Related
Recommended
Engagement
  • Author Author: tariq.ahmad
  • Date Created: Date Created
  • Last Updated Last Updated:
  • Views 4777 views
  • Likes 11 likes
  • Comments 9 comments

Making a 3D Graphics Card for the Atari 800 XL -- Episode 514

 

The Atari 8-bit family was an important part of computing history, but there were some things those machines just couldn't do. In this episode, Andy builds a "graphics card" for the Atari 800 XL using a Raspberry Pi Compute Module, and attempts to control a 3D graphics demo from Atari BASIC.

 

Supplemental Content:

 

 

Bill of Material:

Product Name Manufacturer Quantity Buy Kit
Development Kit, Raspberry Pi Compute Module 3+, BCM2837B0 SoC, Complete I/O Interface RASPBERRY-PI 1 Buy Now
Breadboard, 8.5 mm Thickness, 55 mm x 83 mm MCM 1 Buy Now
Premium Male/Male Jumper Wires, 40 x 6" (150mm) ADAFRUIT 1 Buy Now
LOGIC, BUS TRANSCVR OCTAL, 20DIP New TEXAS INSTRUMENTS 4 Buy Now
Additional Parts Manufacturer Quantity
1 x 50 Pins IDC 2.54mm Card Edge Connector for 1.27mm Flat Ribbon Cable
1 x 50 Pin IDC 2.54mm Pitch F/F Connector 1.27mm Flat Ribbon Cable
Actions
Parents

  • As a retro enthusiast, I've been wanting to see this one take shape! (See what I did there?)

     

    Very cool project and idea. Even if it is on one of those "Atari" computers. (Just kidding, I love all 8-bit machines the same.)

     

    Since making the video, have you had any time to do any interfacing with assembly code?

  • in reply to baldengineer

    Thank you, James. I like everything about the Atari 8-bit family except for the out-of-tune POKEY music.

     

    I did spend some time messing around with assembly on the 800XL, but not for this project. I actually found the "official" protocol for the parallel bus kind of weird and unpleasant to work with, but if I were to do this project over again I would spend the time to figure it out. Oh, and I would use an FPGA.

     

    Since making the video I've been working on... the next video! I'm really excited about this one.

Comment
  • in reply to baldengineer

    Thank you, James. I like everything about the Atari 8-bit family except for the out-of-tune POKEY music.

     

    I did spend some time messing around with assembly on the 800XL, but not for this project. I actually found the "official" protocol for the parallel bus kind of weird and unpleasant to work with, but if I were to do this project over again I would spend the time to figure it out. Oh, and I would use an FPGA.

     

    Since making the video I've been working on... the next video! I'm really excited about this one.

Children
No Data