Title
Atari 2600 prototypeCatalog Number
X725.86Type
Physical objectDescription
Between 1978-1981, the Atari 2600 Video Computer System (VCS) used more microprocessors than all other applications and products combined - over 20 million 6502s by 1984. As the more sophisticated applications show - it was a real computer - although its 128 bytes of RAM and no keyboard limited its possibilities as a tool. Steve Mayer and Ron Milner - at Atari's secret R&D lab in Grass Valley - CA invented the VCS 2600 in late 1975.The first software written for it by Mayer - later with help from Joe Decuir - was assembled on a DEC PDP-11 minicomputer and downloaded to this homemade development box incorporating a "Jolt" 6502 card and monitor - some 1K RAMs - and interface circuitry. It originally was hooked to the wirewrap breadboard of the "Stella."
The first program running on this box was a forerunner of the "Combat" cartridge. Later software development by Atari - Activision - and others made this simple game system a classic around the world. Donation came during the PC Contest at The Computer Museum in Boston.
Al Alcorn writes:
I have owned this object since 1980. It was being discarded by Atari and was rescued by Owen Rubin and he gave it to me as he knew of my relation to the object. The prototype was designed by Steve Mayer and Ron Milner who worked in the Atari research lab (Cyan Engineering) in Grass Valley, CA, under my direction.
This prototype was delivered to me in Los Gatos, at the time, to be used to help construct the custom chip that would power the Atari VCS. It was used by the chip team consisting of Jay Miner, Joe Decuir, and Larry Wagner. Software for the first Atari VCS cartridges was developed on this machine. The only changes I made to the proto after I received it was to have a plastic case constructed to protect it.
A. Alcorn
July 20, 2022.
Date
1975Manufacturer
Atari, Inc.Place Manufactured
U.S.Identifying Numbers
| Other number | 6850 on interface panel |
Dimensions
13 x 17 x 13 1/4 in.Category
Digital computer/personal computer/desktopSubject
Atari; Home game console; Innovation; BusinessCredit
Gift of Ronald E. MilnerLot Number
X725.86
Related Records
| 102798120 | Atari 2600 Original Development System |