Atari 8-bit computer peripherals


Atari 8-bit computer peripherals include floppy drives, printers, modems, and video game controllers for Atari 8-bit computers, which includes the 400/800, XL, XE, and XEGS.
Because the Atari 400/800 8-bit computers were bundled with an RF modulator, stringent FCC regulations limiting radio emissions applied. Consequently, the Atari 400/800 systems internal construction use large metal frames as Faraday cages to prevent emissions. This prevents the use of internal cards to add connections for peripherals.
To permit easy expansion, Atari developed the SIO bus. This bus daisy chains together all Atari peripherals into a single string. The Atari computer family was designed to be easy for novice users to expand, with one universal connector plug. Peripherals have their own IDs and can deliver downloadable drivers to the computer during the boot process. However, the additional electronics in these "intelligent" peripherals made them cost more than the "dumb" devices for other systems.

List of peripherals

The names and the styling of Atari's 8-bit peripherals generally match the contemporary computer family. Thus, they can be divided into one of three groups: the 400/800 era, the XL era, and the XE era. The XL-era naming reflects Atari's original intention to launch an "Atari 1000" line. These are superficial issues and the majority of peripherals are compatible with any 8-bit Atari computer.
Atari failed to release a large selection of machines and peripherals that were otherwise completed.

400/800 era (1979-1982)

Prototypes and vaporware

XL era (1982-1984)

Prototypes and vaporware

XE era (1985 onward)

  • XEP80 Interface Module - provides 80-column display and a Centronics parallel interface for a printer, controlled by NS405, an 8048 based chip. Attached via a joystick port controlled at 15625 baud horizontal video timing.
  • XC11 Program Recorder - a tape drive
  • XC12 Program Recorder - a tape drive. It was based on an earlier tape drive, Phonemark PM-4401A, not manufactured by Atari. A number of similar models were released, not marketed by Atari, mainly in Eastern Europe and Latin America, including these:
  • * XCA12
  • * CA12
  • * XL12 tape drive
  • XF551 Disk Drive - 5¼" floppy disk, double-density double-sided, 360 KB
  • XMM801 Dot-Matrix Graphics Printer - 80-column
  • XDM121 Letter-Quality Daisy-Wheel Printer - 80-column
  • XM301 Modem - 300 baud
  • SX212 Modem - 1200 baud
  • XG-1 - a light gun, bundled with the Atari XEGS

Prototypes and vaporware