The Atari 130XE is an 8 -bit home computer produced by Atari, a US company, starting from 1985. It is the successor of theAtari 800XL, with more ram. It was put on the market the same year as the ST series, more performing, at 16 bit.
I found this computer interesting, because it has a very pleasant line, similar to the Atari ST series, although it is an 8 -bit home computer. When I saw it on ebay, I immediately decided that it would enter my collection.
The computer was sold working for me. There was only one letter from the keyboard that did not go back: I had to lubricate it.
Startup screen
The start -up of Basic start screen is very simple: it only shows the writing READY.
The computer is equivalent to the ATARI 800XL: if the ATARI 1050 floppy disk drive is connected, the computer automatically tries to make the disk boot, loading its content.
Always with floppy disk drive connected, holding down the OPTION Upon ignition, the computer does not load the basic. In this case, there is more memory available to perform some programs and games that, if the basic were in memory, would not start correctly.
When the Atari 1050 floppy disk drive is not connected to the computer, holding down the OPTION At the lighting, the computer self test starts. Through the self test, it is easy to check the correct functioning of the ARTARI 130XE.
Technical characteristics of the ARTARI 130XE
CPU: MOS 6502C, 1.77 MHz (PAL) / 1.79 MHz (NTSC)
ROM: 24 KB
RAM: 128 KB
Graphic:
- GTIA (Graphic Television Interface Adaptor): PAL OKI C014889, NTSC OKI C012295 and C014805
- ANTIC (Alphanumeric Television Interface Controller): PAL C021698, NTSC C021697
Text mode: 5 modes, from 20 columns x 12 lines to 40 columns x 24 rows
Graphics mode: 256 colors, 16 graphics modes, maximum 320 x 192 pixels
Audio: POKEY (POtentiometer KEYboard Integrated Circuit): C012294, 4 voices
Keyboard: mechanical, QWERTY 62 keys
Software included in ROM: Atari Basic
I/O Ports:
- 1 CVBS composite video
- 1 Audio/Video
- 1 Expansion port
- 1 Cartridge slot
- 1 Peripheral port (SIO)
- 2 Joystick Ports
Emulating the 130XE
It is possible to emulate the Vintage ATARI 130 XE computer on a common Windows PC, via Altira. In this way, it is possible to try to start programs and games, as well as program the back computer, in a simple and comfortable way ... without even having it!
Power supply
The ATARI 130XE HOME computer power supply is external.
Output: 5V, 1A.
Papers
1. Atari 130 XE owner's manual
3. Atari 130 XE reference manual
Collection entry date: 07/11/2022.