User Guide

Port Box

port box.ai rendered

1. About

This guide covers the setup, connection, and operation of the Port Box for use with Atari 8-bit diagnostic software. Throughout this guide, Port Box and port box refer interchangeably to the 8YoRetro Port Box or Atari’s original CPS SuperSALT Diagnostic Test Assembly. The terms SuperSALT Diagnostic Test Assembly, SSA, and test assembly may also be used interchangeably where appropriate.

The port box is an external hardware interface that allows diagnostic software to exercise and verify the external interfaces of an Atari 8-bit computer. The associated test cables connect the computer’s external ports to the port box, which provides the circuitry needed to generate, route, loop back, and measure signals that cannot be fully tested by software alone.

The 8YoRetro Port Box is fully compatible with Atari CPS SuperSALT diagnostic software and is designed for use with UberSALT Diagnostic Software, which provides expanded diagnostic coverage and support for the Port Box’s enhanced capabilities. For instructions covering UberSALT operation, diagnostic tests, Error Display codes, and interpretation of test results, see the UberSALT User Guide.

Scope

This guide assumes the port box is fully assembled, calibrated, and verified and focuses on the equipment required, cabling and connectivity options, and connection of the test assembly to an Atari 8-bit computer. Instructions for using the test assembly during diagnostic testing, including operation of its controls, are provided in the UberSALT User Guide. For detailed information about calibration, design, circuitry, and other technical aspects of the test assembly, refer to the Port Box Technical Reference.

Compatibility

The 8YoRetro Port Box is fully compatible with known legacy diagnostic software designed for Atari’s original CPS SuperSALT Diagnostic Test Assembly. When used with this software, the Port Box behaves like Atari’s original test assembly.

For technical details about the differences between the two test assemblies, refer to the Port Box Technical Reference Manual.

2. Equipment Required for Operation

The original Atari CPS Super Salt Test Assembly requires the same power adapter as the Atari 2600.

These are the items you will need to put the Port Box to use.

Power Adapter

The 8YoRetro Port Box and Atari’s original CPS SuperSALT Diagnostic Test Assembly have different power requirements and their power supplies are not interchangeable. Choose from the following depending upon the particular test assembly you will be using.

8YoRetro Port Box Power Adapter

The 8Yo Port Box requires a power adapter with the following specifications:

  • 12 volts DC output.
  • 24 watts (2.0 A / 2000 mA).
  • 5.5mm x 2.1mm, center-positive barrel connector.
  • Appropriate input voltage for your particular region.
  • Cable length suitable for your specific needs.
power adapter

Atari SSA Power Adapter

Atari’s original test assembly requires an Atari 2600 console power supply:

  • 9 volts DC output.
  • 8 Watts (850 mA).
  • 1/8-inch (3.5mm) audio-style power plug (tip positive, sleeve negative).
  • Appropriate input voltage for your particular region.
  • Cable length suitable for your specific needs.

These can be obtained from Amazon and specialty resellers such as Console5.

ssa power adapter

Pass Thru Cable

The pass-thru cable is used to route the 400/800 console power supply through the Port Box for analysis.

5.5mm x 2.5mm male-to-male barrel connector cable, 3-6 ft long.

ac pass thru jumper cable

Controller Port Jumper Cables

Four 9-conductor female-female DE-9 controller port jumper cables are required to connect the Port Box to a console’s controller jacks for diagnostic testing. Atari had supplied these with their original device, but they are virtually unobtainable today. The most practical alternative is to combine the following readily available items.

Controller Port Extension cables

Four individual extension cables (often sold in pairs).

de 9 extension cable.1

DE-9 Ribbon Cables

Four individual DE-9 female to 2×5 (10-pin) IDC header cables.

de9 ribbon cables

Hybrid Cable Option

Optionally, DE-9 crimp connectors can be added to the aforementioned IDC header to female DE-9 IDC cables to create a hybrid IDC-header and gender-changer cable.

Four individual Female DE-9 IDC crimp connectors.

de 9 idc crimp connector.1
de 9 idc crimp connector.2

SIO Cable

A 13-conductor SIO cable is required to connect the Port Box to a console for testing. These are still fairly common on the second-hand market if you don’t already have one.

3. Connecting the Test Assembly

Perform the following steps exactly as described below to connect the test assembly.

  1. Using 9-conductor controller cables, connect the corresponding controller ports between the console and the test assembly as follows:
    • Console controller port 1 to test assembly port 1
    • Console controller port 2 to test assembly port 2
    • Console controller port 3 to test assembly port 3 (if equipped)
    • Console controller port 4 to test assembly port 4 (if equipped)
  2. Connect the test assembly to the console serial port using a 13-conductor SIO cable.
  3. Connect the power adapter:
    • 400/800/1200XL:
      • Insert the console power adapter barrel connector to the A/C power pass-thru jack on the test assembly.
      • Insert one end of the A/C pass-thru jumper cable into the other A/C pass-thru jack on the test assembly.
      • Insert the other end of the A/C pass-thru jumper cable into the console’s power input jack.
    • All other models:
      • Connect the power adapter directly to the console as described in the Atari owner’s manual.
  4. Set the tone switch on the port box to the setting appropriate for the UUT. 400/800 vs XL/XE.
  5. Connect the A/V display cable as per the Atari owner’s manual.

Once all connections have been made, the test assembly is ready for use. Continue to UberSalt Diagnostic Software to prepare for diagnostic testing.