Discovery Cartridge

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Happy Computers Discovery Cartridge

The Discovery Cartridge is primarily a disk duplication device that plugs directly into the cartridge port on the the Atari ST range of computers. It was made by Happy Computers Inc of California, USA.

Features

The Discovery Cartridge's main use was for software duplication but it was also possible on some revisions to install 64k and 128k Mac roms allowing the emulation of certain Macintosh software and the duplication of Mac disks.

Revisions

The cartridge could be bought in a number of configurations. The most basic model can be identified externally by its two rear facing 14-pin female floppy drive connectors (labeled 'COMPUTER' & 'Drive A/B') and no switches or cartridge pass-through connector. The most advanced model (seen below) can be identified by its three rear facing 14-pin female floppy drive connectors (labeled 'COMPUTER', 'Drive A/B' & 'Drive 3/4') plus a cartridge pass-through connector and two switches (labeled 'Drive Normal/Option' & 'Program LO/HI' along its front edge. There is also a toggle switch on the top of the cartridge.

The option code can be found on the base of the external casing and the circuit board revision can be found etched onto the top side of the circuit board internally.

(Option O, Rev.E)

Setup

Discovery Cartridge connected to computer

Discoverycartridge.jpg

External Links

Info-Coach Atari
Wikipedia
AtariAge Thread
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