exxos's Atari, Amiga & retro forum

Just saw this on eBay Australia - https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/13492684792 ... SwomdlxIIj - 3 x 400s, cases in bad condition, two with better keyboard replacements, BIN $220.

I'm tempted myself but I don't know much about 400s, have not had one since the 80s. However I know they are not available in Australia often so may be of interest to someone. This is NOT my auction but if you really really want these machines and you're not in Australia I could possibly reship for you.

And if you have a cheap, clean Atari 800, that's what I was actually looking for :D

I spotted these too, I don't have a 400 so it is bloody tempting. But, I have a few projects on the cook atm so sitting on the fence. If anyone in Victoria wants to split it, LMK.

The 400 with the full keyboard conversion are rare

Tom

That kind of talk isn't helping, mate.

OK I bought it - whatever I don't need will probably show up here once I have had time to go through everything and piece together the best 400 that can be made from the lot.

Well done, beat me to it. I asked him if there was at least one good top and bottom. I'm keen so LMK once you are done.

So... I don't have a proper Atari power supply yet but I injected some DC at the diode bridge, which showed me that at least one machine boots to Memo Pad. The two mechanical keyboards are reasonable. One is a "B Key", the other looks exactly like it but is branded Cherry and has a few keys in extra colors. Both use Cherry M8 Open switches, both have full sets of low profile keycaps for MX-compatible stems that are very good once cleaned. (If I wanted to use a 400 I could make a very nice keyboard with some Kailh Choc low profile switches.) The cases are a problem, there is one good top piece. There is one bottom half with just one strip of vent plastic broken that I think I can glue invisibly. The other good bottom half would be perfect but it's the one someone drilled two holes in to add two RCA jacks for a DIY composite video circuit. :(

I think it's very likely I will sell the two keyboards and any left-over internal bits and put together a 400 system using the membrane keyboard, just to keep an original 400. To use I bought an 800, I have Incognito and Sophia 2 on the way! I'll be designing/printing a replacement panel, definitely will not be cutting any holes in the 800.

Its always exciting to get new projects. Until they pile up. :-) Looking forward to seeing how you go.