So, one of the questions I get asked is why I write instead of film video or audio of my reviews or opinions? This is more a complicated question to reply to than one might thing for me. For starters, I don't really feel comfortable being in front of a camera. I've tried various times and the video never ends up uploaded or I abort the video mid recording.

I have tried a vocal video before, but it didn't really come out as well as I'd like, and had audio problems. I might try this again, as I was comfortable enough with this style of video. Though I need to add visual elements to the video next time. I have ideas for this, I just need to figure out the best way to do this.

But in the end, this is just a hobby for me. I don't care about 'SEO' or 'hits' or 'visits' too much. I do have some Google Analytics running just as a curiosity about how many visits my website does get- and I have a Twitter as a way of broadcasting outward. But that's about all the 'advertising' I do. In the end, Retrocade Romp is a blog for me.

I am gonna be doing some game reviews perhaps in the future. Perhaps look forward to that if you like visit my personal website every so often!

A few many months back I obtained an Atari 65xe from AtariAge forum user ApolloBoy. ApolloBoy had originally bought this on Ebay for the price of 85$ dollars. I obtained it from him for vaguely the same price. While similar to a stock Atari 65XE, it had some external differences.

The first was, where there should be an Atari Badge, a sticker had been places that says 'Computer Orthoptics (tm)'. There is also a piece of masking tape on the side with a serial number of sorts: A1511009678. This means at some point in this computer's life, It had been used in a Optometrists Office or similar setting that works with equipment related to eyecare. Most likely to control some sort of machine or machines.

ApolloBoy eventually contacted the company, which was still in business all these years, and got reply from the parent company 'Home Therapy Systems'. They did not have a partnership with Atari, so most likely purchased them and modified them. And speaking of modifications- the inside of the unit has been modified with a jumper to prevent stock Atari 65XEs from running their software! This jumper sits between pins 3 and 10 on the GTIA. This means it pushes the button on Joysticks 3 and 4. Since the Atari 65XE only has two Joystick ports, 1 and 2-- this acts as a form of hardware check for 'Computer Orthoptic's Software' to make sure it's running on their modded system.

Sadly, that's where the story ends when it ends up in my care. It works as a standard 65XE and anything I've run on it hasn't had any problems yet. I am looking for some software for this- though it isn't a priority, just-- some interest on what it looks like.

Just thought I'd tell the story of one of the odder pieces in my collection!

Original Source: https://atariage.com/forums/topic/303349-%E2%80%9Ccomputer-orthoptics%E2%80%9D-65xe-variation

Version 2 of my new cover art pic I'm using. #retrogaming #fantasyzone pic.twitter.com/zvvQFQWxEu

— Retrocade Romp! (@RetrocadeRomp) November 24, 2020

Been on an Intellivision kick in recent memory. Got myself a Sears Super Arcade, and some rarer games like Thunder Castle and Blockade Runner- which I'm enjoying a lot. Which is why I'm gonna suggest you go visit INTV Funhouse, an informative website, with reviews, screenshots and overlays- run by Steven A. Orth as a hobby. Been learning a lot browsing through their website!

Got myself one of these! A review soon when I am able.

I finally found a modded PSone (PS 1 'Slim' after much searching. Can't wait to get it! 

I have something in my 'Pocket' to 'Go' soon for a review! Will come when I've had enough time to play around with it!

A friend sent me a modded PS2 Slim and a WHOLE boatload of PS2 and PSX games- many imports, and some burned games and some official copies. This is a large mess to sort through so It'll be a bit for me to add it all to the collection. :laughing:

Also, my Model Lynx 2 came back from being recapped. The person who did it, tpugmire on AtariAge, did a lovely job. The screen is nice and bright, and he caught other issues that he offered to fix. It works really great now! He also kept in communication well.

If he offers to fix your console, he does a good job. I recommend, 5/5 stars.

My Poor Model 2 Lynx is sick with a weak screen, evident of most capacitor issues and has been sent off to get recapped by tpugmire on Atari Age!

Hopefully this will fix the issue!

The Wizard of Odyssey!?