Atari 800: Difference between revisions
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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) | ||
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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. | ||
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* '''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. | ||
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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). | ||
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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. | ||
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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 == | ||
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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 mode="packed" heights="200"> | <gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> | ||
File:Atari800.jpg|Atari 800 front view | File:Atari800.jpg|Atari 800 front view | ||
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</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
== | == Related Pages == | ||
* [[Atari 800 General Maintenance]] | * [[Atari 800 General Maintenance]] | ||
* [[Atari 800 Troubleshooting Guide]] | * [[Atari 800 Troubleshooting Guide]] | ||