Atari 8-bit computer peripherals explained

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.[1] [2] [3]

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.[4] 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

XL era (1982-1984)

Prototypes and vaporware

XE era (1985 onward)

Prototypes and vaporware

Notes and References

  1. The Toy Store: Shootout of the games systems . Paleotronic . April–June 2018 . 2 . 96 . March 1, 2021.
  2. Peripheral Power . Retro Gamer UK . 124 . 76 . March 1, 2021.
  3. Book: Loguidice . Bill . Barton . Matt . [{{Google books | id=wZnpAgAAQBAJ | plainurl=yes | page=66}} Vintage Game Consoles ]. 2014 . Focal Press . 9780415856003 . 66 . March 1, 2021.
  4. http://www.atarimuseum.com/computers/8BITS/1200xl/1200_Proto/1200.html The Atari Sweet-16 Project
  5. Web site: 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 . 94–97.
  7. Web site: Atari Museum . 2019-07-10 . 2019-07-02 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190702214832/http://www.atarimuseum.com/computers/8BITS/400800/peripherals/Communications/850/index.htm . dead .
  8. https://books.google.com/books?id=-rbIcQgxMGAC&pg=PT34 Image Technology
  9. https://books.google.com/books?id=pqIoAAAAMAAJ Get the magic touch with the Atari Touch Table
  10. http://www.a8museum.com/rx8053-atariartist.html RX8053 Atariartist
  11. http://www.mathyvannisselroy.nl/hct2.htm NS405: the heart of the XEP80
  12. Web site: Current . Michael D. . [ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/faqs/atari-8-bit/faq Atari 8-Bit Computers: Frequently Asked Questions ]. 3 April 2014 . 3.1.1) What are the Atari 410, 1010, XC11, & XC12 Program Recorders? . 25 May 2014 . TXT .
  13. Web site: Current . Michael D. . [ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/faqs/atari-8-bit/faq Atari 8-Bit Computers: Frequently Asked Questions ]. 3 April 2014 . 3.1.2) What other cassette recorders can I use with my Atari? . 25 May 2014 . TXT .
  14. Web site: Atari XEGS Information . Matthew . Ratcliff . AtariHQ . February 28, 2021.