Atari 400 - Revision history

Josh at 16:43, 9 August 2025

2025-08-09T16:43:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:43, 9 August 2025
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	The '''Atari 400''' is an 8-bit home computer introduced by Atari, Inc. in November 1979. Designed as a more affordable and child-friendly sibling to the [[Atari 800]], the 400 featured a membrane keyboard and robust plastic case, targeting the home computing and educational markets.		The '''Atari 400''' is an 8-bit home computer introduced by Atari, Inc. in November 1979. Designed as a more affordable and child-friendly sibling to the [[Atari 800]], the 400 featured a membrane keyboard and robust plastic case, targeting the home computing and educational markets.

	== 🧠 Architecture and Processor ==		== Architecture and Processor ==
	At the heart of the Atari 400 is the '''MOS Technology 6502''' microprocessor, running at:		At the heart of the Atari 400 is the '''MOS Technology 6502''' microprocessor, running at:
	* '''1.79 MHz''' (NTSC systems)		* '''1.79 MHz''' (NTSC systems)
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	This multi-chip design allowed the Atari 400 to deliver advanced graphics and sound capabilities for its time.		This multi-chip design allowed the Atari 400 to deliver advanced graphics and sound capabilities for its time.

	== 💾 Memory and Storage ==		== Memory and Storage ==
	The Atari 400 was originally shipped with '''8 KB RAM''' (expandable to 16 KB and later 48 KB via third-party upgrades). ROM contained the system OS and I/O routines. Application software and the Atari BASIC interpreter were supplied on plug-in cartridges.		The Atari 400 was originally shipped with '''8 KB RAM''' (expandable to 16 KB and later 48 KB via third-party upgrades). ROM contained the system OS and I/O routines. Application software and the Atari BASIC interpreter were supplied on plug-in cartridges.

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	* '''810 floppy disk drive''' – optional 5.25" single-sided, single-density drive (via SIO port).		* '''810 floppy disk drive''' – optional 5.25" single-sided, single-density drive (via SIO port).

	== 🖥️ Display and Graphics ==		== Display and Graphics ==
	Graphics capabilities were a major strength of the Atari 400, provided by the ANTIC and CTIA/GTIA chips:		Graphics capabilities were a major strength of the Atari 400, provided by the ANTIC and CTIA/GTIA chips:
	* '''Text modes''': 40×24 and 20×24 characters		* '''Text modes''': 40×24 and 20×24 characters
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	The system could output video via RF modulator (for TVs) or composite video (with modification).		The system could output video via RF modulator (for TVs) or composite video (with modification).

	== 🔊 Sound Capabilities ==		== Sound Capabilities ==
	Sound was generated by the '''POKEY''' chip, offering:		Sound was generated by the '''POKEY''' chip, offering:
	* '''4 independent audio channels'''		* '''4 independent audio channels'''
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	The POKEY chip enabled complex sound effects and music, making the Atari 400 popular for gaming.		The POKEY chip enabled complex sound effects and music, making the Atari 400 popular for gaming.

	== 🎮 Input/Output and Expansion ==		== Input/Output and Expansion ==
	The Atari 400 included the following I/O and expansion features:		The Atari 400 included the following I/O and expansion features:
	* '''Cartridge slot''' – for games and software (Atari BASIC, educational titles, etc.)		* '''Cartridge slot''' – for games and software (Atari BASIC, educational titles, etc.)
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	Unlike the Atari 800, the 400 did not include user-accessible internal expansion slots and was limited to its factory RAM configuration (though third-party upgrades became available).		Unlike the Atari 800, the 400 did not include user-accessible internal expansion slots and was limited to its factory RAM configuration (though third-party upgrades became available).

	== 🔍 PCB Schematics & Service Manual ==		== PCB Schematics & Service Manual ==
	<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />		<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />

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	Official service manuals and schematics are available via the [[Atari 400 800 Field Service Manual June 82\|Atari 400 / 800 Field Service Manual]]		Official service manuals and schematics are available via the [[Atari 400 800 Field Service Manual June 82\|Atari 400 / 800 Field Service Manual]]

	== 📷 Gallery ==		== Gallery ==
	<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">		<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
	File:Atari-400-Comp.jpg\|Atari 400 front view		File:Atari-400-Comp.jpg\|Atari 400 front view
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	</gallery>		</gallery>

	== 🧪 Related Pages ==		== Related Pages ==
	* [[Atari 400 General Maintenance]]		* [[Atari 400 General Maintenance]]
	* [[Atari 400 Troubleshooting Guide]]		* [[Atari 400 Troubleshooting Guide]]

Josh: /* 🔍 PCB Schematics & Service Manual */

2025-05-09T16:59:01Z

🔍 PCB Schematics & Service Manual

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:59, 9 May 2025
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	\|}		\|}

	Official service manuals and schematics are available via the [[Atari 400 Service Manual\|Atari 400 / 800 Field Service Manual]]		Official service manuals and schematics are available via the [[Atari 400 800 Field Service Manual June 82\|Atari 400 / 800 Field Service Manual]]

	== 📷 Gallery ==		== 📷 Gallery ==

Josh: /* 🔍 PCB Schematics & Service Manual */

2025-05-09T16:55:42Z

🔍 PCB Schematics & Service Manual

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:55, 9 May 2025
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	\|}		\|}

	Official service manuals and schematics are available via the [[Atari 400 Service Manual]]		Official service manuals and schematics are available via the [[Atari 400 Service Manual\|Atari 400 / 800 Field Service Manual]]

	== 📷 Gallery ==		== 📷 Gallery ==

Josh: /* 🔍 PCB Schematics & Service Manual */

2025-05-09T16:54:54Z

🔍 PCB Schematics & Service Manual

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:54, 9 May 2025
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	\|-		\|-
	\| [[File:Atari 400 mainboard and daughterboard.png\|center\|thumb\|300x300px\|Atari 400 Logic Board]]<br>		\| [[File:Atari 400 mainboard and daughterboard.png\|center\|thumb\|300x300px\|Atari 400 Logic Board]]<br>
	\| [[File:~~Atari400-PowerBoard~~.~~jpg~~\|~~thumb~~\|center\|~~300px~~\|Atari 400 ~~Power Supply Board~~]]<br>		\| [[File:Atari 400 800 Home Computer Schematics.pdf\|alt=Atari 400 / 800 Schematics\|center\|thumb\|Atari 400 / 800 Schematics]]<br>
	\|}		\|}

Josh: /* 🔍 PCB Schematics & Service Manual */

2025-05-09T16:52:25Z

🔍 PCB Schematics & Service Manual

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:52, 9 May 2025
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	\|+'''Atari 400 Main Boards'''		\|+'''Atari 400 Main Boards'''
	\|-		\|-
	! Logic Board !! ~~Power Supply~~ Board		! Logic Board !! Logic Board Schematic
	\|-		\|-
	\| [[File:~~Atari400-LogicBoard.jpg\|thumb\|center\|300px\|~~Atari 400 ~~Logic Board]]<br>[[File:Atari400-Schematic~~.png\|center\|thumb\|Atari 400 Logic Board ~~Schematic~~]]		\| [[File:Atari 400 mainboard and daughterboard.png\|center\|thumb\|300x300px\|Atari 400 Logic Board]]<br>
	\| [[File:Atari400-PowerBoard.jpg\|thumb\|center\|300px\|Atari 400 Power Supply Board]]<br>~~[[File:Atari400-PowerSchematic.png\|center\|thumb\|Atari 400 Power Supply Schematic]]~~		\| [[File:Atari400-PowerBoard.jpg\|thumb\|center\|300px\|Atari 400 Power Supply Board]]<br>
	\|}		\|}

	Official service manuals and schematics are available via the [~~https://archive.org/details/Atari_400_800_Field_Service_Manual_1980_Atari_Inc archive.org~~ Atari 400~~/800 Field~~ Service Manual].		Official service manuals and schematics are available via the [[Atari 400 Service Manual]]

	== 📷 Gallery ==		== 📷 Gallery ==

Josh at 16:51, 9 May 2025

2025-05-09T16:51:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:51, 9 May 2025
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	{{Infobox computer		{{Infobox computer
	\| name = Atari 400		\| name = Atari 400
	\| image = [[File:Atari-400-~~Computer~~.jpg\|250px]]		\| image = [[File:Atari-400-Comp.jpg\|250px]]
	\| caption = Atari 400 home computer (1979)		\| caption = Atari 400 home computer (1979)
	\| manufacturer = Atari, Inc.		\| manufacturer = Atari, Inc.
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	\| codename = Candy		\| codename = Candy
	\| model = CX2624		\| model = CX2624
	\| logo = [[File:Atari logo ~~alt~~.svg\|250px]]		\| logo = [[File:Atari 400 logo-04.svg\|250px]]
	}}		}}

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	== 📷 Gallery ==		== 📷 Gallery ==
	<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">		<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
	File:Atari-400-~~Computer~~.jpg\|Atari 400 front view		File:Atari-400-Comp.jpg\|Atari 400 front view
	File:Atari-400~~-Ports~~.jpg\|~~Rear panel with SIO, joystick, and RF ports~~		File:Atari 400 Interfaces.jpg\|Atari 400 Interfaces
	File:~~Atari400-LogicBoard~~.~~jpg~~\|Atari 400 logic board (main PCB)		File:Atari 400 mainboard and daughterboard.png\|Atari 400 logic board (main PCB)
	~~File:Atari400-PowerBoard.jpg\|Power supply board~~		File:Atari-400-Computer-Opened.jpg\|Cartridge slot open
	File:Atari-400-~~Cartridge~~.jpg\|Cartridge slot ~~with BASIC cartridge inserted~~
	</gallery>		</gallery>

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	* [[Atari 400 Keyboard Repair Guide]]		* [[Atari 400 Keyboard Repair Guide]]
	* [[Atari 400 Capacitor Replacement Guide]]		* [[Atari 400 Capacitor Replacement Guide]]

	~~[[Category:Atari 8-bit computers]]~~
	~~[[Category:Home computers of the 1970s]]~~
	~~[[Category:Atari hardware]]~~

	<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />		<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
			[[Category:Atari Systems]]

Josh: Automated update by bot

2025-05-09T16:42:37Z

Automated update by bot

New page

{{Infobox computer
| name = Atari 400
| image = [[File:Atari-400-Computer.jpg|250px]]
| caption = Atari 400 home computer (1979)
| manufacturer = Atari, Inc.
| type = Home computer
| release date = November 1979
| discontinued = 1983
| price = US$550 (1979)
| cpu = MOS Technology 6502 @ 1.79 MHz (NTSC) / 1.77 MHz (PAL)
| memory = 8 KB RAM (original), later models 16 KB or 48 KB RAM
| storage = External cassette tape (410 Program Recorder), optional 810 5.25" floppy disk drive
| display = 40×24 text, 320×192 pixels (max), 128 colours (NTSC: 256 hues x 128 luminances)
| sound = POKEY: 4 channels, 8-bit, noise, random, keyboard scan
| dimensions = 41 cm × 24 cm × 9 cm
| weight = 3.2 kg
| os = Atari BASIC (cartridge), Atari OS in ROM
| predecessor =
| successor = [[Atari 800]]
| codename = Candy
| model = CX2624
| logo = [[File:Atari logo alt.svg|250px]]
}}

The '''Atari 400''' is an 8-bit home computer introduced by Atari, Inc. in November 1979. Designed as a more affordable and child-friendly sibling to the [[Atari 800]], the 400 featured a membrane keyboard and robust plastic case, targeting the home computing and educational markets.

== 🧠 Architecture and Processor ==
At the heart of the Atari 400 is the '''MOS Technology 6502''' microprocessor, running at:
* '''1.79 MHz''' (NTSC systems)
* '''1.77 MHz''' (PAL systems)

The system architecture is built around custom Atari co-processors:
* '''ANTIC''' – programmable video interface controller, responsible for display list processing and graphics generation.
* '''CTIA/GTIA''' – handles colour, player/missile graphics (sprites), and video output.
* '''POKEY''' – manages sound generation, keyboard scanning, serial I/O, and random number generation.

This multi-chip design allowed the Atari 400 to deliver advanced graphics and sound capabilities for its time.

== 💾 Memory and Storage ==
The Atari 400 was originally shipped with '''8 KB RAM''' (expandable to 16 KB and later 48 KB via third-party upgrades). ROM contained the system OS and I/O routines. Application software and the Atari BASIC interpreter were supplied on plug-in cartridges.

Storage options included:
* '''410 Program Recorder''' – external cassette tape drive for program and data storage.
* '''810 floppy disk drive''' – optional 5.25" single-sided, single-density drive (via SIO port).

== 🖥️ Display and Graphics ==
Graphics capabilities were a major strength of the Atari 400, provided by the ANTIC and CTIA/GTIA chips:
* '''Text modes''': 40×24 and 20×24 characters
* '''Graphics modes''': up to 320×192 pixels (bitmap), with multiple colour and resolution options
* '''Colours''': Up to 128 (NTSC) or 104 (PAL) simultaneous colours via palette and luminance controls
* '''Sprites''': 4 player and 4 missile hardware sprites ("player/missile graphics")
* Smooth scrolling and fine control over display via programmable display lists

The system could output video via RF modulator (for TVs) or composite video (with modification).

== 🔊 Sound Capabilities ==
Sound was generated by the '''POKEY''' chip, offering:
* '''4 independent audio channels'''
* 8-bit resolution, with selectable frequencies and noise generation
* Programmable audio control for effects and music
* Integrated keyboard scanning and random number generator

The POKEY chip enabled complex sound effects and music, making the Atari 400 popular for gaming.

== 🎮 Input/Output and Expansion ==
The Atari 400 included the following I/O and expansion features:
* '''Cartridge slot''' – for games and software (Atari BASIC, educational titles, etc.)
* '''4 joystick ports''' – supporting Atari-compatible digital controllers
* '''SIO (Serial Input/Output) port''' – daisy-chainable connection for cassette, disk drives, printers, modems, and other peripherals
* '''RF output''' – for connection to standard television sets

Unlike the Atari 800, the 400 did not include user-accessible internal expansion slots and was limited to its factory RAM configuration (though third-party upgrades became available).

== 🔍 PCB Schematics & Service Manual ==
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:75%; text-align:center;"
|+'''Atari 400 Main Boards'''
|-
! Logic Board !! Power Supply Board
|-
| [[File:Atari400-LogicBoard.jpg|thumb|center|300px|Atari 400 Logic Board]]<br>[[File:Atari400-Schematic.png|center|thumb|Atari 400 Logic Board Schematic]]
| [[File:Atari400-PowerBoard.jpg|thumb|center|300px|Atari 400 Power Supply Board]]<br>[[File:Atari400-PowerSchematic.png|center|thumb|Atari 400 Power Supply Schematic]]
|}

Official service manuals and schematics are available via the [https://archive.org/details/Atari_400_800_Field_Service_Manual_1980_Atari_Inc archive.org Atari 400/800 Field Service Manual].

== 📷 Gallery ==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Atari-400-Computer.jpg|Atari 400 front view
File:Atari-400-Ports.jpg|Rear panel with SIO, joystick, and RF ports
File:Atari400-LogicBoard.jpg|Atari 400 logic board (main PCB)
File:Atari400-PowerBoard.jpg|Power supply board
File:Atari-400-Cartridge.jpg|Cartridge slot with BASIC cartridge inserted
</gallery>

== 🧪 Related Pages ==
* [[Atari 400 General Maintenance]]
* [[Atari 400 Troubleshooting Guide]]
* [[Atari 400 Keyboard Repair Guide]]
* [[Atari 400 Capacitor Replacement Guide]]

[[Category:Atari 8-bit computers]]
[[Category:Home computers of the 1970s]]
[[Category:Atari hardware]]

<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />