Atari 5200: Difference between revisions
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|[[File:Schematic | |[[File:Schematic Atari5200 4000.png|thumb|315x315px|Atari 5200 Console Schematic]] | ||
|[[File:Schematic | |[[File:Schematic Atari5200 RFSwitchbox 2000.png|thumb|Atari 2600 RF Switchbox Schematic]] | ||
|[[File:Schematic | |[[File:Schematic Atari5200 Accessories 2000.png|thumb|Atari 5200 Accessories Schematic]] | ||
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Latest revision as of 09:01, 21 September 2025
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| Atari 5200 4-port model with controllers (1982) | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Atari, Inc. |
| Type | Home video game console |
| Released | November 1982 (4-port) May 1983 (2-port) |
| Discontinued | 21 May 1984 |
| Intro price | US$269 (1982) |
| CPU | MOS 6502C "Sally" @ 1.79 MHz |
| Memory | 16 KB RAM |
| Storage | ROM cartridge (4 KB - 32 KB) |
| Display | 384 × 240 pixels maximum, 256 colors (16 hues × 16 luminance) |
| Sound | POKEY 4-channel PSG |
| Dimensions | 330 mm W × 260 mm D × 95 mm H |
| Weight | 2.0 kg (4-port) |
| OS / Firmware | 2 KB BIOS (1 KB character ROM) |
| Predecessor | Atari 2600 |
| Successor | Atari 7800 |
| Codename | PAM, Super Stella, Video System X |
| Model no. | CX5200 |
The Atari 5200 SuperSystem is a home video game console released by Atari, Inc. in November 1982. Based on the architecture of the Atari 8-bit computer line, the system features the 6502C processor running at 1.79 MHz alongside the custom ANTIC, GTIA, and POKEY chips. The console was discontinued on May 21, 1984, after selling approximately 1 million units.
System Architecture
[edit | edit source]| Sub-system | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | MOS 6502C "Sally" @ 1.79 MHz Custom 6502 variant with HALT line for DMA operations |
| Graphics | GTIA (CO14805 NTSC / CO14889 PAL) 256 colors from palette of 256 (16 hues × 16 luminance) |
| Display Controller | ANTIC (CO12296) Alphanumeric Television Interface Controller Hardware display list processing, character/bitmap generation |
| Audio/I/O | POKEY (CO12294) 4-channel square wave/noise generation Keyboard scanning, serial I/O, timers |
| RAM | 16 KB (8× 4516 DRAM chips @ 150ns) |
| ROM | 2 KB BIOS (CO19156A) 1 KB character set, 1 KB boot/initialization code |
| Video Modes | 14 display modes Text: 40×24, 20×24, 20×12 characters Graphics: 320×192 (2 colors), 160×192 (4 colors), 80×192 (16 colors) |
| Sprites | 4 players (8 pixels wide) + 4 missiles (2 pixels wide) Hardware collision detection |
| Controller Ports | 4 ports (4-port model) or 2 ports (2-port model) Analog joystick with 12-key keypad support |
Memory Map
[edit | edit source]| Range | Size | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| $0000-$3FFF | 16 KB | RAM |
| $4000-$BFFF | 32 KB | Cartridge ROM space |
| $C000-$C0FF | 256 bytes | GTIA chip registers |
| $D400-$D5FF | 512 bytes | ANTIC chip registers |
| $E800-$E8FF | 256 bytes | POKEY chip registers |
| $F800-$FBFF | 1 KB | Character set ROM |
| $FC00-$FFFF | 1 KB | System ROM/BIOS |
Custom Chip Registers
[edit | edit source]| Chip | Address Range | Function |
|---|---|---|
| GTIA | $C000-$C01F | Player/missile graphics, collision detection |
| $C020-$C02E | Color palette registers | |
| $C02F | Console keys (Start/Select/Option) | |
| ANTIC | $D400-$D40F | Display list, DMA control, interrupts |
| $D410-$D5FF | Hardware scrolling, display mode | |
| POKEY | $E800-$E80F | Audio frequency/control registers |
| $E810-$E81F | Paddle/keyboard input, serial I/O |
Model Variants
[edit | edit source]| Model | Years | Ports | PCB | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-Port Original | 1982-1983 | 4 | CA018087 | Combined power/RF switchbox, controller storage |
| 4-Port Universal | 1983 | 4 | CA020108 | CX55 2600 adapter compatible (with asterisk serial) |
| 2-Port | 1983-1984 | 2 | CA021374 | Separate power supply, standard RF switch, CX55 compatible |
The 4-port models use a unique switchbox that combines RF output with power delivery through a single cable. The 2-port model reverted to a conventional separate 9V DC power adapter and standard RF switch box.
Motherboard Revisions
[edit | edit source]| PCB Number | Controller Ports | ICs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA018087 | 4 | 28 | Original design, not CX55 compatible without modification |
| CA020108 | 4 | 26 | Universal board, late units with asterisk serial support CX55 |
| CA021374 | 2 | 24 | Cost-reduced, natively supports CX55 2600 adapter |
General Maintenance
[edit | edit source]The Atari 5200 requires periodic maintenance to address controller degradation and RF modulator oxidation. The non-centering analog controllers are prone to flex circuit failure and require regular cleaning of the carbon contacts with isopropyl alcohol. The 4-port model's combined power/RF switchbox frequently develops cold solder joints that cause intermittent power loss. Controller storage compartments should be kept clean to prevent dust accumulation on the exposed controller ports.
Troubleshooting Guide
[edit | edit source]Common failures include blank screens from dirty cartridge edge connectors, controller drift from worn potentiometers, and power issues in 4-port models from faulty switchbox connections. The POKEY chip (CO12294) can fail causing loss of controller input or audio. Video problems often stem from failed GTIA (CO14805) or aging electrolytic capacitors. The 7805 voltage regulators run hot and may require heatsink replacement or upgraded thermal compound.
Capacitor Replacement
[edit | edit source]Critical capacitors include the main filter capacitors near the voltage regulators and various bypass capacitors throughout the board. The 4-port models contain larger filter capacitors due to the switchbox power design. All electrolytic capacitors should be replaced with 105°C rated equivalents. The styrene capacitors used for audio coupling are particularly failure-prone and should be replaced with polystyrene or ceramic types.
Power Supply
[edit | edit source]The power requirements differ between models:
- 4-Port Models: 9.3V AC @ 3.5A via switchbox
- 2-Port Models: 9V DC @ 1.95A via barrel jack (5.5mm × 2.1mm, center positive)
Internal regulation provides:
- +5V: Logic supply via dual 7805 regulators (VR1, VR2)
- Unregulated: Direct to analog circuits
Both voltage regulators should measure 4.85-5.15V output. Heat sinking is critical as regulators run at elevated temperatures.
Controller System
[edit | edit source]The 5200 controllers use analog potentiometers for X/Y positioning with a 12-button keypad matrix and dual fire buttons. Key specifications:
- Potentiometers: 500KΩ linear taper
- Keypad: 4×3 matrix scanned by POKEY
- Flex Circuit: Carbon traces on mylar substrate
- Connection: 15-pin connector per port
The non-centering design uses a rubber boot instead of springs, leading to the notorious control issues. The flex circuits deteriorate over time, causing button failures.
Cartridge Slot
[edit | edit source]The 36-pin edge connector accepts cartridges up to 32 KB:
- Standard 4K/8K: Direct mapped
- 16K: Two 8K banks
- 32K: Four 8K banks (rare)
Unlike the 2600, the 5200 cannot use bank-switching schemes beyond basic 32K mapping due to BIOS limitations.
Video Output
[edit | edit source]The system generates composite video internally, output through RF modulator on channel 2 or 3:
- Horizontal: 228 color clocks per line
- Vertical: 262 lines (NTSC), 312 lines (PAL)
- Frame rate: 59.92 Hz (NTSC), 49.70 Hz (PAL)
- Color burst: 3.579545 MHz (NTSC)
Common modifications include composite and S-Video output by tapping signals from the GTIA chip.
Audio System
[edit | edit source]POKEY generates four independent audio channels:
- Frequency control: 8-bit divisor
- Volume: 4-bit per channel (0-15)
- Waveforms: Pure tone, polynomial noise
- Clock source: 1.79 MHz or 64 kHz
Audio output is mixed to mono and routed through the RF modulator or can be tapped for line-level output modifications.
Common IC Identification
[edit | edit source]| Atari Part | Function | Location |
|---|---|---|
| CO14806 | 6502C CPU | A2/U2 |
| CO12296 | ANTIC | A3/U3 |
| CO14805 | GTIA (NTSC) | A5/U5 |
| CO14889 | GTIA (PAL) | A5/U5 |
| CO12294 | POKEY | A7/U7 |
| CO19156A | ROM/BIOS | A8/U8 |
Controller Port Pinout
[edit | edit source]| Pin | Signal | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Keypad Row 0 | Keyboard matrix scanning |
| 2 | Keypad Row 1 | Keyboard matrix scanning |
| 3 | Keypad Row 2 | Keyboard matrix scanning |
| 4 | Keypad Row 3 | Keyboard matrix scanning |
| 5 | Keypad Column 2 (Reset) | Reset button input |
| 6 | Keypad Column 0 | Keyboard matrix scanning |
| 7 | +5V | Power supply |
| 8 | Keypad Column 1 | Keyboard matrix scanning |
| 9 | POT0 (Horizontal) | X-axis potentiometer |
| 10 | POT1 (Vertical) | Y-axis potentiometer |
| 11 | +5V | Power supply |
| 12 | Fire Button (Bottom) | Secondary fire button |
| 13 | Fire Button (Top) | Primary fire button |
| 14 | Ground | Common ground |
| 15 | NC | Not connected |
Technical Specifications Summary
[edit | edit source]- Clock Speed: 1.79 MHz (NTSC), 1.77 MHz (PAL)
- Colors: 256 (16 hues × 16 luminance levels)
- Resolution: Up to 384×240 overscan, 320×192 standard
- Sprites: 4 players + 4 missiles, hardware collision detection
- Sound: 4-channel square wave/noise generation
- Controllers: Analog with 360° non-centering movement
Service Information
[edit | edit source]Service documentation is available in the CX5200 Field Service Manual. The system uses all through-hole components except for some RF modulator sections. Common replacement parts:
- 7805 voltage regulators: Standard TO-220 package, 1A minimum
- Power jack (2-port): 5.5mm × 2.1mm barrel connector
- Controller port connectors: 15-pin card edge
- Cartridge connector: 36-pin (2×18) edge connector
Schematics
[edit | edit source]| Motherboard | RF Switch Box | Accessories |
|---|---|---|
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