1088XEL Computer

This is a complete ground up redesign of the Atari 8-Bit Computer Motherboard still utilizing the standard Atari VLSI chips, but recreated in a Mini-ITX Form Factor (17 cm x 17 cm). The idea behind this project was to take several devices (i.e., TK-II, MouseTari, and VGATE) and integrate them into a cohesive package that would fit a plethora of readily available Mini-ITX enclosures.

EMAIL (macrorie@thebrewingacademy.com) your specifications for an accurate invoice before ordering!

Mini-ITX based Atari XL computer.  100% real Atari Chips  NO emulation!  100% compatible!

Component Choice

Here is whewre you decide how much of the kit you want to purchase at one time.  You can do it all at once or pick it up piece by piece.  It is completely up to you.  Remember, that if TBA is assembling your board and you only pick one or two parts, you will have to do the rest and/or return it for additional assembly.  A lot of people have some Atari chips, so Option 1 and 2 are a great choice for that.

• No Components (+$0.00)
• Board level components & power supply only (+$210.00)

• So this is if you just want the capacitors, resistors, etc.  There are no daughter boards (sub-system components) nor any Atari chips.  Although all other non-proprietary ICs ARE included.

• Daughter boards (UAV, Ultimate 1M upgrade, SIO2PC) (+$150.00)

• Exactly as listed.  You MUST have an Ultimate 1M upgrade to run the system.  The SIO2PC and UAV are optional, but highly recommended.
• The UAV (Ultimate Atari Video) gives you stock video options (composite/S-video)
• The SIO2PC gives you USB connectivity to your Windows/Mac computer with the use of RespeQt [shareware, not included]

• Atari LSI Chips (2x Pokey, ANTIC, PIA, CPU, GTIA) (+$215.00)

• Exactly as listed.
• Note POKEYs are very hard to find now

Video Options

In this section, you are choosing what video outputs you want on your 1088XEL/XLD.  The XEL is capable of putting out simultaneous video on up to five screens!  You could put video out of the CV, S-Video, Sophia Rev. B, VBXE, and/or Sophia rev C. You only need one, but multiple are always a way to “future proof” your machine.

For either Sophia rev. C (DVI-1536x960) or Sophia rev. C (DVI-1280x1024) you must choose DVI Backplane if ordering a case.

• No Stock Video (No UAV) (+$0.00)

• If you just want components and/or already have a UAV

• Sophia: All Sophia options are either discontinued or out of stock by the creator.  Sophia 2 should return in March of 2022
• VBXE (RGB/SC1224) (+$115.00)

• Special software for the VBXE (SDX, games, others) can now be used on the 1088XEL/XLD
• Output is via the 13pin DIN on the 1088
• Monitor mustbe capable of 15Khz
• An Atari SC1224 is usable out of the box with the board modification
• Board modification is done if you select “TBA Assembles” option

Compact Flash/Hard Disk

The 1088XEL has an option to use a CompactFlash card (not included, but available for purchase, just select the option below) as a removable hard drive.  Not only will the Atari be able to store a huge number of files, but this will also allow you to easily copy files from your Mac/Windows PC and then access them by the 1088!  Please note that if it does not say “You Assemble” then it is a fully assembled/tested version of the interface.

• No Internal CF/HDD Option Installed (+$0.00)
• 1088XEL-CF-][ Single CF Option (+$40.00)

• The CF-][ was the original version of the CompactFlash interface for the 1088XEL.  It functions very well, but it is VERY particular about what CF cards it uses. Also, it does not have the ability to “swap” virtual disks (ATR) via a .MAP file as the CF3 does.

• 1088XEL-CF-][ DUAL CF Adapter (+$55.00)

• This allows you to use two (2) CF cards simultaneously.
• The CF-][ Dual is even MORE particular about which CF cards it uses. Indeed, it is even particular about which combination of cards go into which slots.

• 1088XEL-CF3 Single (HCT-chips) incl. disk swap button (+$45.00)

• The CF3 is the newest version of the CompactFlash interface.  The HCT-chips version is very tolerant of which CF cards are used.
• The CF3-HCT will also allow you to swap virtual disks (ATR files) when you have a program that requires multiple disks be loaded in order to work (I am looking at YOU “Seven Cities of Gold”!)

• 1088XEL-CF3 Single (F-chips) incl. disk swap button (+$50.00)

• The CF3-F does everything the CF3-HCT version does, but it is even more tolerant of CF card usage.

• 1088XEL-CF3 Dual CF Adapter (+$65.00)

• The F series chips allows the CF3 to use just about any CF card and use it in any particular combination & slot order.
• It is NOT, however, bulletproof.  Some cards are just made with the Atari in mind.
• 1088XEL-CF3 For Rapidus Single: $55; Dual $70.00)
• • If you want to have a Rapidus in your 1088XEL, you need this version so the RAPIDUS can physically fit
    
  • HOWEVER< we do not recommend the RAPIDUS at this time as the firmware needs to be updated by the producer

• 1088XEL-CF-][ Single CF Option - You Assemble (+$40.00)
• 1088XEL-CF-][ DUAL CF Adapter - You Assemble (+$55.00)
• 1088XEL-CF3 Single (HCT-chips) incl. disk swap button - You Assemble (+$45.00)
• 1088XEL-CF3 Single (F-chips) incl. disk swap button - You Assemble (+$50.00)
• 1088XEL-CF3 Dual CF Adapter - You Assemble (+$65.00)

Casing Options

The 1088XEL was designed to be fitted into ANY ITX-compatible (170mmx170mm) case.  The Brewing Academy has chosen the Realan H80 as our default case.  It is a very sturdy, aluminum case with either a black or silver body.  The lids and backplanes are custom made with our design.  See the pictures for the default designs.

• No Case (+$0.00)
• Realan H80 Case (+$65.00)
• Cartridge Tunnel for H80 (black is default) (+$15.00)

• Although not requires, this makes inserting cartridges into the 1088XEL a breeze.  There is no chance that it will accidentally get dropped inside the case thus avoiding the need to open everything up.

• Internal Joystick Cables & Ports (x2) (+$10.00)

• The standard 1088XEL assembly requires that you run 2 6” IDC cables with a DB9M on one end and a ICD 10pin header on the other end from the mother board to the case.
• This option includes 2 cables.  If you select “TBA Assembles” as an option, they will be assembled and installed.  Otherwise, they will come as a kit that you assemble.

• Panel Indicator for H80 Lid (+$15.00)

• The standard 1088XEL allows you to run a 10 pin cable from various points on the motherboard to a consolidated indicator panel that can then be mounted on our “Standard 1088XEL lid” design.
• This option includes the PCB, LEDs, & connecting pins.  If you select “TBA Assembles” as an option, it will be assembled and installed.  Otherwise, it will come as a kit that you assemble.

• Mouse Select for H80 (+$15.00)

• The 1088 series of computers allows you to use a PS/2 mouse in Atari programs that use a mouse (FJC’s GOS & Diamond GOS, for example). This switch allows you to select which joystick port the Atari “sees” the mouse on.
• The standard 1088XEL allows you to run a 5 pin cable from the motherboard to a selector panel & switch that can then be mounted on the side of the Realan H80 body.
• This option includes the PCB, LED, switch, & connecting pins. If you select “TBA Assembles” as an option, it will be assembled and installed.  Otherwise, it will come as a kit that you assemble.
•  

Case Lid Options

The lid for the 1088XEL is completely customizable. It just depends on what you want it to look like and what features you want it to have.  See each option and pictures for each design.

• None (Not Ordering a Case) (+$0.00)
• Basic Lid (Metal with no cartridge access, indicator, or design) (+$0.00)

• This is really just the sheet of black (painted) metal that comes with the Realan H80.  It is for those that do not want/need cartridge access or indicator lights.

• Standard 1088XEL Lid for H80 (Black) (+$75.00)

• Cartridge port, Panel indicator on top
• See figure 4 (below)

• Customer designed Lid for H80 (+$90.00)

• Completely up to you!
• Logos, change access arrangement, colors, etc all up to you.
• See figures 3 & 6 (below)

Backplane Options

• No Backplane (+$0.00)
• Standard 1088XEL Backplane for H80 (+$50.00-$65.00)

• This is where all of the ports are fitted in the back of the 1088XEL.
• Very nice black finish that matches the H80 case color.
• There are choices depending on what ports you want on there

• See figure 1: No CF access (below) ($50.00)
• See figure 2: No CF and joysticks to backplane (below) ($65.00)
• See figure 7: single CF access (below) ($70.00)

• DVI Backplane for H80 (+$60.00)

• This is a required choice if you select a Sophia rev C video option. The reason is that the DVI port must be fitted to the back of the case for the most secure operation.
• There are some options available here, but they are limited due to the real estate required for everything
• See figure 5 for standard design

• Customer designed Backplane for H80 (+$75.00)

• Completely up to you!
• Logos, change access arrangement, colors, etc all up to you.
• Some ports MUST remain in certain locations due to the motherboard design.

Accessory Options

• No Accessories (+$0.00)
• MultiSIO Internal Board KIT (+$30.00)

• Allows you to have multiple internal SIO connections.  This would be useful if you plan on installing a MIDI2SIO option and/or an SIO2IO card
• If you wish to assemble this yourself, please see the option below.

• PIC-Stick Programmer KIT (+$35.00)

• If you are assembling the 1088XEL/XLD yourself, you will need some option to program the multiple PIC chips that are used in the machine. Other options are available elsewhere, but this allows you to use the Atari/1088XEL to program the chips.
• If you wish to assemble this yourself, please see the option below.

• Joystick extension cables (pair) (+$15.00)

• 6 foot extension cables so you can put the 1088XEL/XLD next to the monitor and then sit back on the couch to play!

• MultiSIO Internal Board KIT - You Assemble (+$20.00)
• PIC-Stick Programmer KIT - You Assemble (+$25.00)

 For MIDI options, please see HERE

1088XEL Assembly Options

Select testing and assembly options

• All Assembly & Testing by The Brewing Academy (+$200.00)
• All Assembly by You (+$0.00)

Other Assembly Options

• Panel Indicator for H80 Lid (if NOT purchased with case) (+$10.00)
• Mouse Select for H80 (if NOT purchased with case) (+$10.00)
• None (+$0.00)

Pictures

Figure 1: Standard backplane, joysticks to case

Figure 2 Standard, joysticks to backplane

Figure 3: Customer designed lid, CF access on top

Figure 4: Standard lid

Figure 5: DVI Backplane, joysticks to case

Figure 6: Customer designed lid CF access on top

Figure 7; Standard backplane, joysticks to case, with CF