeky to have a collection of computers and video games, but it’s big part of my childhood.  Besides, I’ll be posting many more pieces from my collection in this blog, so maybe you can relive some of your childhood days as well.

Related Links:

• Classic Computer Magazine Archive - a huge archive of many 1980s-era computer magazines.

I’ve always been fascinated by outboard motors - especially small ones.  I remember when I was younger, all I would do is draw them in my notebooks when I should have been paying attention in school.  I’m not sure why I always had such an interest in these little motors - maybe it’s because they are a gateway to all of the fun I’ve had boating, which is a big part of my life.

:: 1973 Evinrude Fisherman, preserved in new condition - click on image to enlarge ::

A few months back, I found this 1973 Evinrude 6 horsepower “Fisherman” outboard, still new in the box.  You read correctly - a new, never used outboard that’s over 35 years old.  It’s a collector’s dream, and in absolutely perfect, ageless condition. The engine shows no signs of age - no staining, fading, or scuffing whatsoever.  Even all the hang tags are present, as is the paper inspection decal.

:: Cowl removed - click on image to enlarge ::

I carefully removed the little engine from its box, which also included the “Cruise-A-Day” fuel tank and fuel line.  I bet you might be wondering if I’ll ever start the engine.  At this point, I would say it’s not likely - there’s just no reason to, and once started, I would have to drain the carburetor and make other preparations to store it indoors.

My plans are to build a nice stand for it and keep it on display in my office.  Who knows though, I may get the urge to run it one day - and I believe it would start right up as if it were manufactured yesterday.