Atari 800: Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
|||
| (One intermediate revision by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 25: | Line 25: | ||
The '''Atari 800''' is an 8-bit home computer introduced by Atari, Inc. in late 1979, designed as a robust, expandable system for the home and education markets. It was part of the original Atari 8-bit family, featuring advanced graphics and sound capabilities for its era. | The '''Atari 800''' is an 8-bit home computer introduced by Atari, Inc. in late 1979, designed as a robust, expandable system for the home and education markets. It was part of the original Atari 8-bit family, featuring advanced graphics and sound capabilities for its era. | ||
== | == Architecture and Processor == | ||
The Atari 800 is built around the '''MOS Technology 6502''' microprocessor, running at: | The Atari 800 is built around the '''MOS Technology 6502''' microprocessor, running at: | ||
* '''1.79 MHz''' (NTSC systems) | * '''1.79 MHz''' (NTSC systems) | ||
| Line 37: | Line 37: | ||
This coprocessor-based design enabled the Atari 800 to deliver advanced multimedia features and flexible video modes. | This coprocessor-based design enabled the Atari 800 to deliver advanced multimedia features and flexible video modes. | ||
== | == Memory and Storage == | ||
The Atari 800 shipped with: | The Atari 800 shipped with: | ||
* '''8 KB RAM''' standard (early units), expandable to '''48 KB RAM''' via plug-in memory cards. | * '''8 KB RAM''' standard (early units), expandable to '''48 KB RAM''' via plug-in memory cards. | ||
| Line 47: | Line 47: | ||
* '''Cartridge slot''' – for instant-load software and BASIC interpreter. | * '''Cartridge slot''' – for instant-load software and BASIC interpreter. | ||
== | == Display and Graphics == | ||
Graphics capabilities were a major strength of the Atari 800, driven by the ANTIC and CTIA/GTIA chips: | Graphics capabilities were a major strength of the Atari 800, driven by the ANTIC and CTIA/GTIA chips: | ||
* '''Text modes:''' up to 40 columns × 24 rows. | * '''Text modes:''' up to 40 columns × 24 rows. | ||
| Line 57: | Line 57: | ||
These features allowed for arcade-quality visuals and animation, setting the Atari 800 apart from most contemporaries. | These features allowed for arcade-quality visuals and animation, setting the Atari 800 apart from most contemporaries. | ||
== | == Sound Capabilities == | ||
Audio is provided by the '''POKEY''' chip, offering: | Audio is provided by the '''POKEY''' chip, offering: | ||
* '''4 independent audio channels''' (voices). | * '''4 independent audio channels''' (voices). | ||
| Line 66: | Line 66: | ||
The POKEY's flexibility enabled a wide range of sound effects and music, making the Atari 800 popular among game developers. | The POKEY's flexibility enabled a wide range of sound effects and music, making the Atari 800 popular among game developers. | ||
== | == Input/Output and Expansion == | ||
The Atari 800 was designed for expandability and robust I/O: | The Atari 800 was designed for expandability and robust I/O: | ||
* '''Two cartridge slots''' (one primary, one auxiliary) for software and hardware expansion. | * '''Two cartridge slots''' (one primary, one auxiliary) for software and hardware expansion. | ||
| Line 77: | Line 77: | ||
The system's modular design and shielded, rugged case made it suitable for both home and educational use. | The system's modular design and shielded, rugged case made it suitable for both home and educational use. | ||
== | == PCB Schematics & Service Manual == | ||
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" /> | <templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" /> | ||
| Line 93: | Line 93: | ||
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 mode="packed" heights="200"> | <gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> | ||
File:Atari800.jpg|Atari 800 front view | File:Atari800.jpg|Atari 800 front view | ||
| Line 101: | Line 101: | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
== | == Related Pages == | ||
* [[Atari 800 General Maintenance]] | * [[Atari 800 General Maintenance]] | ||
* [[Atari 800 Troubleshooting Guide]] | * [[Atari 800 Troubleshooting Guide]] | ||
| Line 107: | Line 107: | ||
* [[Atari 800 Capacitor Replacement Guide]] | * [[Atari 800 Capacitor Replacement Guide]] | ||
* [[Atari 8-bit Family]] | * [[Atari 8-bit Family]] | ||
[[Category:Atari Systems]] | [[Category:Atari Systems]] | ||
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" /> | <templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" /> | ||
Latest revision as of 21:17, 9 August 2025
 | |
 | |
| Atari 800 Home Computer (1979) | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Atari, Inc. |
| Type | Home Computer |
| Released | November 1979 |
| Discontinued | 1983 |
| Intro price | US$995 (1979) |
| CPU | MOS Technology 6502 @ 1.79 MHz (NTSC) / 1.77 MHz (PAL) |
| Memory | 8 KB – 48 KB RAM (user expandable), 10 KB ROM |
| Storage | External cassette tape (410/1010), optional 5.25" floppy disk drive (810/1050) |
| Display | 40×24 text, up to 320×192 pixels, 128 colours (NTSC: 16 hues × 8 luminance) |
| Sound | 4 voices, 3.5 octaves (POKEY chip) |
| Dimensions | 48.3 cm × 34.3 cm × 10.2 cm |
| Weight | 5.4 kg |
| OS / Firmware | Atari OS (in ROM), Atari BASIC (cartridge) |
| Successor | Atari 800XL |
| Codename | Colleen |
| Model no. | 800 |
The Atari 800 is an 8-bit home computer introduced by Atari, Inc. in late 1979, designed as a robust, expandable system for the home and education markets. It was part of the original Atari 8-bit family, featuring advanced graphics and sound capabilities for its era.
Architecture and Processor
[edit | edit source]The Atari 800 is built around the MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor, running at:
- 1.79 MHz (NTSC systems)
- 1.77 MHz (PAL systems)
The system architecture is highly modular, utilising custom coprocessors:
- ANTIC (Alphanumeric Television Interface Controller) – handles display list processing and graphics DMA.
- CTIA/GTIA (Color Television Interface Adapter / Graphic Television Interface Adapter) – manages colour, sprites (player/missile graphics), and collision detection.
- POKEY (Potentiometer and Keyboard Integrated Circuit) – responsible for sound, keyboard scanning, and serial I/O.
This coprocessor-based design enabled the Atari 800 to deliver advanced multimedia features and flexible video modes.
Memory and Storage
[edit | edit source]The Atari 800 shipped with:
- 8 KB RAM standard (early units), expandable to 48 KB RAM via plug-in memory cards.
- 10 KB ROM, containing the operating system and built-in diagnostics.
Storage options included:
- Atari 410/1010 Program Recorder – external cassette tape drive for data and program storage.
- Atari 810/1050 Disk Drive – optional 5.25" floppy disk drive for faster, more reliable storage.
- Cartridge slot – for instant-load software and BASIC interpreter.
Display and Graphics
[edit | edit source]Graphics capabilities were a major strength of the Atari 800, driven by the ANTIC and CTIA/GTIA chips:
- Text modes: up to 40 columns × 24 rows.
- Graphics modes: resolutions from 40×24 up to 320×192 pixels.
- Colour: up to 128 colours (NTSC: 16 hues × 8 luminance levels).
- Sprites: 4 "player" and 4 "missile" hardware sprites (player/missile graphics) with collision detection.
- Smooth scrolling, programmable display lists, and fine control over video memory.
These features allowed for arcade-quality visuals and animation, setting the Atari 800 apart from most contemporaries.
Sound Capabilities
[edit | edit source]Audio is provided by the POKEY chip, offering:
- 4 independent audio channels (voices).
- Each channel covers 3.5 octaves.
- Programmable frequency, volume, and distortion settings.
- Additional features: random number generation and keyboard scanning.
The POKEY's flexibility enabled a wide range of sound effects and music, making the Atari 800 popular among game developers.
Input/Output and Expansion
[edit | edit source]The Atari 800 was designed for expandability and robust I/O:
- Two cartridge slots (one primary, one auxiliary) for software and hardware expansion.
- Four joystick ports – compatible with Atari-style controllers.
- Peripheral Interface Bus (SIO) – daisy-chain connection for disk drives, printers, modems, and cassette recorders.
- Composite and RF video outputs – for connection to TVs and monitors.
- Parallel bus expansion slot (underneath) for memory and future upgrades.
- Full-travel keyboard – 57 keys, including function keys and a HELP key.
The system's modular design and shielded, rugged case made it suitable for both home and educational use.
PCB Schematics & Service Manual
[edit | edit source]The Atari 800 consists of a main logic board and plug-in memory cards. Its robust, shielded construction was intended to meet stringent FCC requirements for home electronics.
| Logic Board | Logic Board Schematic |
|---|---|
 |
File:Atari 400 800 Home Computer Schematics.pdf |
Official service manuals and schematics are available via the Atari 400 / 800 Field Service Manual
Gallery
[edit | edit source]-
Atari 800 front view -
Side panel with I/O ports -
Atari 800 main logic board -
Atari 410 Program Recorder (cassette)
