Task: Purchase and Assemble a SpartaDOS X Cartridge Needed: SpartaDOS X cartridge circuit board, battery, and cartridge shell Time: 15-30 mins Introduction I have previously posted about SpartaDOS and its modern successor SpartaDOS X (SDX). This is an incredibly powerful and flexible DOS for interacting
Read moreProgram in 80 Columns of Text on Your Atari 8-Bit Computer with the ACE-80 Cartridge (5-10 mins)
Task: Program in 80 Columns of Text on Your Atari 8-Bit Computer with the ACE-80 Cartridge Needed: ACE-80 or ACE-80XL cartridge Time: 5-10 mins Introduction The Atari 8-bit computers all display a maximum of 40 columns of text which can be limiting for some applications
Read moreRun the CP/M Operating System on Your Atari 8-Bit Computer using FujiNet and RunCPM (15-30 minutes)
Task: Run the CP/M Operating System on Your Atari 8-Bit Computer using FujiNet and RunCPM Needed: Web browser, FujiNet, DT-80 cartridge Time: 15-30 mins Introduction CP/M was one of the early operating systems available for computers with 8080 and Z-80 processors. It was developed by
Read moreFlash the Firmware of a FujiNet for the Atari 8-Bit Computers (5-10 mins)
Task: Flash the Firmware of a FujiNet for the Atari 8-Bit Computers Needed: Web browser, FujiNet, microUSB cable Time: 5-10 mins Introduction I have previously posted about the revolutionary FujiNet SIO peripheral emulator and network device for Atari 8-bit computers. This is still a work
Read moreDisplay a Digital Photo on an Atari 2600 (10-15 mins)
Task: Display a Digital Photo on an Atari 2600 Needed: Web browser Time: 10-15 mins Introduction I am always amazed at the modern software tools people have created to expand the capabilities of the Atari 8-bit computers and consoles. I recently posted about the coding
Read moreExplore the 8-Bit Workshop Web Page (10-15 mins)
Task: Explore the 8-Bit Workshop Web Page Needed: Web browser Time: 10-15 mins Introduction This is a must browse web page with some amazing resources for those interested in programming and game development for the Atari 8-bit consoles including the 2600, 5200, and 7800. Other
Read morePurchase a SIDE3 Cartridge for Atari 8-Bit Computers (10-15 mins)
Task: Purchase a SIDE3 Cartridge for Atari 8-Bit Computers Needed: Web browser, Atari 8-bit computer Time: 10-15 mins Introduction The ability to load files on an SD card and boot them on original Atari 8-bit computer hardware is very desirable and I have covered several
Read morePurchase a FujiNet (10-15 mins)
Task: Purchase a FujiNet Needed: Web browser Time: 10-15 mins Introduction One of the most exciting aspects of Atari 8-bit computers is the emergence of new devices which expand our fun and simplify our experience. Flash-based cartridges and SIO devices were revolutionary in that way
Read moreInteract with Atari’s 6502 Processor in BASIC XL (10-15 mins)
Task: Interact with Atari’s 6502 Processor in BASIC XL Needed: A BASIC XL cartridge or Altirra emulator Time: 10-15 minutes Introduction The 6502 processor developed by Chuck Peddle and his team at MOS Technology was the first inexpensive CPU available in the 1970s. This CPU
Read moreConduct Experiments with AtariLab (30-60 mins)
Task: Conduct Experiments with AtariLab Needed: AtariLab Starter Set Time: 30-60 mins Introduction One of the coolest peripherals for the Atari computers was the AtariLab that was developed by Atari in collaboration with Dr. Priscilla Laws who was a professor at Dickinson College. I never
Read moreDump Your Atari Computer Screen to Printer or Disk (10-15 mins)
Task: Dump Your Atari Computer Screen to Printer or Disk Needed: Screen dump utility like Magic Dump II Time: 10-15 mins Introduction I loved computer graphics back in the day. I used to write BASIC programs to draw interesting graphics on the screen. I also
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