In a nutshell: Atari’s 8-bit computer systems first launched in 1979, promoting for between $549 and $999 and taking on the area of a full desktop machine. Now, greater than 4 a long time later, a Polish engineer has recreated that very same system on a module smaller than a postage stamp. Known as Atarino, the gadget measures simply 2 × 1.5 centimeters and consists of all of the important elements of the unique {hardware}, comparable to a 6502C processor, graphics and sound chips, and reminiscence controllers.
The engineer behind the mission is Piotr “Osa” Ostapowicz, who started engaged on Atarino greater than 10 years in the past. What began as a easy compatibility take a look at step by step developed into a whole and enhanced reimplementation of the Atari XL/XE structure.
Not like many retro mini consoles that depend on software program emulation, Atarino makes use of FPGA know-how to copy Atari’s authentic elements on the {hardware} degree. This enables it to run classic software program instantly on recreated circuitry. It additionally helps authentic peripherals and intently mirrors the habits of the unique 8-bit techniques.
What makes the system notably spectacular is that, regardless of its tiny dimension, it truly improves upon the unique {hardware}. Atarino can run at speeds of as much as 31 MHz – far surpassing the unique machines’ 1.79 MHz. Its reminiscence structure replaces the older “cycle stealing” technique with unbiased channels, considerably boosting efficiency. The system additionally helps prolonged graphics modes and might output video through each VGA and HDMI.
Atarino’s modular design makes it adaptable to a variety of {hardware} configurations. It may be built-in into customized keyboards, compact enclosures, or improvement boards, relying on the applying. Ostapowicz has even demonstrated the system operating a 4K animation with real-time graphics processing, proof that it is able to way over simply operating basic Atari software program.
That stated, Atarino is not a completed product and improvement remains to be ongoing. At the moment, Ostapowicz is refining the emulation of the POKEY sound chip and enhancing assist for contemporary improvement instruments. Atarino already works with CC65 and Visible Studio Code, and full kits with documentation are deliberate. As soon as launched, these kits will make the system accessible to different builders and retrocomputing fans all for creating their very own tasks.
It is also price noting Atarino’s deep connection to Poland’s distinctive Atari legacy, as highlighted by Ars Technica. Throughout the Nineteen Eighties, when Poland was nonetheless beneath communist rule, Western know-how was laborious to acquire and usually restricted to hard-currency shops. But Atari computer systems grew to become extra widespread than most. This was partly due to Jack Tramiel, Atari’s Polish-born proprietor, who made efforts to carry his techniques to the Polish market.
Because of this, whereas Atari’s 8-bit computer systems light from the US within the Nineties, they remained well-liked in Poland, serving to maintain a vibrant consumer neighborhood that persists to this present day.
Picture credit score: Piotr Ostapowicz
