Atari XEP80 Interface Modules

Summary

Early Atari home computers have a standard resolution of 40 x 24 characters. The Atari XEP80 Interface Module is a small box that connects between the monitor and an Atari XE, XL, 400 or 800 computer via the joystick port, and brings the number of characters to 80 x 25 characters. The graphic resolution remains the same, only the text resolution is increased, whereby the interface module gives a monochrome signal at the RCA output. The matrix of each symbol is 7 pixels width and 10 pixels height (normally 8 x 8). In addition, the interface module also brings a parallel port.

Since the module has to be controlled separately, not every software automatically benefits from 80-character mode. Atari supports the XEP80 card with the word processor AtariWriter 80, the manufacturer Micromiser Software with Turboword, Turbobase 80 and TurboFile. Other products with 80-column mode are the VT52 terminal emulator BobTerm and the alternative operating system SpartaDOS from ICD, which is based on DOS.