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 many years later, a Polish engineer has recreated that very same system on a module smaller than a postage stamp. Referred to as Atarino, the machine measures simply 2 × 1.5 centimeters and consists of all of the important elements of the unique {hardware}, resembling a 6502C processor, graphics and sound chips, and reminiscence controllers.
The engineer behind the challenge 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 regularly 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 unique elements on the {hardware} stage. This permits it to run classic software program instantly on recreated circuitry. It additionally helps unique peripherals and intently mirrors the habits of the unique 8-bit techniques.
What makes the system notably spectacular is that, regardless of its tiny measurement, it really 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 may 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 growth boards, relying on the appliance. Ostapowicz has even demonstrated the system operating a 4K animation with real-time graphics processing, proof that it is able to excess of simply operating traditional Atari software program.
That mentioned, Atarino is not a completed product and growth continues to be ongoing. At the moment, Ostapowicz is refining the emulation of the POKEY sound chip and enhancing assist for contemporary growth 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 lovers curious about creating their very own initiatives.
It is also price noting Atarino’s deep connection to Poland’s distinctive Atari legacy, as highlighted by Ars Technica. Through the Nineteen Eighties, when Poland was nonetheless beneath communist rule, Western know-how was onerous to acquire and sometimes restricted to hard-currency shops. But Atari computer systems turned extra widespread than most. This was partially because of Jack Tramiel, Atari’s Polish-born proprietor, who made efforts to deliver his techniques to the Polish market.
Consequently, whereas Atari’s 8-bit computer systems pale from the US within the Nineties, they remained standard in Poland, serving to maintain a vibrant consumer group that persists to today.
Picture credit score: Piotr Ostapowicz
