Atari 400: Difference between revisions
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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 == | ||
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 == | ||
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 == | ||
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 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 == | ||
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 == | ||
<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 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 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 == | ||
* [[Atari 400 General Maintenance]] | * [[Atari 400 General Maintenance]] | ||
* [[Atari 400 Troubleshooting Guide]] | * [[Atari 400 Troubleshooting Guide]] | ||