Dragon 32

The Dragon 32 was a Welsh home computer built around Motorola’s powerful 6809 processor. Its robust keyboard, 32KB of RAM, Microsoft Extended Colour BASIC and cartridge slot made it suitable for programming, education and games.

The architecture closely followed Motorola’s reference design and therefore resembled the Tandy Color Computer, although cartridge and software compatibility was limited. Dragon Data manufactured the computer at Port Talbot and quickly established a substantial British and European user base.

Notable Features

• Motorola 6809 processor offered an advanced instruction set for an 8-bit home computer.
• Microsoft Extended Colour BASIC included graphics and sound commands in ROM.
• Full-travel keyboard and sturdy case gave the machine a more professional feel than many budget rivals.

Historical Significance

• One of the most successful computers manufactured in Wales.
• Its rapid 1982 launch created a significant British alternative to Sinclair, Acorn and Commodore systems.

Collector’s Notes

• Early and later keyboard legends and case mouldings vary slightly.
• Cartridges resemble Tandy Color Computer media but are not automatically compatible.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Dragon 32
Manufacturer	Dragon Data Ltd
Launched	Sunday, August 1, 1982
Launch Price	£175
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	Cartridge, cassette, two joystick, printer, RF, composite and expansion ports
Keyboard	Integrated 53-key full-travel keyboard
Storage	Cassette at approximately 1500 baud; cartridges; 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	16KB Microsoft Extended Colour BASIC
RAM	32KB
CPU Speed	0.89 MHz