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April 25, 2002  





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Atari 5200 FAQ

 
  |||
  |||  ATARI Lynx "Frequently Asked Questions" File!  Updated: 3/2/2002
 / | \
 
         Created by Darius Vaskelis, who saw the need and filled it.
         Maintained by Robert Jung (rjung@mac.com)
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 This file is not maintained by, overseen by, endorsed, or otherwise
 associated with Atari Corp. or any of its subsidiaries.  It's just a
 collection of questions and answers, with a few news tidbits thrown in.
 
 This file is posted on a monthly basis to rec.games.video.atari,
 alt.games.lynx, news.answers, and rec.answers around the first of the month.
 The latest version of this file is also available on the world-wide web at
 http://www.digiserve.com/eescape/atari/Atari.shtml. It is maintained by
 Robert Jung at rjung@mac.com on the Internet.  Send corrections, news,
 updates, comments, questions, or other stuff to that address.  All mail is
 welcome!
 
 Updates since the last publically posted FAQ have a percent sign (%) in the
 first column.
 
 Robert tries to get the latest news and information into this FAQ; however,
 he's only human, and might miss something important due to real-life demands.
 Feel free to send in news tidbits and announcements to rjung@mac.com for
 inclusion in this FAQ.
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. What was the Atari Lynx?
 
 A. The Lynx was the world's first hand-held color video game system.  Sold by
    Atari, the Lynx offered true multi-player competition, built-in 3D and
    distortion graphic effects, reversible controls, and fast arcade action.
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. What was included when you bought a Lynx?
 
 A. The Lynx was available in two packages:
 
    Originally, the Lynx "Deluxe Package" included the Lynx unit, a copy of
    the CALIFORNIA GAMES game card, a carrying case, a ComLynx cable, and an
    AC adaptor.  Later the adaptor was replaced with six AA Alkaline
    batteries.  The Lynx "Base Package" came with only the Lynx but no
    accessories.
 
    Near the end of the Lynx's retail life, some stores were selling a
    "maximum" Lynx package, consisting of the Lynx itself and four games.  It
    was primarily a clearance/liquidation move, and is no longer available.
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. What happened to Atari, anyway?
 
 A. The trials and tribulations of Atari could fill a small book (and, in
    fact, once did).  To summarize VERY briefly, the history of Atari is as
    follows:
 
      1972   Atari Inc. founded by Nolan Bushnell from a $250 investment.
               Pong arcade game becomes a smash sensation.
      1976   Atari Inc. sold by Bushnell to Warner Inc. for $28 million.
      1980   Atari Inc. posts record sales.  $2 billion profits annually.
               Atari occupies 80 offices in Sunnyvale, CA.
      1983   Decline of video games and irresponsible spending by Atari Inc.
               results in record losses ($536 million, up to $2 million
               daily).
      1984   Warner divides Atari Inc.  Home division (Atari Corp.) is sold to
               Jack Tramiel.
      1985   Atari Corp. releases Atari ST home computer.
      1989   Atari Corp. releases Atari Lynx, the world's first color
               hand-held video game system.
      1993   Atari Corp. releases Atari Jaguar, the world's first 64-bit home
               video game system (see the Atari Jaguar FAQ).
      1994   Atari Games becomes Time-Warner Interactive.
      1996   Time-Warner Interactive (Atari Games) sold to WMS.
      1996   Atari Corp. announces reverse merger with JTS Corporation.
      1996   Atari Corp. and JTS connsumate deal on July 31 1996.
      1998   Hasbro acquires the rights to Atari Corp.'s name and properties
      1999   Hasbro releases their rights to the Jaguar to the public; Atari
               is reborn as their new home video game label.
      2000   Infogrammes Entertainment purchases Hasbro Interactive,
               including all of Hasbro's rights to the Atari name and all of
               its properties.
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. What was the relationship between the Atari Lynx and Epyx?
 
 A. The Lynx was originally conceived by Epyx in 1987.  It was called the
    "Handy" at that time.  Two creators of the system, Dave Needle and R.J.
    Mical, were also members of the Amiga design team.  Atari bought the
    rights to the Lynx and to Epyx's library of titles, and the rest is
    history.  Epyx no longer has any connection with Atari or the Lynx.
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. What are the specifications of the Lynx?
 
 A. Physical dimensions:
 
        Size: 9.25" x 4.25" x 2" (10.75" x 4.25" x 1.5" for original Lynx)
      Screen: 3.5" diagonal (3.25" x 1.88" approx.)
     Speaker: 2" diameter
 
     Buttons: Two sets of fire buttons (A and B)
              Two option buttons (OPTION 1 and OPTION 2)
              Pause button
              (OPTION 1 + Pause = Restarts the game
               OPTION 2 + Pause = Flips the screen, which allows the Lynx
               controls to be reversed)
              Power on light (Not on original Lynx; indicates unit is on)
              Power on button
              Power off button
              Backlight button (Not on original Lynx; turns off the screen,
                but does not turn off the game.  This saves electricity use
                when a game is paused)
      Joypad: Eight directional
    Controls: Volume
              Brightness
       Ports: Headphones (mini-DIN 3.5mm stereo; wired for mono on the
                original Lynx)
              ComLynx (multiple unit communications)
              Power (9V DC, 1 A)
              Game card slot
              Battery holder (six AA)
 
   For the technically minded, the Lynx has two basic chips that form a
   cooperative set of co-processing subsystems that maximize the Lynx's
   performance by sharing the work of executing a game program.  These
   chips are called Mikey and Suzy.
 
   Mikey (16-bit custom CMOS chip running at 16MHz)
   - MOS 65C02 processor running at up to 4MHz (~3.6MHz average)
       8-bit CPU, 16-bit address space
   - Sound engine
        4 channel sound
        8-bit DAC for each channel
        (4 channels x 8-bits/channel = 32 bits commonly quoted)
        Atari reports the range is "100Hz to above the range of human
          hearing"; spectrum analysis shows the range may go as low as 32Hz.
        Stereo with panning (mono for original Lynx)
   - Video DMA driver for LCD display
       4096 color (12-bit) palette
       16 simultaneous colors (4 bits) from palette per scanline (more than 16
       colors can be displayed by changing palettes after each scanline)
   - System timers
   - Interrupt controller
   - UART (for ComLynx)
   - 512 bytes of bootstrap and game-card loading ROM
 
   Suzy (16-bit custom CMOS chip running at 16MHz)
   - Blitter (bit-map block transfer) unit
   - Graphics engine
       Hardware drawing support
       Unlimited number of high-speed sprites with collision detection
       Hardware high-speed sprite scaling, distortion, and tilting effects
       Hardware decoding of compressed sprite data
       Hardware clipping and multi-directional scrolling
       Variable frame rate (up to 75 frames/second)
       160 x 102 "triad" standard resolution (16,320 addressable pixels)
       (A triad is three LCD elements: red, green, and blue)
       Capability of 480 x 102 artificially high resolution
   - Math co-processor
       Hardware 16-bit multiply and divide (32-bit answer)
       Parallel processing of single multiply or divide instruction
 
    The Lynx contains 64K (half a megabit) of 120ns DRAM.  Game cards
    currently hold 128K (1 megabit) or 256K (2 megabits) of ROM, but there
    is a maximum capacity of up to 2 megabytes (16 megabits) on one game card.
    In theory, this limit can be exceeded, either with bank-switching
    hardware in the card, or by using a ROM power on/off line as an extra
    address line (up to 4 megabytes).  Most Lynx game cards are 256K ROMs.
    Three games are on 512K ROMs: NINJA GAIDEN 3, PIT FIGHTER, and JIMMY
    CONNORS TENNIS, along with the never-released EYE OF THE BEHOLDER.
 
    The first few hundred bytes of the game card is encrypted to prevent
    unauthorized developers from writing Lynx software.  This scheme was
    introduced by Epyx as an effort to enforce game quality.
 
    With alkaline batteries, the reasonable average battery life is 5 hours.
    (4 hours with the original Lynx)  The Lynx can run off rechargeable
    Ni-Cad batteries, but average battery life drops drastically to 1.5 hours
    per recharge (1 hour for the original Lynx).  Your mileage may vary.
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. What were the differences between the original Lynx ("Lynx Classic") and
    the later-model Lynx ("Lynx II")?
 
 A. The Lynx II is a bit smaller and lighter than the original Lynx.  It had a
    slightly longer battery life, and can also just turn the screen off during
    a game pause to save batteries.  (The original Lynx had a five minute
    auto-power shut-off that would have prevented this from being useful.  It
    was removed in the Lynx II).  A power LED was added (which also blinks
    when battery power is low), and cartridges are easier to insert.
 
    The only differences in a technical sense is that the Lynx II has a more
    efficient internal design, and the headphone jack supports stereo sound.
    The speaker in the Lynx II is also not as loud as the original Lynx,
    though it's more than adequate for all but the noisiest situations.
 
    Also, the Lynx II can experience what is called "blinking pixel syndrome".
    With certain game cards, one pixel on the screen (usually stationary)
    cycles through all the colors very quickly.  It does not affect game play,
    and isn't always noticed unless it's looked for.  It seems to be fixed in
    later Lynxes, making it even less of a factor.
 
    The power consumption in the Lynx II is about fifteen percent less than
    that of the original Lynx.  Harry Dodgson (hdodgson@ford.com) shows
    Classic using 343 mA, versus 296 mA for the Lynx II.  Also, about
    two-thirds of the Lynx power use is for the backlight screen alone, as
    using the Lynx II with the backlight off used only 97 mA.  He concludes,
    "the 'battery life of five hours' claim by Atari is realistic."
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. Is the Lynx an 8-bit or 16-bit system?
 
 A. If 16-bit refers to the main CPU (such as the Sega Genesis/MegaDrive),
    then the Lynx is an 8-bit system.  If 16-bit refers to the graphics engine
    (such as the NEC TurboDuo/PC-Engine), then the Lynx is a 16-bit system.
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. Why does the Lynx use a 6502 and not a 68000?
 
 A. "Some people believe it's less of a processor than the 68000, for example.
    That series of chip was used in the Amiga, but it wouldn't make our
    machine do things any better.  In fact, it would only make the unit larger
    and more expensive.  It's also harder to write 68000 code, so we
    definitely made the right decision."
                                                 --R.J. Mical
 
    "The real answer for the choice for the 6502 vs. 68000 was price.
    Secondary considerations (that did not really enter into the decision
    making process): 68000 code is very fat compared to 6502 code.  An
    application that takes 1K of 6502 code averages 2.5 to 3K of 68000 code.
    The 6502 is very bus-efficient, the 68000 has lots of dead time on the
    bus.  As for it being harder to write 68000 code, that is probably not
    true, and in any case was not part of the reason the decision was made."
                                                 --Stephen Landrum
 
    Additionally, inside sources at Atari said that one major reason for the
    6502 vs 68000 processor choice was that the 6502 design was available as a
    component that could be plugged into a custom chip design.  This allowed
    engineers to build a chip with a 6502 and other supporting hardware around
    it all in one package.  It was not until 1993-1994 that Motorola offered
    the 68000 as a design component.
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. What were all of the Lynx games released?
 
 A. The following is a list of Lynx games released in the United States.  The
    notation "(x)" means to refer to footnote number x.  All multiplayer games
    use the ComLynx cable unless otherwise indicated:
 
    Title              Players  Publisher      Type
    -----------------  -------  ------------   ---------------------------
    A.P.B.                1     Atari          Arcade
    Awesome Golf         1-4    Atari          Sports
    Baseball Heroes      1-2    Atari          Sports
    Basketbrawl          1-2    Atari          Action/Sports
    Batman Returns        1     Atari          Action/Platform
    BattleWheels         1-6    Beyond Games   Action/Driving
    Battlezone 2000      1-4    Atari          Action/Arcade
    Bill & Ted's         1-2    Atari          Action/Adventure
      Excellent Adventure
    Block Out             1     Atari          Action/Strategy
    Blue Lightning        1     Atari          Action
    Bubble Trouble        1     Telegames      Action/Adventure
    California Games     1-4(1) Atari          Action/Sports
    Championship Rally   1-4(1) Songbird Prod. Action/Sports
    Checkered Flag       1-6    Atari          Sports
    Chip's Challenge      1     Atari          Puzzle
    Crystal Mines II      1     Atari          Puzzle
    Crystal Mines II:     1     Songbird Prod. Puzzle
      Buried Treasure (Windows CD)
 %  Cybervirus            1     Songbird Prod. Action
 %  Cybervirus:           1     Songbird Prod. Action
 %    CinciClassic version
    Desert Strike         1     Telegames      Action/Strategy
    Dinolympics           1     Atari          Puzzle
    Dirty Larry:          1     Atari          Action
      Renegade Cop
    Double Dragon        1-2    Telegames      Arcade/Fighting
    Dracula the Undead    1     Atari          Adventure
    Electrocop            1     Atari          Action/Adventure
    European Soccer      1-2    Telegames      Sports
      Challenge
    Fat Bobby             1     Telegames      Action/Platform
    Fidelity Ultimate    1-2(2) Telegames      Strategy
      Chess Challenge
    Gates of Zendocon     1     Atari          Action/Shooter
    Gauntlet: The        1-4    Atari          Action/Adventure
      Third Encounter
    Gordo 106             1     Atari          Platform
    Hard Drivin'          1     Atari          Arcade/Driving
    Hockey               1-2    Atari          Sports
    Hydra                 1     Atari          Arcade
    Hyperdrome           1-4    Atari          Action/Sports
    Ishido: The Way of   1-n    Atari          Strategy
      the Stones          (2,3)
    Jimmy Connors Tennis 1-4    Atari          Sports
    Joust                1-2    Shadowsoft     Arcade
    Klax                  1     Atari          Arcade/Strategy
    Krazy Ace Minature   1-4(2) Telegames      Action
       Golf
    Kung Food             1     Atari          Action/Fighting
    Lemmings              1     Atari          Strategy
    Lexis                 1     Songbird Prod. Puzzle
    Lynx Casino          1-2    Atari          Strategy
    Lynx Othello         1-2    Harry Dodgson  Strategy
    Malibu Bikini        1-4    Atari          Sports
      Volleyball
    Ms. Pac-Man           1     Atari          Arcade
    NFL Football         1-2    Atari          Sports
    Ninja Gaiden          1     Atari          Arcade
    Ninja Gaiden III:     1     Atari          Action/Platform
       The Ancient Ship of Doom
    Pac-Land             1-2(2) Atari          Arcade
    Paperboy              1     Atari          Arcade
    Pinball Jam           1     Atari          Arcade/Action
    Pit-Fighter          1-2    Atari          Arcade/Fighting
    Ponx                 1-2(4) Songbird Prod. Arcade
    Power Factor          1     Atari          Action
    Qix                  1-2(2) Telegames      Arcade
    Raiden               1-2    Telegames      Arcade/Shooter
    Rampage              1-4    Atari          Arcade
    Rampart              1-2    Atari          Arcade/Strategy
    Remnant               1     Songbird Prod. Action/Arcade
    RoadBlasters          1     Atari          Arcade/Driving
    Robo-Squash          1-2    Atari          Action/Sports
    Robotron:2084         1     Shadowsoft     Arcade
    Rygar                 1     Atari          Arcade
    Scrapyard Dog         1     Atari          Platform
    SFX                   1     Songbird Prod. Developer tool
    Shadow of the Beast   1     Atari          Action/Strategy
    Shanghai             1-2    Atari          Strategy
    S.I.M.I.S.           1-2    B.Schick/Other Arcade/Action/Demo
    Sokomania             1     Markus Wuehl   Puzzle
    Steel Talons          1     Atari          Arcade
    S.T.U.N. Runner       1     Atari          Arcade
    Super Asteroids/      1     Atari          Arcade/Action
       Missile Command
    Super Off-Road       1-4    Telegames      Arcade/Driving
    Super Skweek         1-2    Atari          Action/Strategy
    Switchblade II        1     Atari          Platform
    T-Tris               1-8    B. Schick      Puzzle
    Todd's Adventures    1-8    Atari          Action/Adventure
      in Slime World
    Toki                  1     Atari          Platform
    Tournament           1-4    Atari          Arcade/Sports
      Cyberball 2072
    Turbo Sub            1-2(3) Atari          Action/Shooter
    Viking Child          1     Atari          Action/Adventure
    Warbirds             1-4    Atari          Action/Strategy
    World Class Soccer   1-2    Atari          Sports
    Xenophobe            1-4    Atari          Arcade
    Xybots               1-2    Atari          Arcade
    Zarlor Mercenary     1-4    Atari          Shooter
 
 Footnotes:
    (1) Manual says 1-2 players, 1-4 is possible
    (2) Multiple players on one Lynx, alternating turns.
    (3) Players can compare scores, but not interact directly
    (4) Multiple players on one Lynx.
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. What were the unreleased Lynx games?
 
 A: The following games were announced at one time or another as being planned
    for the Lynx.  With the dissolution of Atari, the chances are very slim
    that any of these games will ever be produced or released.  However, a few
    enterprising companies and individuals have considered plans to either
    finish their Lynx titles for release, to sell finished-but-unreleased
    games, or to produce new games on their own.
 
    Announced Lynx games (? = Uncertain entry):
 
    Title              Players  Publisher      Type
    -----------------  -------  ------------   ------------------------------
    720                   1     Atari          Arcade
    Aliens v. Predator    1?    Atari          Action
    Blood & Guts Hockey  1-2    Atari          Action/Sports
    Bleaker               1?    Dig. Thunder   Action/Adventure/RPG
    Blue Earth           1-2?   Dig. Thunder   Adventure/RPG
    Cabal                1-2    Atari          Arcade
    Centipede            1-2?   Shadowsoft     Arcade
    Classics 2000         1?    Teflon Soft.   Arcade
    Daemonsgate           1?    Atari          Adventure
    Defender/Stargate/    1?    Atari          Action/Arcade
       Defender II
    Demolition Derby     1-16   H. Dodgson     Action/Arcade
    Distant Lands         1     Songbird Prod. Adventure
    Edward 2000           2     E. Castle      Action/Arcade
    Evergreen             1     JagSoft        ???
    Eye of the Beholder   1     Atari          Adventure
    Full Court Press     1-2    Atari          Sports
       Basketball
    GeoDuel              1-4    Atari          Action/Arcade
    Guardians: Storm     1-4    Teflon Soft.   Adventure
      Over Doria
    Heavyweight          1-2    Atari          Sports
       Contender
    Iron Reign           1-5    Dig. Thunder   Strategy/Simulation
    Loopz                1-2    Atari          Puzzle
    Marlbro Go!           1     Digital Image  Racing
    Mechtiles            1-4    Songbird Prod. Action/Strategy
    Ninja Nerd            1?    Atari          Action
    Operation Desert      1     Atari          Strategy?
       Storm
    Paralemmings          1     L. Simonis     Action/Arcade
    Planar Wars 3D       1-4    Songbird Prod. Action/Arcade
    Pounce                1?    Atari          Strategy
    Puzzler 2000          1     Markus Wuehl   Strategy
    R.C. Destruction     1-4    Telegames      Action
       Derby
    R3K                   1     Team 13        Arcade
    Relief Pitcher       1-2    Atari          Arcade/Sports
    Road Fury             1?    Teflon Soft.   Driving
    Road Riot 4WD        1-2    Atari          Arcade/Action/Driving
    Rolling Thunder      1-2    Atari          Arcade
    Spacewar             1-2?   Atari?         Action
    The Furies            1?    Dig. Thunder   Action
    TNT Terry            1-4    L. Simonis     Action
    Ultra Star Raiders    1?    Atari          Action/Strategy
    Ultravore            1-2    Songbird Prod. Fighting
    Vindicators          1-2    Atari          Arcade
    Wolfenstein 3D        1     Teflon Soft.   Action
    Zow                   1?    H. Dodgson     Action/Strategy
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. Where can I get a review and/or comments about ?
 Q. Where can I find secrets, tips, and hints for ?
 
 A: Robert A. Jung (rjung@mac.com) has reviews for (almost) every Lynx game
    and peripheral available.  They are available on the world-wide web at his
    web site, at http://www.digiserve.com/eescape/atari/Atari.shtml
 
    A collection of Lynx cheats and tricks is maintained by Peter Hvezda on
    the web at http://www.kurtolsen.com/~kurto/lynx/index.html
 
 ==============================================================================
  
 Q: Where can I get instructions for ?
  
 A: Bob Schwarzmann and Kurt Olsen have assembled a collection of Lynx game
    manuals.  Bob currently maintains the archive on the world-wide web at
    http://home.inreach.com/bobbo/lynx/
  
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. What accessories are/were available for the Lynx?
 
 A. The following products were available from Atari Corp.:
 
    * ComLynx cable.  Connects multiple Lynxes together for multiplayer games.
 
    * AC adaptor.  Powers the Lynx from any AC wall socket.
 
    * Cigarette lighter adaptor.  Powers the Lynx from any automobile
        cigarette lighter.  Will support one or two Lynxes simultaneously.
 
    * Atari Lynx Sun Shield.  Folds down to protect the Lynx screen, and pops
        open to shade the Lynx screen from sunlight for outdoor play.  (NOTE:
        There are two models; you need the one appropriate for your Lynx)
 
    * D-cell battery pack.  Holds six D-cell batteries, and can be attached
        with a belt clip.  Alkaline batteries provides power for up to 20
        hours of playing.
 
    * Atari Lynx carrying pouch.  Holds a Lynx, several game cards, and a
        ComLynx cable.  Attaches with a wrist strap/belt loop.
 
    * Atari Lynx Kit Case.  Holds a Lynx, up to 24 game cards, and assorted
        accessories.  Padded interior with Velcro dividers, can be customized.
        Carried with a handle or a shoulder strap.
 
 
    Songbird Productions offers the following Lynx accessories:
  
    * Lynx/PC serial cable. Connects your Lynx to a 9-pin serial port. Used in
      Crystal Mines II: Buried Treasure, and used with S.I.M.I.S. to allow
      downloading RAM-based homebrewed games to your Lynx.
  
    * Lynx Game Wallet. Holds 9 games single-stacked, or 18 games
      double-stacked.  Made of Dupont Cordua water-resistant exterior,
      foam-backed soft headliner interior, 9 clear Vinyl pockets and a Velcro
      latch. Originally produced by Realm exclusively for the Atari Lynx.
 
 
    Naki Products also sold several Lynx accessories.
 
    * Atari Lynx power pack.  Mounts on the back of the Lynx II, comes with
        an AC adapter which allows recharging while playing.  Comes in 110v
        (USA), 220v (Europe), or 240v (UK) formats.  Cost is $39.95, or
        $33.95 for replacement battery packs.
 
    * Eliminator cleaning kit.  Cleans game cards and cartridge slots.  Comes
        with swabs and cleaning solution.  Cost is $7.95.
 
    * AC adaptor.  Powers the Lynx from any 110v outlet.  Cost is $9.99.
 
    * Car Power.  Cigarette lighter DC adaptor.  Cost is $7.95.
 
    * Pro Pouch+.  Holds a Lynx and up to 20 game cartridges.  Nylon with
        adjustable carrying straps.  Comes in Black, purple, or teal blue.
        Cost is $14.99 each.
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. Was there a TV tuner option for the Lynx?
 
 A. No.  Atari's official position was that market research showed that a TV
    tuner, while a neat idea, would not be bought by most players.  The
    unofficial word from Stephen Landrum is that the Lynx screen display is
    not capable of handling a broadcast television picture.
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. How do you get a Lynx screen shot, anyway?
 
 A. Atari had an experimental adaptor for the Lynx that allowed graphics to
    be shown on a conventional television set.  This was used to demonstrate
    Lynx games for corporate meetings, as well as providing videotape footage
    and screen grabs for the media.  Reportedly, only two or three of the
    adaptors were ever made, and each one cost $3,000 to manufacture.
 
    More enterprising players may get "screen shots" of Lynx games by running
    one of the Lynx emulators on a personal computer, then taking screen shots
    from there.  More information about Lynx emulators can be found elsewhere
    in this FAQ.
 
    In a show of ingenuity, Wizztronics plans to release a Lynx-to-TV
    converter for $199.95, and allows a Lynx screen image to be displayed on a
    television set.  The device requires a Lynx II, and must be installed in
    order to work.  More details will be provided when they are available.
    Wizztronics has a web site devoted to the converter, at
    http://www.wizztronics.com/lynx.htm
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. What can I use to carry my Lynx game cards?
 
 A. A cheap and easy solution is the plastic cases used to hold trading cards.
    They're transparent, sturdy, and lock shut when closed.  Most hobby and
    comic book stores will sell them; a large case costs $0.50 to $1.00, and
    can hold up to 14 Lynx cards.
 
    For Lynx owners who don't care about brand names, a Gameboy plastic
    cartridge case holds two Lynx cards easily.  The cases can be bought from
    Nintendo at 800-255-3700, part number 21648.
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. What does "ComLynx" mean, exactly?
 
 A. Some Lynx games allow multiple players to play together simultaneously.
    This works when each player has a Lynx game machine, and all of the
    machines are connected to each other via cables.  The connection is the
    ComLynx port, and the cables are ComLynx cables.  Games that support this
    mutiplayer simultaneous play are usually identified by the phrase "1 to N
    players Lynx up" on the box, the instruction manual, and/or the game card.
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. Do all players "Lynxed up" via the ComLynx need a copy of the game being
    played?
 
 A. Yes.  All players need a copy of the game card.  An early idea that Epyx
    had considered for the Lynx was to use magnetic tapes(!) instead of
    ROM cards, for lower costs and to support multiple players with one copy
    of the game (the idea was that you could load the game into the first
    Lynx, remove the tape, load it into the second Lynx, and so on).  This
    idea was abandoned because the Lynx's 64K of DRAM was insufficient to
    store a game, but not before spawning rumors that multi-player Lynx games
    only needed one copy of the title.
 
    Developer Harry Dodgson has invented the LGSS (Lynx Game Sharing System),
    which allows a game cartridge to use the ComLynx network to download
    copies of itself to other Lynx units.  This would allow multiple players
    to share one card.  The LGSS has already been implemented in "Lynx
    Othello," and Harry has plans to incorporate it in other games.  Interested
    developers should contact Harry Dodgson at hdodgson@mail.oeonline.com
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. What's the ComLynx port like?
 
 A. There is a limit of 18 players via ComLynx.  In practice it may be
    possible to connect more units together, but to operate within
    specifications, the drivers in the Lynx cannot drive over more than 17
    units with pull-ups on the serial ports.  It's easier for the Lynx to
    manage fewer players, however, since each Lynx has to track all of the
    others, and having more players means more data must be exchanged (growth
    is exponential).  Also, tracking more than 8 players requires an extra
    byte to encode the Lynx unit number with each data packet.
 
    ComLynx runs from 300.5 to 62.5K baud.  It works on a "listen and send"
    structure.  Data transmission between Lynxes is done in the background,
    freeing up the CPU to run the game instead of communicating.  It's called
    "RedEye" in-house at Atari, named after an early idea of having Lynxes
    communicate with infra-red transmissions.
 
    It uses a three-wire cable (+5V/Ground/Data) and allows for bi-directional
    serial communications.  The system frames messages in terms of 11-bit
    words, each consisting of a start bit, eight data bits, a parity bit, and
    a stop bit.  The ComLynx port is used solely for communications; it can't
    be used to control other aspects of the Lynx, though in theory it can be
    used to send signals to external devices.
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. Sometimes a multiplayer ComLynx game will freeze up.  Why?
 
 A. A ComLynxed game will freeze if communication between the Lynxes is
    interrupted.  If communications can be restored, the game will continue.
    The most common cause of this problem is a fray in one of the ComLynx
    cables, or a loose seating in one of the ComLynx jacks.  Communication is
    broken, and the game "freezes".  Jiggling the cable or reseating the jacks
    may fix the solution temporarily, but the best cure is a new cable.
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. I hear there was a ComLynx port on the Atari Jaguar.  How did that work?
    Could I connect my Lynx to it?  Was there a Lynx adaptor for the Jaguar?
 
 A. The Jaguar does not have a ComLynx port per se, but has a ComLynx signal
    on the system bus.  An expansion port add-on would have made the port
    available, and developers had announced plans for such accessories.  It is
    possible to daisy-chain multiple Jaguars for multiplayer games into a
    "Jaguar network".  In theory, it would have also been possible to connect
    Jaguars and Lynxes, though no plans for cross-system software were ever
    finalized.
 
    There was also talk that the Jaguar's ComLynx signal could allow Lynxes to
    be used as peripherals: software could have been developed to allow Lynxes
    to be part of a Jaguar game as "smart" controllers.  Again, no actual
    plans were ever announced.
 
    An adaptor to allow the Jaguar to play Lynx games was never planned.
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. My Lynx screen is badly scratched!  How can I fix it, what can I do?
 
 A. Get some "plastic scratch remover" or "plexiglass scratch remover".  You
    can find it in hardware stores, or look in your Yellow Pages under
    "Plastics."
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. Agh! My Lynx is broken! How can I fix it?
 
 A. Unforutnately, with the dissolution of Atari Corp., repair of broken
    Lynxes is no longer available.  Replacement units are currently available
    from CWest for $45, until quantities run out.  CWest can be reached at
    (800) GO-ATARI.
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. How do I disassemble my Lynx II (assuming I want to)?
 
 A. The original Lynxes are easy to take apart, for whatever reason you
    needed.  The new Lynx IIs are more puzzling, but not impossible.  The
    following set of (edited) instructions are provided by Ken Small
    (kens@umich.edu):
 
                                     * * *
 
    "It's not hard, but there are a lot of fragile pieces and the electronics
    are sensitive to all the things that electronics are usually sensitive to,
    like static.  PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK.
 
    "First, remove the rubber pads from the bottom of the Lynx.  They're glued
    on, but they peel off pretty easily.  Beneath them are screw holes --
    remove them.  Note that it's *very* easy to tell if your lynx has been
    opened, since you leave holes in the glue stuff.  Take off the back of the
    case.
 
    "Remove the screw located inside the battery area.  Be careful when
    replacing this; it can strip easily.  Mine is stripped, but the rest of
    the case holds the battery bay in place.  Remove the battery bay piece.
 
    "You will see a circuit board with a couple of wires and circuit ribbons
    attached to it.  Carefully unplug all of these.  The ribbon in particular
    seems flimsy.  Do not puncture or otherwise damage it.  Remove the circuit
    board.
 
    "Beneath the circuit board is an assembly screwed to the inside of the
    case, which contains the screen, button contacts and buttons.  A warning
    when unscrewing this-- the are LOTS of small pieces in here, and they're
    particular about how they go back in.  In particular, be careful about the
    A/B buttons, which are slightly different sizes, and the rubber mat around
    the LCD screen, which has nothing to hold it in place.  (NOTE: Also, there
    are contacts on the circuit board hooked up to the high-voltage supply for
    the backlight. They won't do any damage, but can give a mild shock.)
 
    "The last thing is the joypad contact itself.  This is a small rubber mat
    held in place by a snap-on piece of plastic.  You can carefully remove the
    plastic to get under the apron, where the contacts can be cleaned.  Clean
    in-between the contacts, being careful not to abrase the contacts
    themselves.  They look like half-circles with a small (half-millimeter or
    less) space between.  Grunge between them can register an intermittent
    false contact, which looks to the player like the joypad is being quickly,
    repeatedly pressed in one direction."
 
 ==============================================================================
  
 Q: Where can I get detailed technical information about the Lynx?
  
 A: A number of Lynx schematics are available on the world-wide web.  While it
    is uncertain at this time whether these documents are taken from official
    Atari developers' notes or handmade reverse-engineered blueprints, they
    can still offer a lot of information for the highly curious.
  
    Lynx Classic schematics are at
      http://rghx54.gp.fht-esslingen.de/students/elw5basc/lynx/misc.html
  
    Lynx 2 schematics are at:
      http://home.t-online.de/home/Matthias.Domin/lynx_pcb.htm
  
    Lynx 2 repair information (in German) is at:
      http://www.rhein-main.de/people/robert/download.htm
  
 ==============================================================================
  
 Q. I have some dust under my Lynx screen; how can I clean it?
  
 A. The original Lynxes are easy to take apart; simply remove the screws,
    disassemble the Lynx, then wipe the screen clean.
  
    It is possible to disassemble the Lynx II and clean its screen in a
    similar way, but there is an easier alternative.  According to John
    Daniels, "The front screen on the Lynx 2 snaps on and off (easier to snap
    on than off though).  The transparent area and the area surrounding the
    small buttons near the screen is one big piece of plastic.  It snaps on
    with a lip on the top and bottom edge. ... It takes a pretty sturdy sharp
    edge, but once you start it moving, it just pops off and then you can
    clean the area between the plastic screen and the LCD."
  
    For cleaning, plain water or cleaning liquid will work fine.  It is
    recommended that you allow your screen to dry before reassembling the
    Lynx, to reduce the danger of damaging the electronics.
  
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. What's this about Lynx emulators?  Can I play Lynx games on my computer?
 
 A. Proving that old consoles never die, but get transposed on other platforms
    instead, a number of resourceful folks have written emulators of the Atari
    Lynx.  This is not as trivial as it sounds, as these authors are working
    without official Atari/Epyx documentation, and therefore spend a lot of
    time reverse-engineering the Lynx's processors.  They've reached varying
    degrees of success, but the field is a fast-changing one, and what might
    be insurmountable today could seem trivial tomorrow.
 
    Because these are software emulators, there is no current method to run
    Lynx cartridges directly off your home computer.  However, some folks have
    managed to secure ROM dumps of Lynx games, and the emulators can run those
    images instead.
 
    Here are some resources for further information about Lynx emulators:
 
    - BLL
      Homemade Lynx development system
      Bastian Schick (elw5basc@gp.fht-esslingen.de)
      URL: http://rgpc72.gp.fht-esslingen.de/students/elw5basc/
 
    - Handy
      Lynx emulator for Windows 95/98/NT/2000
      Keith Wilkins (keith.wilkins@dysfunction.demon.co.uk)
      URL: http://www.dysfunction.demon.co.uk
 
    - Handy/MacOS
      Lynx emulator for Apple Macintosh/MacOS
      Richard Bannister
      URL: http://www.bannister.org/software
 
    - Metalynx
      Partially-completed emulator in assembly
      Ben Haynor (bch132@psu.edu)
      URL: http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/b/c/bch132/lynx.html
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. What are other sources for Lynx information?
 
 A. Publications:
 
    - A.P.E. Newsletter               Dedicated Lynx newsletter ("A.P.E."
      2104 N. Kostner                 stands for "Atari Power
      Chicago, IL 60639               Entertainment").  Write to Clinton
      GEnie: C.SMITH89                Smith.  Published five times per
                                      year, cost is $6.00/year.
 
    - Portable Atari Gaming System    PAGS is a quarterly newsletter with
      P.O. Box 37692                  reviews, editorials, news & info,
      Raleigh, NC 27627-7692          and gaming tips.  One year costs
      GEnie: E.SCHOFIELD              $12.00.
 
    - Wild Cat                        A one-man, home-made Atari video gaming
      Phil Patton                     "fanzine."  Subscriptions are $12/year
      131 Dake Ave.                   for eight issues, at 12 pages each
      Santa Cruz, CA  95062           issue.  Covers all Atari consoles and
                                      computers.
 
    Internet/USENET newsgroups and services:
 
    - rec.games.video.atari
 
        USENET newsgroup.  Contains news of all Atari video-game systems.
 
    - World-Wide Web Pages
 
        The Electric Escape is the official home of the Lynx FAQ.
          http://www.digiserve.com/eescape/atari/Atari.shtml
 
        Go Atari is a web site that sells Atari software and hardware:
          http://www.goatari.com/
 
        Telegames UK sells Lynx units, games, accessories:
          http://www.telegames.co.uk
 
        Lynx UK provides (as the name suggests) information for Lynx users in
        the United Kingdom:
          http://go.to/lynxuk
 
        Harry Dodgson is developing several Lynx titles of his own, and also
        has rare screen shots, and a free demo ROM image for "Eye of the
        Beholder":
          http://www.provide.net/~hdodgson/lynx.html
 
        Bastian Schick has developed several Lynx titles of his own, and his
        Web site includes information for other Lynx developers:
          http://rgpc72.gp.fht-esslingen.de/students/elw5basc/
  
        Laurens Simonis has started a web page on the development of his
        upcoming Lynx game, TNT Terry (a Bomberman clone):
          http://home.wxs.nl/~lsimonis/lynx/
 
        Carl Forhan's (Songbird Productions) numerous Lynx and Jaguar
        projects can be found at:
          http://songbird.atari.org/
          http://jagdomain.atari.org/
          http://lynxdomain.atari.org/
 
        JagSoft has a web page for their products at:
          http://underworld.fortunecity.com/warcraft/436/
 
        Markus Wuehl has a web site for his Lynx game development efforts
          http://www.surf.to/lynxworld
 
        The Atari Lynx and Jaguar Club Deutschland is on the web:
          http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Park/6679/
 
        Digital Thunder is on the web:
          http://www.1deltacenter.com/dthunder/
 
        The Atari Lynx Generation 2 Game Deveopment project is located at
          http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Towers/9446/LynxG2.html
 
        Markus Wuehl has a web page covering various aspects of the Lynx,
        including his works-in-progress:
          http://surf.to/lynxworld
 
        General-purpose Atari/Lynx Web pages:
          http://www.mcs.usu.edu/~kurto/lynx/
          http://math.ohio-state.edu:80/~harmon/lynx/
          http://www.infinet.com/~rbatina
          http://rzserv2.fh-lueneburg.de:8080/Lynx/
          http://www.ereal.com/eds/
          http://www.monroeworld.com/lynx/
 
        Also, Yahoo!'s list of Atari Lynx web sites can be found at
        http://www.yahoo.com/Recreation/Games/Video_Games/Systems/Atari/Lynx/
 
    Internet FTP sites:
 
    - atari.archive.umich.edu or terminator.cc.umich.edu (141.211.164.8):
 
        /atari/Magazines/Portadd
                            Has back-issues of Portable Addiction, a
                            newsletter about the Atari Lynx, Sega Game
                            Gear, and Atari Portfolio.
 
        /atari/Lynx         Contains assorted Lynx-related files
 
 
    Microsoft Windows Help File:
        Jon Reinberg has compiled the Lynx cheats file and the Lynx FAQ into a
        Microsoft Windows .HLP (Help) file.  This allows Windows users to use
        active hypertext browsing to find game cheats for specific games.  The
        Lynx Help File can be retrieved with anonymous FTP, at
        atari.archive.umich.edu, in the file atari\lynx\cheathlp.zip.
        Instructions are included.
 
 
    BBS:
 
    - CATScan
 
        (209) 239-1552, baud rate/line information unknown
 
        The BBS is completely dedicated to Atari products and Atari video game
        consoles.
 
    - MADNIX BBS
 
        (608) 273-2657, 300/1200/2400 bps
 
        It's located in Madison, Wisconsin (USA) and has a Lynx section.
        Login as "bbs" and create an account.  Once on the BBS enter "go
        lynx".  MADNIX has game reviews and hints from the net as well as old
        message threads from UseNet on LYNX related topics.
 
    - Video Game Information Service.
 
        (201) 509-7324, 300/1200/2400/9600/14400 bps. Multiple lines
 
        Located in West Orange, New Jersy (USA).  The BBS is completely
        dedicated to video gaming, and maintains files of cheats and reviews
        for all game systems.  Carries video-game-related conferences from
        other computer networks, including Fidonet, Worldnet, and Globalnet.
 
 
    Online services:
 
    - America On-Line
 
        The PC Games/Video Games discussion group has areas devoted to the
        Atari Lynx and the Atari Jaguar consoles.  Use the keyword PC GAMES,
        then go to the Video Games discussion board.  From there, select Atari
        Discussion, then the console of your choice.
 
    - GEnie
 
        Atari ST Roundtable BBS, Category 36
 
 
    International clubs:
 
     - Netherlands: International Lynx Club
                    Leon Stolk
                    Vanenburg 2
                    7339 DN Ugchelen
                    The Netherlands
 
     - Austria:     Internationaler Lynx Club
                    Christian Lenikus
                    Obertraun 27
                    4831 Obertraun
                    Austria
 
     - Switzerland: Swiss-Lynx-Info-Club
                    Eugene Rodel
                    Sangeliweg 45
                    4900 Langenthal
                    Switzerland
 
 ==============================================================================
 
 Q. What was the Lynx developer's kit like?
 
 A. Hardware:
    - Commodore Amiga computer: 3M RAM and hard disk.
    - "Howard" board: A parallel-interface module that has the electronics
      of the Lynx, also with debugging tools.  A large PC board inside of
      a metal case with power supply, and connections on the back for
      cable to connect to the Amiga, and to the "Howdy" unit ($5,000).
    - "Howdy" unit: Either a small PC board in a plastic case with buttons
      and a Lynx display, or a modified Lynx.  Essentally a self-contained
      "Handy" (Lynx) unit, with cables to allow the "Howard" board to monitor
      system behavior.
    - "Pinky/Mandy": A discounted "Howard" board setup that allows programs to
      be loaded and executed.  Pinky and Mandy can only download and execute
      programs that are in Handy RAM or a simulated Handy ROM cart.  Minimal
      debugging support ($500).
 
    Software:
    - Handy-Bug: A powerful symbolic debugger, also contains a disassembler.
    - Handicraft: Graphics translator that takes IFF files and turns them
      into coded Lynx sprite definitions.
    - HSFX: Sound editor
    - "HandyROM": Creates ROM card images from code and data files.
    - Other assorted tools, including HandyAsm (a 65C02 assembler), a MIDI
      music editor, a paint program for creating/modifying sprites, a text
      editor, and HSPL (compiles music text files into Handy files).
    - Macro libraries
    - Example programs
    - Notebook of system documentation (approximately 270 double-sided pages,
      weighs over three pounds).
 
    The cost of a full Lynx Developer's Kit was around $5,000.
 
    The Lynx software encryption codes (and supporting software tools) have
    been released into the public domain.  The codes are available on the web
    at http://www.cgexpo.com/encrypt.html
 
 ==============================================================================

     
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