• Atari 8-Bit Computers: Frequently Asked Questions (15/30)

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

    - A/D Converter, by Mirage, 1993
    - Cartridge, with built-in cable to connect to a headphone output
    - 4-bit sampling depth
    - Software included: Audio Master
    - Supports XL/XE extended memory
    - http://atariki.krap.pl/index.php/Mirage_AD_Converter

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

    Subject: 6.9) What sound upgrades (stereo or 8-bit PCM) are there?

    This section lists programmable system modifications or devices that upgrade the audio capabilities of the Atari. Devices or modifications that manipulate the standard Sound Output beyond the software control of the Atari are not listed here.

    Bits 'N' Pieces: POPS, project by Lee S. Brilliant, ANALOG #66 Nov. 1988,
    pages 54-60
    - External device connects to the Atari SIO port, using pin 1 (Clock Input)
    and pin 2 (Clock Output) to tap into the separate Atari audio voices
    independently, before the system mixes them into the normal single-channel
    Sound Output signal.
    - POPS provides either stereo (Left and Right) or three (Left, Center, and
    Right) audio output channels.
    - Two channel operation: POKEY voice 4 is output to the POPS Left Speaker
    (via SIO pin 2); POKEY voices 1-3 are output to the POPS Right Speaker
    (via the normal system Sound Output)
    - Three channel operation: POKEY voice 2 is output to the Left Speaker (via
    SIO pin 2); POKEY voice 4 is output to the POPS Center speaker (via SIO
    pin 1); POKE voices 1 and 3 are output to the POPS Right Speaker (via the
    normal system Sound Output)
    - Software: POKEY Player by Craig Chamberlain, modified by Lee Brilliant M.D.

    Pokey Stereo Upgrade project by C. Steinman, 12/16/1989 ("GUMBY upgrade")
    - Original filename: STEREOXL.TXT
    - Achieves stereo output through the addition of a second POKEY chip.
    (The second POKEY chip is referred to as Gumby.)
    - GUMBY upgrade compatibles include:
    - StereoPlus by Gralin International, 1994?
    - Atari 8-Bit in Stereo, by Frankenstein, in Megazine #2, #3, #5:
    http://preview.tinyurl.com/pbgf829
    http://preview.tinyurl.com/of2kk5x
    http://preview.tinyurl.com/pqwh7hq
    - Stereo in the "little" Atari, by Rysowal Monsoft, 2002?
    http://ftp.pigwa.net/stuff/mirror/www.atari.cuprum.com.pl/stereo.htm
    - Stereo by Pasiu/SSG, 2004?
    http://hardware.atari8.info/stereo.php
    - Dual-POKEY Stereo Sound Board, by MetalGuy66, 2006
    http://preview.tinyurl.com/jphxurn
    http://www.rasterline.com/
    - Atari 8 bit stereo upgrade FINAL ("Simple Stereo"), by Lotharek, 2006
    http://lotharek.pl/product.php?pid=45
    - STEREO by C.P.U., 2006
    http://raster.atariportal.cz/hw/stereo/stereo.htm
    - PCB version by Pajero / MadTeam, 2007
    http://madteam.atari8.info/index.php?prod=stereo
    - SimpleStereo by Candle, 2003-2008
    http://www.spiflash.org/block/9.html
    - Stereo Expansion rev.2.1 by Mega-Hz, 2010
    http://www.mega-hz.de/Angebote/Stereo/Stereo_small.html
    - Includes bass boost and GTIA sound amplifier
    - Earlier prototype: Stereo Expansion rev.1.2, 2008
    http://www.mega-hz.de/Angebote/Stereo/Stereo_big.html
    - POKEY stereo / Gumby supporting software:
    http://a8.fandal.cz/search.php?search=stereo&butt_details_x=x

    Stereo Blaster Pro (Programmable), by Portronic/AMC-Verlag (1995?)
    Andreas Koch writes: This add-on had only 1 small paddle, to amplify the
    sound volume; the stereo-sound could be generated via two simple POKE
    statements; a demo disk was included.
    See: http://www.strotmann.de/~highland/amc/amcprogs.html

    "Covox" project, original by Psychol/MadTeam
    - 4 channel, 8-bit sound playback (8-bit PCM)
    - Digital to analog (DAC) converter based on the Covox Speech Thing for PC
    - http://atariki.krap.pl/index.php/Covox
    - Covox compatible projects:
    - Easy 4 channels * 8 bits Covox C/A, by: Gumi/Tight
    http://ftp.pigwa.net/stuff/mirror/www.atari.cuprum.com.pl/covox.htm
    - Covox upgrade by Gumi, re-written by Pigula/Shpoon
    http://ftp.pigwa.net/stuff/mirror/www.atari.cuprum.com.pl/covox_2.htm
    - SimpleStereo by Candle, 2003-2008
    http://www.spiflash.org/block/9.html
    - Covox-supporting software:
    - Inertia 3.7, by Tebe/MadTeam, 1996
    - Inertia 4.5, by Profi/MadTeam
    - Protracker 1.51, by Profi/MadTeam, 1997
    - NeoTracker 1.7, by Epi/Tristesse, 2002-2007
    - More: http://a8.fandal.cz/search.php?search=covox&butt_details_x=x

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

    Subject: 6.10) What graphics enhancements are there for the Atari?

    Full-View 80, by Bit 3 Computer Corporation (1982)
    - Plugs into RAM slot 3 (rear slot) of the Atari 800
    - Composite video output;
    Recommended: Display monitor having a minimum bandwidth of 10MHz
    - 80 x 24 character display (no graphics modes)
    - Characters are in a 8 x 10 matrix with full lowercase descenders
    - Total screen resolution: 640 x 240 pixels
    - At launch, supporting software included:
    - Atari BASIC, BASIC A+, OS/A+, EASMD, Microsoft BASIC (mostly),
    Atari Pascal, Atari Assembler Editor, Atari Macro Assembler (mostly);
    80 column versions of: LJK Letter Perfect, Data Perfect, Edit 6502

    Austin 80, by Austin Franklin Associates (1983)
    - Video Processor Board plugs into RAM slot 3 (rear slot) of the Atari 800;
    Console Software cartridge plugs into right cartridge slot of the Atari 800
    - Composite video output;
    Recommended: Display monitor having a minimum bandwidth of 10MHz
    - 4 RGBI color output bits
    - Optional: RGBI Adapter Board for use with (color) RGB monitor
    - 80 x 25 character screen (no graphics modes)
    - 7 x 9 character size in a 8 x 10 block, with full descenders
    - Sold separately by Austin Franklin in support of the Austin 80:
    - SWP 64K ATR8000 w/CP/M 2.2; MPP Smart Terminal;
    80 column versions of: LJK Letter Perfect, Data Perfect;
    Austin 80 Console Software

    XEP80 Interface Module, by Atari (1986)
    - Plugs into joystick port 1 or 2
    - Composite video output (high resolution monochrome recommended)
    - Software driver on diskette
    - 80 x 25 character screen (internal 256 x 25 character storage area)
    - 7 x 10 character cells
    - 320 x 200 Pixel Graphics mode
    - See XEP80 section of this FAQ list for additional details

    VBXE - VideoBoard XE
    - First release: Version 1.2 by Tomasz Piorek (Electron/TQA) (2008)
    - Versions 2.0 (2009) and 2.1 (2013) by Sebastian Bartkowicz (Candle)
    - For Atari XL/XE
    - Board mounts in the Atari in place of the ANTIC chip, which is moved to
    the VBXE board. Additional connections must be made between the VBXE board
    and the Atari motherboard as well.
    - Functions like GTIA, though GTIA remains functional as well
    - Provides RGB output (DE-9 or SCART connector options)
    - Up to 1024 colors on screen from 21 bit palette
    - Graphics resolution up to:
    - 640x480i (640x240p) in 64 colors
    - 320x240p in 1024 colors
    - 160x240p in 1024
    - True 80 character mode for text display
    - Blitter with 7 modes of operations capable of zooming displayed data,
    transparency, collision detection and many other features
    - Fully downward compatible with GTIA chip
    - Developer website: http://spiflash.org/block/15.html
    - VBXE 2.1 for XE available: http://lotharek.pl/product.php?pid=82
    - VBXE 2.1 for XL available: http://lotharek.pl/product.php?pid=106
    - VBXE software production list: http://gury.atari8.info/vbxe_prod.php

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

    Subject: 6.11) What types of memory upgrades are there for the Atari?

    Thanks to Andreas Koch for his earlier extensive work on RAMdisk versions.

    This section attempts to list all commercial or hobbyist project upgrades
    to the amount of (volatile) random access memory (RAM) installed in the 8-bit Atari.

    Devices that use non-volatile mass storage media would be listed elsewhere in this FAQ list.

    400/800 Memory Upgrades
    -----------------------
    As intended by Atari, RAM management in the 800 is accomplished in hardware
    via the presence of one, two, or three 8KiB or 16KiB RAM Module boards in the computer's three RAM slots, for a system of 8KiB, 16KiB, 24KiB, 32KiB, 40KiB, or 48KiB of RAM. The 400 was designed to use a single internal 8KiB, 16KiB,
    or 32KiB RAM board of the same design as those for the 800 (though Atari only offered the 400 in 8KiB or 16KiB RAM versions).

    - 4KiB boards
    These make an additional 4KiB available to the computer in the 4KiB of
    memory address space (49152-53247 or $C000-$CFFF), unused by the 400/800
    hardware or Operating System, directly beyond the normal 48KiB RAM address
    space as intended for use by Atari. These can be used with standard 8KiB,
    16KiB, 24KiB, 32KiB, 40KiB, or 48KiB RAM systems. See also: 52KiB boards
    - Ramrod, by Newell Industries (800 personality board), 1982
    - MEM/EX, by Prairie Physics (800 personality board), 1983
    - Impossible!, by Computer Software Services (CSS) (400/800), 1984
    - 4K Static RAM-Pac board also sold separately by CSS
    - The Gap, by Computer Support (400/800), 1985
    - 8KiB boards
    Boards may be used in any 800 RAM slot or in the 400 internal RAM slot.
    - Atari CX852 (remove board from case for installation inside the 400)
    - 16KiB boards/upgrades
    Boards may be used in any 800 RAM slot or in the 400 internal RAM slot.
    - Atari CX853 (remove board from case for installation inside the 400)
    - JACC 16K (1980; first non-Atari memory expansion board)
    - Microtek AT-16 / AMB-16 (no imprint on board)
    - Intec 16K
    - Anderson Peripherals / Tiny Tek 16K Memory Board (800 only - why???)
    - Bontek 16K
    - Mosaic 8K to 16K RAM Expansion Kit (400)
    - 32KiB boards/upgrades
    A 32KiB board, "properly" designed, may be used in 3 places: in the 400
    internal RAM slot, or in either of the first two RAM slots in the 800. Less
    rigorous designs do not work in the 800 first RAM slot. In the 800 a 32KiB
    board must be installed in combination with an 8KiB or 16KiB board also in
    slot 1 or 2, or utilize another solution that taps the other slot for the
    necessary chip select lines.
    - Axlon RamCram / Rampower 32 (400 or 800 middle RAM slot)
    - Mosaic 32K RAM Board (400 or 800 first two RAM slots)
    - Optional Companion Board for use in the 800 without another RAM board
    - Mosaic Expander is the same but shipped with 16KiB and sockets for
    16KiB RAM chips taken from a 16KiB board
    - Mosaic Adapter is the same but shipped with no memory but sockets for
    32KiB in RAM chips taken from two 16KiB boards.
    - Microtek AMB-32 (400 or 800 middle RAM slot) (no imprint on board)
    - MPC Peripherals Corp AT-32 (400 or 800 middle RAM slot)
    - Same as earlier Microtek AMB-32 but with "MPC AT-32" imprint
    - Microtek AMB-32A (400 or 800 first two RAM slots)
    - board: "Microtek AMB-32"
    - "Slot Independent Memory Card"
    - Intec 32K MM1632 (400 or 800 first two RAM slots) (1982)
    - Anderson Peripherals / Tiny Tek 32K Memory Board
    - Bit 3 32K Memory Plus (400 or 800 middle RAM slot)
    - Tech-Data (TD) 32K
    - Calisto Computers 32K (400)
    - Austin Franklin 32K Austin Board (400 or 800 first two RAM slots)
    - Optional 32K Loopback for use without another RAM board
    - Bontek 32K
    - High Country MicroSystems (HCMS) Ram-Page 32K
    - Tara Computer Products Atari 32K RAM
    - HardStuff 32K RAM Board
    - 48KiB boards/upgrades
    If designed for the 400, these must modify the computer to support the S4
    and S5 RAM chip select lines and, for continued cartridge support, the RAM
    deselect lines RD4 and RD5 as all supported in the 800. If designed for the
    800, these boards are used in the middle RAM slot, and must modify the
    computer or utilize another solution that taps the S0 and S1 RAM chip select
    lines from slot 1. Also, these physically used 64KiB in DRAM chips because
    such designs were much simpler and less expensive than a design using chips
    actually totaling 48KiB.
    - Intec 48K MM6448 (400) (1981)
    - Dynamic Technologies 48K Memory Expansion Kit (400)
    - Axlon RamCram Plus / RamPower 48 (400). Two installation options:
    - 40KiB available, or 48KiB with supplied board in cartridge slot
    - No computer modification required
    - 48KiB available (requires computer modification)
    - Sar-An Computer Products (SCP) 48K (400)
    - Neotechnic Industries (NTI) 48K Ram Kit (400 or 800)
    - Micro Systems Exchange (MSX) 48K Upgrade Kit (400)
    - Austin Franklin 48K Austin Board (400 or 800)
    - Optional 48K Loopback card required for use in the 800
    - Mosaic 48K Ram Kit (400)
    - Maplin/Mapsoft 48K RAM card (400)
    - Calisto Computers 48K (400)
    - Essence Peripheral 48K
    - Polly Products 48400 (400)
    - Xtra HardWare XTRA48 (400 or 800)
    - Tara Computer Products 48K RAM for the Atari 400
    - A 48K Upgrade For Your 400, project by Claus Buchholz, MACE Newsletter,
    (Michigan Atari Computer Enthusiasts), 9/82
    - Atari 400 48K Memory Modification Instructions, by Gary A. Crowell with
    Steven P. Davies, (c)1983
    - Atari 48K RAM Expansion Kit (400) (June 1983)
    - 52KiB boards/upgrades
    These have the same features/capabilities as 48KiB boards/upgrades but make
    an additional 4KiB available to the computer in the 4KiB of memory address
    space (49152-53247 or $C000-$CFFF), unused by the 400/800 hardware or
    Operating System, directly beyond the normal 48KiB RAM address range. The
    result is 52KiB of continuous, non-banked RAM available while still running
    the standard 400/800 OS in memory as well.
    - Tiny Tek 48K/52K (400 only)
    - Newell 48/52K Ram Board (400 or 800)
    - Xtra HardWare XTRA52 (400 or 800)
    - 64KiB and up boards/upgrades
    Surpassing the limit of 52KiB continuous RAM address space available in the
    400/800 requires a memory-banking scheme for using software-selectable
    memory banks that share a range of memory addresses within the normal 52KiB
    RAM address range. Atari never offered such a solution, but several
    different third-party schemes emerged.
    "Axlon" bank-selection type
    Banks are 16KiB, visible at 16384-32767 ($4000-$7FFF). Bank selection is
    controlled by writing a bank number to ANY address in the ranges 4032-4095
    ($0FC0-$0FFF) (mirror) OR 53184-53247 ($CFC0-$CFFF) (latter range
    recommended by Axlon; byte 53247 ($CFFF) used by popular convention).
    A value of 0 selects the main/normal bank, and values from 1 to 255 select
    an extended bank. Scheme supports up to 4080KiB of banked RAM (255 banks of
    16KiB each) for a total system RAM potential of 4128KiB (4080KiB + 48KiB).
    - Axlon RamDisk / RamPower 128 (800 middle RAM slot)(1981)
    Provides 8 16KiB banks of memory, one of which is available to the
    computer at a time as part of the normal RAM of up to 48KiB. With a
    total of 32KiB installed in the other two RAM slots, the total system
    potential is 160KiB.
    - Toggle switch supports configuration as 128KiB or 16KiB for added
    software compatibility
    - Shipped with CREATE utility that modifies Atari DOS 2.0S into:
    Axlon RamDisk MMS V1.0 (Memory Management System) (D4: RAMdisk)
    - 1st 3rd-party Axlon-compatible RAMdisk: ADS Integrater (1983)
    - Detailed elsewhere in this FAQ List (800 personality boards)
    - Newell Industries 128K RAM Upgrade for 800 (800 middle RAM slot)
    Provides 8 16KiB banks of memory, one of which is available to the
    computer at a time as part of the normal RAM of up to 48KiB. With a
    total of 32KiB installed in the other two RAM slots, the total system
    potential is 160KiB.
    - Crystal Computer Products (CCP) 128 K RAMCard (800 middle RAM slot)(1986)
    Provides 8 16KiB banks of memory, one of which is available to the
    computer at a time as part of the normal RAM of up to 48KiB. With a
    total of 32KiB installed in the other two RAM slots, the total system
    potential is 160KiB.
    - Can be configured as 128KiB or 16KiB for added software compatibility,
    either via jumper pins or via optional hardware switch.
    - Crystal Computer Products (CCP) 256 K RAMCard (800 middle RAM slot)(1986)
    Provides 16 16KiB banks of memory, one of which is available to the
    computer at a time as part of the normal RAM of up to 48KiB. With a
    total of 32KiB installed in the other two RAM slots, the total system
    potential is 288KiB.
    - Can be configured as 256KiB or 16KiB for added software compatibility,
    either via jumper pins or via optional hardware switch.
    - Super Products SuperRAM
    (256KiB piggyback board for 16KiB board in middle RAM slot)
    Provides 16 16KiB banks of memory, one of which is available to the
    computer at a time as part of the normal RAM of up to 48KiB. With a
    total of 48KiB installed in the three RAM slots, the total system
    potential is 304KiB.
    - Magna Systems Ramcharger 256K (800 middle RAM slot)(1986)
    Provides 16 16KiB banks of memory, one of which is available to the
    computer at a time as part of the normal RAM of up to 48KiB. With a
    total of 32KiB installed in the other two RAM slots, the total system
    potential is 288KiB. Includes on-off switch for added compatibility.
    - Magna Systems Ramcharger 512K (800 middle RAM slot)(1986)
    Provides 32 16KiB banks of memory, one of which is available to the
    computer at a time as part of the normal RAM of up to 48KiB. With a
    total of 32KiB installed in the other two RAM slots, the total system
    potential is 544KiB. Includes on-off switch for added compatibility.
    - Magna Systems Ramcharger 1MiB (800 middle RAM slot)(1986)
    Provides 64 16KiB banks of memory, one of which is available to the
    computer at a time as part of the normal RAM of up to 48KiB. With a
    total of 32KiB installed in the other two RAM slots, the total system
    potential is 1056KiB. Includes on-off switch for added compatibility.
    - Incognito, by Sebastian Bartkowicz (Candle'O'Sin), 2012
    - 1MiB Axlon compatible memory expansion for Colleen mode
    - Device detailed elsewhere in this FAQ list (800 personality boards)
    "Mosaic" bank-selection type
    Banks are 4KiB, visible at 49152-53247 or $C000-$CFFF. Writes to 65472-
    65507 or $FFC0-$FFE3 enable specific banks (65472 or $FFC0 = bank 0, 65473
    or $FFC1 = bank 1, etc.). Writes to 65280-65471 or $FF00-$FFBF, or to
    65508-65535 or $FFE4-$FFFF, disable all banks. Scheme supports 36 banks,
    for a total system potential of 192KiB (48KiB + 36 banks of 4KiB).
    - Mosaic 64K Ram Select (400 or 800 any RAM slot) (400/800 version or early
    400-only version) (1982)
    - Single board provides 48KiB "hard-wired" plus 4 banks of 4KiB
    addressed directly beyond the normal 48KiB limit, for 52KiB of
    continuous memory available to the computer.
    - In the 800, may be used in combinations including two 16KiB boards,
    one 32KiB board, one 16KiB board and one 32KiB board, or with one or
    two additional Mosaic 64K Ram Select boards (total of 10 possible
    configurations). Each 64K Ram Select allows the computer to see all
    the memory of the other boards, makes enough of its own memory
    available to the computer to reach the continuous RAM limit of 52K,
    and makes the rest of its memory available to the computer in banks of
    4KiB addressed directly beyond the normal 48KiB limit. Total system
    potential with three 64K Ram Select boards is 192KiB (48KiB + 36 banks
    of 4KiB).
    - Cable Kit/Cable Connectors #1 required in 400 or with first 64K Ram
    Select in 800; Cable Kit/Cable Connectors #2 required with 2nd or 3rd
    64K Ram Select in 800; use of one 64K Ram board with one 32KiB board
    requires Companion Board in middle RAM slot in 800
    - 48K Boot Fix program included for compatibility with software written
    to treat more than 48KiB available as not enough memory available.
    - Software sold separately by Mosaic:
    - Handyman by Holiday Software (software utility package; routines
    reside in bank select RAM; useable with BASIC and Assembler Editor)
    - SuperDrive by Starship Enterprises (c)1983 H.V. Stacey (Stace)
    - GENVDOS installation program modifies Atari DOS 2.0S to support
    a Mosaic RAMdisk, and to support DUP.SYS and/or MEM.SAV residing
    on the RAMdisk.
    - Included with later 64K Ram Select units
    Neither Axlon nor Mosaic bank-selection type (but very similar to Axlon)
    - A 48K Upgrade For Your 400, project by Claus Buchholz, MACE Newsletter
    (Michigan Atari Computer Enthusiasts), 9/82, including "Suggestions for a
    64K Modification" ("MACE Mod")
    Provides one 16KiB bank of memory, bank-switched with the "middle" 16KiB
    of the 48KiB RAM, visible at 16384-32767 or $4000-$7FFF, for a system
    total of 64KiB RAM. Write a 1 to a memory location between $D700 and
    $D7FF (55040 to 55295 decimal; byte 55295 ($D7FF) used by popular
    convention) to enable the banked memory; write a 0 to the same location
    to disable banked memory.
    - Atari 800 Plus 256K, project by David G. Byrd
    48KiB of normal user memory and 240KiB of "extended memory". Uses the
    $4000-$7FFF banked region, with bank selection at $D7xx (byte 55295
    ($D7FF) used by popular convention). Versions:
    - 1983 original (WHERE????)
    - July 1985 S.N.A.C.C. Newsletter (Southern Nevada Atari Computer Club)
    - Revision A - Oct 1985.
    - Computer Shopper magazine, Feb 1987
    - Rev: D, Ver. 1.6 (maybe this is the Computer Shopper version?)
    Also available:
    - Extended Memory Diagnostics for 800 Plus, by David G. Byrd
    - Axlon RAMdisk compatible Modification for 800+ 256K, by David Byrd
    - EMDE/OS (Extended Memory Disk Emulator Operating System) by
    H. V. Stacey (stace) (1983) modifies DOS 2.0S to produce EMDE/OS with
    240KiB RAMdisk support.
    - COPY288K.BAS - Backup Atari 288K by Clifford Caywood
    - MYDOSPLS is a patch file for using MYDOS
    - PEEKPOKE.3 by Dan Wess 11/7/85 modifies the DOS 2.5 RAMdisk to use
    the 800 Plus 256K
    - ABDISKIO.XR1 is a modified DISKIO (utility by Bernard E. Oppenbeim)
    to use DOS 2.5 as modified for the 800 Plus 256K
    - Intec 64K MM6464 (400)
    - Explicitly supported by later versions of MachDOS.
    - Seems rather likely this is a commercialized version of the 48K/64K
    MACE Mod by Claus Buchholz; can anyone confirm????
    - The WindHover Atari 400 SuperRam Modification project by Jay Torres and
    Jerry Rombert, a (1985?) clone of the 48K/64K MACE Mod by Claus Buchholz
    - The Windhover Project memory upgrades for the 800, by Jay Torres.
    96KiB/160KiB/288KiB version appeared in the Manitoba Atari Computer Club,
    October 1985; Windhover DOS sold separately. Essentially the same as the
    Byrd upgrade. WindHover 288K SuperRam version 1986
    - Atari 800 512K RAM Card, by Bob Hays
    - With battery backup
    - http://www.bobhays.com/atari512k.html
    Others, bank-selection type unknown (WHO CAN VERIFY?????)
    - High Country MicroSystems (HCMS) Ram-Page 64K (400 or 800)
    - "For the 800 provides up to 96KiB".
    - Xtra HardWare XTRA64 (400 or 800).
    - HardStuff 64K RAM Board (400 or 800)

    XL/XE Memory Upgrades
    ---------------------
    In Atari XL/XE computers, memory location 54017 ($D301), known as PIA Port B
    or PORTB, is used to manage access to portions of built-in ROM and RAM that share ranges of memory addresses. See another section of this FAQ list describing the Atari memory map and banked memory management for details.

    Memory upgrades that increase the RAM in the 16KiB 600XL to 32KiB or to 48KiB provide the computer with additional main memory only.

    Memory upgrades that increase the RAM in the 600XL to 64KiB (62KiB usable) are designed to give the 600XL the same RAM specifications as the 800XL.

    Memory upgrades that increase the RAM of a 64KiB XL/XE computer to 128KiB (126KiB usable) are designed to give the computer the same RAM specifications as the 130XE.

    In the 130XE there are 4 16KiB extended RAM banks available at 16384- 32767/$4000-$7FFF, where banks are selected using bits 2-3 of PORTB. XL/XE memory upgrades to more than 128KiB RAM provide additional 16KiB extended RAM banks at 16384-32767/$4000-$7FFF, and the additional banks are selected using additional bits of PORTB. This may result in loss of functionality otherwise associated with the co-opted bits of PORTB.

    "True ANTIC banking" describes the ability, as in the 130XE, for the 6502, ANTIC, both, or neither, to access the currently-selected bank of "extra" memory, based on the settings of PORTB bits 4-5 (CBE and VBE).

    EXCEPTIONS -- Did not utilize the 130XE RAM banking standard:
    - "The Quarter-Meg Atari 800XL" project by Claus Buchholz, Byte 9/85,
    designed before the release of the 130XE, used a system of eight 32KiB
    banks.

    - The Atari 130XE Memory Upgrade project by Rich Andrews (FREDDIE version
    adds 32 RAM chips; C025953 versions adds 24 RAM chips) used a system of
    four banks of 64KiB (adding to the computer's main 64KiB RAM, for a total
    of 320KiB system RAM, with the loss of internal BASIC).

    32KiB system total, for the 600XL
    - RC Systems AM2, plugs into the PBI, 1984
    - W.E.Electronics 16KiB, plugs into the PBI, 1985
    - Card could be upgraded from 16KiB to 32KiB
    48KiB system total, for the 600XL
    - RC Systems AM1, plugs into the PBI, 1984
    - FirstWare (Mosaic) 48K Expander (internal), 1984
    - Expander Package Upgrade Kit upgrades 48K Expander to 64K
    - W.E.Electronics 32KiB, plugs into the PBI, 1985
    64KiB system total, for the 600XL
    - 64KiB internal daughterboard by BOT Engineering, 1983. Possibly only
    installed in some new 600XL units for sale in Canada and never marketed
    directly to consumers.
    - Atari 1064, plugs into the PBI, 1984
    - Provides pass-through interface for additional PBI devices
    - Only 48KiB of 64KiB in DRAM chips is used; the computer's internal
    16KiB RAM remains enabled as well for 64KiB system total
    - MPP MicroRam 64K Memory Board, plugs into the PBI, 1984
    - RC Systems AM64, plugs into the PBI, 1984
    - FirstWare (Mosaic) 64K Expander (internal), 1984
    - W.E.Electronics 48KiB, plugs into the PBI, 1985
    - 600XL 64K Kit, by Computer Service Land (internal), 1986
    - 600XL to 64K RAMKit, by Computer Support, 1986
    - 600XL to 64K internal upgrade kit, York Computer Centre, 1987
    - Atari 600XL to 64K RAM project by Ken Sumrall, 1987
    - Innovative Concepts Ramdrive + 64K (16KiB to 64KiB internal), 1987
    - 64K Upgrade for 600XL project by Don Neff, February 1988 issue of
    Michigan Atari Magazine
    128KiB system total (Atari 130XE standard)
    PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 2,3
    2 bank-selection bits allows selection of 2^2 = 4 16KiB memory banks.
    - Innovative Concepts Ramdrive + 128K (65XE 64KiB to 128KiB)
    - True ANTIC banking
    - Innovative Concepts Ramdrive + XE-GM1 (XEgs 64KiB to 128KiB) (1988)
    - True ANTIC banking
    - Innovative Concepts Ramdrive + XL to XE (800XL/600XL 64KiB to 128KiB)
    - True ANTIC banking ("including Extended Antic modes") (1989)
    192KiB system total
    PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 2,3,6
    3 bank-selection bits allows selection of 2^3 = 8 16KiB memory banks.
    - Compy-Shop 128K for 600XL
    - No separate ANTIC banking. (Question: Is 6502/ANTIC banking
    simultaneous, or does ANTIC have no access to banked memory?????)
    - Innovative Concepts Ramdrive + 192K (130XE 128KiB to 192KiB), 1988-11-11
    - True ANTIC banking (?)
    - Innovative Concepts Ramdrive + XE-GM2 (XEgs 128KiB to 192KiB). Upgrade
    for XEgs with IC's XE-GM1 128KiB upgrade already installed.
    - True ANTIC banking
    256KiB system total
    4 bank-selection bits allows selection of 2^4 = 16 16KiB memory banks, but
    there are only 12 "extra" banks available because these REPLACE the
    computer's main 64KiB RAM.
    "Newell" bank-selection type
    PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 2,3,5,6 (only 12 banks available)
    PORTB Bit 5 use is inverted relative to the later "Rambo" type.
    - Newell Industries 256KXL for 800XL/1200XL, ANTIC 'E' required, 1985
    - ANTIC has no access to banked memory
    - Main memory is protected from bank-selection.
    - Shipped with MYDOS 4.x
    - SCXM Sector Copier (1985) sold separately
    - 256KXL Mods published by Newell
    1. Allow 6502/ANTIC simultaneous banked memory access via PORTB bit 4
    2. Main memory can be bank-selected.
    - NOTE: After the RAMBO XL gained strong marketplace acceptance, the
    Newell 256KXL was replaced with the Newell 256KXLE, see below.
    "Rambo" bank-selection type
    PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 2,3,5,6 (only 12 banks available)
    PORTB bit 5 use is inverted relative to the earlier "Newell" type.
    - 130XE-Compatible 800XL 256K Upgrade, project by Claus Buchholz
    - Revision of his "Quarter-Meg Atari 800XL" project
    - 6502/ANTIC banking is simultaneous only, controlled by PORTB bit 4
    - Main memory can be bank-selected.
    - Ramaster, by ABC Consulting, for 800XL
    - Commercialized version of the Buchholz 130XE-Compatible 800XL 256K
    - 6502/ANTIC banking is simultaneous only, controlled by PORTB bit 4
    - Main memory can be bank-selected.
    - RAMBO XL by ICD, for 800XL or 1200XL, 1986
    - Commercialized version of upgrade of same name by Madison Area Atari
    Users Group (MAAUG) published Oct-Nov 1985, itself a close derivative
    of the Buchholz 130XE-Compatible 800XL 256K Upgrade.
    - 6502/ANTIC banking is simultaneous only, controlled by PORTB bit 4
    - Main memory can be bank-selected.
    - 800XE PLUS, by Triple "C" Computer, for 800XL or 1200XL, 1986
    - 6502/ANTIC banking is simultaneous only, controlled by PORTB bit 4
    "It's entirely compatible with the 130XE"
    - 256k RAM for 800XL, by Computer Support, 1986 (may be "Newell" type????)
    - "Includes Ramdisc software for all DOS systems"
    - "Full 130XE compatibility"
    - Magna Systems Ramcharger 256K for 800XL or 1200XL, 1987
    - ANTIC has no access to banked memory.
    - Innovative Concepts Ramdrive + XL (800XL 64KiB to 256KiB), 1987
    - True ANTIC banking (???? mc doubts it)
    - Yorky, design by Dave Malham for York Computer Centre (1987), then
    Richard Gore (1993), for 800XL or 64KiB 600XL
    - Plugs into the PBI
    - Uses the 600XL/800XL power supply; supplies power for the computer
    - 3-way switch: Off, 64K, or 256K
    - 6502/ANTIC banking is simultaneous only, controlled by PORTB bit 4
    - Wizztronics 256K for 800XL, c1990 (by Steve Cohen)
    - 6502/ANTIC banking is simultaneous only, controlled by PORTB bit 4
    - Newell 256KXLE, for 800XL/1200XL, c1991
    - NOTE: Replaced the earlier Newell 256KXL
    - True ANTIC banking
    - Shipped with MYDOS 4.5x and COPY256E sector copier
    - CSS Power Plus, 800XL or 65XE installation
    - True ANTIC banking
    - Atarimax 256k Memory Upgrade for 800XL and 1200XL
    - 6502/ANTIC banking is simultaneous only, controlled by PORTB bit 4
    - Reimaged Rambo XL 256k Memory Upgrade, by Bits of the Past, (2011?)
    - For 800XL or 1200XL
    - 6502/ANTIC banking is simultaneous only, controlled by PORTB bit 4
    - Reimaged Wizztronics 256k Memory Upgrade, by Bits of the Past, (2011?)
    - For 800XL
    - Separate versions for ANTIC C012296 or ANTIC C021697
    - 6502/ANTIC banking is simultaneous only, controlled by PORTB bit 4
    - SuperRAM, by Super Products, for 600XL/800XL
    - No soldering required
    - 6502/ANTIC banking is simultaneous only, controlled by PORTB bit 4 320KiB system total
    4 bank-selection bits allows selection of 2^4 = 16 16KiB memory banks.

    [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]

    - Connects to Atari 400/800 joystick ports 3+4
    - Output: Routed via SIO to normal Atari Sound Output; also provides
    auxiliary output jack (phono jack) for optional external speaker
    - SIO port for daisy chain
    - SIO Audio Input signal is combined with the device's sound output
    - Votrax SC-01-A Speech Synthesizer chip
    - Draws its power from the Atari joystick ports
    - Software: Machine Language Driver, Word Editor, Sentence Builder,
    Dictionary, Word Blaster

    Voice Box by The Alien Group, 1982
    - Built-in SIO cable - must end SIO daisy chain
    - Output: Routed via SIO to normal Atari Sound Output
    - Votrax SC-01-A Speech Synthesizer chip
    - Draws its power from the Atari
    - Cassette or Disk includes Random Sentence Generator and Talking Face

    Voice-Box II by The Alien Group, 1983
    - Built-in SIO cable - must end SIO daisy chain
    - Output: Routed via SIO to normal Atari Sound Output
    - Votrax SC-01-A Speech Synthesizer chip
    - Draws its power from the Atari
    - Disks include 5 games:
    Concentration, Stud Poker, Spelling, Acey Deucey, Green Goblins

    Cheap-Talk: Build Your Own Speech Synthesizer project
    - By Lee Brilliant, M.D., ANALOG #29, April 1985, pages 59-67
    - Connects to joystick ports 1+2, or ports 3+4 (400/800)
    - Output: external speaker, or connects to SIO for output via normal Atari
    Sound Output
    - General Instrument SP0256-AL2 speech synthesizer chip
    - Draws its power from the Atari

    Atari Speaks project, by Kevin Griffin, Page 6 #19 Jan/Feb86
    - Connects to joystick ports 1+2, or ports 3+4 (400/800)
    - Output: Built-in speaker
    - General Instrument SP0256-AL2 speech synthesizer chip
    - Draws its power from the Atari

    Talking Typewriter project, by Bill Marquardt, ANTIC Jan87
    - Connects to joystick ports 1+2
    - Output: external speaker, or connects to SIO for output via normal Atari
    Sound Output
    - General Instrument SP0256-AL2 speech synthesizer chip
    - Draws its power from the Atari

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

    Subject: 6.8) What sound digitizers/samplers were produced for the Atari?

    These are hardware/software analog/digital (A/D) audio conversion solutions that record an analog audio input signal as digital data for storage or playback. Some of these use the Atari's native 8-bit analog/digital
    conversion capability (potentiometer ports), and for playback most of these utilize the Atari's native support for 4-bit pulse-code modulation (PCM or "Volume Control Only" or "Volume Only") sound output.

    - Talk is Cheap project by Ed Stewart, Antic v2n4 Jul83 pp 64-66
    https://www.atarimagazines.com/v2n4/talkischeap.html
    - Device plugs into joystick port 3
    - 8-bit sampling and 4-bit playback using native Atari capabilities
    - Variable sample rate up to about 4.5kHz
    - Parrot, by Tony Ramos for Alpha Systems, 1985
    - Parrot Audio Interface (paddle-like device) plugs into joystick port 2
    Includes mini-plug input jack for microphone, includes jumper wire for
    powered sound source
    - Sample rate of up to 8kHz; longer recording times reduce the sample rate
    - Software included: SAMPLER, EMULATOR, PLAYER, GUESSNUM
    - Uses .DIG digitized audio file format
    - Distributed separately: Parrot Demo, Pre-Recorded Sounds, Pop-N-Rocker
    - Voice Master, by Covox, 1985
    - "Speech and music processor"
    - Functions: Speech synthesizer, word recognition, "Voice Harp"
    - Plugs into Joystick port 2
    - Shipped with headset that plugs into unit's Mike and Ear mini-phone jacks
    - Draws its power from the Atari
    - Software included:
    Demo program, Bargraph, Calculator, Clock, Blackjack, Composer, Calibrate
    - Software sold separately by Covox:
    - Speech Construction Set
    - Talking Disk
    - Digital-Mikrofon, by Zain, 1985? (Released?)
    - Input and output connectors, via joystick controller ports
    - Software included
    - See Happy Computer #11 Nov85 p130
    - Replay, by 2 Bit Systems, 1986
    - Cartridge device includes built-in cable with phono audio input jack
    - Sample rate selectable from 6kHz to 21kHz
    - 8-bit sampling depth; 4-bit playback with supplied software
    - Software included: Replay (sampling/playback), DigiDrum, DigiSynth, Echo
    - V2.0 Replay program with reverse and trigger options
    - Distributed separately:
    - Percussion Master
    - External D/A and filter, plugs into joystick ports 1 & 2
    - Enhances Replay software with 8-bit playback
    - DigiDrum II (can use Replay samples)
    - Package later marketed by Gralin International, 1992
    - Soundmeister, by Irata, 1986/1987? (Released?)
    - See ad in Atari Magazin 2/87 p9
    - Released for the Atari ST instead?
    See: http://www.stcarchiv.de/am1987/06/meister-digitizer-videomeister
    - Micro-Voice, by 2 Bit Systems, 1987
    - Cable plugs into joystick port, records from a tape recorder/hi-fi
    - 8-bit sampling and 4-bit playback using native Atari capabilities
    - Software included: Micro-Seq, Micro-Synth, Echo, Sampler
    - Parrot II, by Tony Ramos for Alpha Systems, 1987
    - Parrot II Audio Interface (paddle-like device) plugs into joystick port,
    has two input jacks, one for a microphone, one for a powered source
    - V 2.0 software enhanced for 128KiB RAM of the 130XE
    - Fully compatible with software for the original Parrot by Alpha Systems
    - Sound'N'Sampler, by Ralf David, 1987
    - Device plugs into joystick controller port 1
    - 4-bit sampling depth
    - 4-bit playback using native Atari capabilities
    - Software included: Digital-Data-Editor
    - Voice Master Junior, by Covox, 1988?
    - Plugs into Joystick port
    - Built-in microphone
    - Draws its power from the Atari
    - Fully compatible with software for the original Voice Master by Covox
    - Sound Sampler, project by Andreas Binner and Harald Schoenfeld (PPP) for
    Atari magazin, 1/89 pp.44-49; for corrections: 5/89 p.84
    - Device plugs into two joystick controller ports
    - 67kHz sampling rate
    - 8-bit sampling depth
    - 4-bit playback using native Atari capabilities
    - Software: Sound Sampler (source listing), Sampler XL (boot file)
    - Antic Sampling Processor project by Steven Lashower, Antic v8n8 Feb/Mar90
    https://www.atarimagazines.com/v8n8/anticsamplingproc.html
    - Loosely based on "Talk is Cheap" project (see above)
    - Device plugs into joystick port 2
    - 8-bit sampling and 4-bit playback using native Atari capabilities
    - Sampling rate approaching 5kHz
    - MIMI Playback software feature requires Hybrid Arts MIDIMate interface
    - Sample Cartridge by Alphasys Hardware, 1991
    - Two audio input phono jacks for sampling two signals/stereo at once
    (into single signal/mono audio)
    - 8-bit sampling depth
    - 4-bit playback with supplied software by Solarsystems
    - Software compatible with the Replay cartridge by 2 Bit Systems
    - A/D Converter, by Mirage, 1993
    - Cartridge, with built-in cable to connect to a headphone output
    - 4-bit sampling depth
    - Software included: Audio Master
    - Supports XL/XE extended memory
    - http://atariki.krap.pl/index.php/Mirage_AD_Converter

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

    Subject: 6.9) What sound upgrades (stereo or 8-bit PCM) are there?

    This section lists programmable system modifications or devices that upgrade the audio capabilities of the Atari. Devices or modifications that manipulate the standard Sound Output beyond the software control of the Atari are not listed here.

    Bits 'N' Pieces: POPS, project by Lee S. Brilliant, ANALOG #66 Nov. 1988,
    pages 54-60
    - External device connects to the Atari SIO port, using pin 1 (Clock Input)
    and pin 2 (Clock Output) to tap into the separate Atari audio voices
    independently, before the system mixes them into the normal single-channel
    Sound Output signal.
    - POPS provides either stereo (Left and Right) or three (Left, Center, and
    Right) audio output channels.
    - Two channel operation: POKEY voice 4 is output to the POPS Left Speaker
    (via SIO pin 2); POKEY voices 1-3 are output to the POPS Right Speaker
    (via the normal system Sound Output)
    - Three channel operation: POKEY voice 2 is output to the Left Speaker (via
    SIO pin 2); POKEY voice 4 is output to the POPS Center speaker (via SIO
    pin 1); POKE voices 1 and 3 are output to the POPS Right Speaker (via the
    normal system Sound Output)
    - Software: POKEY Player by Craig Chamberlain, modified by Lee Brilliant M.D.

    Pokey Stereo Upgrade project by C. Steinman, 12/16/1989 ("GUMBY upgrade")
    - Original filename: STEREOXL.TXT
    - Achieves stereo output through the addition of a second POKEY chip.
    (The second POKEY chip is referred to as Gumby.)
    - GUMBY upgrade compatibles include:
    - StereoPlus by Gralin International, 1994?
    - Atari 8-Bit in Stereo, by Frankenstein, in Megazine #2, #3, #5:
    http://preview.tinyurl.com/pbgf829
    http://preview.tinyurl.com/of2kk5x
    http://preview.tinyurl.com/pqwh7hq
    - Stereo in the "little" Atari, by Rysowal Monsoft, 2002?
    http://ftp.pigwa.net/stuff/mirror/www.atari.cuprum.com.pl/stereo.htm
    - Stereo by Pasiu/SSG, 2004?
    http://hardware.atari8.info/stereo.php
    - Dual-POKEY Stereo Sound Board, by MetalGuy66, 2006
    http://preview.tinyurl.com/jphxurn
    http://www.rasterline.com/
    - Atari 8 bit stereo upgrade FINAL ("Simple Stereo"), by Lotharek, 2006
    http://lotharek.pl/product.php?pid=45
    - STEREO by C.P.U., 2006
    http://raster.atariportal.cz/hw/stereo/stereo.htm
    - PCB version by Pajero / MadTeam, 2007
    http://madteam.atari8.info/index.php?prod=stereo
    - SimpleStereo by Candle, 2003-2008
    http://www.spiflash.org/block/9.html
    - Stereo Expansion rev.2.1 by Mega-Hz, 2010
    http://www.mega-hz.de/Angebote/Stereo/Stereo_small.html
    - Includes bass boost and GTIA sound amplifier
    - Earlier prototype: Stereo Expansion rev.1.2, 2008
    http://www.mega-hz.de/Angebote/Stereo/Stereo_big.html
    - POKEY stereo / Gumby supporting software:
    http://a8.fandal.cz/search.php?search=stereo&butt_details_x=x

    Stereo Blaster Pro (Programmable), by Portronic/AMC-Verlag (1995?)
    Andreas Koch writes: This add-on had only 1 small paddle, to amplify the
    sound volume; the stereo-sound could be generated via two simple POKE
    statements; a demo disk was included.
    See: http://www.strotmann.de/~highland/amc/amcprogs.html

    "Covox" project, original by Psychol/MadTeam
    - 4 channel, 8-bit sound playback (8-bit PCM)
    - Digital to analog (DAC) converter based on the Covox Speech Thing for PC
    - http://atariki.krap.pl/index.php/Covox
    - Covox compatible projects:
    - Easy 4 channels * 8 bits Covox C/A, by: Gumi/Tight
    http://ftp.pigwa.net/stuff/mirror/www.atari.cuprum.com.pl/covox.htm
    - Covox upgrade by Gumi, re-written by Pigula/Shpoon
    http://ftp.pigwa.net/stuff/mirror/www.atari.cuprum.com.pl/covox_2.htm
    - SimpleStereo by Candle, 2003-2008
    http://www.spiflash.org/block/9.html
    - Covox-supporting software:
    - Inertia 3.7, by Tebe/MadTeam, 1996
    - Inertia 4.5, by Profi/MadTeam
    - Protracker 1.51, by Profi/MadTeam, 1997
    - NeoTracker 1.7, by Epi/Tristesse, 2002-2007
    - More: http://a8.fandal.cz/search.php?search=covox&butt_details_x=x

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

    Subject: 6.10) What graphics enhancements are there for the Atari?

    Full-View 80, by Bit 3 Computer Corporation (1982)
    - Plugs into RAM slot 3 (rear slot) of the Atari 800
    - Composite video output;
    Recommended: Display monitor having a minimum bandwidth of 10MHz
    - 80 x 24 character display (no graphics modes)
    - Characters are in a 8 x 10 matrix with full lowercase descenders
    - Total screen resolution: 640 x 240 pixels
    - At launch, supporting software included:
    - Atari BASIC, BASIC A+, OS/A+, EASMD, Microsoft BASIC (mostly),
    Atari Pascal, Atari Assembler Editor, Atari Macro Assembler (mostly);
    80 column versions of: LJK Letter Perfect, Data Perfect, Edit 6502

    Austin 80, by Austin Franklin Associates (1983)
    - Video Processor Board plugs into RAM slot 3 (rear slot) of the Atari 800;
    Console Software cartridge plugs into right cartridge slot of the Atari 800
    - Composite video output;
    Recommended: Display monitor having a minimum bandwidth of 10MHz
    - 4 RGBI color output bits
    - Optional: RGBI Adapter Board for use with (color) RGB monitor
    - 80 x 25 character screen (no graphics modes)
    - 7 x 9 character size in a 8 x 10 block, with full descenders
    - Sold separately by Austin Franklin in support of the Austin 80:
    - SWP 64K ATR8000 w/CP/M 2.2; MPP Smart Terminal;
    80 column versions of: LJK Letter Perfect, Data Perfect;
    Austin 80 Console Software

    XEP80 Interface Module, by Atari (1986)
    - Plugs into joystick port 1 or 2
    - Composite video output (high resolution monochrome recommended)
    - Software driver on diskette
    - 80 x 25 character screen (internal 256 x 25 character storage area)
    - 7 x 10 character cells
    - 320 x 200 Pixel Graphics mode
    - See XEP80 section of this FAQ list for additional details

    VBXE - VideoBoard XE
    - First release: Version 1.2 by Tomasz Piorek (Electron/TQA) (2008)
    - Versions 2.0 (2009) and 2.1 (2013) by Sebastian Bartkowicz (Candle)
    - For Atari XL/XE
    - Board mounts in the Atari in place of the ANTIC chip, which is moved to
    the VBXE board. Additional connections must be made between the VBXE board
    and the Atari motherboard as well.
    - Functions like GTIA, though GTIA remains functional as well
    - Provides RGB output (DE-9 or SCART connector options)
    - Up to 1024 colors on screen from 21 bit palette
    - Graphics resolution up to:
    - 640x480i (640x240p) in 64 colors
    - 320x240p in 1024 colors
    - 160x240p in 1024
    - True 80 character mode for text display
    - Blitter with 7 modes of operations capable of zooming displayed data,
    transparency, collision detection and many other features
    - Fully downward compatible with GTIA chip
    - Developer website: http://spiflash.org/block/15.html
    - VBXE 2.1 for XE available: http://lotharek.pl/product.php?pid=82
    - VBXE 2.1 for XL available: http://lotharek.pl/product.php?pid=106
    - VBXE software production list: http://gury.atari8.info/vbxe_prod.php

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

    Subject: 6.11) What types of memory upgrades are there for the Atari?

    Thanks to Andreas Koch for his earlier extensive work on RAMdisk versions.

    This section attempts to list all commercial or hobbyist project upgrades
    to the amount of (volatile) random access memory (RAM) installed in the 8-bit Atari.

    Devices that use non-volatile mass storage media would be listed elsewhere in this FAQ list.

    400/800 Memory Upgrades
    -----------------------
    As intended by Atari, RAM management in the 800 is accomplished in hardware
    via the presence of one, two, or three 8KiB or 16KiB RAM Module boards in the computer's three RAM slots, for a system of 8KiB, 16KiB, 24KiB, 32KiB, 40KiB, or 48KiB of RAM. The 400 was designed to use a single internal 8KiB, 16KiB,
    or 32KiB RAM board of the same design as those for the 800 (though Atari only offered the 400 in 8KiB or 16KiB RAM versions).

    - 4KiB boards
    These make an additional 4KiB available to the computer in the 4KiB of
    memory address space (49152-53247 or $C000-$CFFF), unused by the 400/800
    hardware or Operating System, directly beyond the normal 48KiB RAM address
    space as intended for use by Atari. These can be used with standard 8KiB,
    16KiB, 24KiB, 32KiB, 40KiB, or 48KiB RAM systems. See also: 52KiB boards
    - Ramrod, by Newell Industries (800 personality board), 1982
    - MEM/EX, by Prairie Physics (800 personality board), 1983
    - Impossible!, by Computer Software Services (CSS) (400/800), 1984
    - 4K Static RAM-Pac board also sold separately by CSS
    - The Gap, by Computer Support (400/800), 1985
    - 8KiB boards
    Boards may be used in any 800 RAM slot or in the 400 internal RAM slot.
    - Atari CX852 (remove board from case for installation inside the 400)
    - 16KiB boards/upgrades
    Boards may be used in any 800 RAM slot or in the 400 internal RAM slot.
    - Atari CX853 (remove board from case for installation inside the 400)
    - JACC 16K (1980; first non-Atari memory expansion board)
    - Microtek AT-16 / AMB-16 (no imprint on board)
    - Intec 16K
    - Anderson Peripherals / Tiny Tek 16K Memory Board (800 only - why???)
    - Bontek 16K
    - Mosaic 8K to 16K RAM Expansion Kit (400)
    - 32KiB boards/upgrades
    A 32KiB board, "properly" designed, may be used in 3 places: in the 400
    internal RAM slot, or in either of the first two RAM slots in the 800. Less
    rigorous designs do not work in the 800 first RAM slot. In the 800 a 32KiB
    board must be installed in combination with an 8KiB or 16KiB board also in
    slot 1 or 2, or utilize another solution that taps the other slot for the
    necessary chip select lines.
    - Axlon RamCram / Rampower 32 (400 or 800 middle RAM slot)
    - Mosaic 32K RAM Board (400 or 800 first two RAM slots)
    - Optional Companion Board for use in the 800 without another RAM board
    - Mosaic Expander is the same but shipped with 16KiB and sockets for
    16KiB RAM chips taken from a 16KiB board
    - Mosaic Adapter is the same but shipped with no memory but sockets for
    32KiB in RAM chips taken from two 16KiB boards.
    - Microtek AMB-32 (400 or 800 middle RAM slot) (no imprint on board)
    - MPC Peripherals Corp AT-32 (400 or 800 middle RAM slot)
    - Same as earlier Microtek AMB-32 but with "MPC AT-32" imprint
    - Microtek AMB-32A (400 or 800 first two RAM slots)
    - board: "Microtek AMB-32"
    - "Slot Independent Memory Card"
    - Intec 32K MM1632 (400 or 800 first two RAM slots) (1982)
    - Anderson Peripherals / Tiny Tek 32K Memory Board
    - Bit 3 32K Memory Plus (400 or 800 middle RAM slot)
    - Tech-Data (TD) 32K
    - Calisto Computers 32K (400)
    - Austin Franklin 32K Austin Board (400 or 800 first two RAM slots)
    - Optional 32K Loopback for use without another RAM board
    - Bontek 32K
    - High Country MicroSystems (HCMS) Ram-Page 32K
    - Tara Computer Products Atari 32K RAM
    - HardStuff 32K RAM Board
    - 48KiB boards/upgrades
    If designed for the 400, these must modify the computer to support the S4
    and S5 RAM chip select lines and, for continued cartridge support, the RAM
    deselect lines RD4 and RD5 as all supported in the 800. If designed for the
    800, these boards are used in the middle RAM slot, and must modify the
    computer or utilize another solution that taps the S0 and S1 RAM chip select
    lines from slot 1. Also, these physically used 64KiB in DRAM chips because
    such designs were much simpler and less expensive than a design using chips
    actually totaling 48KiB.
    - Intec 48K MM6448 (400) (1981)
    - Dynamic Technologies 48K Memory Expansion Kit (400)
    - Axlon RamCram Plus / RamPower 48 (400). Two installation options:
    - 40KiB available, or 48KiB with supplied board in cartridge slot
    - No computer modification required
    - 48KiB available (requires computer modification)
    - Sar-An Computer Products (SCP) 48K (400)
    - Neotechnic Industries (NTI) 48K Ram Kit (400 or 800)
    - Micro Systems Exchange (MSX) 48K Upgrade Kit (400)
    - Austin Franklin 48K Austin Board (400 or 800)
    - Optional 48K Loopback card required for use in the 800
    - Mosaic 48K Ram Kit (400)
    - Maplin/Mapsoft 48K RAM card (400)
    - Calisto Computers 48K (400)
    - Essence Peripheral 48K
    - Polly Products 48400 (400)
    - Xtra HardWare XTRA48 (400 or 800)
    - Tara Computer Products 48K RAM for the Atari 400
    - A 48K Upgrade For Your 400, project by Claus Buchholz, MACE Newsletter,
    (Michigan Atari Computer Enthusiasts), 9/82
    - Atari 400 48K Memory Modification Instructions, by Gary A. Crowell with
    Steven P. Davies, (c)1983
    - Atari 48K RAM Expansion Kit (400) (June 1983)
    - 52KiB boards/upgrades
    These have the same features/capabilities as 48KiB boards/upgrades but make
    an additional 4KiB available to the computer in the 4KiB of memory address
    space (49152-53247 or $C000-$CFFF), unused by the 400/800 hardware or
    Operating System, directly beyond the normal 48KiB RAM address range. The
    result is 52KiB of continuous, non-banked RAM available while still running
    the standard 400/800 OS in memory as well.
    - Tiny Tek 48K/52K (400 only)
    - Newell 48/52K Ram Board (400 or 800)
    - Xtra HardWare XTRA52 (400 or 800)
    - 64KiB and up boards/upgrades
    Surpassing the limit of 52KiB continuous RAM address space available in the
    400/800 requires a memory-banking scheme for using software-selectable
    memory banks that share a range of memory addresses within the normal 52KiB
    RAM address range. Atari never offered such a solution, but several
    different third-party schemes emerged.
    > "Axlon" bank-selection type
    Banks are 16KiB, visible at 16384-32767 ($4000-$7FFF). Bank selection is
    controlled by writing a bank number to ANY address in the ranges 4032-4095
    ($0FC0-$0FFF) (mirror) OR 53184-53247 ($CFC0-$CFFF) (latter range
    recommended by Axlon; byte 53247 ($CFFF) used by popular convention).
    A value of 0 selects the main/normal bank, and values from 1 to 255 select
    an extended bank. Scheme supports up to 4080KiB of banked RAM (255 banks of
    16KiB each) for a total system RAM potential of 4128KiB (4080KiB + 48KiB).
    - Axlon RamDisk / RamPower 128 (800 middle RAM slot)(1981)
    Provides 8 16KiB banks of memory, one of which is available to the
    computer at a time as part of the normal RAM of up to 48KiB. With a
    total of 32KiB installed in the other two RAM slots, the total system
    potential is 160KiB.
    - Toggle switch supports configuration as 128KiB or 16KiB for added
    software compatibility
    - Shipped with CREATE utility that modifies Atari DOS 2.0S into:
    Axlon RamDisk MMS V1.0 (Memory Management System) (D4: RAMdisk)
    - 1st 3rd-party Axlon-compatible RAMdisk: ADS Integrater (1983)
    - Detailed elsewhere in this FAQ List (800 personality boards)
    - Newell Industries 128K RAM Upgrade for 800 (800 middle RAM slot)
    Provides 8 16KiB banks of memory, one of which is available to the
    computer at a time as part of the normal RAM of up to 48KiB. With a
    total of 32KiB installed in the other two RAM slots, the total system
    potential is 160KiB.
    - Crystal Computer Products (CCP) 128 K RAMCard (800 middle RAM slot)(1986)
    Provides 8 16KiB banks of memory, one of which is available to the
    computer at a time as part of the normal RAM of up to 48KiB. With a
    total of 32KiB installed in the other two RAM slots, the total system
    potential is 160KiB.
    - Can be configured as 128KiB or 16KiB for added software compatibility,
    either via jumper pins or via optional hardware switch.
    - Crystal Computer Products (CCP) 256 K RAMCard (800 middle RAM slot)(1986)
    Provides 16 16KiB banks of memory, one of which is available to the
    computer at a time as part of the normal RAM of up to 48KiB. With a
    total of 32KiB installed in the other two RAM slots, the total system
    potential is 288KiB.
    - Can be configured as 256KiB or 16KiB for added software compatibility,
    either via jumper pins or via optional hardware switch.
    - Super Products SuperRAM
    (256KiB piggyback board for 16KiB board in middle RAM slot)
    Provides 16 16KiB banks of memory, one of which is available to the
    computer at a time as part of the normal RAM of up to 48KiB. With a
    total of 48KiB installed in the three RAM slots, the total system
    potential is 304KiB.
    - Magna Systems Ramcharger 256K (800 middle RAM slot)(1986)
    Provides 16 16KiB banks of memory, one of which is available to the
    computer at a time as part of the normal RAM of up to 48KiB. With a
    total of 32KiB installed in the other two RAM slots, the total system
    potential is 288KiB. Includes on-off switch for added compatibility.
    - Magna Systems Ramcharger 512K (800 middle RAM slot)(1986)
    Provides 32 16KiB banks of memory, one of which is available to the
    computer at a time as part of the normal RAM of up to 48KiB. With a
    total of 32KiB installed in the other two RAM slots, the total system
    potential is 544KiB. Includes on-off switch for added compatibility.
    - Magna Systems Ramcharger 1MiB (800 middle RAM slot)(1986)
    Provides 64 16KiB banks of memory, one of which is available to the
    computer at a time as part of the normal RAM of up to 48KiB. With a
    total of 32KiB installed in the other two RAM slots, the total system
    potential is 1056KiB. Includes on-off switch for added compatibility.
    - Incognito, by Sebastian Bartkowicz (Candle'O'Sin), 2012
    - 1MiB Axlon compatible memory expansion for Colleen mode
    - Device detailed elsewhere in this FAQ list (800 personality boards)
    > "Mosaic" bank-selection type
    Banks are 4KiB, visible at 49152-53247 or $C000-$CFFF. Writes to 65472-
    65507 or $FFC0-$FFE3 enable specific banks (65472 or $FFC0 = bank 0, 65473
    or $FFC1 = bank 1, etc.). Writes to 65280-65471 or $FF00-$FFBF, or to
    65508-65535 or $FFE4-$FFFF, disable all banks. Scheme supports 36 banks,
    for a total system potential of 192KiB (48KiB + 36 banks of 4KiB).
    - Mosaic 64K Ram Select (400 or 800 any RAM slot) (400/800 version or early
    400-only version) (1982)
    - Single board provides 48KiB "hard-wired" plus 4 banks of 4KiB
    addressed directly beyond the normal 48KiB limit, for 52KiB of
    continuous memory available to the computer.
    - In the 800, may be used in combinations including two 16KiB boards,
    one 32KiB board, one 16KiB board and one 32KiB board, or with one or
    two additional Mosaic 64K Ram Select boards (total of 10 possible
    configurations). Each 64K Ram Select allows the computer to see all
    the memory of the other boards, makes enough of its own memory
    available to the computer to reach the continuous RAM limit of 52K,
    and makes the rest of its memory available to the computer in banks of
    4KiB addressed directly beyond the normal 48KiB limit. Total system
    potential with three 64K Ram Select boards is 192KiB (48KiB + 36 banks
    of 4KiB).
    - Cable Kit/Cable Connectors #1 required in 400 or with first 64K Ram
    Select in 800; Cable Kit/Cable Connectors #2 required with 2nd or 3rd
    64K Ram Select in 800; use of one 64K Ram board with one 32KiB board
    requires Companion Board in middle RAM slot in 800
    - 48K Boot Fix program included for compatibility with software written
    to treat more than 48KiB available as not enough memory available.
    - Software sold separately by Mosaic:
    - Handyman by Holiday Software (software utility package; routines
    reside in bank select RAM; useable with BASIC and Assembler Editor)
    - SuperDrive by Starship Enterprises (c)1983 H.V. Stacey (Stace)
    - GENVDOS installation program modifies Atari DOS 2.0S to support
    a Mosaic RAMdisk, and to support DUP.SYS and/or MEM.SAV residing
    on the RAMdisk.
    - Included with later 64K Ram Select units
    > Neither Axlon nor Mosaic bank-selection type (but very similar to Axlon)
    - A 48K Upgrade For Your 400, project by Claus Buchholz, MACE Newsletter
    (Michigan Atari Computer Enthusiasts), 9/82, including "Suggestions for a
    64K Modification" ("MACE Mod")
    Provides one 16KiB bank of memory, bank-switched with the "middle" 16KiB
    of the 48KiB RAM, visible at 16384-32767 or $4000-$7FFF, for a system
    total of 64KiB RAM. Write a 1 to a memory location between $D700 and
    $D7FF (55040 to 55295 decimal; byte 55295 ($D7FF) used by popular
    convention) to enable the banked memory; write a 0 to the same location
    to disable banked memory.
    - Atari 800 Plus 256K, project by David G. Byrd
    48KiB of normal user memory and 240KiB of "extended memory". Uses the
    $4000-$7FFF banked region, with bank selection at $D7xx (byte 55295
    ($D7FF) used by popular convention). Versions:
    - 1983 original (WHERE????)
    - July 1985 S.N.A.C.C. Newsletter (Southern Nevada Atari Computer Club)
    - Revision A - Oct 1985.
    - Computer Shopper magazine, Feb 1987
    - Rev: D, Ver. 1.6 (maybe this is the Computer Shopper version?)
    Also available:
    - Extended Memory Diagnostics for 800 Plus, by David G. Byrd
    - Axlon RAMdisk compatible Modification for 800+ 256K, by David Byrd
    - EMDE/OS (Extended Memory Disk Emulator Operating System) by
    H. V. Stacey (stace) (1983) modifies DOS 2.0S to produce EMDE/OS with
    240KiB RAMdisk support.
    - COPY288K.BAS - Backup Atari 288K by Clifford Caywood
    - MYDOSPLS is a patch file for using MYDOS
    - PEEKPOKE.3 by Dan Wess 11/7/85 modifies the DOS 2.5 RAMdisk to use
    the 800 Plus 256K
    - ABDISKIO.XR1 is a modified DISKIO (utility by Bernard E. Oppenbeim)
    to use DOS 2.5 as modified for the 800 Plus 256K
    - Intec 64K MM6464 (400)
    - Explicitly supported by later versions of MachDOS.
    - Seems rather likely this is a commercialized version of the 48K/64K
    MACE Mod by Claus Buchholz; can anyone confirm????
    - The WindHover Atari 400 SuperRam Modification project by Jay Torres and
    Jerry Rombert, a (1985?) clone of the 48K/64K MACE Mod by Claus Buchholz
    - The Windhover Project memory upgrades for the 800, by Jay Torres.
    96KiB/160KiB/288KiB version appeared in the Manitoba Atari Computer Club,
    October 1985; Windhover DOS sold separately. Essentially the same as the
    Byrd upgrade. WindHover 288K SuperRam version 1986
    - Atari 800 512K RAM Card, by Bob Hays
    - With battery backup
    - http://www.bobhays.com/atari512k.html
    > Others, bank-selection type unknown (WHO CAN VERIFY?????)
    - High Country MicroSystems (HCMS) Ram-Page 64K (400 or 800)
    - "For the 800 provides up to 96KiB".
    - Xtra HardWare XTRA64 (400 or 800).
    - HardStuff 64K RAM Board (400 or 800)

    XL/XE Memory Upgrades
    ---------------------
    In Atari XL/XE computers, memory location 54017 ($D301), known as PIA Port B
    or PORTB, is used to manage access to portions of built-in ROM and RAM that share ranges of memory addresses. See another section of this FAQ list describing the Atari memory map and banked memory management for details.

    Memory upgrades that increase the RAM in the 16KiB 600XL to 32KiB or to 48KiB provide the computer with additional main memory only.

    Memory upgrades that increase the RAM in the 600XL to 64KiB (62KiB usable) are designed to give the 600XL the same RAM specifications as the 800XL.

    Memory upgrades that increase the RAM of a 64KiB XL/XE computer to 128KiB (126KiB usable) are designed to give the computer the same RAM specifications as the 130XE.

    In the 130XE there are 4 16KiB extended RAM banks available at 16384- 32767/$4000-$7FFF, where banks are selected using bits 2-3 of PORTB. XL/XE memory upgrades to more than 128KiB RAM provide additional 16KiB extended RAM banks at 16384-32767/$4000-$7FFF, and the additional banks are selected using additional bits of PORTB. This may result in loss of functionality otherwise associated with the co-opted bits of PORTB.

    "True ANTIC banking" describes the ability, as in the 130XE, for the 6502,

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