SECTION I
THEORY OF OPERATION
The Atari 800XLWIs an enhanced version of the existing ATARI Computer Systems. It can be
used with any of the existing Atari peripheral devices used with the
400’V600XL"V800,M/120QXLMComputers.
The printed circuit board contains 64K of RAM ,an operating systems that contains ore 16K X8
ROM and an on-board Atari BASIC programming language I.C. The console contains the keyboard
and four function keys (including aHELP key), plus aRESET key, adetachable (RF) TV interface
cable, connector Jack for daisy-chaining peripherals and connecting hand controllers, asingle
cartridge slot, ore status LED (POWER), a5 pin DIN Monitor Jack, and aparallel bus interface
USER INTERFACE
The Atari 800XL is ageneral purpose microcomputer that uses a6502C microprocessor. The
800XL console is the central processing unit for its respective system.
The right side panel contains the controller jacks that accept the Atari X-Y joysticks and paddle
controllers.
The rear panel contains the serial input/output (SIO) jack, the parallel bus interface, theRF
jack, the monitor jack, the channel 2-3 switch, the power in jack, and the power switch
(On/Off).
The console has a3/4 stroke, 56 key, alphanumeric keyboard, that includes special characters
and controls, space bar, four function keys, HELP key, and power indicator. The function and
HELP keys are discussed below.
FUNCTION KEYS
HELP -Returns to main self-test menu from individual test and for future software
development for user “help" functions. If you are familiar with I200XL operation, this kev
do&noi function the same.
OPTION -Allows the player to choose variations of aprogram. If the OPTION Key is not
depressed and held at the time the computer is turned ON, the built-in BASIC is automatically
enabled. If the OPTION key is depressed and held at the same time the computer is turned ON, the
on board BASIC is disabled and, when there is no cartridge or diskette in the system,’ the
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