Atari 8-bit computer peripherals

This article covers the range of peripherals available for Atari's 8-bit home computer range (including the 400/800, XL and XE series machines).

Because the Atari 400/800 8-bit computers included an RF modulator, stringent FCC regulations limiting radio emissions applied to the Ataris. Consequently, the Atari 400/800 systems internal construction used large metal frames as Faraday cages to prevent emissions. At this time most other computers used plug-in internal cards to add connections for peripherals. The Atari computers' internal structure made this impractical.

To permit easy expansion Atari developed the SIO (Serial Input/Output) bus. This bus daisy chains together all Atari peripherals into a single string—disk drives, printers, modems, RS-232 interfaces. A primary goal of the Atari computer design was user-friendliness which was assisted by the SIO bus. Since only one kind of connector plug is used for all devices the Atari computer was easy for novice users to expand. Devices on the bus have their own IDs and peripherals can deliver downloadable drivers to the Atari computer during the boot process. However, the additional electronics in these "intelligent" peripherals made them cost more than the equivalent "dumb" devices used by other systems of that era.

List of peripherals

Both the names and styling of Atari's 8-bit peripherals generally matched the current computer range at the time they were released. Thus, they can be divided into one of three groups- those corresponding to the 400/800 era (4xx/8xx), the XL era (10xx) and the XE era (beginning with 'X') respectively. (The XL-era naming reflected Atari's original intention to launch an "Atari 1000" line.)[1] Nevertheless, it should be emphasised that these are superficial issues; the majority of peripherals listed here will work with any 8-bit Atari computer.

In addition to those listed below, Atari failed to release a huge selection of machines and peripherals that were otherwise completed. (See the externally linked FAQ below for details.)

400/800 era (1979-1982)

Prototypes and vaporware

410 Tape Drive (later version)[2] 
850 Expansion System 
Atari CX85 

XL era (1982-1984)

Prototypes and vaporware

1010 Tape Drive 
1020 4-color Plotter 
1027 Printer 
1050 Disk Drive 

XE era (1985 onwards)

Prototypes and vaporware

CX40 joystick (XE grey version) 
Atari XC12 program recorder 
Atari XG-1 light gun 

References

  1. ↑ The Atari Sweet-16 Project, landley.net. Article retrieved 2007-03-18.
  2. 1 2 http://www.atarimuseum.de/a8_disk.htm
  3. ↑ Bisson, Gigi (1986-05). "Antic Then & Now". Antic. pp. 16–23. Retrieved 28 January 2015. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ↑ Image Technology, By Don Leavitt, Popular Photography, Dec 1984, Page 140, ...the Okimate 10...will also work with Atari Artist,...
  5. ↑ 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 ...
  6. ↑ RX8053 Atariartist, 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.
  7. ↑ NS405: the heart of the XEP80
  8. ↑ Current, Michael D. (3 April 2014). "Atari 8-Bit Computers: Frequently Asked Questions" (TXT). 3.1.1) What are the Atari 410, 1010, XC11, & XC12 Program Recorders?. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
  9. ↑ Current, Michael D. (3 April 2014). "Atari 8-Bit Computers: Frequently Asked Questions" (TXT). 3.1.2) What other cassette recorders can I use with my Atari?. Retrieved 25 May 2014.
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