Atari 65XE: Difference between revisions

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The '''Atari 65XE''' is an 8-bit home computer introduced by Atari Corporation in 1985 as part of the XE ("XL Enhanced") series. It maintained compatibility with the Atari 8-bit family while featuring a redesigned case and revised electronics, targeting the home computing and gaming market during the mid-1980s.
The '''Atari 65XE''' is an 8-bit home computer introduced by Atari Corporation in 1985 as part of the XE ("XL Enhanced") series. It maintained compatibility with the Atari 8-bit family while featuring a redesigned case and revised electronics, targeting the home computing and gaming market during the mid-1980s.


== ๐Ÿง  Architecture and Processor ==
== Architecture and Processor ==
At its core, the 65XE uses the '''MOS Technology 6502C''' microprocessor, a variant of the classic 6502, running at:
At its core, the 65XE uses the '''MOS Technology 6502C''' microprocessor, a variant of the classic 6502, running at:
* '''1.79 MHz''' (NTSC systems)
* '''1.79 MHz''' (NTSC systems)
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The 6502C coordinates system operations and interfaces with Atariโ€™s custom chips, including ANTIC (video), GTIA (graphics), POKEY (sound and I/O), and PIA (peripherals).
The 6502C coordinates system operations and interfaces with Atariโ€™s custom chips, including ANTIC (video), GTIA (graphics), POKEY (sound and I/O), and PIA (peripherals).


== ๐Ÿ’พ Memory and Storage ==
== Memory and Storage ==
The Atari 65XE is equipped with:
The Atari 65XE is equipped with:
* '''64 KB RAM'''
* '''64 KB RAM'''
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* Cartridge slot for instant program loading
* Cartridge slot for instant program loading


== ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Display and Graphics ==
== Display and Graphics ==
Video output is managed by the '''ANTIC''' and '''GTIA''' chips, providing:
Video output is managed by the '''ANTIC''' and '''GTIA''' chips, providing:
* Resolution up to '''320ร—192 pixels'''
* Resolution up to '''320ร—192 pixels'''
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The XE series supports composite and RF video output for connection to TVs and monitors.
The XE series supports composite and RF video output for connection to TVs and monitors.


== ๐Ÿ”Š Sound Capabilities ==
== Sound Capabilities ==
Audio is generated by the '''POKEY''' chip, offering:
Audio is generated by the '''POKEY''' chip, offering:
* '''4 independent audio channels''' (voices), each 8-bit
* '''4 independent audio channels''' (voices), each 8-bit
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* Capable of complex sound effects and simple music synthesis
* Capable of complex sound effects and simple music synthesis


== ๐ŸŽฎ Input/Output and Expansion ==
== Input/Output and Expansion ==
The 65XE provides a range of I/O ports:
The 65XE provides a range of I/O ports:
* '''Cartridge slot''' โ€“ for software and hardware expansions
* '''Cartridge slot''' โ€“ for software and hardware expansions
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The XE series dropped the XLโ€™s parallel bus connector, limiting some expansion options compared to earlier models.
The XE series dropped the XLโ€™s parallel bus connector, limiting some expansion options compared to earlier models.


== ๐Ÿ” PCB Schematics & Service Manual ==
== PCB Schematics & Service Manual ==
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />


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''For full service documentation, see the [[Atari 65XE Service Manual]]''
''For full service documentation, see the [[Atari 65XE Service Manual]]''


== ๐Ÿ“ท Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
File:Atari 65XE computer at Play Expo 2013 (retouched cutout) (white bg).jpg|Atari 65XE front view
File:Atari 65XE computer at Play Expo 2013 (retouched cutout) (white bg).jpg|Atari 65XE front view
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</gallery>
</gallery>


== ๐Ÿงช Related Pages ==
== Related Pages ==
* [[Atari 65XE General Maintenance]]
* [[Atari 65XE General Maintenance]]
* [[Atari 65XE Troubleshooting Guide]]
* [[Atari 65XE Troubleshooting Guide]]