Atari 800 Service Manual

CHAPTER 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
This 400/800 System Service Manual is a reference guide for the serv-
ice technician. The information presented in this manual, when used
in conjunction with ATARI training, will enable a service technician
to install, operate, and maintain the ATARI 400/800 Computer Systems.
In addition to basic user operating instructions, this manual
includes procedures that describe operating the ATARI 400/800
Computer Console in conjunction with peripheral equipment for
maintenance purposes.
This manual further describes the functional operation of the 400/800
ATARI Computer Consoles and provides detailed procedures for its
maintenance. This information will enable a service technician to
troubleshoot and repair the ATARI 400/800 Computer Consoles to the
replaceable integrated circuit level. None of the procedures included
require special test equipment or tools. This manual also provides
spare parts ordering information to replace expended units and/or
assemblies, and the fault reporting procedures required.
1.2 ATARI 400/800 COMPUTER CONSOLE DESCRIPTION
The ATARI 400/800 Computer Consoles, see Figure 1-1, are personal
microcomputers designed to provide entertainment, in the form of
games; education, using interactive, audio-visual, education
programs; information, providing a serious tool for home and business
information management; plus perform all the functions of a fully
programmable general purpose computer.
The ATARI 400 Computer Console contains the central processor unit
(CPU) and memory in the form of the Operating System read-only-memory
( ROM ) and 8K (8 x 1 024 bytes) of user programmable random access
memory (RAM), expandable to 16K (16 x 1024 bytes). The Console also
holds the keyboard, cartridge slot, controller jacks, and a serial
I/O port for connecting to peripheral devices.
The ATARI 800 Computer Console contains the central processor unit
(CPU) a nd memory in the form of the Operating System read-only-
memory (10K ROM) and 8K-16K (standard) of user programmable random-
accessmemory (RAM), and two Expansion Sockets for additional RAM
modules (maximun 48K). The Console also holds the keyboard, cartridge
slots, controller jacks and a serial I/O port for connecting to
peripheral devices.
Atari Personal Computers 1-1

Atari 800 Specifications

General

Processor	MOS Technology 6502
Processor Speed	1.79 MHz
ROM	10 KB
Graphics	ANTIC and GTIA chips
Release Year	1979
Display Resolution	up to 320 x 192
Colors	128 colors
Sound	4 channels
Storage	Cartridge, cassette, floppy disk
Ports	Cartridge, serial, monitor
Operating System	Atari OS