Atari ST

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The Atari ST was a series of computers from Atari. "ST" stood for "SixTeen", referring to its Motorola 68000 CPU having a 16-bit data bus. "Mega ST", "STm", "STfm" and "STe" noted different hardware variations. The Atari TT (ThirtyTwo) and Atari Falcon supported 32-bit memory.

It was especially popular among musicians because all models included also MIDI in and out as standard.

Recognition

  • 520ST: original model (not counting the 260ST, an early version with TOS on floppy)
  • 520ST+: same but with 1MB of RAM
  • 520STf: built-in single sided floppy drive
  • 520STm: built-in RF modulator
  • 520/1040STFM: built-in double sided floppy drive (though some units still shipped with single sided drives), mouse and joystick ports underneath the keyboard rather than on the side
  • 1040STf: a 520STFM with 1 MB of RAM and built-in double sided floppy drive and PSU, but no RF modulator
  • MegaST: keyboard detached from main unit
  • 520/1040STE: improved graphics and sound, memory upgradeable with SIMM modules, enhanced joystick ports (DA-15 female sockets) on the side
  • MegaSTE: STE in a grey TT box with improved hardware including HD floppy drive, network port and socket for 68881 coprocessor
  • TT: 68030@32MHz based machine with separate keyboard and improved hardware
  • Falcon: also 68030 based (at 16MHz however) but including a DSP, supporting improved video modes and using again the integrated form factor

Model name and keyboard layout are both noted on the label underneath the main unit.

Interface

Keyboards use an Atari-specific serial protocol at 7812.5 Baud (500 KHz ÷ 64).

The mouse is a bus mouse that connects to the first of two DE-9 ports on the keyboard. Both ports can be used for Atari-compatible joysticks. There are however only two buttons in total: the joystick buttons of ports 0 and 1 are wired to the left and right mouse buttons respectively.

The keyboard controller also has a realtime clock with one-second accuracy.[1]

Integrated keyboards also have Power and FDD activity LEDs.

Layouts

The following is a list of P/Ns and internal assemblies based on the relevant service manuals for the Falcon,[2] Atari TT[3] and Atari MegaSTe.[4] Data regarding the 520/1040STe was compiled from different sources. Note that the manual for the TT refers to PCBs and other parts (not keyboards); P/Ns are assumed to be the same based on the "CA" prefix used for the designation of Falcon keyboards, but this assumption might be wrong. Handle with care.

The keyboard layout of the whole ST range consists of 94/95 keys, including 10 function keys.

520/1040ST MegaSTe Falcon TT030 Layout Notes
CA400732-001 CA401297-001 CA400836-001 US English Confirmed original layout (520/1040ST, MegaST, Falcon)
CA400836-002 Canada
CA400732-003 CA401297-003 CA400836-003 UK English Confirmed original layout (520/1040ST, MegaST, TT)
CA400732-004 CA401297-004 CA400836-004 French Confirmed original layout (520/1040ST, MegaST, Falcon)
CO70502-013[5] CA400732-005 CA400836-005 German Confirmed original layout (520/1040ST, MegaST, TT, Falcon)
CA400732-006 CA401297-006 CA400836-006 Italian Confirmed original layout (Falcon)
CA070138-007 Swedish Confirmed original layout (520/1040ST)
CA400732-009 CA401297-009 CA400836-009 Spanish Confirmed original layout (520/1040ST)
CA400732-010 CA401297-010 CA400836-010 Swiss (German)
CA400836-011 ? Mexico
CA400732-012 CA401297-012 CA400836-012 Swiss (???)
CA400836-014 ? AUS (?)
CA401297-020 CA400836-020 Swiss (French)

Switches

Silitek

Silitek dome with slider: slider over individual rubber domes with conductive rubber on PCB. Silitek as an OEM is not confirmed, but the keyboards match Silitek's patented switch design.

The keycap mount is a cruciform mount. It is slightly bigger than Cherry MX making it incompatible. Keycaps are double-shot light grey with brown letters, or on the Atari Falcon: dark grey with light letters. Most keys have cylindrical profile except for the backwards-L Return key which has a spherical profile.

The keys are wider than standard (which can impair typing accuracy).

Confirmed to be integrated within the Atari ST FM,[6] and Atari STe but also reported to be the type found in the Atari 520 ST, 1040 ST, STF and Falcon.[7] In integrated computer cases the case screws can be identified by being in square holes where as other screws are in circular holes.

The key feel is very mushy. There are replacement rubber domes with more tactile feel branded "TT Touch" available from Best Electronics.

  • PCB and barrel plate separated

  • Back of keyboard (after reassembly)

  • Looks like a variation of Silitek dome with slider, doesn't it?

  • Barrel plate. Resting on its keys, still snapped onto keys.

  • Key profile. Swedish layout with split left Shift.

  • Inspection label and closeup of the Return key

  • Mouse and joystick ports on bottom of integrated keyboard. The computer has to be lifted to access them.

Mitsumi

The Mega STE has been found with a Mitsumi KPQ Type keyboard.[8]

Cherry

There is a stand-alone variant with Cherry MX Black switches.[9] It was shipped with the Mega ST.[10] The keys are in the same brown-on-gray double-shot style as for the more common Silitek variant but with different cruciform mounts for switch and stabilisers.[11]

See also

References

  1. ↑ K. Gerits, L. Englisch, R. Bruckmann — Atari ST Internals, 3d Edition. 1988. ISBN 0-916439-46-1
  2. ↑ Atari — Atari Falcon030 Service Guide, (P/N C303062-001, dated October 1, 1992), p. 111, "Keyboard Assemblies" (Internet Archive) Retrieved 2024-05-08.
  3. ↑ Atari Computer GmbH — Atari TT030 Computer Field Service Manual (P/N C302483-001, dated August 1991), Section Seven: Parts List and Assembly Drawings (Internet Archive) Retrieved 2024-05-11.
  4. ↑ Atari Corporation — Atari MegaSTe Service Manual (P/N C302016-001 rev. A, dated June 1991), Section Seven: Parts List and Assembly Drawings - Keyboard/Mouse assemblies (direct download) (Réalisations Olivier) Retrieved 2024-05-11.
  5. ↑ ebay — 1x ATARI Atari 520ST/STFM 1040ST/stfm Replacement Keyboard key [Volatile reference] Last updated 2023-09-28. Retrieved 2024-05-12.
  6. ↑ Atari-Forum — [PICS] Keyboard LED replacement Posted 2014-08-26. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  7. ↑ eBay — Atari 520 1040 ST STF STFM STE Falcon keyboard Letter Plunger And Connector (DEAD!)
  8. ↑ AtariAge — My Mega STE restoration......or just clean up ? Posted 2017-12-21. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  9. ↑ HaaTa — Atari ATW800 US (Flickr gallery) Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  10. ↑ WUDSN — Revision 2017 - Atari Mega ST Posted 2017-06-13. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  11. ↑ Geekhack — Inside an Atari MegaST keyboard by arapineau. Posted 2019-02-05. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
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