Dragon 64

The Dragon 64 doubled the Dragon 32’s memory and added an RS-232 serial interface for professional and communications use. A revised ROM could switch between the familiar Dragon 32 environment and a mode that exposed the additional memory.

Compatibility with existing Dragon software was retained, while 64KB and serial communications made disk-based OS-9 and business applications more practical. The darker case and additional port distinguished it visually from the original model.

Notable Features

• 64KB RAM supported larger programs and operating systems.
• Built-in RS-232 interface enabled modems, terminals and serial printers.
• Dual ROM modes preserved Dragon 32 compatibility while exposing the expanded machine.

Historical Significance

• Extended the Dragon platform beyond the introductory home-computer market.
• Became the basis for Eurohard’s later Dragon 200.

Collector’s Notes

• Some software only sees the full memory after selecting Dragon 64 mode.
• Check the serial hardware and ROM switch behaviour as well as ordinary Dragon 32 compatibility.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Dragon 64
Manufacturer	Dragon Data Ltd
Launched	Monday, August 1, 1983
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Motorola MC6809E at 0.89 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Microsoft Extended Colour BASIC; OS-9 with disk system
I/O	RS-232, cartridge, cassette, joystick, printer, RF, composite and expansion
Keyboard	Integrated full-travel keyboard
Storage	Cassette, cartridges and optional floppy drives
Sound	6-bit DAC and software-generated sound
Graphics	MC6847 modes up to 256 x 192 monochrome or 128 x 192 in four colours
Display	32 x 16 text via RF or composite video
ROM	Revised 32KB ROM with Microsoft Extended Colour BASIC
RAM	64KB
CPU Speed	0.89 MHz