• Atari 8-Bit Computers: Frequently Asked Questions (16/31)

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

    (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 for Atari 800 Plus 256K project:
    - 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 RAM drive 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 RAM drive,
    normally for 130XE banked memory, 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 banked memory 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 banked memory 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
    - Compy-Shop 64 K RAM for Atari 600XL
    128KiB system total (Atari 130XE banked memory standard)
    PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 2,3
    2 bank-selection bits allows selection of 2^2 = 4 16KiB memory banks.
    - Turbo-Freezer XL or XL 2 with 64KiB RAM, by Bernhard Engl, 1987.
    - For 600XL (64KiB) or 800XL
    - Draws power from PBI, from joystick port, or computer internal power
    - 6502/ANTIC banking is simultaneous; true ANTIC banking optional
    - Built-in DOS supports 1050 Turbo/Turbodrive
    - 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.
    - Ron Boling 130XE project
    - Turbo-Freezer XL or XL 2 with 128KiB RAM, by Bernhard Engl, 1987.
    - For 600XL (64KiB) or 800XL
    - Draws power from PBI, from joystick port, or computer internal power
    - 6502/ANTIC banking is simultaneous; true ANTIC banking optional
    - Built-in DOS supports 1050 Turbo/Turbodrive
    - 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 the computer's main 64KiB
    RAM has been REPLACED.
    computer's original 64KiB base 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
    - Main memory can be bank-selected.
    - http://www.best-electronics-ca.com/wizztronics%202_256.htm
    - 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
    - SuperRAM, by Super Products, for 600XL/800XL
    - No soldering required
    - 6502/ANTIC banking is simultaneous only, controlled by PORTB bit 4
    > "Compy-Shop" bank-selection type
    PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 2,3,6,7
    - Compy-Shop 192 K Ramdisk for Atari 600XL
    - Upgrades base memory from 16KiB to 64KiB
    - True ANTIC banking optional
    320KiB system total
    4 bank-selection bits allows selection of 2^4 = 16 16KiB memory banks.
    > "Atari Magazin" bank-selection type
    Bank-selection is the same as the "Rambo" type but with 16 banks available.
    PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 2,3,5,6
    - The 130XE/320K upgrade by Scott Peterson, 1985
    - ANTIC has no access to banked memory.
    - Credits the 800/288K upgrade (D.G.Byrd) and the 800XL/256K upgrade
    (C.Buchholz) for inspiration
    - The Windhover SuperRam 130XE Upgrade, by Jay Torres/The Windhover Project
    - Published in the Windhover Newsletter 1985
    - Clone of the 130XE/320K Upgrade project by Scott Peterson
    - ANTIC has no access to banked memory.
    - The 65XE 130XE/320K Upgrade! by Scott Peterson (for the 65XE), 1986
    - 100% compatible with the previous 130XE/320K upgrade by Scott Peterson
    - ANTIC has no access to banked memory.
    - Magna Systems Ramcharger 320K for 130XE, 1987
    - ANTIC has no access to banked memory.
    - Innovative Concepts Ramdrive + XE (130XE 128KiB to 320KiB), 1987
    - True ANTIC banking (?)
    - Atari Magazin "320 KByte im Eigenbau" for 800XL, by Rolf Schmidtke,
    issue 1987n2p56; bugfixes/updates 1987n3p54, 1988n4p62, 1988n5p86
    - 6502/ANTIC banking is simultaneous only, controlled by PORTB bit 4
    - Innovative Concepts Ramdrive + 320K (65XE 64KiB to 320KiB)
    - True ANTIC banking
    - CSS Power Plus, 130XE installation
    - True ANTIC banking
    - RAM 320XL, by ctirad, for 600XL/800XL, 2010
    - Plugs into the PBI
    - Standard mode ADDS 256KiB of expansion memory. This gives a 16KiB
    600XL 272KiB system total, while a 64KiB 800XL has 320KiB system
    total.
    - Remapped base RAM mode DISABLES internal RAM, makes 64KiB main memory
    available from the RAM 320XL device, for 320KiB total
    - 6502/ANTIC banking is simultaneous only, controlled by PORTB bit 4
    - http://atariage.com/forums/topic/162420-ram-320xl/
    - SuperRAM, by Super Products, for 130XE
    - 6502/ANTIC banking is simultaneous only, controlled by PORTB bit 4
    > "Compy-Shop" bank-selection type
    PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 2,3,6,7
    - Compy-Shop 256 K Ramdisk for Atari 130XE
    - True ANTIC banking optional
    - Compy-Shop 256 K Ramdisk for Atari 800XE
    - True ANTIC banking optional
    - Compy-Shop 256 K Ramdisk for Atari 800XL
    - True ANTIC banking optional
    - Megaram XL/XE, by Klaus Peters
    - ANTIC has no access to banked memory.
    - Fix for refresh errors:
    http://www.b-pahl.de/atari8bit/RAM-Disk/doku/BugFix/bugfix.html
    - Megaram XL/XE Rev. II, by Klaus Peters (1992)
    - ANTIC has no access to banked memory.
    - Fix for refresh errors:
    http://www.b-pahl.de/atari8bit/RAM-Disk/doku/BugFix/bugfix.html
    > "Turbo-Freezer" bank-selection type
    PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 2,3,4,5
    - Turbo-Freezer XL and XL 2 with 256KiB RAM, by Bernhard Engl, 1987.
    - For 600XL (64KiB) or 800XL
    - Draws power from PBI, from joystick port, or computer internal power
    - Two bank selection modes, determined by PIA Port B bit 6:
    1=130XE standard 128KiB banked RAM (Port B bits 4,5 used)
    - 6502/ANTIC banking is simultaneous; true ANTIC banking optional
    0=256KiB banked RAM
    - 6502/ANTIC banking is simultaneous
    - Built-in DOS supports 1050 Turbo/Turbodrive
    > Multiple bank-selection types supported
    - 256 kByte im 800XL project by Bernhard Pahl
    - Two modes: Atari Magazin and Compy-Shop
    - http://www.b-pahl.de/atari8bit/RAM-Disk/800xl_1/800xl_1.html
    - 256 kByte im 800XLF / 65XE / 800XE / XEgs project by Bernhard Pahl
    - Two modes: Atari Magazin and Compy-Shop
    - http://www.b-pahl.de/atari8bit/RAM-Disk/800xe_1/800xe_1.html
    - 256 kByte im 130XE project by Bernhard Pahl
    - Two modes: Atari Magazin and Compy-Shop
    - http://www.b-pahl.de/atari8bit/RAM-Disk/130xe_1/130xe_1.html
    - RAM-Erweiterung 256kB fur 130XE, by Heuser Family (2005). Two modes:
    - Rambo/Atari Magazin mode with 6502/ANTIC simultaneous banking
    - Compy-Shop mode with true ANTIC banking
    - http://www.asselheim.de
    512KiB system total
    5 bank-selection bits allows selection of 2^5 = 32 16KiB memory banks, but
    there are only 28 "extra" banks available because the computer's main 64KiB
    RAM has been REPLACED.
    - 512K Atari 800XL/1200XL V1.1, by Dan Schmidt. For computers that
    already have a 256K RAMBO XL or Claus Buchholz upgrade installed.
    - NOTE: The original non-V1.1 version does not work!
    - PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 2,3,5,6,7
    - 6502/ANTIC banking is simultaneous only, controlled by PORTB bit 4 576KiB system total
    5 bank-selection bits allows selection of 2^5 = 32 16KiB memory banks.
    - The 130XE/576K upgrade, by Scott Peterson. (1986) Two modes:
    - 576KiB mode: PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 1,2,3,5,6
    - Internal BASIC is lost via software control (PIA Port B bit 1)
    - ANTIC has no access to banked memory.
    - 130XE mode: 192KiB RAM, PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 2,3,6
    - "100% compatible 130XE"
    - Irata Verlag 512K RAM 800XL RAMFloppy plugs into the 800XL PBI (1986)
    - Sold separately: 512K RAM BetriebsSystem Chip for 800XL + RAMFloppy
    - Magna Systems Ramcharger 576K for 130XE (1987)
    - PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 2,3,5,6,7
    - Self Test is lost via software control (PIA Port B bit 7)
    - ANTIC has no access to banked memory.
    - Innovative Concepts Ramdrive + 576K (130XE 320KiB to 576KiB), 1987
    - Upgrade for 130XE with IC's 130XE 320KiB upgrade already installed.
    - PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 2,3,5,6,7
    - True ANTIC banking (?)
    - 512 kByte im 800XL / 800XE project by Bernhard Pahl
    - PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 2,3,5,6,7
    - Compatible with both Atari Magazin and Compy-Shop bank-selection types
    - http://www.b-pahl.de/atari8bit/RAM-Disk/800xl_2/800xl_2.html
    - 512 kByte im 130XE project by Bernhard Pahl
    - PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 2,3,5,6,7
    - Compatible with both Atari Magazin and Compy-Shop bank-selection types
    - http://www.b-pahl.de/atari8bit/RAM-Disk/130xe_2/130xe_2.html
    - 512k SRAM extension for Atari XL/XE, project by Matthias Reichl, v1.3,
    (2006-2010). Internal upgrade with four modes:
    - 0KiB / off
    - 256KiB Compy-Shop with true ANTIC banking
    - 256KiB Rambo/Atari Magazin with 6502/ANTIC simultaneous banking
    - 512KiB using PORT B bits 2,3,5,6,7; 6502/ANTIC simultaneous banking
    - Project: http://www.horus.com/~hias/atari/#sram512k
    - Available: http://www.mega-hz.de/Angebote/512K/512k.html
    - Turbo-Freezer XL/XE 2011, by Matthias Reichl
    - Requires XL adapter board for PBI or XE adapter board for ECI
    - Draws power from PBI/ECI or from joystick port
    - Hardware switch enables/disables 512KiB RAM (battery backed)
    - PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 2,3,5,6,7
    (Rambo/Atari Magazin compatible)
    - 6502/ANTIC banking is simultaneous only, controlled by PORTB bit 4
    - https://www.horus.com/~hias/atari/
    - RAM 320XE/576, by ctirad, for 130XE/800XE/65XE with ECI, 2014
    - Plugs into Cartridge+ECI
    - All cards have a cartridge pass-through connector
    - Optionally, the ECI port pass-through connector can be added
    - Supports four RAM configurations:
    - 128KiB 130XE, 320KiB Rambo, 320KiB Compy-Shop, 576KiB Rambo
    - 130XE and 320KiB Compy-Shop modes with true ANTIC banking
    - http://atariage.com/forums/topic/232856-ram320xe576-order-thread/
    - Sys-Check V2.2, by Jurgen van Radecke (tfhh), 2015,2018,2019
    - For XL/XE with PBI/ECI
    - Includes external 512 KiB Standard memory expansion using "Rambo"
    scheme
    - http://www.van-radecke.de/STUFF/tfhh_HW_info.pdf
    - 512 KByte SRAM memory expansion V4.4, by Jurgen van Radecke (tfhh), 2018
    - For all XL/XE except 600XL
    - Default 512KiB Rambo mode
    - Can switch to 256KiB Compy-Shop mode (with separate ANTIC and 6502
    access) or switch the whole expansion off
    - http://www.van-radecke.de/STUFF/tfhh_HW_info.pdf
    - 576 KByte SRAM for 600XL, by Jurgen van Radecke (tfhh), 2019
    - Upgrades base memory from 16KiB to 64KiB
    - Default 512KiB Rambo mode
    - Can switch to 256KiB Compy-Shop mode (with separate ANTIC and 6502
    access) or switch the whole expansion off
    - http://www.van-radecke.de/STUFF/tfhh_HW_info.pdf
    1024KiB system total
    6 bank-selection bits allows selection of 2^6 = 64 16KiB memory banks, but
    there are only 60 "extra" banks available because the computer's main 64KiB
    RAM has been REPLACED.
    - 1 Meg 1200XL Upgrade project, by Bob Woolley, San Leandro Computer Club
    (SLCC) Newsletter April 1992 p.10-12
    - PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 1,2,3,5,6,7
    - Internal BASIC is lost via software control (PIA Port B bit 1)
    - ANTIC has no access to banked memory.
    1088KiB system total
    6 bank-selection bits allows selection of 2^6 = 64 16KiB memory banks.
    - Scott Peterson 1088XE project for the 130XE
    - April 1986 (initial release); Version 2.0(This one works!) June 1986
    - PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 1,2,3,5,6,7
    - Self Test is lost via software control (PIA Port B bit 7)
    - ANTIC has no access to banked memory.
    - Magna Systems Ramcharger 1088K for 130XE. (1987)
    - PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 1,2,3,5,6,7
    - Self Test is lost via software control (PIA Port B bit 7)
    - Internal BASIC is lost via software control (PIA Port B bit 1)
    - ANTIC has no access to banked memory.
    - Newell 1 Meg XL for 800XL/1200XL (1990)
    - Installation Method 1: (1088KiB accessible RAM)
    - PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 1,2,3,5,6,7
    - Self Test is lost via software control (PIA Port B bit 7)
    - Internal BASIC is lost via software control (PIA Port B bit 1)
    - True ANTIC banking
    - Installation Method 2: (1072KiB accessible RAM)
    - PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 2,3,4,5,6,7
    - Self Test is lost via software control (PIA Port B bit 7)
    - 6502/ANTIC simultaneous banked memory access is ALWAYS enabled;
    16KiB of main memory is not accessible
    - Installation Method 3: (1072KiB accessible RAM)
    - PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 0,1,2,3,5,6
    - Internal BASIC is lost via software control (PIA Port B bit 1)
    - True ANTIC banking
    - 16KiB RAM under the Operating System is not accessible
    - Shipped with MYDOS 4.50 M1 and M1Copy Sector Copier, both for use with
    Method 1 installation
    - Newell Meg XL for 800XL/1200XL (1991), Meg 65 for 65XE (1991), or Meg 130
    for 130XE (1991), 1MiB installations
    - PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 1,2,3,5,6,7
    - Self Test is lost via software control (PIA Port B bit 7)
    - Internal BASIC is lost via software control (PIA Port B bit 1)
    - Installation option: Toggle switch to select internal BASIC
    - True ANTIC banking
    - Shipped with MYDOS 4.50 M1 and M1Copy Sector Copier
    - Megaram XL/XE Rev. III 1MiB (Super-Megaram), by Klaus Peters, 1992
    - 1MiB installation:
    - PIA Port B bits 2,3,6,7 and memory location 54784 ($D600) bits 0,1
    - Optional hardware switches for manual selection of 4 banks of 256KiB
    - 256KiB installation, PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 2,3,6,7
    - ANTIC has no access to banked memory.
    - Fix by Erhard Puetz for refresh errors on XL's without FREDDIE:
    http://www.b-pahl.de/atari8bit/RAM-Disk/doku/BugFix/bugfix.html#bug3fix
    - Satantronic 1MiB SIMM RAM expansion project for 800XL, 800XE, 130XE, XEgs
    by Dodo (Jozef Friedmansky). (2002,2007,2009)
    Internal upgrade, with or without switches, with or without GAL chip.
    - 1MiB mode uses PORTB bits 1,2,3,5,6,7
    - 256KiB Compy-Shop mode
    - 256KiB Atari Magazin mode
    - 64KiB 130XE mode
    - Optional 0KiB 800XL/65XE mode
    - http://satantronic.atari.sk/?str=xe_1mbram
    - 1024 kByte im 800XL project by Bernhard Pahl
    - PORTB bits: 1,2,3,5,6,7
    - Two modes: 1024KiB without BASIC, or 512KiB with BASIC
    http://www.b-pahl.de/atari8bit/RAM-Disk/800xl_3/800xl_3.html
    - 1MiB SIMM project for 800XL, 65XE, 130XE, 800XE, by Pasiu/SSG. (2004?)
    Internal upgrade works in two modes:
    - 512KiB Compy-Shop with true ANTIC banking
    - 1024KiB with 6502/ANTIC simultaneous banking
    - http://hardware.atari8.info/simm.php
    - mega-mem 1024KB for 800XL, 800XE/65XE, 130XE, 1200XL, by Matthias Reichl
    and Wolfram Fischer, 2009. 8 modes selectable with 3 switches:
    - 0KiB (off)
    - 64KiB 130XE compatible
    - 128KiB
    - 256KiB Compy-Shop compatible
    - 256KiB Rambo/Atari Magazin compatible
    - 512KiB with ANTIC access
    - 512KiB without ANTIC access
    - 1024KiB (built-in BASIC not available)
    - Without switches: 1024KiB without BASIC, or 512KiB with BASIC
    - http://www.mega-hz.de/Angebote/1024K/1mb.html
    - Ultimate1MB, by Sebastian Bartkowicz (Candle'O'Sin) and Lotharek, for
    all XL/XE (600XL requires 64KiB). RAM features:
    - RAM configurable with 4 modes of operation:
    - Disabled
    - 320KiB "Rambo" (Atari Magazine)
    - 576KiB "Compy-Shop" with True ANTIC banking
    - 1088KiB "Rambo"
    - https://lotharek.pl/productdetail.php?id=56
    4MiB system total
    8 bank-selection bits allows selection of 2^8 = 256 16KiB memory banks.
    - Newell Meg XL for 800XL/1200XL (1991), Meg 65 for 65XE (1991), or Meg 130
    for 130XE (1991), 4MiB installations (4064KiB accessible RAM)
    - PIA Port B bank-selection bits used: 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7
    - Self Test is lost via software control (PIA Port B bit 7)
    - Internal BASIC is lost via software control (PIA Port B bit 1)
    - Installation option: Toggle switch to select internal BASIC
    - 6502/ANTIC simultaneous banked memory access is ALWAYS enabled;
    16KiB of main memory is not accessible
    - 16KiB RAM under the Operating System is not accessible
    - Installation option makes RAM under the OS available, but only
    usable if OS is first moved to RAM
    - Shipped with MYDOS 4.50 M1 and M1Copy Sector Copier

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

    Subject: 6.13) What personality boards were produced for the Atari 800?

    This should be a complete list of personality boards released for the 800.

    Atari CX801 10K ROM Personality Module (1979)
    - 400/800 OS, C012399 Floating Point Package (FPP) + C012499 + C014599
    - Early units: 400/800 OS Rev.A/NTSC
    - Most units: 400/800 OS Rev.B/NTSC

    Atari CX801-P 10K ROM Personality Module (1981)
    - 400/800 OS Rev.A/PAL, C012399 (FPP) + C015199 + C015299

    L.E. Systems disk drive (1982)
    - Device is a personality board (oversized) for the 800
    - Detailed elsewhere in this FAQ list (using industry standard floppy disk
    drives)

    Ramrod MMOS Custom Operating System Board, by Newell Industries (1982)
    - Five ROM chip sockets
    - Two sockets for standard 400/800 OS chips or direct replacements
    - One socket for standard 400/800 FPP chip or direct replacement
    - Two sockets for addressing the 4KiB byte block of memory at $C000
    - Only one socket can address the entire 4KiB block. In order to use
    two 4KiB chips, a hardware toggle switch must be utilized.
    - These two sockets can be reconfigured to support standard 400/800 OS
    chips or direct replacements. A hardware toggle switch is then used
    to select between the two OS versions installed on the Ramrod.
    - Earliest units shipped with Supermon! by David Young and 4KiB RAM, and
    optionally also shipped with 8KiB EPROM (two 4KiB chips)
    - Other early units shipped with Omnimon! by CDY Consulting and 4KiB RAM, and
    optionally also shipped with 8KiB EPROM (two 4KiB chips)
    - Later/Most units shipped with both Newell OSN and (standard 4KiB) Omnimon!
    - "Ramrod 2" shipped with OSN but without Omnimon!
    - "Ramrod 3" shipped with neither OSN nor Omnimon!
    - Board designed by System Innovations for Newell

    Integrater, by ADS (1983)
    - For Corvus hard disk drive and/or Axlon banked memory
    - Software & hardware design by D.S.S.A. (David & Sandy Small and
    Associates); sales support by Adams Computer Systems, Inc. (Allan Adams)
    - Built-in software known as: smallDOS
    - RAM drive emulates a 90KiB single density DOS 2.0S disk (707 sectors)
    - RAM drive is about 2 times faster than the original Axlon MMS RAM drive
    - RAM drive can be designated as any drive without system reboot or using an
    application program
    - Can boot the Atari directly from the Corvus
    - The Corvus can boot directly into an application program using standard
    Atari AUTORUN.SYS techniques and programs
    - Resident Mount Table Editor (part of smallDOS)

    MEM/EX, by Prairie Physics (1983)
    - Requires 400/800 OS chips moved from a CX801
    - Adds 4KiB RAM at $C000
    - Switch/program-selectable write-protection
    - Shipped with COM/EX software utility package on diskette
    - Resides in MEM/EX RAM
    - Adds ten new direct-mode commands for use with Atari BASIC or
    Assembler Editor
    - Machine-language monitor

    Incognito, by Sebastian Bartkowicz (Candle'O'Sin), 2012
    - 4 slots for OS separate for Colleen and XL/XE mode
    - 64KiB of flash memory for future GUI
    - 2 slots for BASIC/cartridge
    - Built-in, configurable CF card storage
    (works as PBI in XL/XE mode, and through SDX driver in Colleen mode)
    - Built-in FAT32 loader (SIDE) with both ATR and XEX file handling
    - SpartaDOS X
    - Onboard RTC - Real Time Clock
    - 1MiB Axlon compatible memory expansion for Colleen mode
    - 64KiB/320KiB/576KiB/1088KiB total memory available in XL/XE mode
    - Up to 52KiB of memory in Colleen mode (configurable)
    - Developer site: http://spiflash.org/node/20

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

    Subject: 7.1.1) What is the Atari Operating System?

    "An operating system (OS) is a collection of software that manages computer hardware resources and provides common services for computer programs. The operating system is a vital component of the system software in a computer system. Application programs require an operating system to function." (Wikipedia 8/15/2012)

    Atari 8-bit computers were supplied with the proprietary Atari Operating
    System contained in Read Only Memory (ROM) as an integral feature of the computer. Major design elements of the Atari OS (derived here from De Re Atari):

    MONITOR
    Executed upon system power (Coldstart) or [System Reset] keypress
    (Warmstart). Sets up memory management, initializes I/O Subsystem, sets up
    System Vectors, boots (loads software into RAM) from cassette or diskette if
    present, selects and launches program execution environment

    INTERRUPT PROCESSING STRUCTURE
    The OS processes 6502 interrupts as generated by events including: keyboard
    keystrokes, the [Break] key, some serial bus events, system timer timeouts,
    and the vertical blank interval on the television/monitor. An Interrupt
    ReQuest (IRQ) Handler and a Non-Maskable Interrupt (NMI) Handler are both
    provided.

    SYSTEM VECTORS
    Design consideration allows for:
    - User programs to directly utilize OS routines

    [continued in next message]

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