• Atari 8-Bit Computers: Frequently Asked Questions (2/31)

    From Michael Current@21:1/5 to Marc G. Frank on Sat Jul 11 11:02:10 2020
    [continued from previous message]

    from November 1979 to May 1983, and was also made by Atari-Wong Co. in Hong Kong from January to May 1983. Serial numbers: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/176199-calling-all-400s/

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

    Subject: 1.3) What is the Atari 800?

    Introduced at a New York news conference on December 14, 1978 alongside the Atari 400 and shipped the following fall, the Atari 800 was the full feature set version of the new Atari personal computer system. The 800 is the only 8- bit Atari with a Right Cartridge slot, in addition to the Left Cartridge slot as present on all 8-bit Ataris. The 800 was originally released with just
    8KiB RAM, many were sold with 16KiB, and later on 48KiB was standard.

    The 800 is the only 8-bit Atari where the Operating System is contained in a plug-in Personality Module (Atari CX801 10K ROM or compatible), and where RAM is contained in one, two, or three plug-in Memory Modules (Atari CX852 8K RAM, Atari CX853 16K RAM, or compatibles). 800 RAM totals of 8KiB, 16KiB, 24KiB, 32KiB, 40KiB, or 48KiB were thus supported by Atari.

    Features unique to the 400/800 models relative to other Atari computers:
    - Television (TV) connecting cable, not designed to be removable, emerges
    directly from center of rear of computer case
    - Four controller (joystick) ports
    - Internal speaker for keyclicks and system buzzer
    - Memo Pad / Blackboard mode
    - 12 volt supply on pin 12 of the SIO port
    - Internal plug-in 400/800 CPU Board (28/56 pin edge connector)

    System initialization types supported:
    - Memo Pad: Turn on computer with no cartridge(s) inserted and no powered
    disk drive #1.
    - Cartridge: Turn on computer with cartridge(s) inserted.
    - Cassette boot: (boot cassette may or may not require cartridge(s) inserted)
    1. Hold down [START] while turning on the computer. (system buzzer sounds)
    2. Press [PLAY] on the program recorder with boot cassette inserted.
    3. Press [RETURN] on the computer.
    - Disk boot: (boot disk may or may not require cartridge(s) inserted)
    Turn on computer with boot disk inserted in powered disk drive #1.

    Versions of the Atari 800:
    o Domestic version ("DOM") for NTSC M television (North America)
    - 1979-1980 systems shipped with:
    - 8KiB of RAM as one CX852 Memory Module
    - 410 Program Recorder
    - Educational System Master Cartridge CXL4001
    - Atari BASIC Programming Language cartridge CXL4002
    - Atari BASIC (Wiley Self-Teaching Guide) book C014385
    - Atari 800 Operator's Manual C014769
    - 1980-1982 systems shipped with:
    - 16KiB of RAM as one CX853 Memory Module
    - Atari BASIC Programming Language cartridge CXL4002
    - Atari BASIC (Wiley Self-Teaching Guide) book C014385
    - BASIC Reference Manual C015307
    - The Atari 800 Home Computer Owner's Guide C060057 REV.1
    (17 pages)
    - 1982-1983 systems shipped with:
    - 48KiB of RAM as 3 CX853 Memory Modules (slot compartment screwed
    shut)
    - The Atari 800 Home Computer Owner's Guide C060057 REV.A
    (13 pages)
    - Microprocessor
    - Most units: 6502 (MOS Technology MCS6502A or equivalent), C014377
    - Late units: 6502 (Atari SALLY), C014806
    - ANTIC NTSC version, C012296
    - Early units: CTIA, C012295
    Most units: GTIA NTSC version, C014805
    - CX801 10K ROM Personality Module
    - Monitor port is Atari 5-pin
    - Channel switch on side of computer selects TV output RF channel: 2 or 3
    - TV Switch Box supplied with computer
    o "PAL"/"UK" versions for PAL B/G television (Western Europe) or PAL I
    television (United Kingdom), respectively
    - Shipped 1981-1983
    - 16KiB RAM (earlier units) or 48KiB RAM (later units)
    - 6502 microprocessor (Atari SALLY), C014806
    - ANTIC PAL 'A' version, C014887
    - GTIA PAL version, C014889
    - CX801-P 10K ROM Personality Module
    - Monitor port is Atari 5-pin
    - Built-in TV connecting cable for TV antenna input
    - Channel switch on side of computer selects TV output RF channel:
    36 (PAL/UK) or 4 (PAL)
    - Manual: The Atari 800 Home Computer Owner's Guide C060497
    o "PTL" version for Peritel television (France) is the same as the "PAL"
    version (for PAL B/G television), but with an added internal Peritel
    Adaptor board CA061034, and added RGB monitor port on the left side of
    the unit toward the rear.
    - Visual tour:
    http://www.atari800xl.eu/hardware/computers/peritel-atari-800.html
    - More pictures: http://msx.fab.free.fr/mpc2/atari/patari80.htm
    - Micro-Ordinateur Atari 800 Manuel D'instructions
    - Rare! See L'Atarien #7 p33 for further reference
    - Discussions:
    http://preview.tinyurl.com/p6myda9
    http://atariage.com/forums/topic/191254-peritel-boards/
    http://atariage.com/forums/topic/38412-8-bit-video-out/?p=455736
    http://www.dragonslairfans.com/smfor/index.php?topic=4997.55;wap2

    4 different types of 800 keyboards were nicely documented by ACML here: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/221978-atari-800-not-xl-keyboard-basics/

    Technical manuals:
    - Atari 400/800 Personal Computer System Service Manual
    - August 1980
    - May 1981
    - Atari 400/800 Home Computer Field Service Manual FD100001
    - June 1982
    - Rev. 02 May 1983
    - Atari 400/800 PAL-UK field service manual FD100002

    Power: Used with an external 9 volt AC transformer power supply rated for at least 19 watts: Atari CA014748 or equivalent (including the Atari CA017964).

    The 800 was manufactured at Atari's plant at 1173 Borregas Ave., Sunnyvale CA from December 1979 to May 1983 (most units), and late units were made by Atari-Wong Co. in Hong Kong in May-June 1983 (rare). Serial numbers: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/242227-calling-all-800s/

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

    Subject: 1.4) What is the Atari 1200XL?

    Introduced in December 1982 and shipped in March 1983, the Atari 1200XL was designed to replace the Atari 800 while maintaining compatibility with the earlier model.

    The project that led to the introduction of the 1200XL had been known inside Atari by names including: "Z800", "Sweet-16" / "S-16", "1000X", "1200X"

    Innovations relative to the 400/800 include a full 64KiB of RAM (62KiB usable) and a significantly revised XL Operating System (ROM expanded from 10KiB to 16KiB).

    The 1200XL is the only 8-bit Atari computer to feature two LED indicator
    lights (L1, L2). Normally they are both <OFF>. L1 <ON> means the keyboard is disabled. L2 <ON> means the new International Character Set is selected.

    Keyboard enhancements introduced with the 1200XL include the new [HELP] key as well as four programmable functions keys ([F1], [F2], [F3], [F4]). Console Speaker sounds (keyclicks and system beeps) output through the built-in
    speaker on the 400/800 are heard from the television or monitor speaker on the 1200XL. The toggle action of the [CAPS] key was altered compared to the 400/800. The key auto-repeat rate is user-alterable. The [RESET] key is directly wired to the SALLY 6502 reset line.

    1200XL Function key effects, redefinable:
    [F1] Cursor up [SHIFT]+[F1] Cursor to upper-left corner (home)
    [F2] Cursor down [SHIFT]+[F2] Cursor to lower-left corner
    [F3] Cursor left [SHIFT]+[F3] Cursor to start of physical line
    [F4] Cursor right [SHIFT]+[F4] Cursor to end of physical line

    1200XL Function key effects, non-redefinable:
    [CONTROL]+[F1] Keyboard enable/disable (console keys unaffected)
    [CONTROL]+[F2] Screen DMA (ANTIC) enable/disable
    [CONTROL]+[F3] Key click sound enable/disable
    [CONTROL]+[F4] Domestic/International character set toggle

    Additional 1200XL Operating System enhancements compared to the 400/800 OS:
    - Dynamic "ATARI" rainbow graphics demo screen
    - Self Test program
    - Automatic quick RAM/ROM integrity check on system start-up. If tests
    fail then the memory self-test routine of the Self Test program launches
    automatically.
    - Text screen fine scrolling is available
    - Universal OS for both NTSC and PAL systems (including independent values
    for cassette timings and for keyboard auto-repeat functions)

    A few features from the 400/800 are lacking in the 1200XL. Most prominently, the 1200XL has only 2 controller ports, and no Memo Pad / Blackboard mode.

    With the 1200XL Atari made an apparent decision to preclude peripherals from drawing their power from the computer via the SIO bus:
    - The 1200XL lacks +12V on SIO pin 12, as was available on the 400/800.
    - On the 1200XL the +5V/Ready line (pin 10) on the SIO port supplies enough
    current for the Ready ("Computer On") function but not enough current for
    peripherals designed to use the line as their power source.
    ("FIX": Replace 100 Ohm resistor R63 with a 0 Ohm to 1 Ohm resistor, or a
    jumper wire.)

    The labels on several of the 1200XL keyboard keys differ slightly from those
    of the 400/800: 400/800 1200XL
    [CTRL] --> [CONTROL]
    [SYSTEM RESET] --> [RESET]
    [CAPS LOWR] --> [CAPS]
    [DELETE BACK S] --> [DELETE BACK SPACE]
    "Atari logo" key --> "Inverse video" key

    System initialization types supported:
    - Dynamic "ATARI" rainbow graphics demo screen: Turn on computer with no
    cartridge inserted and no powered disk drive #1.
    - Press [HELP] from the "ATARI" logo screen to access Self Test program.
    - Cartridge: Turn on computer with cartridge inserted.
    - Cassette boot: (boot cassette may or may not require cartridge inserted)
    1. Hold down [START] while turning on the computer. (system buzzer sounds)
    2. Press [PLAY] on the program recorder with boot cassette inserted.
    3. Press [RETURN] on the computer.
    - Disk boot: (boot disk may or may not require cartridge inserted)
    Turn on computer with boot disk inserted in powered disk drive #1.

    Box: "A Step Into the Future"

    Single version of the Atari 1200XL:
    o Domestic version for NTSC M television (North America)
    - 6502 microprocessor (Atari SALLY), C014806
    - ANTIC NTSC version, C012296
    - GTIA NTSC version, C014805
    - 16KiB Operating System ROM: XL OS Rev.A, C060616 + C060617
    - Floating Point Package (FPP) included, identical to the 400/800 FPP
    - Rarely installed in serviced units: XL OS Rev.B, C060616B + C060617B
    - Monitor port is Atari 5-pin
    - Pin 5 (chrominance on 800) is not connected
    - Switch Box jack for RF output for TV
    - Channel switch on back of computer selects TV output RF channel: 2 or 3
    - TV Switch Box and TV connecting cable both supplied with computer
    - Manual: The Atari 1200XL Home Computer Owner's Guide C061418

    Power: Used with an external 9 volt AC transformer power supply, input power
    31 VA; Atari CA017964 or equivalent.

    Technical manual:
    - Atari 1200XL Home Computer Field Service Manual FD100217

    1200XL visual tour: http://www.atari800xl.eu/hardware/computers/atari-1200xl.html

    Scott Stilphen mentioned this 1200XL Easter egg on 10 Feb 2006:
    On 1200XLs, if you select 'all tests', when it gets to the keyboard test
    it'll type out the programmer's name.

    The 1200XL was manufactured at Atari's plant at 1215 Borregas Ave., Sunnyvale CA from January 1983 to May 1983, and was also made by Atari Taiwan Manufacturing Corp. from April 1983 to July 1983. Serial numbers: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/107234-1200xl-owners-club-serial-tracker/

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

    Subject: 1.5) What is the Atari 600XL?

    Introduced in June 1983 alongside the 800XL, 1400XL (never shipped), and 1450XLD (never shipped), and shipped that fall, the Atari 600XL was designed
    to replace the Atari 400 while maintaining compatibility with the earlier model.

    The project that led to the introduction of the 600XL had been known inside Atari by names including: "600", "Liz", "Crazy 8", "S-8" / "Sweet-8", "Surely"

    The 600XL/800XL include most of the features of the 1200XL, minus the 4 Function keys, the 2 LED lights, and the "ATARI" logo screen. But both the 600XL and 800XL have the Atari BASIC language built-in. In addition, these
    two systems offer the Parallel Bus Interface (PBI), providing fast parallel access to the heart of the computer.

    Available current on the +5V/Ready line (pin 10) on the SIO port of the 600XL/800XL matches that on the 400/800, restoring compatibility with SIO peripherals designed to draw power from that line which would not work on the 1200XL.

    The 600XL contains 16KiB RAM. The Atari 1064 Memory Module expands the 600XL from 16KiB to 64KiB RAM (62KiB usable).

    System initialization types supported:
    - Atari BASIC: Turn on computer with no cartridge inserted and no powered
    disk drive #1.
    - Self Test program: Hold down [OPTION] while turning on the computer with no
    cartridge inserted and no powered disk drive #1.
    - Cartridge: Turn on computer with cartridge inserted. (disables BASIC)
    - Cassette boot: (boot cassette may or may not require BASIC or cartridge)
    1. - With BASIC or with cartridge (cartridge disables BASIC):
    Hold down [START] while turning on the computer.
    - With no cartridge and without BASIC:
    Hold down both [START] and [OPTION] while turning on the computer.
    (system buzzer sounds)
    2. Press [PLAY] on the program recorder with boot cassette inserted.
    3. Press [RETURN] on the computer.
    - Disk boot: (boot disk may or may not require BASIC or cartridge inserted)
    - With BASIC or with cartridge (cartridge disables BASIC):
    Turn on computer with boot disk inserted in powered disk drive #1.
    - With no cartridge and without BASIC:
    Hold down [OPTION] while turning on computer with boot disk inserted
    in powered disk drive #1.

    Box: "Feature For Feature, Your Best Value"

    Versions of the Atari 600XL:
    o Domestic version for NTSC M television (North America)
    - 6502 microprocessor (Atari SALLY), C014806
    - ANTIC NTSC 'E' version, C021697
    - Possibly some early units incorrectly shipped with ANTIC NTSC
    version C012296, see Tech Tip 20, 8/17/83.
    - GTIA NTSC version, C014805
    - 16KiB Operating System ROM
    - Early/most units: XL OS Rev.1, C062024
    - Later units: XL OS Rev.2, C061598
    - Atari BASIC (8KiB ROM)
    - Most units: Atari BASIC Rev. B, C060302
    - Late units: Atari BASIC Rev. C, C024947
    - No Monitor port
    - Switch Box jack for RF output for TV
    - Channel switch on back of computer selects TV output RF channel: 2 or 3
    - TV Switch Box and TV connecting cable both supplied with computer
    - Manuals:
    - The Atari 600XL Home Computer Owner's Guide C061530 (USA; 21 pages)
    - Atari Computer 600XL C061946 (international; 61 pages)
    - Connection Instructions for NTSC TV Systems C062228 (international)
    - Also included in KX7110 AtariWriter System All-In-One-Pak,
    600XL + 1027 + AtariWriter + paper stock + One Way to Write Anything
    book. http://www.rhod.fr/ataripics/hardwarewriterpackkompleet.jpg
    - A small number of 600XLs were sold with 64KiB RAM. These may have only
    appeared in Canada. The box had a round gold foil sticker reading:
    "64k Memory -- Now with a full 64k of memory built-in." The computer
    contains an internal memory upgrade daughterboard by BOT Engineering
    (based near Toronto).
    o PAL versions for PAL B/G television (Europe) or PAL I television (UK)
    - 6502 microprocessor (Atari SALLY), C014806
    - ANTIC PAL 'B' version, C021698
    - First 24,000 units incorrectly shipped with ANTIC PAL 'A' version
    C014887, see Tech Tip 20, 8/17/83
    - GTIA PAL version, C014889
    - 16KiB Operating System ROM
    - Early/most units: XL OS Rev.1, C062024
    - Later units: XL OS Rev.2, C061598
    - Atari BASIC Rev. B (8KiB ROM), C060302
    - Monitor port is Atari 5-pin
    - Pin 1 (luminance on 800) is not connected
    - Pin 5 (chrominance on 800) is Ground
    - T.V. jack for RF output for TV
    - No TV RF Channel select switch
    - TV output: RF channel 4 (PAL B version) or 36 (PAL G/PAL I versions).
    - RF Cable for TV connection supplied with computer
    - Manuals:
    - Atari Computer 600XL C061946 (international; 61 pages)
    - Connection Instructions for PAL TV Systems C061947
    - Evidence of version localized for Finland:
    http://www.atarimania.com/documents/atari_600xl_manual_finnish.pdf
    - Evidence of version localized for Sweden:
    https://atariage.com/forums/topic/113499-dump-my-atari-os-rom/
    o (A SECAM 600XL ("Pauline") for France was announced but never shipped.)

    5 different types of 600XL/800XL keyboards were nicely documented by Beetle here: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/105170-600800xl-keyboard-variants/

    Technical manual:
    - Atari 600XL Computer Field Service Manual FD100610 REV.1 October 1983

    The 600XL was made by Chelco Sound (Hong Kong) Limited from July to December 1983 (NTSC units with "black label" 7YJ serial numbers), by Atari-Wong Co. in Hong Kong from September 1983 to April 1984 (most NTSC and all PAL units), and by Atari Taiwan Manufacturing Corp. (ATMC) from July to September 1984 (NTSC units). There were also some units assembled at ATMC in July 1985 (NTSC), apparently factory-refurbished from stock originally manufactured earlier.

    The Atari 600XL was utilized by Exidy as an embedded system in their
    Max-A-Flex coin-operated arcade conversion system (configurable to play:
    Astro Chase, Boulder Dash, Bristles, or Flip and Flop).
    (See MyAtari Magazine, January 2003.)

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

    Subject: 1.6) What is the Atari 800XL?

    Introduced in June 1983 alongside the 600XL, 1400XL (never shipped), and 1450XLD (never shipped), and first shipped late that year, the Atari 800XL was designed as the 64KiB RAM (62KiB usable) version of the low-end 600XL. Small quantities of 800XL computers shipped in the U.S. late in 1983, before mass shipments commenced worldwide late winter/early spring, 1984.

    The project that led to the introduction of the 800XL had been known inside Atari by names including: "600", "Liz", "Crazy 8", "S-8" / "Sweet-8",
    "Surely Plus"

    The 600XL/800XL include most of the features of the 1200XL, minus the 4 Function keys, the 2 LED lights, and the "ATARI" logo screen. But both the 600XL and 800XL have the Atari BASIC language built-in. In addition, these
    two systems offer the Parallel Bus Interface (PBI), providing fast parallel access to the heart of the computer.

    Available current on the +5V/Ready line (pin 10) on the SIO port of the 600XL/800XL matches that on the 400/800, restoring compatibility with SIO peripherals designed to draw power from that line which would not work on the 1200XL.

    System initialization types supported:
    - Atari BASIC: Turn on computer with no cartridge inserted and no powered
    disk drive #1.
    - Self Test program: Hold down [OPTION] while turning on the computer with no
    cartridge inserted and no powered disk drive #1.
    - Cartridge: Turn on computer with cartridge inserted. (disables BASIC)
    - Cassette boot: (boot cassette may or may not require BASIC or cartridge)
    1. - With BASIC or with cartridge (cartridge disables BASIC):
    Hold down [START] while turning on the computer.
    - With no cartridge and without BASIC:
    Hold down both [START] and [OPTION] while turning on the computer.
    (system buzzer sounds)
    2. Press [PLAY] on the program recorder with boot cassette inserted.
    3. Press [RETURN] on the computer.
    - Disk boot: (boot disk may or may not require BASIC or cartridge inserted)
    - With BASIC or with cartridge (cartridge disables BASIC):
    Turn on computer with boot disk inserted in powered disk drive #1.
    - With no cartridge and without BASIC:
    Hold down [OPTION] while turning on computer with boot disk inserted
    in powered disk drive #1.

    Box: "More Memory Means More Power"

    Versions of the Atari 800XL:
    o Domestic version for NTSC M television (North America)
    - 6502 microprocessor (Atari SALLY), C014806
    - ANTIC NTSC 'E' version, C021697
    - Substituted in earlier units: ANTIC NTSC version, C012296
    - GTIA NTSC version, C014805
    - 16KiB Operating System ROM: XL OS Rev.2, C061598
    - Atari BASIC (8KiB ROM)
    - Most units: Atari BASIC Rev. B, C060302
    - Late units: Atari BASIC Rev. C, C024947
    - Monitor port is Atari 5-pin
    - Pin 5 (chrominance on 800) is not connected
    - Switch Box jack for RF output for TV
    - Channel switch on back of computer selects TV output RF channel: 2 or 3
    - TV Switch Box and TV connecting cable both supplied with computer
    - Manuals:
    - The Atari 800XL Home Computer Owner's Guide C061589 (USA; 22 pages)
    - Atari Computer 800XL C024450 (international; 64 pages)
    - Connection Instructions for NTSC TV Systems C062228 (international)
    - Some internal pics: https://preview.tinyurl.com/yc9wydqq
    - PAL N version is NTSC version internally modified by Atari's
    distributor in Argentina, Skydata S.A., for 220V/50Hz power and for
    PAL N television/video output
    o PAL versions for PAL B/G television (Europe) or PAL I television (UK)
    - Late unit motherboards (9/84 revision): "800XLF"
    - 6502 microprocessor (Atari SALLY), C014806
    - ANTIC PAL 'B' version, C021698
    - Substituted in earlier units: ANTIC PAL 'A' version, C014887
    - GTIA PAL version, C014889
    - 16KiB Operating System ROM: XL OS Rev.2, C061598
    - Atari BASIC (8KiB ROM)
    - Most units: Atari BASIC Rev. B, C060302
    - Late units: Atari BASIC Rev. C, C024947
    - Monitor port is Atari 5-pin
    - Earlier 1984 units: Pin 5 (chrominance on 800) is not connected
    - 1984-1985 units: Pin 5 is chrominance video (as on the 800)
    - Switch Box jack for RF output for TV
    - No TV RF Channel select switch
    - TV output: RF channel 4 (PAL B version) or 36 (PAL G/PAL I versions)
    - RF Cable for TV connection supplied with computer
    - Manuals:
    - Atari Computer 800XL C024450 (international; 64 pages)
    - Connection Instructions for PAL TV Systems C061947
    - Visual tour:
    http://www.atari800xl.eu/hardware/computers/pal-atari-800xl.html
    - More internal pics: https://preview.tinyurl.com/y878bzle
    o SECAM version (France)
    - Motherboard: "SECAM ROSE"
    - 6502 microprocessor (Atari SALLY), C014806
    - ANTIC PAL 'B' version, C021698
    - FGTIA, C020120
    - Monitor port is Atari SECAM 6-pin
    - No Switch Box jack
    - No TV RF Channel select switch
    - Internal color/monochrome switch
    - TV cable (Monitor port to SCART/Peritel) supplied with computer
    - 16KiB Operating System ROM: XL OS Rev.2, C061598
    - Atari BASIC Rev. C (8KiB ROM), C024947
    - Manuals:
    - Atari Computer 800XL C024450 (international; 64 pages)
    - Connection Instructions for SECAM Television Systems C025342
    - Visual tour:
    http://www.atari800xl.eu/hardware/computers/secam-atari-800xl.html
    - More internal pics: https://preview.tinyurl.com/y85as6s2

    5 different types of 600XL/800XL keyboards were nicely documented by Beetle here: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/105170-600800xl-keyboard-variants/

    Technical manuals:
    - Atari 800XL Computer Field Service Manual FD100740
    - REV. 01 February 1984
    - REV. 02 June 1985

    The 800XL was made by Atari-Wong Co. in Hong Kong from November 1983 to April 1984 (NTSC/PAL units), by Chelco Sound (Hong Kong) Limited from January to May 1984 (NTSC units with "black label" 7YJ serial numbers), and by Atari Taiwan Manufacturing Corp. (ATMC) from March 1984 to April 1985 (NTSC/PAL/SECAM units). There were also some units assembled at ATMC in June 1985 (NTSC), apparently factory-refurbished from stock originally manufactured earlier. Serial numbers: http://atariage.com/forums/topic/132201-800-xl-serial-numbers-secampalntsc/

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

    Subject: 1.7) What is the Atari 65XE?

    Introduced in January 1985 alongside the 130XE, the Atari 65XE was the low-end machine in the new range of XE computers that would replace the Atari 600XL/800XL while maintaining compatibility with the earlier models.

    The 65XE does not include the PBI port as on the 600XL/800XL, but many 65XE machines include the similar (though physically incompatible) Enhanced Cartridge Interface (ECI).

    The 65XE offers 64KiB RAM (62KiB usable), and has the Atari XL OS and Atari BASIC on ROM.

    While 1200XL/600XL/800XL keyboard key labels used capital letters exclusively, on 65XE/130XE keyboards only the first letter of the word is capitalized.
    Also, the [DELETE BACK SPACE] key from the 1200XL/600XL/800XL is labeled [Delete Bk Sp] on the 65XE/130XE.

    System initialization types supported:
    - Atari BASIC: Turn on computer with no cartridge inserted and no powered
    disk drive #1.
    - Self Test program: Hold down [Option] while turning on the computer with no
    cartridge inserted and no powered disk drive #1.
    - Cartridge: Turn on computer with cartridge inserted. (disables BASIC)
    - Cassette boot: (boot cassette may or may not require BASIC or cartridge)
    1. - With BASIC or with cartridge (cartridge disables BASIC):
    Hold down [Start] while turning on the computer.
    - With no cartridge and without BASIC:
    Hold down both [Start] and [Option] while turning on the computer.
    (system buzzer sounds)
    2. Press [PLAY] on the program recorder with boot cassette inserted.
    3. Press [Return] on the computer.
    - Disk boot: (boot disk may or may not require BASIC or cartridge inserted)
    - With BASIC or with cartridge (cartridge disables BASIC):
    Turn on computer with boot disk inserted in powered disk drive #1.
    - With no cartridge and without BASIC:
    Hold down [Option] while turning on computer with boot disk inserted
    in powered disk drive #1.

    Versions of the Atari 65XE:
    o Domestic version for NTSC M television (North America)
    - Most units: No ECI
    Late units: NTSC 130XE motherboard (including ECI, but only 64KiB RAM)
    - 6502 microprocessor (Atari SALLY), C014806
    - ANTIC NTSC 'E' version, C021697
    - GTIA NTSC version, C014805
    - Monitor port is Atari 5-pin
    - Television Jack for RF output
    - TV Channel Select Switch on back of computer selects RF channel: 2 or 3
    - TV Switch Box and TV Video Cable both supplied with computer
    - 16KiB Operating System ROM
    - Most units: XL OS Rev.2, C061598
    - Late units: XL OS Rev.3, C300717
    - Atari BASIC Rev. C (8KiB ROM), C024947
    - Manuals:
    - Atari 65XE Personal Computer Owner's Manual C072018-001
    - REV. A (1984) or REV. B (1987)
    - NOM version ("Normas Oficiales Mexicanas") is the standard NTSC version,
    certified for sale in Mexico. Such units were distributed in a Spanish
    language box.
    - Manual: Manual Atari XE
    - Also sold in Chile by Coelsa (official Atari importer) as part of an
    XE game system package: 65XE + XG-1 Light Gun + CX40 Joystick
    http://www.rhod.fr/ataripics/65xepack.JPG
    - PAL N version is NTSC version internally modified by Atari's
    distributor in Argentina, Skydata S.A., for 220V/50Hz power and for
    PAL N television/video output
    o PAL versions for PAL B/G television (Europe) or PAL I television (UK)
    - Early units: No ECI
    Most units: PAL 130XE motherboard (including ECI, but only 64KiB RAM)
    - 6502 microprocessor (Atari SALLY), C014806
    - ANTIC PAL 'B' version, C021698
    - GTIA PAL version, C014889
    - Monitor port is Atari 5-pin
    - Television Jack for RF output
    - No TV Channel Select Switch
    - TV output: RF channel 4 (PAL B version) or 36 (PAL G/PAL I versions)
    - TV Video Cable supplied with computer
    - 16KiB Operating System ROM
    - Most units: XL OS Rev.2, C061598
    - Late units: XL OS Rev.3, C300717
    - Atari BASIC Rev. C (8KiB ROM), C024947
    - Manual: Atari XE Ordenador Personal Guia del Usuario C072018-007
    o Najm ("Star") version for PAL television (Middle East)
    - "65XEN" motherboard
    - ECI port
    - 6502 microprocessor (Atari SALLY), C014806
    - ANTIC PAL 'B' version, C021698
    - GTIA PAL version, C014889
    - Monitor port is Atari 5-pin
    - Television Jack for RF output
    - No TV Channel Select Switch
    - TV output: Unknown, likely either RF channel 4 (PAL B) or 36 (PAL G)
    - TV Video Cable supplied with computer
    - 16KiB Operating System ROM: XL OS Rev.3B (Arabic localized OS), C101700
    - Atari BASIC Rev. C (8KiB ROM), C024947
    - Manual: yes (Arabic language)
    - Sold/distributed exclusively by Atari distributor for the Middle East,
    aDawliah Universal Electronics APL (of Saudi Arabia), as part of the
    package: 65XE + (XC12 or NA-R25 Najm) + (2 x CX40)
    https://preview.tinyurl.com/yaz7e2lo
    - Visual tour:
    http://www.atari800xl.eu/hardware/computers/star-arabic-atari-65xe.html
    - Another analysis (Polish): http://preview.tinyurl.com/jnl2l2l
    - More info (Polish): http://atariki.krap.pl/index.php/Arabski_65XE
    - Prototype NTSC Arabic 65XE:
    http://www.savetz.com/vintagecomputers/arabic65xe/

    The 65XE was made by Atari Taiwan Manufacturing Corp. (most units), by
    Sistemas Inteligentes, S.A. de C.V. (earlier name)/Atari (Mexico) Fabricante, S.A. de C.V. (later name) (units for Mexico), and in China (late production 1991 or 1992 units).

    The Atari 65XE was utilized by Medalist as an embedded system in their
    Dart Star coin-operated electronic dart boards (1988-1989 units only?).
    Details wanted!
    https://atariage.com/forums/topic/306473-65xe-arcade-game/

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

    Subject: 1.8) What is the Atari 130XE?

    Introduced in January 1985 alongside the 65XE, the Atari 130XE was the high- end machine in the new range of XE computers that would replace the Atari 600XL/800XL while maintaining compatibility with the earlier models.

    The 130XE does not include the PBI port as on the 600XL/800XL, but it does include the similar (though physically incompatible) Enhanced Cartridge Interface (ECI).

    While 1200XL/600XL/800XL keyboard key labels used capital letters exclusively, on 65XE/130XE keyboards only the first letter of the word is capitalized.
    Also, the [DELETE BACK SPACE] key from the 1200XL/600XL/800XL is labeled [Delete Bk Sp] on the 65XE/130XE.

    The 130XE offers 128KiB RAM (126KiB usable), and has the Atari XL OS and Atari BASIC on ROM.

    System initialization types supported:
    - Atari BASIC: Turn on computer with no cartridge inserted and no powered
    disk drive #1.
    - Self Test program: Hold down [Option] while turning on the computer with no
    cartridge inserted and no powered disk drive #1.
    - Cartridge: Turn on computer with cartridge inserted. (disables BASIC)
    - Cassette boot: (boot cassette may or may not require BASIC or cartridge)
    1. - With BASIC or with cartridge (cartridge disables BASIC):
    Hold down [Start] while turning on the computer.
    - With no cartridge and without BASIC:
    Hold down both [Start] and [Option] while turning on the computer.
    (system buzzer sounds)

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