ATARI Lynx FAQ

This page is maintained by Kurt Olsen (kurto@cc.usu.edu.)

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, usually around the first of the month. It is maintained by Robert Jung at rjung@netcom.com on the Internet. Send corrections, news, updates, comments, questions, or other stuff to that address. All mail is welcome!


Contents:


Q. What is the Atari Lynx?
Q. What's the relationship between the Atari Lynx and Epyx?
Q. What are the specifications of the Lynx?
Q. What are the differences between the original Lynx ("Lynx Classic") and the new Lynx ("Lynx II")?
Q. Is the Lynx an 8-bit or 16-bit system?
Q. Why does the Lynx use a 6502 and not a 68000?
Q. What do I get when I buy a Lynx?
Q. What accessories exist for the Lynx?
Q. Is there a TV tuner option for the Lynx?
Q. What can I use to carry my Lynx game cards?
Q. What does "ComLynx" mean, exactly?
Q. Do all players "Lynxed up" via the ComLynx need a copy of the game being played?
Q. What's the ComLynx port like?
Q. Sometimes a multiplayer ComLynx game will freeze up. Why?
Q. I hear there's a ComLynx port on the Atari Jaguar. How does that work? Can I connect my Lynx to it? Will there be a Lynx adapter for the Jaguar?
Q. What are the current Lynx games available?
Q. What are some of the upcoming Lynx games?
Q. Where can I get a review and/or comments about <insert game name here>?
Q. Where can I find secrets, tips, and hints for <insert game name here>?
Q. Hey! I think I just set a new high score! How can I brag about it?
Q. Where can I meet other Lynx enthusiasts?
Q. My Lynx screen is badly scratched! How can I fix it, what can I do?
Q. Agh! My Lynx is broken! How can I fix it?
Q. How do I disassemble my Lynx II (assuming I want to)?
Q. How can I reach Atari Corp.?
Q. What are other sources for Lynx information?
Q. What's the Lynx developer's kit like?

Q. What is the Atari Lynx?

The world's first hand-held color video game system. Sold by Atari, the Lynx offers true multi-player competition, built-in 3D and distortion graphic effects, reversible controls, and fast arcade action for under $100.


Q. What's the relationship between the Atari Lynx and Epyx?

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, and the rest is history.

Due to a recent lawsuit settlement between Epyx and Atari, Epyx no longer has any connection whatsoever with the Lynx. Atari was required to pay a lump sum to offset back royalties owed, cover damages from breach of contract, and an additional amount to buy off Epyx royalty rights.


Q. What are the specifications of the Lynx?

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 at one time
  - 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 capability of up to 1 megabyte (8 megabits) on one game-card. In theory, this limit can be exceeded with extra bank-switching hardware in the card. 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 are the differences between the original Lynx ("Lynx Classic") and the new Lynx ("Lynx II")?

The new Lynx is a bit smaller and lighter than the original Lynx. It has 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 is gone in the new Lynx). A power LED has been 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 new Lynx has a more efficient internal design, and the headphone jack supports stereo sound. The speaker in new Lynx is also not as loud as the original Lynx, although it's more than adequate for all but the noisiest situations.

Also, the new Lynx 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 new Lynx is about fifteen percent less than that of the original Lynx. Harry Dodgeson (dodgson@coyote.cs.wmich.edu) 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?

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?

"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 say 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 is only around 1993-1994 that Motorola offered the 68000 as a design component.
Q. What do I get when I buy a Lynx?

The Lynx is available in two packages:

The Lynx "Deluxe Package" costs $129.95. It includes the Lynx unit, a copy of the CALIFORNIA GAMES game card, a carrying case, a ComLynx cable, and six AA Alkaline batteries.

The Lynx "Base Package" costs $79.95. It comes with only the Lynx, and includes no accessories.


Q. What accessories exist for the Lynx?

A. The following products can be ordered direct from Atari Crop., at (800) GO-ATARI:

Naki Products sells several Lynx accessories. Call (800)-626-NAKI to find a Naki dealer near you:
Q. Is there a TV tuner option for the Lynx?

No. Atari's official position is that market research shows 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. What can I use to carry my Lynx game cards?

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.

Another solution are Lynx card wallets. Sold by Realm, a wallet costs $5.95, holds up to 18 cards, padded for protection, and folds flat. Write to Joey Sherman at Realm, 10504 Easum Rd., Louisville KY 40299. On GEnie, send e-mail to REALM.

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?

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?

Yes. All players need a copy of the game card.


Q. What's the ComLynx port like?

There is 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.

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 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's a ComLynx port on the Atari Jaguar. How does that work? Can I connect my Lynx to it? Will there be a Lynx adaptor for the Jaguar?

The ComLynx port allows communication between Jaguar units and Lynx units. In theory, it would be possible to daisy-chain multiple units of either machine type for multiplayer games. At the current time, however, no such plans are in the works. Instead, it is seen as allowing Lynxes to be used as peripherals: software can be developed to allow Lynxes to be part of a Jaguar game as controllers.

An adaptor to allow the Jaguar to play Lynx games is not currently planned.


Q. What are the current Lynx games available?

The following is a list of Lynx games currently available 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
   Block Out             1     Atari          Action/Strategy
   Blue Lightning        1     Atari          Action
   Bill & Ted's         1-2    Atari          Action/Adventure
     Excellent Adventure
   Bubble Trouble        1     Telegames      Action/Adventure
   California Games     1-4(1) Atari          Action/Sports
   Checkered Flag       1-6    Atari          Sports
   Chip's Challenge      1     Atari          Puzzle
   Crystal Mines II      1     Atari          Puzzle
   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
   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
   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    Telegames      Action
      Golf
   Kung Food             1     Atari          Action/Fighting
   Lemmings              1     Atari          Strategy
   Lynx Casino          1-2    Atari          Strategy
   Malibu Bikini        1-2    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
   Power Factor          1     Atari          Action
   Qix                  1-2(2) Telegames      Arcade
   Rampage              1-4    Atari          Arcade
   Rampart              1-2    Atari          Arcade/Strategy
   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
   Shadow of the Beast   1     Atari          Action/Strategy
   Shanghai             1-2    Atari          Strategy
   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
   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

Q. What are some of the upcoming Lynx games?

Upcoming Lynx Games List:

   Note: This list is hardly definitive.  It's based on many sources, and in
         some cases, it just might be dead wrong.  Games also often change
         from pre-release to production.

   Title              Players  Publisher      Type
   -----------------  -------  ------------   ---------------------------
   Aliens v. Predator    1?    Atari          Action
   Blood & Guts Hockey  1-2    Atari          Action/Sports
   Cabal                1-2    Atari          Arcade
   Cybervirus            1     Beyond Games   Action
   Daemonsgate           1?    Atari          Adventure
   Defender/Stargate/    1?    Atari          Action/Arcade
      Defender II
   Eye of the Beholder   1     Atari          Adventure
   Fat Bobby             1?    Atari          Action/Platform
   Full Court Press     1-2    Atari          Sports
      Basketball
   The Guardians:       1-4    Telegames      Adventure
      Storms Over Doria
   Heavyweight          1-2    Atari          Sports
      Contender
   Mechtiles            1-4    Beyond Games   Action/Strategy
   Ninja Nerd            1     Atari          Adventure
   Operation Desert      1     Atari          Strategy?
      Storm
   R.C. Destruction     1-4    Telegames      Action
      Derby
   Relief Pitcher       1-2    Atari          Arcade/Sports
   Raiden               1-2    Atari          Arcade/Shooter
   Road Riot 4WD        1-2    Atari          Arcade/Action/Driving
   Rolling Thunder       1     Atari          Arcade
   720                   1     Atari          Arcade
   Spacewar             1-2?   Atari?         Action
   Ultra Star Raiders    1?    Atari          Action/Strategy
   Ultra Vortex         1-2    Beyond Games   Fighting
   Vindicators          1-2    Atari          Arcade
   Wolfenstein 3D        1?    Atari?         Action

Q. Where can I get a review and/or comments about <insert game name here>?

Q. Where can I find secrets, tips, and hints for <insert game name here>?

Peter Hvezda maintains the Usenet Lynx Guide. It offers the Lynx FAQ, every Lynx game review written by Robert Jung, and the Lynx cheats list. Send e-mail to phvezda@pnfi.forestry.ca, with one or more of the following in the body of the message:

send faq
A copy of the Lynx FAQ (this file)
send reviews
A copy of every Lynx review ever written -- over 200K!
send cheats
Tricks and cheats for many Lynx games
send help
Detailed instructions, including how to get reviews for individual/specific games
Also, Robert Jung has written detailed reviews for every Lynx game ever released. If you want copies of specific reviews, or just general Lynx- related questions, you can reach him at rjung@netcom.com on the Internet.

Nick Paiement runs a database that records ratings for Lynx games. The ratings are provided by players, and average/high/low results are calculated by Nick. The ratings and "ballots" are posted regularly to the USENET newsgroup rec.games.video.atari. Or, send electronic mail to paien00@dmi.usherb.ca with the subject "get_lynx" for full details.

Atari Corp. has established a game tip hotline, at (900) 737-ATARI (2827). The cost is $0.95 per minute; minors should get their parent's permission.


Q. Hey! I think I just set a new high score! How can I brag about it?

Jim Leonard is maintaining a running list of high scores achieved on Lynx games. This list is posted to the Internet on a semiregular basis.

If you've got a new high score, send it to jleonard@falcon.depaul.edu or trixter@trxhome.mwc.com on the Internet. Include all pertinent information, including your name and difficulty settings used to set that record.


Q. Where can I meet other Lynx enthusiasts?

Bobby Tribble maintains the Internet ComLynx list, a database of Lynx owners and where they live. This allows Lynx fans to write, to meet, and possibly to get together and play games. All arrangements are made by the people involved, allowing individual control of the level of privacy.

To get a copy of the list, join it, or update an entry, send e-mail to btribble@ocf.berkeley.edu. At a minimum, please include your e-mail address, your name, and the general area where you are. Other information may be given if you desire, but is not mandatory. Anyone capable of sending mail to Bobby is welcome to join. Folks without computer access who want to join are welcome by referral. Please provide an e-mail address where they can be reached and/or a voice phone number (with their permission).

If you have Internet access and the "finger" command on your system, you can "finger btribble@ocf.berkeley.edu" to see the latest list.


Q. My Lynx screen is badly scratched! How can I fix it, what can I do?

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?

Send your Lynx to:
Lynx repair service
Atari Computer Corporation
390 Caribbean Drive
Sunnyvale, CA 94088

Include a letter of explaination indicating the problem you have. Depending on available supplies, Atari will repair or replace your Lynx. If your Lynx is still under warranty, include a copy of the receipt or credit-card bill and it will be performed for free. Otherwise, you will be billed (last known price is $50, but may vary). Estimated time of replacement/repair is three to four weeks.


Q. How do I disassemble my Lynx II (assuming I want to)?

The original Lynxes were 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. How can I reach Atari Corp.?

Customer Service: (800) GO-ATARI

Mailing Address:

  Atari Corp.
       1196 Borregas Avenue
       Sunnyvale, CA  94089-1302
Company spokesman Bob Brodie can be reached by electronic mail on GEnie, via the address "BOB-BRODIE". E-mail can be sent over the Internet with bob-brodie@genie.geis.com.

Also, Atari Corp. sells Lynx units, games, and accessories by mail. Their number is (800) GO-ATARI.


Q. What are other sources for Lynx information?

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.

   - GamePro                         General video-gaming magazine with
     951 Mariner's Island Blvd.      some Lynx coverage.
     San Mateo, CA 91202

   - 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.

   - Video Games                     General video-gaming and computer-
     9171 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 300  gaming magazine.  Lynx news often in
     Beverly Hills, CA 90210         news articles and reviews.

   - 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 issue.
     Santa Cruz, CA  95062           Covers all Atari consoles and computers.


   Internet/USENET newsgroups:

   - rec.games.video.atari   Contains news of all Atari video-game systems.
   - rec.games.video.misc    Often contains Lynx reviews and discussions.
   - alt.games.lynx          Lynx-related discussions, often crossposted to
                             rec.games.video.atari and rec.games.video.misc.
                             Superceded by rec.games.video.atari

   - World-Wide Web Pages
       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://www.mcc.ac.uk/~dlms/atari.html

       Toad Computers had a web page which allows you to order Lynx games from
       them directly:
         http://www.toad.net/


   Internet FTP sites:

   - atari.archive.umich.edu or terminator.cc.umich.edu (141.211.164.8):

       /pub/atari/portadd  has back-issues of Portable Addiction, a
                           newsletter about the Atari Lynx, Sega Game
                           Gear, and Atari Portfolio.  Subscribe by
                           sending a note to tjerk@nikhef.nl.

       /pub/atari/Lynx     contains assorted Lynx-related files

   - ftp.netcom.com

       /pub/rj/rjung       Contains the latest version of this FAQ file, and
                           the Lynx Hyperstack (see "Apple Hypercard Stack,"
                           below).

 
       /pub/vi/vidgames/faqs
                           Frequently-asked question files for a variety of
                           home games and consoles, arcade titles, and other
                           video-gaming information.  Includes the latest
                           version of this FAQ file.

   - rahul.net

       /pub/wilsont/AEO    Includes the latest copies of Atari Explorer
                           Online Magazine.  


   Internet TELNET site:

   - Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG

       freenet-in-{a,b,c}.cwru.edu or 129.22.8.51 or nextsun.INS.CWRU.edu
       Access via modem at (216) 368-3888.
 
       You can log on as visitor to explore the system and apply for a
       Free-Net account online.  At the opening menu, enter "2" to log in as a
       visitor.  At the next menu, enter "2" again to explore the system.  You
       will then read an opening disclaimer and a login bulletin, then be sent
       to the main menu.  Once inside, type "go lynx".  Follow the menus to
       read discussions, reviews, news, and information.  In order to post
       messages and send e-mail, you need a Free-Net account.  Apply for a
       Free-Net account by entering "1" at the second menu instead of "2".


   Apple HyperCard Stack:
 
       The Lynx HyperStack is a stack for the HyperCard program for the Apple
       Macintosh computer.  This stack contains the Atari Lynx FAQ, all of the
       Lynx game reviews written by Robert Jung, all of the Lynx video-game
       tips and tricks compiled in the USENET Lynx Guide, and other assorted
       news articles and miscellaneous information.  The latest version of the
       stack is located at ftp.netcom.com, in the /pub/rj/rjung
       subdirectory.  Instructions are included in the BinHex-encoded file.


   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:

   - 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.

   - Star-Linx BBS

       (602) 464-4817, 300-14,400 bps

       It's located in Mesa, Arizona (USA), has a Lynx Club, and complete
       access to the USENET rec.games.video.* hierarchy.  There is also a data
       store containing a wide variety of Lynx-related reviews, articles,
       pictures, and other information.

   - 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

   - CompuServe

       The Atari Gaming Forum features a message section and library
       devoted to the Lynx where players, industry representatives,
       and magazine writers and editors exchange information and
       commentary.  Many Atari personnel, including developer and
       technical support, customer service, numerous vice presidents
       and Sam Tramiel himself frequent the forum on a regular basis.
       Type GO LYNX to access the Atari Gaming Forum.


   International clubs:

    - Germany:     Internationaler Lynx Club
                   Hans-Jorg Sebastian
                   Siegfriedstr. 3
                   3684 Schmitten 3
                   Germany

    - 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's the Lynx developer's kit like?

Hardware:

Software: A full Lynx Developer's Kit currently costs around $5,000.
Return to Lynx Index.