• Atari 8-Bit Computers: Frequently Asked Questions (10/30)

    From Michael Current@21:1/5 to Marc G. Frank on Tue Nov 26 21:54:38 2019
    [continued from previous message]

    - Character set: 132 characters (international and non-international)
    - Feed mechanism: Friction feed and pin (tractor) feed
    Friction feed using platen knob
    - Manual Feed: Forward and reverse using platen knob
    - Paper type: Computer fanfold (4.5 to 9.5 inches wide)
    Single-sheet (8.5 inches wide)
    - 400/800 OS: Responds to P: and ignores any device number
    XL OS: Responds to P:, P1:, and P6:
    - Connectivity: 2 Atari SIO ports for direct connection to Atari computers
    - Power
    - 220V-240V 50Hz-60Hz 0.15A version: Plugs directly into wall
    - 120V version: plugs directly into wall
    (released in Canada but not the USA)
    - Print mechanism: Seikosha GP-500 ; clone of Seikosha GP-500AT
    - Made in Japan for Atari, Corp. in 1984, following conception by Atari, Inc.
    - Info sources: http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Amstrad_DMP1_printer
    http://www.strotmann.de/~cas/Infothek/AtariTenZwentynine/Atari1029Manual.pdf - Industrial design (case): Tom Palecki
    - Sold separately:
    - Atari 1029 Dot Matrix Printer Inked Ribbon For 10 Inch Model C070028

    ------------------------------

    Subject: 4.3) What are the Atari XMM801 and XDM121 Printers?

    The following printers were produced by Atari and styled to match the XE
    series computers.

    Atari XMM801 Dot Matrix Graphics Printer
    - Dot matrix impact printer
    - 80 columns
    - Pica 10 characters per inch (cpi), double width pica 5 cpi, elite 12 cpi,
    double width elite 6 cpi, condensed 16.5 cpi, double width condensed 8.25
    cpi
    - 96 ASCII character set and 36 International Characters.
    - 400/800 OS: Responds to P: and ignores any device number
    XL OS: Responds to P:, P1:, and P7:
    - Connectivity: 2 Atari SIO ports for direct connection to Atari computers
    - Included:
    - Direct connect 3 ft Atari SIO Cable,
    - Wire paper feed Rack,
    - Multi Strike black Ribbon Cassette
    - Manuals:
    - Atari XMM801 Dot-Matrix Graphics Printer Owner's Manual C025959
    - Atari XMM801 Field Service Manual C070435 (1985)
    - Power supply is built-in (plugs directly into the wall, 120V AC)
    - Friction feed or pin feed
    - Ribbon: Mannesmann Tally MT-80/MT-80 Plus/MT-81/SP-80/Spirit 80,
    Commodore 1526/MPS802/4023, Shinwa CP80
    - Made in Japan

    Atari XDM121 Letter-Quality Daisy-Wheel Printer
    - Daisy wheel impact printer
    - 80 columns
    - Underlining, subscripts, superscripts
    - Courier 10 Print Wheel (10 pitch = 10 cpi)
    - International Character Set
    - 400/800 OS: Responds to P: and ignores any device number
    XL OS: Responds to P:, P1:, and P8:
    - Connectivity: 2 Atari SIO ports for direct connection to Atari computers
    - Included:
    - 3 foot Direct connect Atari SIO cable
    - Atari XDM121 Letter-Quality Daisy-Wheel Printer Owner's Manual C026323
    (CO26323)
    - Multi Strike Black Ribbon Cassette
    - Power supply is built-in (plugs directly into the wall, 120V AC)
    - Friction feed paper
    - Ribbon: Silver Reed CF130, Olivetti ET201, ET221, Nu-Kote NK136
    - Made in Japan

    ------------------------------

    Subject: 4.4) What were the Atari XTM201 and XTC201 Printers?

    The XTM201 printer was introduced by Atari in January 1985 at the Winter Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. A monochrome thermal printer, the XTM201 would accept single sheets of thermal paper or plain paper (Xerox 4024 or equivalent), and would also have both ribbon-end and paper-out sensors.
    The normal-density graphics mode would be Epson-compatible. Speed: 20 characters per second. The XTM201 never shipped, and no more than a handful
    of prototype units may exist.

    The XTC201 printer was introduced by Atari in January 1985 at the Winter Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. A color thermal printer with support for monochrome (black) printing as well, the XTC201 would accept single sheets of thermal paper or plain paper (Xerox 4024 or equivalent), and would also
    have both ribbon-end and paper-out sensors. The normal-density graphics mode would be Epson-compatible. Speed: 20 characters per second. The XTC201 never shipped, and no more than a handful of prototype units may exist.

    ------------------------------

    Subject: 4.5) What other printers were designed for my Atari?

    This section should list all third-party printers that were designed with an Atari-specific interface.

    These printers attach to the Atari via SIO, and are compatible with the P: device handler of the Atari OS.

    Alphacom 42
    + Alphacom 42 Intelligent Interface Cable for Atari
    - Must be at end of SIO chain
    - Thermal printer
    - Friction feed
    - 40 columns / 4 1/2" max paper width
    - 80 cps / 2 lines per second
    - 10 characters per inch (cpi)
    - One line buffer
    - Graphics and full ATASCII character set support

    Alphacom 81 80-Column Printer (1983)
    + Alphacom 81 Intelligent Interface Cable for Atari
    - Must be at end of SIO chain
    - Thermal printer
    - Friction feed
    - 80 columns / 8.75" max paper width
    - 100 characters per second
    - 10 cpi
    - One line buffer
    - Graphics and full ATASCII character set support

    Comrex ComRiter CR-220AT Dot Matrix Printer (1985) (Comrex = Epson)
    - Seikosha GP-500AT (and Atari 1029) clone
    - Connectivity: 2 Atari SIO ports for direct connection to Atari computers
    - Dot matrix impact printer
    - 80 columns, 50 cps
    - 5x7 character set
    - 5 or 10 cpi
    - 6 or 9 lines per inch
    - Standard and international character sets
    - Graphics: 60 dots per inch (480 lines)

    Epson HomeWriter-10 / GX-80
    + Printer Interface Cartridge (PIC or P.I.C.) for the Atari (Epson#8692 ?)
    - PIC emulates the Atari 1025 (no graphics)
    - Dot matrix impact printer
    - Draft quality printing at 100 cps and near letter quality at 16 cps

    Epson Spectrum LX-90
    + Printer Interface Cartridge (PIC or P.I.C.) for the Atari (Epson#8692 ?)
    - PIC emulates the Atari 1025 (no graphics)
    (Printer's native graphics capabilities unavailable via Atari PIC)
    - Dot matrix impact printer
    - Draft quality printing at 100 cps and near letter quality at 16 cps

    General Electric TXP-1000 / Letter Quality Printer (GE 3-8100) (GE 8100)
    + GE Model 3-8150A Interface for operating GE 3-8100 Printer with Atari and
    Commodore computers
    - Thermal printer (not dot matrix as reported in Antic June 1985)
    - 50 cps "draft" mode, 25 cps "normal"/"letter quality" mode
    - http://www.classiccomputer.de/com/getxp1000.jpg

    Okidata Okimate 10 Personal Color Printer
    + Plug 'n Print Interface for Atari
    - 2 Atari SIO ports for direct connection to Atari computers
    - Thermal printer
    - Single-sheet or tractor-feed paper
    - 26 colors
    - 240 words per minute

    Seikosha GP-100AT Economical Printer (AT-100) (1983)
    - Marketed in the U.S. by Axiom
    - First Atari-specific 3rd-party printer
    - Built-in Atari interface, cable and connector; 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    - Dot matrix impact printer, 80 columns, 5x7 character set
    - 50 cps (most units) or 30 cps (early units)
    - Screen dump programs included
    - Sold separately: GraphAX HiRes Dump (prints .MIC Micro-Painter files)

    Seikosha GP-500AT
    - 2 Atari SIO ports for direct connection to Atari computers
    - Dot matrix impact printer
    - 80 columns, 50 cps
    - 5x7 character set
    - 5 or 10 cpi
    - 6 or 9 lines per inch
    - Standard and international character sets
    - Graphics: 60 dots per inch (480 lines)
    - Sold widely in Poland
    - Also sold as the Comrex CR-220AT and as the Atari 1029

    Seikosha GP-550AT Dual Mode Printer (AT-550)
    - Marketed in the U.S. by Axiom
    - Built-in Atari interface, cable and connector; 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    - Dot matrix impact printer
    - Near letter quality and draft modes
    - 86 cps (draft mode); 43 cps (nlq mode)
    - Screen dump programs included
    - Sold separately: GraphAX HiRes Dump (prints .MIC Micro-Painter files)

    Seikosha GP-700AT Full Color Printer (AT-700)
    - Marketed in the U.S. by Axiom
    - Built-in Atari interface, cable and connector; 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    - Dot matrix impact printer
    - Pin feed
    - 4 hammer print heads, 4-color ribbon cartridge
    - 25 colors
    - 30 cps or 50 cps (different versions produced???)
    - 5 cpi - 10 cpi
    - One line buffer
    - 80 columns / 9.5" max paper width
    - Screen dump programs included
    - Sold separately: GraphAX HiRes Dump (prints .MIC Micro-Painter files)

    ------------------------------

    Subject: 4.6) How can I use a Centronics or IBM parallel interface printer?

    What is now known as IEEE 1284 originated as the "Parallel Interface Specification for Centronics Printers," a unidirectional 8 bit host-to-printer connection. This interface was introduced by Centronics Data Computer Corporation for a series of small serial-impact printers that began with
    1970's Centronics Model 101. Centronics defined the interface timing and signals as well as the interface connector (at the printer), but not the host connector (at the computer). The Centronics parallel interface eventually became the primary interface used between most small computers and associated printers.

    Even as Centronics themselves began utilizing alternative interface connectors on some of their own printers, the market success of 1980's Epson MX-80 helped the industry settle on Centronics' original choice of the 36-contact Amphenol 57-40360 (Micro-Ribbon brand) miniature-ribbon receptacle (female) as the standard interface connector found on parallel interface printers. The corresponding cable connector is the 36-contact Amphenol 57-30360 (Micro- Ribbon brand) miniature-ribbon plug (male). 36 contact miniature-ribbon connectors became known popularly as "Centronics" connectors; these are now known as the IEEE 1284-B Receptacle and Plug connectors.

    IBM introduced the IBM PC in August 1981, with a Centronics-like Parallel Interface (with DB-25S connector), along with a series of Centronics-like parallel interface printers (with "Centronics" connector) starting with the
    IBM PC Graphics Printer (model 5152, a slightly-modified Epson MX-80). The Parallel Interface as implemented by IBM was compatible with a functional subset of the existing Centronics standard, but more complete implementations of the IBM and Centronics interfaces were not signal-compatible, and a new category of the "IBM" compatible printer was established. Market success of the IBM PC meant wide adoption of the IBM parallel interface standard. This included the DB-25S host connector, which is now also known as the IEEE 1284-A Receptacle.

    Industry implementations of the Centronics/IBM parallel interface continued to vary until the 1994 publication and subsequent wide adoption of IEEE 1284, "IEEE Standard Signaling Method for a Bidirectional Parallel Peripheral Interface for Personal Computers." The current version is IEEE 1284-2000.

    The 8-bit Atari computer does not include a Centronics parallel output interface, but one may be added to the system. Atari provided the 850 Interface, and later the XEP80 Interface, for this purpose. Many 3rd-party interfaces and other devices provide compatible interfaces.

    The following should be a complete list of devices for the Atari providing the system with a Centronics parallel printer host interface. Interfaces connect to the Atari via SIO unless otherwise specified, and are compatible with the Atari 850 Printer port unless otherwise specified. The interface connector type is given if known.

    1050 Turbo (for Atari 1050), by Bernhard Engl for Gerald Engl Computertechnik
    - Optional Centronics parallel printer interface cable (connector type????) Amdek AMDC-II disk drive - DA-15S
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    Ape-Face 48P, by Digital Devices - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - For the 400/800 (how is this????)
    Ape-Face XLP, by Digital Devices - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - For 400/800/XL/XE except 1200XL (draws power from SIO)
    Ape-Face 12XLP, by Digital Devices - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - Especially for 1200XL (uses external power supply)
    Ape-Face XLP-S, by Digital Devices - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - For 400/800/XL/XE except 1200XL (draws power from SIO)
    - SIO port for daisy chain
    Astra The "One" disk drive - DA-15S
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    Astra 1001 disk drive - DA-15S
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    Atari 850 Interface Module - DA-15S
    - Detailed elsewhere in this FAQ list
    Atari XEP80 Interface Module - DB-25S
    - Detailed elsewhere in this FAQ list
    - Supplied with replacement P: device handler
    ATR8000 by SWP
    - 16KiB or 64KiB RAM versions
    - Printer port: 34 pin PCB edge
    - Unit RAM can be used as a printer buffer
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    Black Box, by Computer Software Services (CSS)
    - Parallel device, with connectors for both PBI and Cartridge+ECI
    - PBI Connector: 50 pin header; ribbon cable to PBI interface included
    - Cartridge+ECI connector: standard PCB edge
    - Parallel Printer Port: 34 pin PCB edge
    - Definable as any of P1: - P8:
    - 64KiB Printer spooler using XE memory or optional BB memory
    - Text or Graphics printer dump of most screens
    - Black Box Enhancer (upgrade for older units; included with newer units):
    - Enhanced screen dump function
    Blackthorn Printer Interface - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - SIO port for daisy chain
    CARD?/AT, by Cardco - SIO cable to 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    Centronics Interface II, by Klaus Peters - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - Based on the Compy-Shop Centronics-Druckerinterface (?)
    Compy-Shop Centronics-Druckerinterface - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    FCC Interface, by FCC Systems - SIO cable to 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug Flop VD 40 F disk drive - DB-25S
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    Graphix AT, by Xetec
    - SIO cable to interface with 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - Graphix mode (prints text and Atari ATASCII graphics) or transparent mode
    (prints text and passes control codes on to printer)
    - Fully supported: Epson, Gemini, Okidata, Prowriter 8510/8023,
    Banana GX-100, Blue Chip Legend, Epson 132 column,
    daisy wheel (no graphics)
    ICEPIC, by ICECo - joystick cable to 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - Supplied with P: device handler, SIO simulator, and REBOOT program for
    software compatibility
    Interfast-I, by Advanced Interface Devices (AID) - DA-15S
    - Programmable, can translate ATASCII or any character set into graphics
    KPI (K-Products Interface)
    - Parallel device, connects to PBI
    - Printer port: 40 pin PCB edge
    - Supplied with printer port software utilities
    Macrotronics Parallel Printer Interface (see Analog#2p29)
    - Connects to controller jacks 3&4. Six versions:
    - Trendcom 100 / 200 A4P-1 for 400, or A8P-1 for 800
    - Centronics 730 / 737 A4P-2 for 400, or A8P-2 for 800
    - Centronics 36 Pin A4P-3 for 400, or A8P-3 for 800
    - Does not use standard Atari OS P: device handler
    Mega Speedy (for the Atari 1050), by Guus Assmann & Matthias Reichl, 2014
    - Optional Centronics interface, connector type same as 1050 Turbo
    Micro MainFrame MF-1681 disk drive
    - Printer port with 4KiB print buffer
    - Print buffer optionally expandable to 38KiB
    MicroPrint, by Microbits Peripheral Products
    - SIO cable to 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - Later units produced by Supra
    MPP-1100, by Microbits Peripheral Products - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - Connects to joystick port #3, NTSC 400/800 only, supplied with required
    replacement OS ROM chip for Atari OS Rev.A/NTSC chip C012499
    - Acknowledged software incompatibilities:
    - Monkey Wrench II from Eastern House Software
    - Zaxxon from DataSoft (early release versions)
    - Sold separately:
    - MPP-1102 Adapter Cable (40-pin edge for Atari 825 or Centronics 737)
    - MPP-1104 Rev.B Upgrade ROM set (for 400/800 with Atari OS Rev.A/NTSC) MPP-1150, by Microbits Peripheral Products - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - SIO port for daisy chain
    - Not for 1200XL (draws power from SIO)
    - Later units produced by Supra
    MPP-1151, by Microbits Peripheral Products - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - SIO port for daisy chain
    - Especially for 1200XL (uses external power supply)
    - Later units produced by Supra
    Multi I/O board (MIO) by ICD
    - Parallel device, connects to PBI
    - ICD adapter for Cartridge+ECI provides two pass-through cartridge ports
    - 256KiB or 1MiB RAM versions
    - Printer port: DA-15S
    - Accessed as P1: or P2: with or without auto line feed
    - Use any amount of unit RAM as a printer spooler
    - Pause/Resume, Repeat Copies, Clear
    Multi I/O board (MIO) "new series" by Ken Jones / MEtalGuy66
    - Parallel device, connects to PBI
    - 1MiB RAM
    - Printer port: DB-25S
    - Accessed as P1: or P2: with or without auto line feed
    - Use any amount of unit RAM as a printer spooler
    - Pause/Resume, Repeat Copies, Clear
    - Available: http://www.rasterline.com/
    ParallAx-AT (AT-486), by Axiom - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    Percom AT88-S1PD
    - 34 pin header (2x17)
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    Percom AT88-SPD
    - 34 pin header (2x17)
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    Portprint, by Computer Support
    - Connects to joystick ports of any XL/XE computer
    - Replacement P: handler required
    P:R: Connection, by ICD - DA-15S
    - SIO port for daisy chain
    Printer Connection, by ICD - SIO cable to 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug Printerface, by W.E. Electronics
    - Connects to 1 joystick port on the Atari
    - Shipped with P: driver on cassette
    Rambit PPP - Parallel Printer Port - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - Connects to the Atari via PBI (600XL/800XL)
    Spider disk drive - DA-15S and DB-25S dual printer ports
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    Supra Hard Disk Interface, by Supra
    - Parallel device, connects to PBI
    - Sold separately: Supra XE-XL Buss adapter for Cartridge+ECI
    - Adapter includes pass-through cartridge port
    - Printer port: 40 pin PCB edge
    - Supplied with printer port software utilities
    TOMS 720C disk drive - DB-25S
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    TOMS 720CR disk drive - DB-25S
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    Trak AT-1 disk drive
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    - Upgrade: 34 pin PCB edge printer port with 4KiB buffer
    - Upgradable to 16KiB
    Trak AT-D1 disk drive - 34 pin PCB edge, 4KiB print buffer
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    - Upgrade: 16KiB print buffer
    Trak AT-D2 disk drive - 34 pin PCB edge, 4KiB print buffer
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    - Upgrade: 16KiB print buffer
    Trak AT-D4 disk drive - 34 pin PCB edge, 4KiB print buffer
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    - Upgrade: 16KiB print buffer
    TurboPrint/A, by Telesys - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - Page formatting independent of software
    TurboPrint/GTA, by Telesys - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - Page formatting independent of software
    - Prints Atari graphics characters
    - Options: B16 16KiB TurboBuffer or B32 32KiB TurboBuffer
    U-Print Model A, by Digial Devices - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - SIO port for daisy chain
    - Upgrade: 16KiB buffer
    U-Print Model A16, by Digial Devices - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - SIO port for daisy chain
    - 16KiB buffer, Copy button, Reset (cancel) button
    - Upgrade: to 32KiB
    U-Print Model A64, by Digial Devices - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - SIO port for daisy chain
    - 64KiB buffer, Copy button, Reset (cancel) button
    WW Interface 72000 Atari/Centr, by Wiesemann, Wuppertal
    - SIO cable to 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug

    Some of the most common Centronics type parallel interface printers used with the Atari included the Star Gemini 10X and SG-10, the C. Itoh ProWriter, and the Epson RX-80, FX-80, and MX-80.

    ------------------------------

    Subject: 5.1) What are the Atari 830, 835, 1030, XM301, and SX212 Modems?

    Thanks to Laurent Delsarte for some of the research and writing for this section.

    A modem (MOdulator-DEModulator) is a device that modulates an analog carrier signal to encode digital information for transmittal, and also demodulates
    such a carrier signal to decode received transmitted information. The common example from the main time period of the 8-bit Atari computers is the voice band modem, otherwise known as a "dial-up modem" that turns the digital data
    of a personal computer into modulated electrical signals in the voice
    frequency range of a telephone channel. These signals can be transmitted over telephone lines and demodulated by another modem at the receiver side to recover the digital data. Thus, in this pre-Internet form of computer networking, any two computers may communicate with each other over a standard telephone line.

    The first commercially successful modem was the Bell 103 from AT&T. While the AT&T Bell System maintained monopolistic control over the direct connection to its phone lines in the USA, third-party manufacturers could only offer "acoustic" modem configurations. Acoustic modems featured a cradle designed
    to fit snugly around the microphone and earpiece of a standard (of the time) Bell telephone handset. A standard Bell telephone was utilized for it's microphone, speaker, and dialing capabilities. Such modems were designed to
    be interoperable with the Bell 103, which maintained its role as the effective industry standard.

    Later "direct-connect" modems, led by the Hayes Smartmodem, instead connected directly to the phone line. These modems contained their own microphones, speakers, and dialing capabilities controlled via software. The "Hayes
    command set" successfully established the industry standard for controlling modem features via computer software.

    Most voice band modems have a pass-through line allowing a standard telephone to be physically connected to the line while the modem is also connected. However, voice and data cannot be transmitted at the same time over the same phone line (as is possible with newer telecommunication technologies such as ISDN and DSL). When online using a dial-up modem, before telephone services like voice mail were common, incoming callers would experience a "busy signal" as if someone was already talking on the line. This limitation was finally addressed in 2001 with the V.92 modem standard. V.92 includes a "Modem On Hold" capability, especially useful in combination with the phone company's "call waiting" and "caller ID on call waiting" features.

    A wide variety of modulation and communication techniques can be successfully implemented over a standard telephone line. In order for two modems to communicate, they have to initially successfully negotiate the technical
    nature of the communications to be used between them. Connection characteristics include modulation technique ("frequency shift keying", "phase shift keying", etc.), operation mode (one-way "half duplex" or bi-directional "full duplex"), synchronization ("asynchronous" data without clock signal or "synchronous" data accompanied by separate clock signal), and bitrate
    (measured in bits per second). Early modem users had to become familiar with arcane settings such as these in order to establish successful modem to modem communications. In time, modem modulation standards were established and adopted by the industry, allowing for the details to largely become
    transparent to the user. Newer modems would simply negotiate the fastest and most reliable connection possible between them, given the best capabilities of both modems. Major modem modulation standards:

    Standard (Year appeared) Top Bitrate Baud(symbols per second)
    Bell 103 modem (1962) 300 bit/s 300 (V.21 precursor)
    Bell 212A modem (1977) 1200 bit/s 600 (V.22 precursor)
    V.22bis (1982) 2400 bit/s 600
    V.32 (1986) 9600 bit/s 2400
    V.32bis (1991) 14400 bit/s 2400
    AT&T V.32ter (1993) 19200 bit/s 3200 ("V.32terbo"; V.34 precursor)
    Rockwell V.FC (1993) 28800 bit/s 3200 ("Fast Class"; V.34 precursor)
    V.34 (1994) 28800 bit/s 3200
    V.34 (1996) 33600 bit/s 3429 ("V.34 Plus" or "V.34bis")
    US Robotics X2 (1997) 56000 bit/s 8000 (V.90 precursor)
    Rockwell K56flex(1997) 56000 bit/s 8000 (V.90 precursor)
    V.90 (1998) 56000 bit/s 8000
    V.92 (2001) 56000 bit/s 8000

    At the time, it was very common for modem speed bit rates to be incorrectly referred to as "baud" rates. Other than the early 300 bit/s / 300 baud modulation standard this was never correct usage of the term. Baud always meant "symbols per second" rather than "bits per second."

    Two additional important modem standards emerged in 1990: V.42 error control and V.42bis data compression. V.42 and V.42bis were implemented in some later V.22bis and V.32 modems, and probably in all modems supporting V.32bis and up. V.92 modems, which appeared in 2001, support V.44 data compression, an improvement over V.42bis compression.

    In the early 1980s popular early commercial online services reached via dial- up modem included CompuServe Information Service, Dow Jones Information Service, and The Source. In addition to CompuServe, later online services popular with Atari users included Delphi and GEnie. Modem users would also dial in to mainframe computer systems at universities, or they would log in to privately-operated Bulletin Board Systems running on other personal computers. As long-distance telephone services were billed by the minute, telephone bill expenses were an important consideration.

    Atari produced several modems for use with the 8-bit Atari computers. Each Atari brand modem supports U.S. modulation communication standards only; Atari did not market their modems in Europe.

    Atari 830 Acoustic Modem
    - Sold separately or as part of the Communicator kit CX484
    - Type: Acoustic, frequency shift keying (FSK)
    - Speed: Up to 300 baud
    - Compatibility: Bell 103/113 modem compatible (U.S. industry standard)
    - Additional hardware requirement: Atari 850 Interface Module or equivalent
    - Connectivity: RS-232-C serial. Pinout:
    14 25
    o o o o o o o o o o o o DB-25 Socket - female
    o o o o o o o o o o o o o
    1 13
    2. XMT Transmit Data (Input to modem)
    3. RCV Receive Data (Output from modem)
    5. CTS Clear to Send (Output from modem)
    6. DSR Data Set Ready (Output from modem)
    7. n/a Signal Ground (Common)
    8. CRX Carrier Detect (Output from modem)
    - Made in USA for Atari by Novation
    - Based on the Novation CAT modem
    - Top: Ready and Power LED indicator lights
    - Side (left-to-right):
    - "O / OFF / A" switch: Originate mode / Power Off / Answer mode
    - Power input jack
    - "F / TST / H" switch: Full duplex mode / Test mode / Half duplex mode
    - Serial port
    - Transmitter frequencies
    - Originate: mark, 1270Hz; space 1070Hz
    - Answer: mark, 2225Hz; space 2025Hz
    - Receive frequencies
    - Originate: mark, 2225Hz; space 2025Hz
    - Answer: mark, 1270Hz; space 1070Hz
    - Receive sensitivity: -45dBm
    - Power: Uses an external power supply that delivers 20V AC @ 400mA, such as
    the Atari #CA016751-01 / Novation 901017 or equivalent.
    NOTE: Atari product catalogs variously list the minimum power rating for
    the 830 at 7 watts or 18 watts)
    NOTE: Both the 830 box and the 850 Interface Technical Manual indicate
    that the 830 requires:
    Input: 117V AC (4 watts)
    Output: 24V AC @ 150mA
    Is there an Atari-branded supply like this?????
    - Shipped with an Atari CX87 Modem Cable (830 to 850 serial)
    - Manuals:
    - Atari 850 Interface Module Operator's Manual C015953 Rev. 1 1980
    (preliminary version shipped with earlier/most 850 units; 102 pages)
    - See Appendix 13: Atari 830 Modem, pages 97-102
    - Atari 850 Interface Module Operator's Manual C017651 REV. B 1982 (15 p.)
    - Contains instructions for both the 850 interface and the 830 modem

    Atari 835 Direct-Connect Modem
    - Sold only as part of the Communicator II kit CX488
    - Type: Direct-connect modem
    - Speed: up to 300 baud
    - Compatibility: Bell 103/113 modem compatible (U.S. industry standard)
    - Connectivity: 2 Atari SIO ports for direct connection to Atari computers
    - MPU: Intel 8048 microcontroller (MCU), C060549
    - The 835 communicates with the computer using the normal SIO protocol at a
    rate of 300 baud. (FSM p.1-2)
    - Texas Instruments TMS99532 frequency-shift keying (FSK) modem chip, FC100279 - Made in USA for Atari by Racal-Vadic
    - No speaker, but telephone sound can be routed to the computer audio output
    - Pulse dialing only
    - Power: external power supply that delivers 20V AC @ 330mA, such as the
    Atari #C060479 or equivalent
    NOTE: Atari product catalogs list the minimum power rating for the 835 at
    18 watts, but Atari's own power supply is only rated for 9 watts)
    - Manuals:
    - The Communicator II User's Guide C024438
    - Atari 835 Direct Connect Modem Field Service Manual FD100268

    Atari 1030 Direct-Connect Modem
    - Speed: up to 300 baud
    - Compatibility: Bell 103/113 modem compatible (U.S. industry standard)
    - Connectivity: 2 Atari SIO ports for direct connection to Atari computers
    - The 1030 uses a non-standard protocol for communication commands on the SIO
    bus. When a connection is active, the computer and the modem exchange data
    directly on the bus at 300 baud, without using [SIO] command or data frames.
    (Altirra manual p.162)
    - Made in USA; modem electronics by Penril
    - Communications are possible with both originate-only and answer-only modems
    - Built-in ModemLink telecommunications software
    - Bootstrap without disk drive-- With no powered disk drive #1 present,
    ModemLink (with integrated T: modem device handler) loads from the ROM of
    a powered 1030 into computer RAM on system startup. (The 1030
    masquerades as disk drive #1, responding to the Atari OS attempt to boot
    from disk.) An extended beep is emitted through the computer's audio
    signal as the program is loaded, then ModemLink runs.
    - The T: handler can also be loaded from 1030 ROM into computer RAM later;
    many alternatives to the 1030 ROM T: handler exist as well. Please see a
    separate section of this FAQ list regarding R: and T: modem device
    handlers for the 1030 for more details.
    - Controls, software selectable:
    - Full and Half duplex operation
    - Pulse or Tone dialing
    - Tones for tone dialing are generated by the computer and reach the
    1030 via the SIO sound INPUT line (thanks to audio noise/leakage)
    - Tone dialing not available on the 400 (Owner's Guide page 7)
    - Memory buffer on/off
    - Printer on/off
    - Box sticker: "Free Time Offer Enclosed: Dow Jones News/Retrieval Service"
    Shipped with CompuServe IntroPak as well
    - Receive sensitivity: -43dBm
    - Indicators:
    - Power ON/OFF
    - On-line (carrier detect) LEDs
    - Included: Owner's guide, Atari SIO cable, Telephone extension cable with
    RJ-11 clip connectors, Power adapter
    - Power: external power supply that delivers 9V AC @ 5.4mA, such as Atari
    #C062195 or equivalent
    - User's documentation: C061798 (CO61798) The Atari 1030 modem with ModemLink
    telecommunications program owner's guide (1983)
    - Field service manual: ?????
    - 1030 Designers: John Curran, Ken Fowkes, Sherwin Gooch (project director),
    Joe Miller, Songly Mu, Bernie Poggi, Mark Rustad, Phil Schug, Dennis Smith,
    Jose Valdes, Vince Wu
    - Tone Dialer: * Original version by: J. W. Tittsler, Feb. 1983
    * Final version by: M. D. Rustad, May, 1983
    * Modified by: J. B. Miller, August, 1983

    Atari XM301 Modem
    - Type: Direct-connect modem
    - Speed: up to 300 baud
    - Compatibility: Bell 103/113 modem compatible (U.S. industry standard)
    - Incompatibilities: Cannot be used with an Atari 1200XL (see Power, below).
    The manual reads "You cannot use the XM301 modem with an Atari 1200XL
    computer unless it has been modified. Contact your local Atari service
    center for information on modifying your 1200XL computer."
    - Additional hardware requirement: (none)
    - Connectivity: Permanent SIO cable, must be at end of SIO chain
    - Software-compatible with the Atari 1030.
    - Key engineer/designer: Jose Valdes at Atari
    - Made in Taiwan

    [continued in next message]

    --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
    * Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)
  • From Michael Current@21:1/5 to Marc G. Frank on Thu Mar 19 10:20:42 2020
    [continued from previous message]

    Relative Draw, Move, Relative Move, Axis Drawing, Alpha Rotate
    - Printing speed: 10 characters per second (10 cpi mode)
    - Paper type: Standard roll paper (40-column width)
    - 4-color print head
    - Prints and plots vertically and horizontally
    - 400/800 OS: Responds to P: and ignores any device number
    XL OS: Responds to P:, P1:, and P4:
    - Connectivity: 2 Atari SIO ports for direct connection to Atari computers
    - Shipped with SIO cable CA014122 (3-foot)
    - Included:
    - 2 pens each: red, blue, green, black
    - TX9032 Graphics demonstration/Joystick Sketchpad Program Cassette
    - Side 1: Joystick Sketchpad (requires Atari BASIC): program to plot
    directly onto printer using a joystick
    - Side 2: Six sample graphics programs (all require Atari BASIC):
    Program Counter Number
    SAMPLE 002
    GRAPH 047
    RANDOM 017
    COLOR 061
    TRANGLE 032
    TRIANG2 070
    - Manuals:
    - The Atari 1020 Color Printer Owner's Guide C061368 (CO61368)
    - Joystick Sketchpad Instruction Guide C061578
    - Technical manual: Atari 1020 Color Printer Field Service Manual FD100288
    - Power: Used with an external 9 volt AC transformer power supply rated for at
    least 15 watts; Atari CA014748 or equivalent (including the Atari CA017964). - Print mechanism: ALPS
    - also found in: Commodore 1520, Tandy Radio Shack CGP-115, Sharp CE-150,
    Mattel Aquarius 4615, Texas Instruments HX-1000
    - Made in Japan
    - Sold separately:
    - Atari 1020 Standard Replacement Pens C061420-01 / BX4204
    (4 pens; 1 each of: red, green, blue, black)
    - Atari 1020 Black Replacement Pens C061420-03 / BX4206 (4 pens)
    - Atari 1020 Replacement Roll Paper C061533 / BX4207 (2 rolls)

    Atari 1025 80-Column Printer
    - Type: 5 x 7 dot matrix impact
    - Formats
    - Regular: 10 cpi (80 columns)
    - Extended: 5 cpi (40 columns)
    - Condensed: 16.7 cpi (132 columns)
    - Printing Speed: 40 characters per second (10 cpi format)
    - Paper type: computer fanfold, roll, or single-sheet
    - Online switch
    - Buffer: 132 characters at 16.7 cpi, 80 characters at 10 cpi
    - European Character Set supported
    - 400/800 OS: Responds to P: and ignores any device number
    XL OS: Responds to P:, P1:, and P3:
    - Connectivity: 2 Atari SIO ports for direct connection to Atari computers
    - Shipped with SIO cable CA014122 (3-foot)
    - CPU: Intel 8051 microcontroller (MCU), FC100387
    - 8155 RAM I/O: Intel 8155 2048 bit static MOS RAM with I/O ports and timer,
    FC100389
    - Manual: The Atari 1025 Printer Owner's Guide C060505
    - Technical manual: Atari 1025 Printer Field Service Manual FD100290
    - Power, 120V version: Plugs directly into wall (120V AC, 100W)
    - Power, 220V version: Used with an external AC power adapter with two
    outputs, one rated for 29VAC/600mA and the other rated for 8.6VAC/1A.
    Atari#14750, one such supply, is detailed elsewhere in this FAQ list.
    - Print mechanism: Okidata ML80 / Microline 80
    - Made in Japan
    - Sold separately: Atari 1025 80-Column Printer Ribbon C061419 / BX4202

    Atari 1027 Letter Quality Printer
    - Type: Letter quality (fully formed characters Prestige Elite 12)
    - Format: 12 pitch = 12 cpi (80 columns)
    - Printing speed: 20 characters per second
    - Paper type: Single sheets or Roll paper
    - Bi-directional printing
    - Underlining capability
    - International characters
    - 400/800 OS: Responds to P: and ignores any device number
    XL OS: Responds to P:, P1:, and P5:
    - Connectivity: 2 Atari SIO ports for direct connection to Atari computers
    - Shipped with SIO cable CA014122 (3-foot)
    - Manual: The Atari 1027 Letter Quality Printer Owner's Guide C061387
    - Technical manual:
    - Atari 1027 Printer Field Service Manual FD100670 REV. 01 October 1983
    - Power, 120V version: Used with an external 9.5V AC power supply rated for
    4.2A or 40VA, such as Atari#C061636 or equivalent
    - Power, 220V version: Used with an external 9V AC power supply rated for
    4.2A, such as Atari#C061605-11 or equivalent
    - Print mechanism: Mannesmann Tally Riteman LQ
    - Remarkably, there are possibly NO working 1027 printers today because it
    seems all 1027 print heads have deteriorated due to age.
    - Made in Japan
    - Sold separately: Atari 1027 Replacement Ink Roller CA061649 / BX4212

    Atari 1029 Programmable Printer
    - Printing method: 5 X 7 dot matrix impact
    - Formats: Regular width (10 cpi, 80 columns across)
    Elongated (5 cpi, 40 columns across)
    - Line spacing: 6 lines per inch (regular width and elongated formats)
    9 lines per inch (graphics mode)
    - Printing speed: 50 characters per second (regular width format)
    - Character set: 132 characters (international and non-international)
    - Feed mechanism: Friction feed and pin (tractor) feed
    Friction feed using platen knob
    - Manual Feed: Forward and reverse using platen knob
    - Paper type: Computer fanfold (4.5 to 9.5 inches wide)
    Single-sheet (8.5 inches wide)
    - 400/800 OS: Responds to P: and ignores any device number
    XL OS: Responds to P:, P1:, and P6:
    - Connectivity: 2 Atari SIO ports for direct connection to Atari computers
    - Shipped with SIO cable CA014122 (3-foot)
    - Power
    - 220V-240V 50Hz-60Hz 0.15A version: Plugs directly into wall
    - 120V version: plugs directly into wall
    (released in Canada but not the USA)
    - Print mechanism: Seikosha GP-500 ; clone of Seikosha GP-500AT
    - Made in Japan for Atari, Corp. in 1984, following conception by Atari, Inc.
    - Info sources: http://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Amstrad_DMP1_printer
    http://www.strotmann.de/~cas/Infothek/AtariTenZwentynine/Atari1029Manual.pdf - Industrial design (case): Tom Palecki
    - Sold separately:
    - Atari 1029 Dot Matrix Printer Inked Ribbon For 10 Inch Model C070028

    ------------------------------

    Subject: 4.3) What are the Atari XMM801 and XDM121 Printers?

    The following printers were produced by Atari and styled to match the XE
    series computers.

    Atari XMM801 Dot Matrix Graphics Printer
    - Dot matrix impact printer
    - 80 columns
    - Pica 10 characters per inch (cpi), double width pica 5 cpi, elite 12 cpi,
    double width elite 6 cpi, condensed 16.5 cpi, double width condensed 8.25
    cpi
    - 96 ASCII character set and 36 International Characters.
    - 400/800 OS: Responds to P: and ignores any device number
    XL OS: Responds to P:, P1:, and P7:
    - Connectivity: 2 Atari SIO ports for direct connection to Atari computers
    - Shipped with SIO cable CA014122 (3-foot)
    - Included:
    - Wire paper feed Rack
    - Multi Strike black Ribbon Cassette
    - Manual: Atari XMM801 Dot-Matrix Graphics Printer Owner's Manual C025959
    - Technical manual: Atari XMM801 Field Service Manual C070435 (1985)
    - Power supply is built-in (plugs directly into the wall, 120V AC)
    - Friction feed or pin feed
    - Ribbon: Mannesmann Tally MT-80/MT-80 Plus/MT-81/SP-80/Spirit 80,
    Commodore 1526/MPS802/4023, Shinwa CP80
    - Made in Japan

    Atari XDM121 Letter-Quality Daisy-Wheel Printer
    - Daisy wheel impact printer
    - 80 columns
    - Underlining, subscripts, superscripts
    - Courier 10 Print Wheel (10 pitch = 10 cpi)
    - International Character Set
    - 400/800 OS: Responds to P: and ignores any device number
    XL OS: Responds to P:, P1:, and P8:
    - Connectivity: 2 Atari SIO ports for direct connection to Atari computers
    - Shipped with SIO cable CA014122 (3-foot)
    - Included: Multi Strike Black Ribbon Cassette
    - Manual: Atari XDM121 Letter-Quality Daisy-Wheel Printer Owner's Manual
    C026323 (CO26323)
    - Power supply is built-in (plugs directly into the wall, 120V AC)
    - Friction feed paper
    - Ribbon: Silver Reed CF130, Olivetti ET201, ET221, Nu-Kote NK136
    - Made in Japan

    ------------------------------

    Subject: 4.4) What were the Atari XTM201 and XTC201 Printers?

    Introduced in January 1985, the Atari XTM201 printer was a monochrome thermal printer that would accept single sheets of thermal paper or plain paper (Xerox 4024 or equivalent). It would have both ribbon-end and paper-out sensors, and the normal-density graphics mode would be Epson-compatible. Speed: 20 characters per second. The XTM201 never shipped, and no more than a handful
    of prototype units may exist.

    Introduced in January 1985, the Atari XTC201 printer was a color thermal printer, with support for monochrome (black) printing as well, that would accept single sheets of thermal paper or plain paper (Xerox 4024 or equivalent). It would have both ribbon-end and paper-out sensors, and the normal-density graphics mode would be Epson-compatible. Speed: 20 characters per second. The XTC201 never shipped, and no more than a handful of prototype units may exist.

    ------------------------------

    Subject: 4.5) What other printers were designed for my Atari?

    This section should list all third-party printers that were designed with an Atari-specific interface.

    These printers attach to the Atari via SIO, and are compatible with the P: device handler of the Atari OS.

    Alphacom 42
    + Alphacom 42 Intelligent Interface Cable for Atari
    - Must be at end of SIO chain
    - Thermal printer
    - Friction feed
    - 40 columns / 4 1/2" max paper width
    - 80 cps / 2 lines per second
    - 10 characters per inch (cpi)
    - One line buffer
    - Graphics and full ATASCII character set support

    Alphacom 81 80-Column Printer (1983)
    + Alphacom 81 Intelligent Interface Cable for Atari
    - Must be at end of SIO chain
    - Thermal printer
    - Friction feed
    - 80 columns / 8.75" max paper width
    - 100 characters per second
    - 10 cpi
    - One line buffer
    - Graphics and full ATASCII character set support

    Comrex ComRiter CR-220AT Dot Matrix Printer (1985) (Comrex = Epson)
    - Seikosha GP-500AT (and Atari 1029) clone
    - Connectivity: 2 Atari SIO ports for direct connection to Atari computers
    - Dot matrix impact printer
    - 80 columns, 50 cps
    - 5x7 character set
    - 5 or 10 cpi
    - 6 or 9 lines per inch
    - Standard and international character sets
    - Graphics: 60 dots per inch (480 lines)

    Epson HomeWriter-10 / GX-80
    + Printer Interface Cartridge (PIC or P.I.C.) for the Atari (Epson#8692 ?)
    - PIC emulates the Atari 1025 (no graphics)
    - Dot matrix impact printer
    - Draft quality printing at 100 cps and near letter quality at 16 cps

    Epson Spectrum LX-90
    + Printer Interface Cartridge (PIC or P.I.C.) for the Atari (Epson#8692 ?)
    - PIC emulates the Atari 1025 (no graphics)
    (Printer's native graphics capabilities unavailable via Atari PIC)
    - Dot matrix impact printer
    - Draft quality printing at 100 cps and near letter quality at 16 cps

    General Electric TXP-1000 / Letter Quality Printer (GE 3-8100) (GE 8100)
    + GE Model 3-8150A Interface for operating GE 3-8100 Printer with Atari and
    Commodore computers
    - Thermal printer (not dot matrix as reported in Antic June 1985)
    - 50 cps "draft" mode, 25 cps "normal"/"letter quality" mode
    - http://www.classiccomputer.de/com/getxp1000.jpg

    Okidata Okimate 10 Personal Color Printer
    + Plug 'n Print Interface for Atari
    - 2 Atari SIO ports for direct connection to Atari computers
    - Thermal printer
    - Single-sheet or tractor-feed paper
    - 26 colors
    - 240 words per minute

    Seikosha GP-100AT Economical Printer (AT-100) (1983)
    - Marketed in the U.S. by Axiom
    - First Atari-specific 3rd-party printer
    - Built-in Atari interface, cable and connector; 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    - Dot matrix impact printer, 80 columns, 5x7 character set
    - 50 cps (most units) or 30 cps (early units)
    - Screen dump programs included
    - Sold separately: GraphAX HiRes Dump (prints .MIC Micro-Painter files)

    Seikosha GP-500AT
    - 2 Atari SIO ports for direct connection to Atari computers
    - Dot matrix impact printer
    - 80 columns, 50 cps
    - 5x7 character set
    - 5 or 10 cpi
    - 6 or 9 lines per inch
    - Standard and international character sets
    - Graphics: 60 dots per inch (480 lines)
    - Sold widely in Poland
    - Also sold as the Comrex CR-220AT and as the Atari 1029

    Seikosha GP-550AT Dual Mode Printer (AT-550)
    - Marketed in the U.S. by Axiom
    - Built-in Atari interface, cable and connector; 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    - Dot matrix impact printer
    - Near letter quality and draft modes
    - 86 cps (draft mode); 43 cps (nlq mode)
    - Screen dump programs included
    - Sold separately: GraphAX HiRes Dump (prints .MIC Micro-Painter files)

    Seikosha GP-700AT Full Color Printer (AT-700)
    - Marketed in the U.S. by Axiom
    - Built-in Atari interface, cable and connector; 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    - Dot matrix impact printer
    - Pin feed
    - 4 hammer print heads, 4-color ribbon cartridge
    - 25 colors
    - 30 cps or 50 cps (different versions produced???)
    - 5 cpi - 10 cpi
    - One line buffer
    - 80 columns / 9.5" max paper width
    - Screen dump programs included
    - Sold separately: GraphAX HiRes Dump (prints .MIC Micro-Painter files)

    ------------------------------

    Subject: 4.6) How can I use a Centronics or IBM parallel interface printer?

    What is now known as IEEE 1284 originated as the "Parallel Interface Specification for Centronics Printers," a unidirectional 8 bit host-to-printer connection. This interface was introduced by Centronics Data Computer Corporation for a series of small serial-impact printers that began with
    1970's Centronics Model 101. Centronics defined the interface timing and signals as well as the interface connector (at the printer), but not the host connector (at the computer). The Centronics parallel interface eventually became the primary interface used between most small computers and associated printers.

    Even as Centronics themselves began utilizing alternative interface connectors on some of their own printers, the market success of 1980's Epson MX-80 helped the industry settle on Centronics' original choice of the 36-contact Amphenol 57-40360 (Micro-Ribbon brand) miniature-ribbon receptacle (female) as the standard interface connector found on parallel interface printers. The corresponding cable connector is the 36-contact Amphenol 57-30360 (Micro- Ribbon brand) miniature-ribbon plug (male). 36 contact miniature-ribbon connectors became known popularly as "Centronics" connectors; these are now known as the IEEE 1284-B Receptacle and Plug connectors.

    IBM introduced the IBM PC in August 1981, with a Centronics-like Parallel Interface (with DB-25S connector), along with a series of Centronics-like parallel interface printers (with "Centronics" connector) starting with the
    IBM PC Graphics Printer (model 5152, a slightly-modified Epson MX-80). The Parallel Interface as implemented by IBM was compatible with a functional subset of the existing Centronics standard, but more complete implementations of the IBM and Centronics interfaces were not signal-compatible, and a new category of the "IBM" compatible printer was established. Market success of the IBM PC meant wide adoption of the IBM parallel interface standard. This included the DB-25S host connector, which is now also known as the IEEE 1284-A Receptacle.

    Industry implementations of the Centronics/IBM parallel interface continued to vary until the 1994 publication and subsequent wide adoption of IEEE 1284, "IEEE Standard Signaling Method for a Bidirectional Parallel Peripheral Interface for Personal Computers." The current version is IEEE 1284-2000.

    The 8-bit Atari computer does not include a Centronics parallel output interface, but one may be added to the system. Atari provided the 850 Interface, and later the XEP80 Interface, for this purpose. Many 3rd-party interfaces and other devices provide compatible interfaces.

    The following should be a complete list of devices for the Atari providing the system with a Centronics parallel printer host interface. Interfaces connect to the Atari via SIO unless otherwise specified, and are compatible with the Atari 850 Printer port unless otherwise specified. The interface connector type is given if known.

    1050 Turbo (for Atari 1050), by Bernhard Engl for Gerald Engl Computertechnik
    - Optional Centronics parallel printer interface cable (connector type????) Amdek AMDC-II disk drive - DA-15S
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    Ape-Face 48P, by Digital Devices - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - For the 400/800 (how is this????)
    Ape-Face XLP, by Digital Devices - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - For 400/800/XL/XE except 1200XL (draws power from SIO)
    Ape-Face 12XLP, by Digital Devices - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - Especially for 1200XL (uses external power supply)
    Ape-Face XLP-S, by Digital Devices - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - For 400/800/XL/XE except 1200XL (draws power from SIO)
    - SIO port for daisy chain
    Astra The "One" disk drive - DA-15S
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    Astra 1001 disk drive - DA-15S
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    Atari 850 Interface Module - DA-15S
    - Detailed elsewhere in this FAQ list
    Atari XEP80 Interface Module - DB-25S
    - Detailed elsewhere in this FAQ list
    - Supplied with replacement P: device handler
    ATR8000 by SWP
    - 16KiB or 64KiB RAM versions
    - Printer port: 34 pin PCB edge
    - Unit RAM can be used as a printer buffer
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    Black Box, by Computer Software Services (CSS)
    - Parallel device, with connectors for both PBI and Cartridge+ECI
    - PBI Connector: 50 pin header; ribbon cable to PBI interface included
    - Cartridge+ECI connector: standard PCB edge
    - Parallel Printer Port: 34 pin PCB edge
    - Definable as any of P1: - P8:
    - 64KiB Printer spooler using XE memory or optional BB memory
    - Text or Graphics printer dump of most screens
    - Black Box Enhancer (upgrade for older units; included with newer units):
    - Enhanced screen dump function
    Blackthorn Printer Interface - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - SIO port for daisy chain
    CARD?/AT, by Cardco - SIO cable to 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    Centronics Interface II, by Klaus Peters - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - Based on the Compy-Shop Centronics-Druckerinterface (?)
    Compy-Shop Centronics-Druckerinterface - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    FCC Interface, by FCC Systems - SIO cable to 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug Flop VD 40 F disk drive - DB-25S
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    Graphix AT, by Xetec
    - SIO cable to interface with 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - Graphix mode (prints text and Atari ATASCII graphics) or transparent mode
    (prints text and passes control codes on to printer)
    - Fully supported: Epson, Gemini, Okidata, Prowriter 8510/8023,
    Banana GX-100, Blue Chip Legend, Epson 132 column,
    daisy wheel (no graphics)
    ICEPIC, by ICECo - joystick cable to 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - Supplied with P: device handler, SIO simulator, and REBOOT program for
    software compatibility
    Interfast-I, by Advanced Interface Devices (AID) - DA-15S
    - Programmable, can translate ATASCII or any character set into graphics
    KPI (K-Products Interface)
    - Parallel device, connects to PBI
    - Printer port: 40 pin PCB edge
    - Supplied with printer port software utilities
    Macrotronics Parallel Printer Interface (see Analog#2p29)
    - Connects to controller jacks 3&4. Six versions:
    - Trendcom 100 / 200 A4P-1 for 400, or A8P-1 for 800
    - Centronics 730 / 737 A4P-2 for 400, or A8P-2 for 800
    - Centronics 36 Pin A4P-3 for 400, or A8P-3 for 800
    - Does not use standard Atari OS P: device handler
    Mega Speedy (for the Atari 1050), by Guus Assmann & Matthias Reichl, 2014
    - Optional Centronics interface, connector type same as 1050 Turbo
    Micro MainFrame MF-1681 disk drive
    - Printer port with 4KiB print buffer
    - Print buffer optionally expandable to 38KiB
    MicroPrint, by Microbits Peripheral Products
    - SIO cable to 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - Later units produced by Supra
    MPP-1100, by Microbits Peripheral Products - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - Connects to joystick port #3, NTSC 400/800 only, supplied with required
    replacement OS ROM chip for Atari OS Rev.A/NTSC chip C012499
    - Acknowledged software incompatibilities:
    - Monkey Wrench II from Eastern House Software
    - Zaxxon from DataSoft (early release versions)
    - Sold separately:
    - MPP-1102 Adapter Cable (40-pin edge for Atari 825 or Centronics 737)
    - MPP-1104 Rev.B Upgrade ROM set (for 400/800 with Atari OS Rev.A/NTSC) MPP-1150, by Microbits Peripheral Products - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - SIO port for daisy chain
    - Not for 1200XL (draws power from SIO)
    - Later units produced by Supra
    MPP-1151, by Microbits Peripheral Products - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - SIO port for daisy chain
    - Especially for 1200XL (uses external power supply)
    - Later units produced by Supra
    Multi I/O board (MIO) by ICD
    - Parallel device, connects to PBI
    - ICD adapter for Cartridge+ECI provides two pass-through cartridge ports
    - 256KiB or 1MiB RAM versions
    - Printer port: DA-15S
    - Accessed as P1: or P2: with or without auto line feed
    - Use any amount of unit RAM as a printer spooler
    - Pause/Resume, Repeat Copies, Clear
    Multi I/O board (MIO) "new series" by Ken Jones / MEtalGuy66
    - Parallel device, connects to PBI
    - 1MiB RAM
    - Printer port: DB-25S
    - Accessed as P1: or P2: with or without auto line feed
    - Use any amount of unit RAM as a printer spooler
    - Pause/Resume, Repeat Copies, Clear
    - Available: http://www.rasterline.com/
    ParallAx-AT (AT-486), by Axiom - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    Percom AT88-S1PD
    - 34 pin header (2x17)
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    Percom AT88-SPD
    - 34 pin header (2x17)
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    Portprint, by Computer Support
    - Connects to joystick ports of any XL/XE computer
    - Replacement P: handler required
    P:R: Connection, by ICD - DA-15S
    - SIO port for daisy chain
    Printer Connection, by ICD - SIO cable to 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug Printerface, by W.E. Electronics
    - Connects to 1 joystick port on the Atari
    - Shipped with P: driver on cassette
    Rambit PPP - Parallel Printer Port - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - Connects to the Atari via PBI (600XL/800XL)
    Spider disk drive - DA-15S and DB-25S dual printer ports
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    Supra Hard Disk Interface, by Supra
    - Parallel device, connects to PBI
    - Sold separately: Supra XE-XL Buss adapter for Cartridge+ECI
    - Adapter includes pass-through cartridge port
    - Printer port: 40 pin PCB edge
    - Supplied with printer port software utilities
    TOMS 720C disk drive - DB-25S
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    TOMS 720CR disk drive - DB-25S
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    Trak AT-1 disk drive
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    - Upgrade: 34 pin PCB edge printer port with 4KiB buffer
    - Upgradable to 16KiB
    Trak AT-D1 disk drive - 34 pin PCB edge, 4KiB print buffer
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    - Upgrade: 16KiB print buffer
    Trak AT-D2 disk drive - 34 pin PCB edge, 4KiB print buffer
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    - Upgrade: 16KiB print buffer
    Trak AT-D4 disk drive - 34 pin PCB edge, 4KiB print buffer
    - 2nd SIO port for daisy chain
    - Upgrade: 16KiB print buffer
    TurboPrint/A, by Telesys - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - Page formatting independent of software
    TurboPrint/GTA, by Telesys - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - Page formatting independent of software
    - Prints Atari graphics characters
    - Options: B16 16KiB TurboBuffer or B32 32KiB TurboBuffer
    U-Print Model A, by Digial Devices - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - SIO port for daisy chain
    - Upgrade: 16KiB buffer
    U-Print Model A16, by Digial Devices - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - SIO port for daisy chain
    - 16KiB buffer, Copy button, Reset (cancel) button
    - Upgrade: to 32KiB
    U-Print Model A64, by Digial Devices - 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug
    - SIO port for daisy chain
    - 64KiB buffer, Copy button, Reset (cancel) button
    WW Interface 72000 Atari/Centr, by Wiesemann, Wuppertal
    - SIO cable to 36 contact miniature-ribbon plug

    Some of the most common Centronics type parallel interface printers used with the Atari included the Star Gemini 10X and SG-10, the C. Itoh ProWriter, and the Epson RX-80, FX-80, and MX-80.

    ------------------------------

    Subject: 5.1) What are the Atari 830, 835, 1030, XM301, and SX212 Modems?

    Thanks to Laurent Delsarte for some of the research and writing for this section.

    A modem (MOdulator-DEModulator) is a device that modulates an analog carrier signal to encode digital information for transmittal, and also demodulates
    such a carrier signal to decode received transmitted information. The common example from the main time period of the 8-bit Atari computers is the voice band modem, otherwise known as a "dial-up modem" that turns the digital data
    of a personal computer into modulated electrical signals in the voice
    frequency range of a telephone channel. These signals can be transmitted over telephone lines and demodulated by another modem at the receiver side to recover the digital data. Thus, in this pre-Internet form of computer networking, any two computers may communicate with each other over a standard telephone line.

    The first commercially successful modem was the Bell 103 from AT&T. While the AT&T Bell System maintained monopolistic control over the direct connection to its phone lines in the USA, third-party manufacturers could only offer "acoustic" modem configurations. Acoustic modems featured a cradle designed
    to fit snugly around the microphone and earpiece of a standard (of the time) Bell telephone handset. A standard Bell telephone was utilized for its microphone, speaker, and dialing capabilities. Such modems were designed to
    be interoperable with the Bell 103, which maintained its role as the effective industry standard.

    Later "direct-connect" modems, led by the Hayes Smartmodem, instead connected directly to the phone line. These modems contained their own microphones, speakers, and dialing capabilities controlled via software. The "Hayes
    command set" successfully established the industry standard for controlling modem features via computer software.

    Most voice band modems have a pass-through line allowing a standard telephone to be physically connected to the line while the modem is also connected. However, voice and data cannot be transmitted at the same time over the same phone line (as is possible with newer telecommunication technologies such as ISDN and DSL). When online using a dial-up modem, before telephone services like voice mail were common, incoming callers would experience a "busy signal" as if someone was already talking on the line. This limitation was finally addressed in 2001 with the V.92 modem standard. V.92 includes a "Modem On Hold" capability, especially useful in combination with the phone company's "call waiting" and "caller ID on call waiting" features.

    A wide variety of modulation and communication techniques can be successfully implemented over a standard telephone line. In order for two modems to communicate, they have to initially successfully negotiate the technical
    nature of the communications to be used between them. Connection characteristics include modulation technique ("frequency shift keying", "phase shift keying", etc.), operation mode (one-way "half duplex" or bi-directional "full duplex"), synchronization ("asynchronous" data without clock signal or "synchronous" data accompanied by separate clock signal), and bitrate
    (measured in bits per second). Early modem users had to become familiar with arcane settings such as these in order to establish successful modem to modem communications. In time, modem modulation standards were established and adopted by the industry, allowing for the details to largely become
    transparent to the user. Newer modems would simply negotiate the fastest and most reliable connection possible between them, given the best capabilities of both modems. Major modem modulation standards:

    Standard (Year appeared) Top Bitrate Baud(symbols per second)
    Bell 103 modem (1962) 300 bit/s 300 (V.21 precursor)
    Bell 212A modem (1977) 1200 bit/s 600 (V.22 precursor)
    V.22bis (1982) 2400 bit/s 600
    V.32 (1986) 9600 bit/s 2400
    V.32bis (1991) 14400 bit/s 2400
    AT&T V.32ter (1993) 19200 bit/s 3200 ("V.32terbo"; V.34 precursor)
    Rockwell V.FC (1993) 28800 bit/s 3200 ("Fast Class"; V.34 precursor)
    V.34 (1994) 28800 bit/s 3200
    V.34 (1996) 33600 bit/s 3429 ("V.34 Plus" or "V.34bis")
    US Robotics X2 (1997) 56000 bit/s 8000 (V.90 precursor)
    Rockwell K56flex(1997) 56000 bit/s 8000 (V.90 precursor)
    V.90 (1998) 56000 bit/s 8000
    V.92 (2001) 56000 bit/s 8000

    At the time, it was very common for modem speed bit rates to be incorrectly referred to as "baud" rates. Other than the early 300 bit/s / 300 baud modulation standard this was never correct usage of the term. Baud always meant "symbols per second" rather than "bits per second."

    Two additional important modem standards emerged in 1990: V.42 error control and V.42bis data compression. V.42 and V.42bis were implemented in some later V.22bis and V.32 modems, and probably in all modems supporting V.32bis and up. V.92 modems, which appeared in 2001, support V.44 data compression, an improvement over V.42bis compression.

    In the early 1980s popular early commercial online services reached via dial- up modem included CompuServe Information Service, Dow Jones Information Service, and The Source. In addition to CompuServe, later online services popular with Atari users included Delphi and GEnie. Modem users would also dial in to mainframe computer systems at universities, or they would log in to privately-operated Bulletin Board Systems running on other personal computers. As long-distance telephone services were billed by the minute, telephone bill expenses were an important consideration.

    Atari produced several modems for use with the 8-bit Atari computers. Each Atari brand modem supports U.S. modulation communication standards only; Atari did not market their modems in Europe.

    Atari 830 Acoustic Modem
    - Also included, boxed, in the Communicator kit CX484
    - Type: Acoustic, frequency shift keying (FSK)
    - Speed: Up to 300 baud
    - Compatibility: Bell 103/113 modem compatible (U.S. industry standard)
    - Additional hardware requirement: Atari 850 Interface Module or equivalent
    - Requires Atari 850 Interface Module or equivalent to connect to the
    Atari computer. Connectivity: RS-232-C serial. Pinout:
    14 25
    o o o o o o o o o o o o DB-25 Socket - female
    o o o o o o o o o o o o o
    1 13
    2. XMT Transmit Data (Input to modem)
    3. RCV Receive Data (Output from modem)
    5. CTS Clear to Send (Output from modem)
    6. DSR Data Set Ready (Output from modem)
    7. n/a Signal Ground (Common)
    8. CRX Carrier Detect (Output from modem)
    - Shipped with an Atari CX87 Modem Cable (830 to 850 serial)
    - Made in USA for Atari by Novation
    - Based on the Novation CAT modem
    - Top: Ready and Power LED indicator lights
    - Side (left-to-right):
    - "O / OFF / A" switch: Originate mode / Power Off / Answer mode
    - Power input jack
    - "F / TST / H" switch: Full duplex mode / Test mode / Half duplex mode
    - Serial port
    - Transmitter frequencies
    - Originate: mark, 1270Hz; space 1070Hz
    - Answer: mark, 2225Hz; space 2025Hz
    - Receive frequencies
    - Originate: mark, 2225Hz; space 2025Hz
    - Answer: mark, 1270Hz; space 1070Hz
    - Receive sensitivity: -45dBm
    - Power: Uses an external power supply that delivers 20V AC @ 400mA, such as
    the Atari #CA016751-01 / Novation 901017 or equivalent.
    NOTE: Atari product catalogs variously list the minimum power rating for
    the 830 at 7 watts or 18 watts)

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