Model |
Atari 800 |
Processor |
MOS Technology 6502 |
1.79MHz (NTSC) 1.77MHz (PAL) |
Custom LSI Chips |
ANTIC |
Microprocessor dedicated to the television display. It retieves the diplay list and display data from RAM using direct memory access (DMA). It processes the higher level instructions in the display list and translates these instructions into a real-time stream of simple instructions to GTIA. |
GTIA (CTIA in very early models) |
A television interface chip. Converts the digital commands from ANTIC (or the 6502 directly) into the signal that goes to the television. GTIA also adds color values, player-missle graphics, and collision detection. |
POKEY |
Digital I/O chip. Handles the serial I/O bus, audio generation, keyboard scan, and random number generation. Also digitizes the resistive paddle inputs and controls maskable interrupt (IRQ) requests from peripherals. |
PIA |
(not sure) |
Memory |
8K / 48K RAM 10K ROM |
The very first Atari 800 Computers shipped with 8 or 16K memory, expandable to 48K.
After initial release, the 800 came standard with 48K memory. |
Operating System |
400/800 OS |
(In ROM) |
Interfaces |
(2) Cartridge Slots |
8K address space |
(4) Joystick (serial) Ports |
9-pin D-Type |
Atari Serial I/O (SIO) |
RF Interface |
RGB Interface |
Sound |
4 channels |
3.5 octaves each channel |
Keyboard |
62 keys |
Full Stroke (typewriter-style) |
Function Keys |
Reset, Option, Select, Start |
Announced |
1979 |
Exact date unknown |
Released |
1979 |
Exact date unknown |