Oric Atmos

The Oric Atmos refined the Oric-1 with a strong red-and-black case, a much improved full-travel keyboard and corrected BASIC 1.1 firmware. Its 48KB memory, colour graphics and three-channel sound remained compatible with most established Oric software.

The better keyboard and ROM addressed the original machine’s most visible weaknesses, although cassette reliability and financial problems continued to challenge the company. The Atmos became especially popular in France and inspired several licensed regional versions.

Notable Features

• Full-travel keyboard replaced the Oric-1’s less satisfactory key mechanism.
• BASIC 1.1 corrected many bugs in the original ROM.
• Preserved the Oric-1’s 240 x 200 colour display and AY sound system.

Historical Significance

• The best-known and most polished production Oric computer.
• Sustained a strong French software and enthusiast scene after the British company failed.

Collector’s Notes

• Most Oric-1 software works, but programs relying on exact ROM routines may need adjustment.
• Matching Microdisc drives and original RGB cables are desirable additions.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Oric Atmos
Manufacturer	Oric Products International
Launched	Wednesday, February 1, 1984
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	MOS Technology 6502A at 1 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Oric BASIC 1.1; Oric DOS and Sedoric with disk hardware
I/O	Cassette, printer, RGB, RF, expansion and audio
Keyboard	Integrated full-travel keyboard
Storage	Cassette; optional Microdisc 3-inch floppy
Sound	AY-3-8912 three-channel sound plus noise and internal speaker
Graphics	240 x 200 pixels in eight colours
Display	40 x 28 text with colour attributes
ROM	16KB containing Oric BASIC 1.1 and system ROM
RAM	48KB
CPU Speed	1 MHz