Task: Purchase a SpectraVideo CompuMate to Extend the Functionality of Your Atari 2600 Game Console
Needed: CompuMate SpectraVideo, Atari 2600
Time: 10-15 mins
Disclosure: Note that as an eBay Partner Network Affiliate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.
Introduction
The Atari 2600 was a pioneer in the early video game console market. Even though it was based on the 6502 processor, it was very limited as a computer because it had on 128 bytes of RAM, no GPU like the ANTIC, and a limited version of the 6502 (6507). I have previously posted about the rudimentary BASIC cartridge that allowed for extremely simple coding. I have also previously posted about the Starpath Supercharger cartridge that provided more memory (6KB) and allowed games to be loaded from cassette.
In 1983 SpectraVideo released its CompuMate expansion system for the 2600 that provided a keyboard and built in graphics and music capability along with BASIC programming. The CompuMate had 2K of RAM and plugged into the cartridge slot and the joystick slots transforming the 2600 into a simple computer. I am fortunate enough to have two of these. One is in the original box.
Instructions
These are often available on eBay but have become quite expensive. You should expect to pay around $200 to $300 for one in its original packaging. You might be able to find a loose one cheaper. I paid $150 for mine in 2018.
Setup for the CompuMate is quite easy. You simply plug the unit into the cartridge slot. There are two joystick connectors as well. Powering on the 2600 will bring up the boot screen shown above. You can enter music mode by pressing the FUNCTION key and the M key together. From here you can select several built-in songs. For example, Jingle Bells can be played by pressing the number 5. Pressing FUNCTION and the period key together brings up the graphics mode. There are some preset graphics as well. For example, pressing 7 will draw a snowman (see photo below). Pressing FUNCTION and TEXT (the comma key) bring you back to text mode where you can enter BASIC programs.
The instruction manual is available online and has further details about how to interact with the software.
Comments
One of my two units is not working and boots to a black screen. I assume one of the ICs or the power regulator is bad. A future project!
This is a really fun addon to the Atari 2600. I could see how this would have been a lot of fun as a kid.
I have tested this with both the Atari 2600 and 2600 jr. A nice feature of the 2600 is that the keyboard is made to sit right on top to save space. This is shown in the first photo above.
There were two pieces of software developed for the system that could be loaded of off cassette through an audio port on the side. I don’t own either and haven’t tried loading it from the internet.
Here are some BASIC programs for the system.
Here is a YouTube demo. Here is another.
Here is the AtariMania page with some photos.