From 76239f73fe630216757cc1a698d0c146c8702260 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Stefan Koelle Date: Sat, 12 Sep 2026 12:08:43 +0200 Subject: [PATCH] Fix Eiffel source (Olivier Gossuin, not Klyde), add MCSWITCH price --- retro/atari-vga/index.njk | 2 +- retro/eiffel/index.njk | 3 +-- 2 files changed, 2 insertions(+), 3 deletions(-) diff --git a/retro/atari-vga/index.njk b/retro/atari-vga/index.njk index 810f843..6e9400e 100644 --- a/retro/atari-vga/index.njk +++ b/retro/atari-vga/index.njk @@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ parent: "/retro/"

To get the Atari ST onto a modern monitor, I use RGB-to-VGA adapters. I have three of them: a passive MCSWITCH adapter on the "Low" machine, a self-built adapter on the "High" machine, and a newer active ST2VGA Enhanced that isn't in use yet.

The MCSWITCH (Low machine)

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The Mega ST 4 "Low" uses an MCSWITCH adapter (ATARI Monochrome & Color VGA Adapter) by Olivier Gossuin. It shows all three ST resolutions on a suitable VGA monitor, with a switch for mono and color. The version documented on albersdoerfer.de also has an A/V connector and volume buttons, but mine is an older revision without the volume buttons and with a slightly different look. I can't find my exact version at Olivier's anymore, nor a newer one, so the adapter I have is a bit of a rare older revision.

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The Mega ST 4 "Low" uses an MCSWITCH adapter (ATARI Monochrome & Color VGA Adapter) by Olivier Gossuin, bought directly from him in 2021 for 23 EUR. It shows all three ST resolutions on a suitable VGA monitor, with a switch for mono and color. The version documented on albersdoerfer.de also has an A/V connector and volume buttons, but mine is an older revision without the volume buttons and with a slightly different look. I can't find my exact version at Olivier's anymore, nor a newer one, so the adapter I have is a bit of a rare older revision.

The self-built adapter (High machine)

The Mega ST 4 "High" uses a self-built adapter. I had to build my own because every off-the-shelf adapter blocks the VGA slot of the ET4000 card, since both connectors sit at the same spot on the machine. My solution is a short cable leading to a small box, which carries the VGA connector and the mono/color switch, so the ET4000's own VGA output stays accessible. I followed the guide at pest.atari.org to build the RGB-to-VGA adapter itself.

diff --git a/retro/eiffel/index.njk b/retro/eiffel/index.njk index c9a6857..7fb3962 100644 --- a/retro/eiffel/index.njk +++ b/retro/eiffel/index.njk @@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ parent: "/retro/"

The version I use

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I use the PS/2 Atari Eiffel adapter with joystick ports from Klyde's Korner. This version connects to the keyboard port (RJ12) of an Atari Mega ST(E) or TT, and includes two joystick ports alongside the PS/2 keyboard and mouse. It's plug and play, comes pre-programmed with the latest firmware (v1.10.1Mq, which fixes a joystick firing problem), and needs no drivers. It connects via an RJ12 (6P6C) straight cable, and works with a native PS/2 keyboard and mouse or certain PS/2-compatible USB devices via a USB-to-PS/2 adapter.

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I have the Eiffel 3 for Mega ST, Mega STE and TT, bought directly from Olivier Gossuin in 2021 for 18 EUR. This version connects to the keyboard port (RJ12) of an Atari Mega ST(E) or TT, and includes two joystick ports alongside the PS/2 keyboard and mouse. It's plug and play, comes pre-programmed with the latest firmware, and needs no drivers. It connects via an RJ12 (6P6C) straight cable, and works with a native PS/2 keyboard and mouse or certain PS/2-compatible USB devices via a USB-to-PS/2 adapter.

Why use it

Original Atari keyboards are getting rare and expensive. The Eiffel is a cheap, modern alternative that brings a standard PS/2 keyboard and mouse to the machine, along with the two joystick ports the original keyboard had. It also gives a much better typing feel: I use a Cherry PS/2 keyboard, which is far more pleasant to type on than the original, and a Logitech PS/2 mouse that tracks noticeably better than the original Atari STM1 mouse. It makes the workstation far more practical to use day to day. The older Eiffel versions were originally built and sold by Lyndon Amsdon, with the design documented on the Atari Hardware Guide, and the project history is covered in the Atari Wiki.

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Sources