Task: Benchmark Your Atari 8-Bit Computers Using BASIC Needed: Atari BASIC, the benchmark ATR file, one or more 8-bit computers, SIO2PC or FujiNet Time: 15-30 minutes Introduction During the early 1980s, as home computers exploded on the scene, programmers naturally wanted to know which systems
Read morePurchase a Retro Base LED for Adding Some Colorful Bling to Your Atari 800XL and 130XE 8-Bit Computers (5-10 mins)
Task: Purchase a Retro Base LED for Adding Some Colorful Bling to Your Atari 800XL and 130XE 8-Bit Computers Needed: Web Browser for Purchase and LED Light Strip Time: 5-10 minutes Disclosure: Note that as an eBay Partner Network Affiliate, I may earn from qualifying
Read moreFix an Atari 8-Bit Computer Keyboard by Replacing the Mylar Membrane (15-30 mins)
Task: Fix an Atari 8-Bit Computer Keyboard by Replacing the Mylar Membrane Needed: Screwdriver, mylar membrane Time: 15-30 mins Introduction There were a variety of keyboard styles and technologies that were used in the entire Atari 8-bit line of computers. Some are mechanical and some
Read morePurchase an Atari 65XE or 130XE 8-Bit Computer (15-30 mins)
Task: Purchase an Atari 65XE or 130XE 8-Bit Computer Needed: Web Browser Time: 15-30 Introduction The Atari XE line of 8-bit computers was released in 1985 and coincided with the release of the Atari ST line of 16-bit computers with similar look. By 1986 and
Read morePurchase or Download the Atari 8-Bit Programming Reference Book “Mapping the Atari” (5-10 mins)
Task: Purchase or Download the Atari 8-Bit Programming Reference Book “Mapping the Atari” Needed: Web Browser Time: 5-10 mins Introduction Any serious programming on the Atari 8-bit computers requires interacting with various memory locations on the Atari. Some of these memory locations are free for
Read morePurchase and Assemble a SpartaDOS X Cartridge (15-30 mins)
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 moreExplore Atari Software and Games on Atari Mania (10-15 mins)
Task: Explore Atari Software and Games on Atari Mania Needed: Web browser Time: 10-15 minutes Introduction It can be challenging to find comprehensive and safe sources of Atari software and games online. The Internet Archive is certainly one of my favorites. Another go-to source is
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