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The Atari 2700 (also known the Atari Remote Control VCS) is a prototype video game console that was developed by Atari, Inc. to be a wirelessly controlled version of Atari's popular Atari 2600 system. Intended for release in 1981, the 2700 was one of several planned follow-ups to the 2600, but the system was never put into full production. While It is unclear how many of these systems exist, some collectors believe that fewer than 10 were ever produced.

The 2700 is fully compatible with the Atari 2600 system and intended to use that systems games and accessories. The 2700's new features over the 2600 are wireless controllers featuring a combination of a joystick and paddle, touch sensitive switches, and a streamlined wedge–shaped case.

The product was also called the "Stella RC", where "Stella" was the internal Atari codename for the 2600 and "RC" referred to Radio Control.

Controllers

The 2700 wireless controllers operate via radio signals. They feature an on/off switch and are powered by a replaceable 9-volt battery. Communication with the console is achieved via a flexible antenna. Each controller is designated as either a left (player 1) or right (player 2) and can not be swapped.^[1]

The wireless controllers are similar to the Sears Video Arcade II in that they feature short sticks which combine the features of a standard 8 position joystick and a 270 degree paddle controller. Each features a single fire button as well as Select and Reset switches. The Select and Reset switches were also included on the console itself, presumably for instances where standard wired controllers were in used instead of the wireless units.^[2]

Console Features

The console featured two standard Atari 9-pin controller posts on its right side, allowing for use of other 2600 compatible controllers such as Atari-made and third-party joysticks, as well as Atari's own Driving Controller, Paddles, Kid's Controller, Keypad Controller, and Trak-Ball. The top surface featured a 2600 style cartridge slot and touch-sensitive buttons with associated red LEDs, including buttons for functions directly related to the wireless controllers, such as selecting between the wireless controllers and any plugged in, and for switching the function of the wireless controllers between joystick and paddle mode.

The case represented a significant departure from previous Atari consumer product designs, dispensing with aesthetics of earlier Atari consoles. Faux wood grain inlays and mechanical throw switches were replaced by a sleek, dark brown wedge with touch sensitive switches. The case, with its hinge-topped storage bay for the wireless controllers and a built-in belly groove for winding excess cable to connect to a TV, became the model for future systems, notably the Atari 5200, as well as the Atari 2600 Jr., and Atari 7800.

Cancellation

While focus groups noted that the controllers were comfortable, sleek, responsive, and very easy to use, issues with the controllers caused the console to be cancelled prior to release. Specifically, the wireless controllers had a working radius of approximately 1000 ft, but there was no mechanism for pairing a given set of controllers with a specific console, which meant controllers for any one 2700 could unintentionally affect other nearby 2700s. Furthermore, the controllers were based on the design of garage door openers, which led to concerns that they could accidentally trigger other remote controlled devices.

Legacy

In addition to the case design influences on later consoles, the idea of wireless controllers for the 2600 and joystick compatible systems was in 1983 fulfilled by the Atari 2600 Wireless Remote Controlled Joystick, a plug-in accessory (Model No., CX 42)^[3] However, to house additional electronics to correct the interference problem, the controllers were bulky. Additionally, they were difficult to control and suffered from poor battery life. The 2012-released Atari Flashback 4 also featured wireless controllers based on infrared technology.

Technical specifications

CPU: MOS Technology 6507 @ 1.19 MHz
Audio+video processor: TIA. 160 x ~192 pixel, 128 colors (121 of them actually different from each other on NTSC, 114 on PAL), 2 channel mono sound.
RAM: 128 bytes (plus up to 256 bytes built into the game cartridges)
ROM (game cartridges): 4 KB maximum capacity (32 KB+ with paging)
Output: B/W or color TV picture and sound signal

References

External links

[1] ttp://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/2700/a2700.html

[2] ttps://www.google.com/patents/USD268689 Patent image

[Wireless-3] "The Atari 2600 Remote Controlled Joystick"

[1]

[2]

[3]

@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 The 2700 wireless controllers operate via radio signals.  They feature an on/off switch and are powered by a replaceable 9-volt battery.  Communication with the console is achieved via a flexible antenna.  Each controller is designated as either a left (player 1) or right (player 2) and can not be swapped.<ref>http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/2700/a2700.html</ref>
-The wireless controllers are similar to the Sear Video Arcade II in that they feature short sticks which combine the features of a standard 8 position joystick and a 270 degree paddle controller. Each feature a single fire button, but also Select and Reset switches, which are duplicated on the console itself, presumably for instances where standard wired controllers were in used instead of the wireless units.<ref>https://www.google.com/patents/USD268689 Patent image</ref>
+The wireless controllers are similar to the Sears Video Arcade II in that they feature short sticks which combine the features of a standard 8 position joystick and a 270 degree paddle controller. Each features a single fire button as well as Select and Reset switches.  The Select and Reset switches were also included on the console itself, presumably for instances where standard wired controllers were in used instead of the wireless units.<ref>https://www.google.com/patents/USD268689 Patent image</ref>
-The unit also has select and reset buttons right on the wireless joystick as well.
 ==Console Features==
-The console featured two standard Atari 9-pin controller posts on its right side, allowing for use of other 2600 compatible controllers such as Atari made and third-party joysticks, as well as Atari's own Driving Controller, Paddles, Kid's Controller, Keypad Controller, and Trak-Ball.  The top surface featured a 2600 style cartridge slot, and touch-sensitive buttons with associated red [[LED|LEDs]], including buttons for functions directly related to the wireless controllers, such as selecting between the wireless controllers and any plugged in, and for switching the function of the wireless controllers between joystick and paddle mode.
+The console featured two standard Atari 9-pin controller posts on its right side, allowing for use of other 2600 compatible controllers such as Atari-made and third-party joysticks, as well as Atari's own Driving Controller, Paddles, Kid's Controller, Keypad Controller, and Trak-Ball.  The top surface featured a 2600 style cartridge slot and touch-sensitive buttons with associated red [[LED|LEDs]], including buttons for functions directly related to the wireless controllers, such as selecting between the wireless controllers and any plugged in, and for switching the function of the wireless controllers between joystick and paddle mode.
 The case represented a significant departure from previous Atari consumer product designs, dispensing with aesthetics of earlier Atari consoles.  Faux wood grain inlays and mechanical throw switches were replaced by a sleek, dark brown wedge with touch sensitive switches.  The case, with its hinge-topped storage bay for the wireless controllers and a built-in belly groove for winding excess cable to connect to a TV, became the model for future systems, notably the [[Atari 5200]], as well as the [[Atari 2600|Atari 2600 Jr.]], and [[Atari 7800]].
@@ Line 21: / Line 19: @@
 ==Legacy==
-In addition to the case design influences on later consoles, the idea of wireless controllers for the  2600 and joystick compatible systems was in 1983 fulfilled by the Atari 2600 Wireless Remote Controlled Joystick, a plug-in accessory (Model No., CX 42)<ref name="Wireless">[http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/2600/2600rc.html "The Atari 2600 Remote Controlled Joystick"]</ref> However, to house additional electronics to correct the interference problem, the controllers were bulky. Additionally, they were difficult to control and suffered from poor battery life. The 2012-released [[Atari_Flashback|Atari Flashback 4]] also featured wireless controllers but based on different technology.
+In addition to the case design influences on later consoles, the idea of wireless controllers for the  2600 and joystick compatible systems was in 1983 fulfilled by the Atari 2600 Wireless Remote Controlled Joystick, a plug-in accessory (Model No., CX 42)<ref name="Wireless">[http://www.atarimuseum.com/videogames/consoles/2600/2600rc.html "The Atari 2600 Remote Controlled Joystick"]</ref> However, to house additional electronics to correct the interference problem, the controllers were bulky. Additionally, they were difficult to control and suffered from poor battery life. The 2012-released [[Atari_Flashback|Atari Flashback 4]] also featured wireless controllers based on infrared technology.
 ==Technical specifications==