--- In mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com, <ask@...> wrote:
>
> Does anyone have a pin diagram for the I/O port on the Aquarius?
>

There was a description on the webpage of Kenny's AqEmu page, but that website
seems to be gone as well (under construction). What is happening?

The Google cache tells us:

So, if you do not own the Aquarius Data Recorder package, the first thing you
must do is construct a cable to connect your Aquarius to an ordinary cassette
recorder featuring a MIC (MICrophone) jack and an EAR (EARphone, Speaker or
Monitor) jack. The cable will have a 5-pin male DIN connector on one end, and
two 3.5mm miniplugs on the other (and may have a third, smaller plug, which will
plug into the REMote jack of the recorder, but which is not supported on the
Aquarius). Those connectors should be available from RS or other electronic
source, and along with them you will need a length of cabling with at least four
separate wires.

Rather than starting from scratch, you can try modifying an RS cable (sometimes
encountered in thrift stores) by disattaching wires and reconnecting them in the
right place. Either course will probably require a soldering iron.

If you look at the cassette port on the back of the Aquarius, you will see a
5-pin female DIN socket. The holes are numbered:

3 1 Port on back of Computer
5 4 (or DIN plug pins viewed from the BACK)
2

As noted above, this numbering will be the same if you look at the BACK of your
5-pin male DIN plug (the side to which the wires will attach). If instead you
view the FRONT of your DIN plug (looking down on the pins that will be inserted
into the socket), the numbering will be the mirror image:

1 3
4 5 DIN plug pins viewed from the FRONT
2

DO NOT GET THE TWO ORIENTATIONS CONFUSED! The holes/pins are assigned the
following functions for the Aquarius:

Pin 1 MIC (tip of one plug)
Pin 2 Ground (outside of both MIC and EAR plugs)
Pin 3 EAR (tip of other plug)
Pin 4 (Not used)
Pin 5 (Not used)

You will solder one wire to the back of Pin 1 of the DIN plug, and the other end
of that wire to the center (going to the tip) of the back of one of the
miniplugs; this miniplug will be your MIC connector. You will solder another
wire to the back of Pin 3 of the DIN plug, and the other end to the center
(going to the tip) of the back of the other miniplug; that will be your EAR
connector. Of the two remaining wires, solder one each to the outside of the
back of the respective miniplugs; then, solder the other ends to the back of Pin
2 of the DIN plug (Ground). Obviously, the MIC connector will then go to the MIC
socket, and the EAR connector will go to the EAR socket, of your cassette
recorder.


Regs
Martin

You could make one with a 5-pin DIN and a couple of 3.5mm audio jacks. Very
cheap!

Does anyone have a pin diagram for the I/O port on the Aquarius?

Hi all,

Just picked up an Aquarius and a cassette deck, and the computer works!  I'm
really excited to do some programming on it, but I didn't get the cable to
connect the tape deck to the computer.  Does anyone have one they don't need, or
can you point me in the right direction to purchase one somewhere?

I collect for, and program on, a number of other classic computers, most notably
the TI 99/4A, and I'm hoping to eventually convert a few of my programs over to
the Aquarius.

Looking forward to learning more about this computer!

Thanks,
Keith

I recently tried to connect to the website of James, but it does not longer
exist.

James, did you already have a new website up and running?
The Internet is not complete without an official downloadsite for the Virtual
Aquarius.

Regs
Martin

--- In mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com, mattelaquarius <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> Please let me know if/when anyone is ready to go for an Aquarius link-up.
>

I've got me an USB - phone, but I still have to test it if I can hook-up the
Aquarius modem.
Keep you posted.

Regs
Martin

While I am at it...


I'm seriously considering signing up for a new VOIP service from NetTalk. 
www.tk6000.com


This one, you pay $100.00 up front, which is a bigger investment than the Magic
Jack.  However, it has some advantages.  First, it can be used without a
computer.  You can plug it directly into your router or broadband modem. (You
still have the option to plug it into a usb port, like the Magic Jack).

Additionally, they are claiming that you will receive free service for a
"lifetime."  Now, I understand that this company could disappear and render such
claims moot.  Still, I haven't decided if I'm going to sign up with them or not.
If so, the Magic Jack will still be great for business trips, etc.

Okay, I'm out again.

Please let me know if/when anyone is ready to go for an Aquarius link-up.

--- In mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com, <ask@...> wrote:
>
> Maybe there is a project or world record there!
>
> How many aquarius systems can connect simulateously around the world at the
same time!
>
> Is that possible? Group communication? We would need a hub.... Could an
Aquarius be the hub???
>

Could you imagine having BBS software for the AQ for the first time in its 26
year history?  I'd certainly dial up for some great chat sessions.  ;-)

You bring up an interesting question, however.  How would one allow multiple
simultaneous users?  Since we have no real serial port, and our modem is cart
based, it would seem quite a challenge.

If anyone figures it out, count me in! ;-)

I was just thinking an absurd thought about using the AQ to host a BBS.  One
staple of the BBS, is the downloads.  Since the AQ has no (common) disk system,
you'd have to rely upon the data recorder for files.  Unlike other computers of
the era, the data recorder cannot be activated via software, so it would need
help from the SYSOP. So, whenever a user wanted to download, he'd select the
"download" option from the BBS menu.  Then, the BBS program would start making a
loud beeping sound on the tv and flashing a message to the SYSOP: "Rewind
recorder and press Play".  Now, either the SYSOP would have to manually update a
list of downloads in the BBS software, or some kind of catalog file would have
to be the first file on the recorder.  Then, the user would select his file, and
would have to wait for it to play in from the cassette.

It all sounds amazingly impractical, but I would absolutely love to see it in
action!

Maybe there is a project or world record there!

How many aquarius systems can connect simulateously around the world at the same
time!

Is that possible? Group communication? We would need a hub.... Could an Aquarius
be the hub???

--- In mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com, mvdsteenoven <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> --- In mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com, mattelaquarius <no_reply@> wrote:
> >
> > Aquarius 300 baud modems should have little trouble connecting over VOIP. 
Just think of the retro fun we'll have connecting our Aquarius computers
together! ;-)
> >
>
> Sounds like a fun idea!
> I have no VOIP experience; what do we need?
> I assume some VOIP phone to which we can connect the Aquarius modem and a VOIP
account somewhere on the Internet?
>
> Regs
> Martin
>


Martin,

I think this could be fun for Aquarius experiments, too!  You'll also have a
full service U.S. phone number for other uses, if the novelty of connecting our
300baud modems ever wears off (never!  LOL).

While there are many choices for VOIP companies out there, I'm recommending MJ,
only because it has such low costs, and because it works!

Skype to Skype is free, but it doesn't give us that real physical phone jack
like the MJ, which lets us use the AQ modems. Plus, the free Skype service
doesn't let you call regular land lines.


With Magic Jack, all you need is a computer running XP, VISTA, or W7.  (It also
works with Intel based Macs).  You also need a broadband internet connection
(128kbps as the bare minimum).  No special VOIP phone is needed.

-Plug MJ into a USB port on your computer.
-Software loads.
-Register and pick your phone number.
-Plug any house phone (U.S. style) into MJ and start calling to anywhere in the
U.S. and Canada.

You don't need the physical house phone, if you just want to use the software
simulated phone (softphone).  To talk, you would just need to use a headset that
plugs into the mic and earphone jacks of your computer. (obviously a separate
mic and earphone set would work, too)

For use with the AQ, you will at least need a U.S. style handset cord to connect
the MJ to the AQ modem (not a base cord).  If you wanted to avoid getting a
physical phone, it should be possible dial the number with the softphone, then
connect the cable between the MJ and AQ modem.  If you want me to either add a
cheap phone or cord to the package, just let me know.

It's much more simple than I am making it sound. ;-)

With MJ, you basically get a U.S. phone number that follows you to whatever USB
port you plug it into. (with requisite broadband service)

I've used mine over wifi with no problems.


Let me know if I should clarify anything else about the service.  I know I get
wordy, sometimes. ;-)

-Jason

--- In mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com, mattelaquarius <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> Aquarius 300 baud modems should have little trouble connecting over VOIP. 
Just think of the retro fun we'll have connecting our Aquarius computers
together! ;-)
>

Sounds like a fun idea!
I have no VOIP experience; what do we need?
I assume some VOIP phone to which we can connect the Aquarius modem and a VOIP
account somewhere on the Internet?

Regs
Martin

--- In mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com, mattelaquarius <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> I just wanted to share a tip with the board members here for making cheap
calls to the States.
>
> I've been using the Magic Jack as my sole home phone (I have a cell for
backup.) since moving to D.C.
>
> They sell them at magicjack.com, but I bought mine at a local retailer for the
same price.
>
> It has been working great!  I can call anywhere in the U.S. and Canada for
$20.00 per year (unlimited within the confines of normal use).  You pick your
own area code from almost anywhere in the U.S.
>
> That's pretty much as cheap as it gets.
>
> I don't want to start sounding like one of the MJ company's bad infomercials,
but I just thought some of our international members may have semi-frequent need
to call the U.S. or Canada.
>
> The device costs $40.00, which includes the first year of service.  As I
mentioned, subsequent years are $20.00.  At those prices, it reduces the worry
of losing out, in the event the company disappears.
>
> As a continuing show of Aquarius fan community, I'd be happy to send brand new
sealed MJ's (at cost + actual shipping), to any of our members here.  If you
have any customs/tax instructions to reduce your cost, such as marking the
package as a gift, I'd be happy to oblige.
>
> My new office is right across a parking lot from the Post Office, so you would
not be burdening me.
>
> One caveat: If you don't have an American style telephone, you'll have to use
the soft phone with mic and earphones to place/receive calls.
>
>
> Just drop me a line.
>


Aquarius 300 baud modems should have little trouble connecting over VOIP.  Just
think of the retro fun we'll have connecting our Aquarius computers together!
;-)

Hello,

I just wanted to share a tip with the board members here for making cheap calls
to the States.

I've been using the Magic Jack as my sole home phone (I have a cell for backup.)
since moving to D.C.

They sell them at magicjack.com, but I bought mine at a local retailer for the
same price.

It has been working great!  I can call anywhere in the U.S. and Canada for
$20.00 per year (unlimited within the confines of normal use).  You pick your
own area code from almost anywhere in the U.S.

That's pretty much as cheap as it gets.

I don't want to start sounding like one of the MJ company's bad infomercials,
but I just thought some of our international members may have semi-frequent need
to call the U.S. or Canada.

The device costs $40.00, which includes the first year of service.  As I
mentioned, subsequent years are $20.00.  At those prices, it reduces the worry
of losing out, in the event the company disappears.

As a continuing show of Aquarius fan community, I'd be happy to send brand new
sealed MJ's (at cost + actual shipping), to any of our members here.  If you
have any customs/tax instructions to reduce your cost, such as marking the
package as a gift, I'd be happy to oblige.

My new office is right across a parking lot from the Post Office, so you would
not be burdening me.

One caveat: If you don't have an American style telephone, you'll have to use
the soft phone with mic and earphones to place/receive calls.


Just drop me a line.

--- In mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com, mattelaquarius <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> Hey,
>
> I just noticed that some guys shanghaied my Youtube Snafu video to make a
comic spoof of SNAFU.
>
> Actually, I thought their video was pretty funny.
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfA3jS0sDFM&feature=related
>
>
> -Jason


LOL!  That was pretty funny Jason.  At least they did something fun with your
video.

- Erik

Hey,

I just noticed that some guys shanghaied my Youtube Snafu video to make a comic
spoof of SNAFU.

Actually, I thought their video was pretty funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfA3jS0sDFM&feature=related


-Jason

Isn't it fun when you find a hidden treasure that you didn't know you had?

I was just going through my collection getting it organized and opened one of my
Data Recorder boxes and this was sitting in it
http://www.geekvintage.com/mattel-aquarius-cassette-demo.php  That was a
pleasant surprise.

- Erik

You are too kind. We'll talk about it in personal emails. I won't let you lose
out ;)

Congratulations on the find. I know you have been waiting a while for it!


Dean

--- In mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com, erik.schubach <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> --- In mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com, "retrozoneorg" <ask@> wrote:
> >
> > Does that mean I can buy back your "spare" Burgertime Cart??? :o)
> >
>
> No need to buy it back, I'll just post it to you after my new one arrives no
charge.  I am seriously not in this for the money.
>
> Do me a favor though, and keep an eye out for Melody Master, Chess, Extended
Basic or any hardware I don't have yet.
>
> - Erik
>

--- In mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com, "retrozoneorg" <ask@...> wrote:
>
> Does that mean I can buy back your "spare" Burgertime Cart??? :o)
>

No need to buy it back, I'll just post it to you after my new one arrives no
charge.  I am seriously not in this for the money.

Do me a favor though, and keep an eye out for Melody Master, Chess, Extended
Basic or any hardware I don't have yet.

- Erik

--- In mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com, erik.schubach <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> Just picked up a factory sealed BurgerTime and D&D on eBay auction
#260485192668 for US $113.50
>
> It came with a sealed Aquarius Computer, sealed Mini Expander, sealed Snafu
and a sealed Astrosmash.
>
> For those in the group that I bid against... I'M SORRY!  Really I am,  I wish
there was a way to tell who we are bidding against now.
>
> ...and ...and ...and... I'm sooooo happy!
>
> - Erik
>

Does that mean I can buy back your "spare" Burgertime Cart??? :o)

Just picked up a factory sealed BurgerTime and D&D on eBay auction #260485192668
for US $113.50

It came with a sealed Aquarius Computer, sealed Mini Expander, sealed Snafu and
a sealed Astrosmash.

For those in the group that I bid against... I'M SORRY!  Really I am,  I wish
there was a way to tell who we are bidding against now.

...and ...and ...and... I'm sooooo happy!

- Erik

Martin, thanks and congrats on the demo cartridge.

I snagged a Biorhythms, Night Stalker, Tron Deadly Discs and Utopia out from
under Dean... sorry Dean, I pretty sure I'm evil or something.  It was eBay
auction #360193146459.

I was really only after the boxed Biorhythms, so that means I have more trading
stock over on http://www.geekvintage.com if anyone needs a Nightstalker, Tron or
Utopia cartridge.

- Erik

--- In mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com, "retrozoneorg" <ask@...> wrote:
>
> Yes...
>
> That was me too...
>
> I bid $50 and you got them for $50.97...
>
> I think I have to improve my ebay skills a bit ;)
>
> Well done Erik :o)
>
> --- In mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com, erik.schubach <no_reply@> wrote:
>

I cringed when I bid on it, I was afraid I was bidding against someone here...
but... but... but I wanted it... ;)

- Erik

--- In mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com, erik.schubach <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> Argh!  I never even saw it show up on US eBay... it seems a lot of
> auctions from other countries don't show up on my results...

The demo cartridge was not marked to be shipped international. Only UK. So you
have to broden your search for international auctions, not only auctions shipped
to the US.
Then if you see such an auction always contact the seller and ask him if you may
bid on the auction as well. Good eBay references helps, and I also give my
website as a reference.

>
> I would surely have bid against you on this had I seen it LOL.

hehehe, my luck :-)

>
> I did however just bid against someone (possibly from here) on a set of four
factory sealed game cartridges and won in the last second :) Bwa-ha-ha-ha!
>

Congratulations on your win. Which 4 cartridges did you got?

I am also a last minute bidder; if you start bidding from the start then there
is always someone who overbids and then you overbid again... In the end you have
paid much more then you intended.
When you bid in the last minute then you decide at that moment how much you want
to pay; you make the bid and the auction ends.
If you the auction ends and you have lost then at least you haven't overpaid.


> - Erik
>

Regs
Martin

Yes...

That was me too...

I bid $50 and you got them for $50.97...

I think I have to improve my ebay skills a bit ;)

Well done Erik :o)

--- In mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com, erik.schubach <no_reply@...> wrote:

--- In mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com, hamsterfactor wrote:
>
> Hello all.
>
> I am the previous owner!

It isn't anything you did, it is just eBay's new policy in recent months to
never show the usernames of the bidders in any auction.

Feel free to post any other Aquarius stuff here for sale... it is fun to watch
us all fight over it like chum in a shark tank :)  Cuz in the end we will all be
happy it went to one of us who can appreciate it.

- Erik

--- In mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com, "retrozoneorg" <ask@...> wrote:
>
> OK....
>
> Who BID against me on the Demonstration Cart on UK ebay ;o) ???
>
>
> Thought I had that for a moment!
>
>
> Next Time ;o)
>

Argh!  I never even saw it show up on US eBay... it seems a lot of auctions from
other countries don't show up on my results...

I would surely have bid against you on this had I seen it LOL.

I did however just bid against someone (possibly from here) on a set of four
factory sealed game cartridges and won in the last second :) Bwa-ha-ha-ha!

- Erik

Hello all.

I am the previous owner!

Sorry I've not been around, unfortunately I just don't have as much time or
energy as I used to. I have a huge amount of retro computer stuff - not just
Aquarius, and I desperately need to get rid of some of it. I don't collect
things for the rarity, I collect because I want to tinker with stuff. For that
reason, the demo cart was an obvious candidate to go - you can't really get much
fun out of it! Also, the current financial situation means I could use the
money.

I've already told Martin that I'm glad he won it. As an Aquarius fan, I was well
aware of Martin's collection, and am glad that it's now with someone more active
in the 'community' who might appreciate it more.

I did think of mentioning on here that I was selling it, but I didn't want
people to think I was just trying to get as much for it as possible by playing
everyone off against each other. I knew the real collectors would see it anyway.

So, yeah. Well done Martin. One step closer to a complete collection!

PS. Didn't realise you couldn't see the other bidders' names. I was given the
option of anonymous bidding, but I'm sure I didn't select it - I can't see the
point. I must have done it accidentally or something. Weird.

I bid up to £20 (bilco40k)
Lol

From: mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com [mailto:mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of retrozoneorg
Sent: Monday, September 28, 2009 8:03 PM
To: mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Mattel Aquarius] Demo Cartridge



OK....

Who BID against me on the Demonstration Cart on UK ebay ;o) ???

Thought I had that for a moment!

Next Time ;o)

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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Well done Martin,

Now please please post some high res photo's so I can drool over what I lost!

:o)

And if you ever think of selling it! Drop me a line!!!!! ;o)


Seriously - I'm glad it went to someone here. Now at least I know it is safe and
treasured.

Congratulations on your purchase. "Your eBay skills are complete..."

--- In mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com, mvdsteenoven <no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> --- In mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com, "retrozoneorg" <ask@> wrote:
> >
> > Who BID against me on the Demonstration Cart on UK ebay ;o) ???
> >
>
> Silly eBay privacy; the only thing I saw was bidder #2 and bidder #4.
> Anyhow, I was the 5th bidder and the lucky winner for this auction.
>
> Regs,
> Martin
>


Congratulations, Marin.

I had been wondering whatever happened to that second Demo cart.  The previous
owner came around here asking about it, a while back.  I'm glad it made into the
hands of one of our members.  Now you can do a checksum comparison and see if
there are any differences between the ROMS.

My condolences to Dean.  ;-)

-Jason

--- In mattelaquarius@yahoogroups.com, "retrozoneorg" <ask@...> wrote:
>
> Who BID against me on the Demonstration Cart on UK ebay ;o) ???
>

Silly eBay privacy; the only thing I saw was bidder #2 and bidder #4.
Anyhow, I was the 5th bidder and the lucky winner for this auction.

Regs,
Martin