Author: Shalroth (wwwcache-b.lmu.ac.uk)
Date: 12-21-2001 16:19
What you have is a 520 STFM or STE, and a 1040 STF. The STF did not have an RF modulator built in, making it slightly less expensive, and able to work in many countries since the TV output is specific to each vasrious countries (I couldn't use an American ST here in the UK).
The STFM and STE both have the modulator built in, as did the early STM which didn't have a floppy disk drive built in.
Right, well, there's usually space on the motherboard (it's cheaper to design one board and miss out the components than it is to design two separate boards!) but the ST was never meant to have an RF module fitted as an upgrade... there was a time when you could pick up external RF modulators that plugged into the 13-pin monitor socket but these haven't been made for many years (and were silly expensive when they were available - around GBP 50).
Your options then, are:
1) You *might* be able to find a broken STFM and desolder the modulator and solder it into the 1040 STF you have, but really it isn't worth it and you risk destroying your STF if you do that
2) Buy a monitor - an Atari SC1224, 1225 or 1435 will work, or you could get a Phillips CM8833 Mk I or II, or a Commodore 1084 or 1084s (practically the same monitor). You will need the relevant cable which is usually pretty easy to find. The monitors typically change hands for GBP 20 - 30 on eBay BUT YOU MUST MAKE SURE IT IS WELL PACKAGED!!! I've had too many SC1435s break on me during transit...all I've received is a box full glass dust and a monitor shell. Not safe.
3) Use a SCART cable - this takes the RGB and audio out from your monitor socket and lets you plug it into a TV or VCR with a SCART input. This is the only practical way to use a Mega ST with a TV set.
4) Upgrade your 520 to a 1040 and sell on the 1040 STF. They're much rarer and highly prized in the international market because they work in any country (within reason, Power Supply issues) and a 520 STE is p!ss easy to upgrade. STFMs aren't so simple, but not too difficult.
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