Atari 8-bit computer peripherals

Atari 8-bit computer peripherals include floppy drives, printers, modems, and video game controllers for Atari 8-bit computers, which includes the 400/800, XL, XE, and XEGS. Some peripherals require separate software, which was usually bundled on cartridge or floppy disk.

Because the Atari 400/800 8-bit computers were bundled with an RF modulator, stringent FCC regulations limiting radio emissions applied. Consequently, the Atari 400/800 systems internal construction use large metal frames as Faraday cages to prevent emissions. This prevents the use of internal cards to add connections for peripherals.

To permit easy expansion, Atari developed the SIO (Serial Input/Output) bus. This bus daisy chains together all Atari peripherals into a single string. The Atari computer family was designed to be easy for novice users to expand, with one universal connector plug. Peripherals have their own IDs and can deliver downloadable drivers to the computer during the boot process. However, the additional electronics in these "intelligent" peripherals made them cost more than the "dumb" devices for other systems.

List of peripherals

The names and the styling of Atari's 8-bit peripherals generally match the contemporary computer family. Thus, they can be divided into one of three groups: the 400/800 era (4xx/8xx), the XL era (10xx), and the XE era (beginning with 'X'). The XL-era naming reflects Atari's original intention to launch an "Atari 1000" line. These are superficial issues and the majority of peripherals are compatible with any 8-bit Atari computer.

Atari failed to release a large selection of machines and peripherals that were otherwise completed.

400/800 era (1979-1982)

Prototypes and vaporware

  • 815 Dual Disk Drive - dual 5¼" floppy disks, double-density single-sided, 180 KB (only small number of prototypes produced)

XL era (1982-1984)

Prototypes and vaporware

  • 1053 - a 5¼" floppy drive, looks like a 1050 but double-sided double-density, 360 KB
  • 1055 - a 3½" floppy drive, single-side enhanced-density
  • 1090 XL Expansion System - a case connected to the PBI port, with 5 slots intended for various expansion cards

XE era (1985 onward)

Prototypes and vaporware

  • XF351 - 3½" floppy drive (never released)
  • XF521 - 5¼" floppy drive, 1050 compatible, XE style (never released)
  • XC1411 - 14" composite monitor (never released)
  • XM128 - 12" monochrome monitor (never made)

References

  1. ↑ "The Toy Store: Shootout of the games systems". Paleotronic. No. 2. April–June 2018. p. 96. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  2. ↑ "Peripheral Power". Retro Gamer UK. No. 124. p. 76. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  3. ↑ Loguidice, Bill; Barton, Matt (2014). Vintage Game Consoles. Focal Press. p. 66. ISBN 9780415856003. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  4. ↑ The Atari Sweet-16 Project, atarimuseum.com. Article retrieved 2007-03-18.
  5. 1 2 "Atari 410, 810, 815, 816, 817, 820, 822, 825, 827, 830, 835, 837, 850, CX 40, CX 70, CX 85, CX 801, CX 852, CX 853 - atarimuseum.de".
  6. ↑ Moriarty, Brian (July–August 1983). "Utility #6: Snail". ANALOG Computing. pp. 94–97.
  7. ↑ "Atari Museum". Archived from the original on 2019-07-02. Retrieved 2019-07-10.
  8. ↑ Image Technology, By Don Leavitt, Popular Photography, Dec 1984, Page 140, ...the Okimate 10...will also work with Atari Artist,...
  9. ↑ Get the magic touch with the Atari Touch Table, Science Digest, Volume 92, 1984, Page 83, ...The ATARI Touch Tablet with Atari- Artist"' software cartridge turns your TV into a magic palette of 128 dazzling colors. The Touch Tablet works a little like an electronic slate. Hook it into any ATARI Computer and what you draw on the tablet ...
  10. ↑ RX8053 Atariartist[permanent dead link], Atariartist came out in 1983 as a bundle package with the CX-77 Touch Tablet unit. The way it works is you start the program and use the pen to draw on the tablet and the images appear on the screen. This kind software would later be used in the early credit card signing devices in the early 90s.
  11. ↑ NS405: the heart of the XEP80
  12. ↑ Current, Michael D. (3 April 2014). "Atari 8-Bit Computers: Frequently Asked Questions" (TXT). FTP server (FTP). 3.1.1) What are the Atari 410, 1010, XC11, & XC12 Program Recorders?. Retrieved 25 May 2014.[dead ftp link] (To view documents see Help:FTP)
  13. ↑ Current, Michael D. (3 April 2014). "Atari 8-Bit Computers: Frequently Asked Questions" (TXT). FTP server (FTP). 3.1.2) What other cassette recorders can I use with my Atari?. Retrieved 25 May 2014.[dead ftp link] (To view documents see Help:FTP)
  14. ↑ Ratcliff, Matthew. "Atari XEGS Information". AtariHQ. Retrieved February 28, 2021.