FujiNet, wireless connectivity via WiFi for Atari 8-bit computers
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Local networking and Internet connectivity via WiFi, microSD storage, remote printing and even online gaming is what the FujiNet project promises for the Atari XL/XE series computers.
Under the name FujiNet, Thomas Cherryhomes and a group of enthusiastic collaborators are developing a device that will allow Atari 8-bit computers to connect to the Internet using WiFi wireless technology.
FujiNet is comprised of two pieces of hardware: a NodeMCU, an Arduino-like board based on the ESP8266 - a low-cost WiFi chip; and an interface board, which consists of a series of passive components that not only connect the NodeMCU to the SIO port of the Atari computer, but also sufficiently isolate it when necessary.
"On the server side, we're using an application protocol called Tiny Network File System (TNFS). It's a lightweight file system server built for the ZX Spectrum by the Spectranet community. The WIFI device acts as the modem; you simply connect over WIFI or your home network instead of a phone line," explains Bill Lange, who is involved in the project.
At the moment, the network name, passwords and server address are hard-coded directly into the device. "Through the code on the device, the Atari computer treats the TNFS server as just another disk drive, so we can boot programs from the network (...) it means I can have an .ATR file on my home server and I could boot the Atari 8-bit over the Internet," Lange added.
FujiNet can now virtually mount, read and write ATR disk images over the Internet or a local network. If connectivity is not available, the device features a microSD card slot, so it can also be used for file storage.
Cherryhomes has been developing several programs to extend the functionality of FujiNet. For example, there is a test code that runs on an Atari that displays all available servers and their signal strengths. Another test code will give the user a list of all .atr files that exist on a TNFS server.
The author also hopes to enable the 8266 module to "talk" to RS-232, TCP, UDP and HTTP protocols; integrate it with existing communications programs such as Ice-T, BobTerm, AMODEM and PLATOTERM; and even to perform remote printing.
Although it is currently using C language, Cherryhomes says that even BASIC can be used to program the device. "The new functions will be fully available through wireless firmware updates," he said.
Despite having only been started at the beginning of last November, the project has the participation of several members of the Atarian community such as Jeff Piep, Josh "48KRAM" Malone, Joe Decuir, Mozzwald, Mr Robot, a8isa1 (USA) and Ivo "ivop" van Poorten (Netherlands).
As mind-boggling as it may seem, some of the contributors want to get Atari 8-bit computers to run online multiplayer programs. "A couple of guys are working on MIDIMAZE over the Internet. It doesn't have to be slow: if you have a 'game server' (running on an Internet-connected PC), the Atari 8-bit client could display maps and so on, and download all the stuff from the network from a modern computer," Lange explains.
Cherryhomes notes that the project faces several challenges, including making the hardware even cheaper; continuing to develop tests to optimize the FujiNet firmware; and getting the device powered by the +5v power from the Atari SIO bus—since the board currently requires a separate power supply. These and other issues are expected to be resolved by the end of 2020.
As for the price, it is estimated that each properly programmed unit will cost around 50 USD. "We need to recover the costs, but making money on delivery is not a priority," stresses Cherryhomes, who as always has shared the entire project.development code in the GitHub repository
For those curious, the initiative was renamed from AtariNet to FujiNet to avoid copyright issues with the Atari company. Cherryhomes has already tested its prototype ona XEGS consoleand also in the singularAtari laptop by Ben Heck
Finally, FujiNet hasa Patreon pagewhich is used to help fund the development of the project and cover operational costs, such as shipping programmed plates between the various participants. Those who wish to collaborate can do sofrom this link
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