Mead.WBST311@XEROX.COM (11/20/87)
I have an Atari 800 XL computer at home collecting dust ,I am
thinking about using a computer at work to run a power supply test and I
thought about using an Atari 130 XE instead of Comadoore 64 . The
reason for think
ing about this is the Atari is less expensive it is some what compatable
with my computer at home and I can communicate via a modem from home
also.
I am not all that familar with the accessability of I/O Port
expandtion of either computer . Imformation in this area would help
also is Basic on the XL
machine much different from the XE machine and the same question holds
for the DOS systems too. My XL machine has DOS 2.5 which replaced DOS
3.0.
I know someone who did the same type of testing of a power supply but he
did it with a Apple computer but I would like to a avoid the cost
factor so I can gain my Managers approval much easier . Also I have a
question for Rochester Xerox User where are the locations of the local
distributers of Atari computers . I bought my computer from K-Mart
when they were on sale because they discontinued the sale of Atari
equipment. Any help would be appreciated and please excuse me for any
misspelled words I do not have any more time to check for spelling.
Thanks again, Bob Mead c60a-2ae@web4e.berkeley.edu.UUCP (11/21/87)
The easiest way to interface some I/O device to an 800XL is through
the joystick ports. Together they provide 8-bits parallel input/output
through the PIA chip in the computer. The PIA has 16 bits of I/O but
the second 8 are used to bank switch memory.
There are also four pot inputs.
BTW the ports can be configured for x bits input and y bits out.
References:
Mapping the ATARI, Ian Chadwick, compute books
Every ATARI owner MUST get this book, it's the best memory map around.
Bits & Pieces, a column in Analog computing. Get the back issues first,
they have clear data on setting up the ports.
An 8-bit parallel interface for the 800xl, Analog computing. I forget which
issue, but I can find it (probably was from 1985). I believe this was an
interface that provided handshaking and parity checking. Hardware and
software.
Sams Computerfacts, of course.
I have neither their repair manuals or their programming manual, but
people keep referring me to these. Check electronics stores for these
(not radio shaft).
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