Innovation for Atari 8-bits in the Hardware category at ABBUC 2024 | Video

October 26, 2024 • Updated: Mar 12, 2025 - 08:46 PM

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During the 39th meeting of the Atari Bit Byter User Club (ABBUC), the results of the hardware category of the twenty-second edition of the ABBUC 2024 competition were announced.

Two outstanding projects caught the attention of judges and attendees at the competition, held this Saturday in Herten (Germany), for their innovation and their contribution to the evolution of Atari 8-bit computers.

Virtual to Reality Hardware Interface (VRHI)

First place went to Biernat "Pancio" Błażej and his project Virtual to Reality Hardware Interface (VRHI). This device aims to speed up programming, reading and communication of cartridges and other peripherals connected to Atari XL/XE computers, allowing data to be written in just a few seconds.

VRHI connects via a USB port to a PC, and when required, via a serial cable for debugging purposes. Initial tests have shown transmission speeds of up to 2 Mbit per second, with a 512 KB cartridge being transferred in approximately three seconds.

Furthermore, VRHI is compatible with any Atari device, providing a versatile platform for working on different hardware projects. Its development was supported by Jerzy Kut, who was responsible for much of the communication software and PC library. Błażej designed and built the basic system and is currently working on a second prototype to further improve the speed and efficiency of data exchange between the PC and VRHI.

Technically, the VRHI uses a 32-bit RISC-V microcontroller running at 144 MHz, with 64 KB of RAM and 256 KB of FLASH memory, features that allow it to perform high-demand operations without affecting the performance of the Atari. The device also includes an additional 16 MB of FLASH memory for cartridge data storage; an SD card slot for cartridge images; a 10 Mb Ethernet connector and two USB ports (one as a host and one as a device). Although many of these features are still in development, the VRHI promises to be a multi-functional and highly useful device for Atari users.

Decent USB Host

Second place went to Bertrand "ScreamingAtTheRadio" Le Roy, whose Decent USB Host project seeks to expand the connectivity possibilities of Atari 8-bit computers by enabling the integration of keyboards, gamepads, mice, storage devices, and Internet access via USB, Bluetooth, and WiFi.

Based on the Raspberry Pi Pico, the DecentUSB Host utilizes the PIO system’s fast processing power and low cost to synchronize complex signals, overcoming the barrier to entry for emulating modern devices on retro computers. The circuit board is designed to fit inside an Atari 800XL case, between the ROM and SIO ports; and if the user chooses not to make any modifications to the case, the device can operate with only the Bluetooth and WiFi connections active. For the XE and other models in the series, the device can be easily retrofitted to offer a compact and functional design that does not require extensive modifications.

This device is open source in hardware and software, allowing the community to make improvements and add new features as needed. Although it is still in development in its current version, its potential applications are vast. Future features include support for USB and Bluetooth keyboards and gamepads, mice, USB storage drives, and Internet communication in a FujiNet-compatible manner. The device is also expected to facilitate communication between Atari and PCs, similar to SIO2PC, expanding its versatility for users of modern platforms.

ABBUC 2024 has once again demonstrated that the Atari 8-bit community continues to innovate and explore new possibilities for a platform that, despite its limitations, still offers fertile ground for technical creativity. This year’s winners have not only provided practical solutions to improve the functionality of Atari 8-bit systems, but have also opened the door to future expansions and improvements, bringing retrocomputing closer to current standards and allowing enthusiasts to enjoy new experiences on their classic machines.