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Dragon 32/64

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  • Dragon 32
  • Dragon 64
A Dragon 32 home computer
Also known asDragon 200, Dragon 200-E
ManufacturerDragon Data
TypeHome computer
Release dateAugust 1982; 43 years ago (1982-08)
Discontinued1987; 39 years ago (1987)[1]
Operating systemMicrosoft Extended BASIC
CPUMotorola 6809E @ 0.89 MHz
Memory32 KB/64 KB
DisplayComposite monitor or TV over RF output, 64×48 with 8 colours semigraphics, 128×192 with 4 colours, 256×192 with 2 colours
GraphicsMC6847 Video Display Generator
Sound1-bit sound

The Dragon 32 and Dragon 64 are 8-bit home computers that were built in the 1980s. The Dragons are very similar to the TRS-80 Color Computer, and were produced for the European market by Dragon Data, Ltd., initially in Swansea, Wales, before moving to Port Talbot, Wales (until 1984), and by Eurohard S.A. in Casar de Cáceres, Spain (from 1984 to 1987), and for the US market by Tano Corporation of New Orleans, Louisiana. The model numbers reflect the primary difference between the two machines, which have 32 and 64 kilobytes of RAM, respectively.

Dragon Data introduced the Dragon 32 microcomputer in August 1982, followed by the Dragon 64 a year later. Despite initial success, the Dragon faced technical limitations in graphics capabilities and hardware-supported text modes, which restricted its appeal in the gaming and educational markets. Dragon Data collapsed in 1984 and was acquired by Spanish company Eurohard S.A. However, Eurohard filed for bankruptcy in 1987.

The Dragon computers were built around the Motorola MC6809E processor and featured a composite monitor port, allowing connection to (at the time) modern TVs. They used analog joysticks and had a range of peripherals and add-ons available. The Dragon had several high-resolution display modes, but limited graphics capabilities compared to other home computers of the time.

The Dragon came with a Microsoft BASIC interpreter in ROM, which allowed instant system start-up. The Dragon 32/64 was capable of running multiple disk operating systems, and a range of popular games were ported to the system.

Overall, the Dragon computers were initially well-received but faced limitations that hindered their long-term success.

Dragon 32 vs. Dragon 64

[edit]

Aside from the amount of RAM, the Dragon 64 also has a functional RS-232 serial port which was not included on the Dragon 32. A minor difference between the two Dragon models is the outer case colour; the Dragon 32 is beige and the Dragon 64 is light grey. Besides the case, branding and the Dragon 64's serial port, the two machines look the same. The Dragon 32 is upgradable to Dragon 64. In some cases, buyers of the Dragon 32 found that they actually received a Dragon 64 unit.[2]

Product history

[edit]
Dragon logo

Dragon Data entered the market in August 1982 with the Dragon 32. The Dragon 64 followed a year later. The computers sold well initially and attracted the interest of independent software developers including Microdeal. A companion magazine, Dragon User, began publication shortly after the microcomputer's launch.

Despite this initial success, there were two technical impediments to the Dragon's acceptance. The graphics capabilities trailed behind other computers such as the ZX Spectrum and BBC Micro, a significant shortcoming for the games market.[1] Additionally, as a cost-cutting measure, the hardware-supported text modes only included upper case characters; this restricted the system's appeal to the educational market.[1]

Dragon Data collapsed in June 1984.[3] It was acquired by the Spanish company Eurohard S.A., which moved the factory from Wales to Cáceres and released the Dragon 200 (a Dragon 64 with a new case that allowed a monitor to be placed on top) and the Dragon 200-E (an enhanced Dragon 200 with both upper and lower case characters and a Spanish keyboard), but ultimately filed for bankruptcy in 1987. The remaining stock from Eurohard was purchased by a Spanish electronics hobbyist magazine and given away to those who paid for a three-year subscription, until 1992.

In the United States it was possible to purchase the Tano Dragon new in box until early 2017 from California Digital, a retailer that purchased the remaining stock.[4]

Reception

[edit]

BYTE wrote in January 1983 that the Dragon 32 "offers more feature for the money than most of its competitors", but "there's nothing exceptional about it". The review described it as a redesigned, less-expensive Color Computer with 32K RAM and better keyboard.[5]

Technical notes

[edit]

Hardware and peripherals

[edit]

The Dragon is built around the Motorola MC6809E processor running at 0.89 MHz. It was an advanced 8-bit CPU design, with limited 16-bit capabilities.

It was possible to increase the speed of the computer by using POKE 65495,0 which accelerated the ROM-resident BASIC interpreter, but temporarily disabled proper functioning of the cassette/printer ports. Manufacturing variances mean that not all Dragons were able to function at this higher speed, and use of this POKE could cause some units to crash or be unstable, though with no permanent damage. POKE 65494,0 returned the speed to normal. POKE 65497,0 pushed the speed yet higher but the display was lost until a slower speed was restored.

The Dragon used the SN74LS783/MC6883 Synchronous Address Multiplexer (SAM) and the MC6847 Video Display Generator (VDG). I/O was provided by two MC6821 Peripheral Interface Adapters (PIAs). Many Dragon 32s were upgraded by their owners to 64 KB of memory. A few were further expanded to 128 KB, 256 KB, or 512 KB with home-built memory controllers/memory management units (MMUs).[citation needed]

A broad range of peripherals exist for the Dragon 32/64,[vague] and there are add-ons such as the Dragon's Claw which give the Dragons a port that is hardware-compatible with the BBC Micro's user port, though separate software drivers for connected devices must be developed. Although neither machine has a built-in disk operating system (Compact Cassettes being the standard storage mechanism commonly used for machines of the time), DragonDOS was supplied as part of the disk controller interface from Dragon Data Ltd. The versatile external ports, including the standard RS-232 on the 64, also allows hobbyists to attach a diverse range of equipment.[vague]

The computer featured a composite monitor port as an alternative to the TV RF output which can be used to connect the Dragon 32 to most modern TVs to deliver a much better picture.

The Dragon used analogue joysticks, unlike most systems of the time which used simpler and cheaper digital systems. Other uses for the joystick ports included light pens.

Tony Clarke and Richard Wadman established the specifications for the Dragon.[6]

The units had a robust motherboard in a spacious case, reminiscent of the BBC Micro, and so were more tolerant of aftermarket modification than some of their contemporaries, which often had their components crammed into the smallest possible space.

Video modes

[edit]

The Dragon's main display mode is 'black on green' text (the black was, in actuality, a deeper, muddier green). The only graphics possible in this mode are quarter-tile block based.

It also has a selection of five high-resolution modes, named PMODEs 0–4, which alternate monochrome and four-colour in successively higher resolutions, culminating in the black-and-white 256×192 PMODE 4. Each mode has two possible colour palettes – these are rather garish and cause the system to fare poorly in visual comparisons with other home computers of the time. It is also impossible to use standard printing commands to print text in the graphical modes, causing software development difficulties.[7]

Full-colour, scanline-based 64×192 semi-graphics modes are also possible, though their imbalanced resolution and programming difficulty (not being accessible via BASIC) meant they were not often utilised.

Disk systems

[edit]
Delta DOS Interface

First to market was a complete disk operating system produced by Premier Microsystems, located near Croydon. The system was sold as the "Delta" disk operating system; there was a proposal for Dragon to market this as an addon. Dragon did not enter into such an agreement and instead produced the DragonDOS system. The two systems were incompatible.

Delta's lead in availability ensured that software was released in the format, whilst Dragon's "official" status ensured that it, too, gained software published in its format. This led to confusion and frustration, with customers finding they had either purchased a version incompatible with their setup, or that the software was only available for the competing standard.

System software

[edit]

The Dragon comes with a Microsoft BASIC interpreter in 16 KB of ROM. The BASIC appears to be nearly identical to Tandy Color Computer's Extended Basic with a few changes necessary to interact with the Dragon system.[6]

In common with home computers of the time, the entire operating software was included on a ROM chip; therefore, the system starts instantly when powered up.

Some software providers also produced compilers for BASIC and other languages to produce binary (or "machine") code which would run many times faster and make better use of the small system RAM. Towards the end of its life, Dragon Data produced an assembler/disassembler/editor suite called Dream.

In addition to the DragonDOS disk operating system, the Dragon 32/64 is capable of running several others, including FLEX, and even OS-9 which brought UNIX-like multitasking to the platform. Memory-expanded and MMU-equipped Dragons are able to run OS-9 Level 2.

Games

[edit]
Manic Miner (Software Projects) had to run in black and white.

Initially, the Dragon was reasonably well supported by the major UK software companies, with versions of popular games from other systems being ported to the Dragon. Top-selling games available for the Dragon include Arcadia (Imagine), Chuckie Egg (A&F), Manic Miner and sequel Jet Set Willy (Software Projects), Hunchback (Ocean) and Football Manager (Addictive). There were also companies that concentrated on the Dragon, such as Microdeal. Their character Cuthbert appeared in several games, with Cuthbert Goes Walkabout also being converted for Atari 8-bit and Commodore 64 systems.

Due to the limited graphics modes of the Dragon, converted games had a distinctive appearance, with colour games being usually played on a green or white background (rather than the more common black on other systems) or games with high-definition graphics having to run in black and white.

When the system was discontinued, support from software companies also effectively ended. However, Microdeal continued supporting the Dragon until January 1988. Some of their final games developed for the Dragon in 1987 such as Tanglewood and Airball were also converted for 16-bit machines such as the Atari ST and Amiga.

There are 798 commercial games for the Dragon 32.[8]


Name Year Publisher
3D Lunattack 1984 Hewson Consultants
3-D Maze Apex Trading
3D Seiddab Attack 1984 Hewson Consultants
3D Space Wars 1984 Hewson Consultants
5 Games Tape Datacom Publications
6809 Express 1985 Quickbeam Software
747 Flight Simulator 1984 DACC Ltd
A Contar Eurohard
A Week At The Races 1983 B & H Software
Ace In The H.O.L.E. Kayde Software
Acolyte Dragonfire Services
Action Pack Shards Software
Adventure Plus Premier Microsystems
Adventure Trilogy Dragon Data
Adventureland Adventure International
After The Fire Channel 8 Software
Aggressor Programmers Guild
Air Assault 1984 Datacom Publications
Air Sea Missile Twig Systems Software
Air Traffic Control 1983 Microdeal
Airball Microdeal
Albert And The Monsters Algray
Alcatraz II 1982 Microdeal
Alien Blitz 1982 Gem Software
Alien Oddessy Parts 1 & 2 Bamby Software
Aliens+ Wizard Software
All Systems Go Anik Microsystems
Amazing Bamby Software
And All Because 1983 B & H Software
Android Invaders 1984 Lyversoft
Anikman Anik Microsystems
Antigravity Dragonfire Services
Apples Computerware
Aquanaut 471 Microdeal
Arcade Action (Meteor Run / Breakout) Apex Trading
Arcadia 1984 Imagine
Arcane Quest Kayde Software
Area Radar Controller Software For All
Arrow Of Death Part 1 1983 Channel 8 Software
Arrow Of Death Part 2 1983 Channel 8 Software
Astroblast 1982 Dragon Data
Athletyx 1985 Microdeal
Atlantis Qed Systems
Atom Hunt Active Software
Attack 1982 PSS
Autorun Datacom Publications
Avenger 1983 Voyager Software
A-Z Chase / Money Bags 1982 Apex Trading
Baby Dragon (Koko/Teddy) 1983 Gravesend Home Computers
Baccarat 1983 Cable Software
Back Track 1984 Incentive Software
Backgammon (Microdeal) 1983 Microdeal
Backgammon (Oasis) Oasis Software
Bagitman Aardvark-80
Bandito Pocket Money Software
Barmy Burgers 1984 Blaby Computer Games
Basil Goes Ballooning 1984 Sir Basil Spice Software
Battle Stations Anik Microsystems
Bc Bill Imagine
Beam Rider 1984 Microdeal
Bean Patch Orange Software
Beanpatch Microvision
Beanstalker Microvision
Berserk Dragon Data
Best Of Pcw - Software For The Dragon Century Software
Beyond The Cimeeon Moon Dragon Data
Beyond The Infinite Channel 8 Software
Big Six Audiogenic
Black Sanctum Dragon Data
Blackjack / Jackpot 1983 B & H Software
Bloc Head Dragon Data
Blockbuster Quiz Computerware
Blockbuster Quiz II Computerware
Bombs Away Basil 1984 Blaby Computer Games
Bonka 1983 J. Morrison (Micros)
Bopswizzle Bamby Software
Boris The Bold 1984 Blaby Computer Games
Boulder Crash 1984 Blaby Computer Games
Breakout / Middle Kingdom Dragon Data
Bridge Master Dragon Data
Brocks Kingdom Blaby Computer Games
Bubble Buster 1984 Microdeal/Pocket Money Software
Bug Diver 1984 Mastertronic
Bugged! Dungeon Software
Bumpers 1984 Dragon Data
Bust-Out! Dragonfire Services
Buzzard Bait Microdeal / Tom Mix
California Gold Rush Anik Microsystems
Calixto Island Dragon Data
Cambridge Twig Systems Software
Cashman Microdeal
Cassette 50 1983 Cascade
Castle Adventure Virgin
Castle Blackstar 1984 CDS Micro Systems
Castle of Doom 1986 Giant Byte
Cat 'N' Mouse / Space Maze Diand Software
Catacomb Crisis Microvision
Catacombs Premier Microsystems
Cave Fighter 1983 Cable Software
Cave Hunter Dragon Data
Caverns Of Chaos 1984 Blaby Computer Games
Caverns Of Doom Microdeal
CC Poker 1983 Compusense
Cells & Serpents Asp Software
Cesil Interpreter Wizard Software
Chambers 1984 Microdeal
Champions! Peaksoft
Championship Darts 1984 Shadow Software
Chateau 1983 Gem Software
Chess J. Morrison (Micros)
Children from Space Dragon Data
Chuckie Egg 1985 A & F Software
Cimeon Moon Dragon Data
Circus Channel 8 Software
Circus Adventure Dragon Data
City Defence Shards Software
Clowns Wizard Software
Colossal Cave (Compusense) Compusense
Computa Fruita Wizard Software
Confuzion 1985 Incentive Software
Connect 4 Computerware
Conquering Everest 1983 Asp Software
Convoy Attack Romik Software
Copta Snatch 1984 Blaby Computer Games
Copter Patrol J. Morrison (Micros)
Cores 64 1984 Microdeal
Cosmic Clones Dragon Data
Cosmic Cruiser 1984 Imagine
Cosmic Crusader 1984 Blaby Computer Games
Cosmic Zap 1983 Microdeal
Courier Pilot Programmers Guild
Cranky Dragon Data
Crash 1984 Microdeal
Crazi Plumber Wizard Software
Crazy Foota Computape
Crazy Foota 2 Computape
Crazy Foota 3 1988 Orange Software
Crazy Painter Microdeal
Creepies / To Boldly Go Blaby Computer Games
Cribbage Premier Microsystems
Cruising on Broadway 1983 Sunshine
Crusader J. Morrison (Micros)
C-Trek Compusense
CU*BER 1984 Tom Mix Software
Curse of Carmac PSE Computers
Curse of Comarc 1986 Microvision
Cuthbert And The Golden Chalice 1986 Microdeal
Cuthbert Goes Digging 1983 Microdeal
Cuthbert Goes Walkabout Microdeal
Cuthbert In Space Microdeal
Cuthbert In The Cooler 1985 Microdeal
Cuthbert In The Jungle 1983 Microdeal
Cuthbert In The Mines 1983 Microdeal
Cyclops Romik Software
Cyrus Chess Dragon Data
DAMS 1988 Orange Software
Danger Island 1984 Software For All
Danger Ranger 1983 Microdeal
Danger! PSE Computers
Dark Star Design Design
Darts Computerware
Data Fall Microdeal/Pocket Money Software
Dataplan 1982 PSS
Deadwood (Early Green Inlay) A & F Software
Death Cruise Virgin
Death Mines Of Sirus 1983 Phoenix Software
Death'S Head Hole Peaksoft
Decathlon (Dragonfire) Dragonfire Services
Decathlon (Wizard Software) Wizard Software
Defense Microdeal
Demolition Derby 1984 Microdeal
Demon Knight Asp Software
Demon Seed Microdeal
Desert Golf Compusense
Desperado Dan Blaby Computer Games
Destiny Trilogy 1987 Pulser Software
Detective Asp Software
Detonate / The Alien Blaby Computer Games
Devil Assault 1983 Microdeal
Devils Island 1983 Apex Trading
Devils Triangle Abacus
Diamond Dash Starship Software
Diamond Dash 2 Starship Software
Diamond Manor Dragonfire Services
Dickie Space Man Quickbeam Software
Dickie'S Den 1985 Quickbeam Software
Dismon Wizard Software
Dodo 1983 Preston (R & AJ)
Dominoes (Oasis) Oasis Software
Donkey King 1982 Microdeal
Don'T Panic Peaksoft
Dont Squeal Dragonfire Services
Doodle Bug Dragon Data/Microdeal/Computerware
Doom PSE Computers
Downland 1984 Microdeal
Draconian 1984 Microdeal
Dragbug 1982 PSS
Dragon 1 1983 Dream Software
Dragon 2 J. Morrison (Micros)
Dragon 3D O'S & X'S / Invader Cube Oasis Software
Dragon 4 1983 J. Morrison (Micros)
Dragon 55 Nemesis
Dragon Birthday Special Dragon Data
Dragon Challenge Premier Microsystems
Dragon Charset Asn Computers Ltd
Dragon Chess Oasis Software
Dragon Darts 1984 Blaby Computer Games
Dragon Double (Switchback, Alphasquare) Mr Micro
Dragon Games 1 (Othello, Breakout, Awari, Lander, Raffles) J. Morrison (Micros)
Dragon Games Pack Program Direct
Dragon Games Tape 2 J. Morrison (Micros)
Dragon Games Tape 4 (Pteradactyl / Torpedo / Hornets) J. Morrison (Micros)
Dragon Hawk 1983 Microdeal
Dragon Invaders 1982 Microdeal
Dragon Mountain Dragon Data
Dragon Othello Asn Computers Ltd
Dragon Personal Pack Premier Microsystems
Dragon Racer / Wasp Invasion 1983 Cable Software
Dragon Selection 1 Dragon Data
Dragon Selection 2 Dragon Data
Dragon Selection 3 Dragon Data
Dragon Selection 4 Dragon Data
Dragon Selection 5 Dragon Data
Dragon Startrek Wizard Software
Dragon Strategy Pack Premier Microsystems
Dragon Tower Premier Microsystems
Dragon Trek 1983 Wintersoft Software
Dragonfly Hewson Consultants
Dragonfly II Hewson Consultants
Dragopoly (Free Parking) B & H Software
Dragrunner 1983 Cable Software
Dragstone Dragonfire Services
Drawcaster - Australian Pools 1984 Acepak Software
Drawcaster - British Pools 1984 Acepak Software
Dream Machine Dragonfire Services
Droids J. Morrison (Micros)
Drone Datatank 1983 Cable Software
Dungeon Destiny Microvision
Dungeon Raid Microdeal
Dungeons Of Death Premier Microsystems
Eager Edna Cable Software
Earth Rescue Abacus
Eddie Steady Go! 1985 Incentive Software
Eight Ball 1984 Microdeal
El Bandito Dragon Data
El Diablero Dragon Data
Election Fever Whitsoft
Electron Tom Mix Software
El-Pea 1986 Microvision
Empire 1983 Shards Software
Encoder 09 1983 Premier Microsystems
Endless Noughts And Crosses R&P International
Enter The Dragon Melbourne House
Escape Microdeal
Escape Form Pulsar 7 Channel 8 Software
Escuela de pilotos F1 1982 Salamander Software
Everest 1983 Salamander Software
Evictor Wizard Software
Execution Datacom Publications
Exploring Adventures On The Dragon Ducksoft
Fairground Fantasy Abrasco Ltd
Fantasy Fight Cable Software
Fearless Freddy Microdeal/Pocket Money Software
Feasibility Experiment Channel 8 Software
Fembots' Revenge Dragon Data
Filmaster 1985 Microdeal
Final Countdown Dragon Data
Fingers Blaby Computer Games
Fire Force Quickbeam Software
Fireball Abacus
Fish Van Scandal 1989 Orange Software
Fishy Business Salamander Software
Flag Dragon Data
Flight Dragon Data
Flight Simulator PSS
Flipper Microdeal
Folly Farm's Chicken Run 1984 Impsoft
Football Manager Addictive Games
Forbidden City Apex Trading
Forest Of Doom Orange Software
Formula One Pamcomms
Frankie Quickbeam Software
Franklin In Wonderland Salamander Software
Franklin's Tomb Salamander Software
Free Parking Active Software
Frogger 1983 Microdeal
Froggy Galactic Software
Frog-Hop Bamby Software
Froglet CRL
Fruit Machine Blaby Computer Games
Fruity Dragon Data
Fun and Games Shards Software
Fury Microdeal
Galactic Ambush 1983 Microdeal
Galactic Gus Quickbeam Software
Galactic Raiders Algray
Galactic Slugs Bamby Software
Galactic Taipan Hornet Software
Galacticans 1984 Softek
Galagon Microdeal
Galax Attax Dragon Data
Gallactic Survival Pak Anik Microsystems
Galleons Wizard Software
Game Of Life (For Dasm) Compusense
Games Compendium Salamander Software
Games Pack 1 (Abacus) Abacus
Games Pack 1 (Oasis) Oasis Software
Games Pack 2 Abacus
Games Pack 3 Abacus
Games Pack I 1982 Gem Software
Games Pack II Gem Software
Games Pack III Gem Software
Games Pack IV (Sea Harrier / Sub Chase) Gem Software
Games Tape 1 (Active Software) Active Software
Games Tape 1 (B & H Software) B & H Software
Games Tape 2 (Active Software) Active Software
Games Tape 2 (Space Attack / Caterpillar) Apex Trading
Gee Up Neddy Anik Microsystems
Ghost Attack Dragon Data
Ghost Town Adventure International
Giants Castle 1983 Dungeon Software
Gis A Job Blaby Computer Games
Glaxxons Microdeal
Goblin Caves Apex Trading
Golden Apples Of The Sun 1983 Bamby Software
Golden Oldies II Pamcomms
Golden Voyage Adventure International
Golf (Apex Trading) Apex Trading
Golf (Audiogenic) Audiogenic
Golf (Gem Software) Gem Software
Golf (Microdeal) 1983 Microdeal / Tom Mix
Golf (PSS) PSS
Golf (Salamander Software) 1983 Salamander Software
Gordon Bennet 1985 Computape
Grabber Microdeal
Grand Prix Salamander Software
Gridrunner Salamander Software
Guardian Hornet Software
Guardian Angel Blaby Computer Games
Halcon (ES) Cibercomp SA
Handicap Golf CRL
Hang It! Peaksoft
Hareraiser (Finale) Haresoft
Hareraiser (Prelude) Haresoft
Hide & Seek Dragon Data
Hole Dragonfire Services
Home Base Cable Software
Hooked! Shards Software
Horace Goes Skiing Melbourne House
Horror Atoll Kayde Software
Horror Castle 1983 A & F Software
Hotel On Mayfair Datacom Publications
Hubert Blaby Computer Games
Hunchback Ocean Software
Hungry Horace Melbourne House
I Ching Virgin
Ice Castles Spectral Associates
If I Had A Million Phoenix Software
Impossiball Pulser Software
Impossiball! Dragonfire Services
Indoor Football Quickbeam Software
Inform 1984 Premier Microsystems
Inspector Clueseau Eurosoft
Intelligent Disk Copier Dragonfire Services
Intergalatic Force 1983 Microdeal
Interplanetary Trader Bamby Software
Invader / Simon Apex Trading
Invaders Alligata
Invaders Revenge 1982 Microdeal
Island Adventure Apex Trading
Jaws Alligata
Jerusalem Adventure 2 1982 Microdeal
Jet Boot Colin Pocket Money Software
Jet Set Willy 1983 Software Projects
Johnny Reb 1983 Lothlorien
Journey To The Centre Of Phobos Dragonfire Services
Jumbos Troubles 1985 Wizard Software
Jumpjet Dragon Data
Jungle Juice Fantasy Software
Junior's Revenge 1983 Dragon Data/Microdeal/Computerware
Juxtaposition: Barons of Ceti V Wintersoft Software
Karma Carzy Blaby Computer Games
Katerpillar II Tom Mix Software
Keys Of Roth CRL
Keys Of The Wizard Microdeal
Kids Pack 1 (Dam Attack / Hangman) 1988 Dragonfire Services
King Of Valley Abacus
King Tut Microdeal
Klartz And The Dark Forces Dungeon Software
Kriegspiel Beyond
Kung Fu - The Master Blaby Computer Games
Land Of Tezrel Omen
Larkspur Waldorf 2 PSE Computers
Laser Blast Blaby Computer Games
Laser Gates J. Morrison (Micros)
Laser Racer CRL
Laser Run 1984 Blaby Computer Games
Laser Zone Salamander Software
Lazer Cycles / Mission Dru / Hangman / Breakout Lasersound Software
Leggit! 1983 Imagine
Leopard Lord Kayde Software
Line Up 4 Terminal Software
Linkword Computerware
Lion Heart Peaksoft
Livingstone Cable Software
Lord Of The Dragon Item Limited
Lost In Space Salamander Software
Lucifer'S Kingdom Orange Software
Lunar Rescue B & H Software
Lunar Rover Patrol Dragon Data/Microdeal
MacDougal's Last Stand 1984 Blaby Computer Games
Mad Monty Screenplay
Madness & The Minotaur Dragon Data
Man Hunt 1984 Omen
Manic Miner 1984 Software Projects
Mansion Adventure 1 Microdeal
Mansion of Doom Dragon Data
Master Cards Player Program Direct
Matchmaker Orange Software
Maths Games Pack Premier Microsystems
Maths Trek 1983 Dungeon Software
Maurice Minor 1983 J. Morrison (Micros)
Mazerace / Spellbase 1985 Dragonfire Services
Metal-On-Metal Quickbeam Software
Meteoroids Dragon Data
Micropoly Temptation Software
Mid Winter Channel 8 Software
Midas Maze Dungeon Software
Middle Kingdom / Breakout Dragon Data
Mind Games Compendium Oasis Software
Mindbenders Anik Microsystems
Mined-Out 1983 Quicksilva
Mini Games (Layers/Pontoon/Guess IT/Math Test) Bamby Software
Miser'S Dream Microvision
Missile Command & Graphics Demonstration Djl Software
Missile Defender Tiger Software
Mission 1 - Project Volcano R&B Software
Mission Attack 1984 Blaby Computer Games
Mission Moonbase Phoenix Software
Mission Xk1 1984 J. Morrison (Micros)
Mission-Empire Hornet Software
Module Man Microdeal
Monster Mine 1982 Gem Software
Monsters Softek
Monsters & Magic Dragon Data
Moon Cresta Incentive Software
Moon Hopper Dragon Data/Microdeal/Computerware
Moonhopper Dragon Data
Morbid Mansion 1984 Blaby Computer Games
Morocco Grand Prix Microdeal
Movie Producer 1983 Silly Software
Mr Dig Microdeal
Mr Eater Programmers Guild
Mublingly / Cecil Plays 21 / Roulette / Craps / Telepahy Preston (R & AJ)
Mudpies Microdeal
Mutant War 1984 Blaby Computer Games
Mystery Fun House Adventure International
Nerble Force Dragon Data/Microdeal/Computerware
Night Flight Salamander Software
Nightmare Park Item Limited
Ninja Warrior Programmers Guild
Noah'S Ark Item Limited
North Sea Action Orange Software
North Sea Oil 1984 Shards Software
Number Chaser Dragon Data
Number Gulper Dragon Data
Number Puzzler Dragon Data
Oil Baron Whitsoft
Oil Recovery Premier Microsystems
Olympia Blaby Computer Games
Operation Safras (Pettigrew II) 1984 Shards Software
Orb Impact Software
Ossie Peaksoft
Othello (Oasis) Oasis Software
Othello (Sofrware for All) Software For All
Othello (Twig) Twig Systems Software
Pacdroids Programmers Guild
Pairs (Premier) Premier Microsystems
Pairs (Software for All) Software For All
Pane Damage Anik Microsystems
Patti-Pak 1983 Eurosoft
Pedro 1984 Imagine
Pendragon Space Trader Abacus
Pengon Microdeal
Pepper'S Games Pack Wintersoft Software
Perilous Pit Blaby Computer Games
Perseus & Andromeda Channel 8 Software
Pettigrew's Diary 1983 Shards Software
Phantom Slayer 1983 Microdeal
Pharohs Curse 1984 Apex Trading
Phasor Power Anik Microsystems
Photo-Finish Peaksoft
Picnic Adventure Kayde Software
Picture Puzzle Lyversoft
Pimania 1982 Automata
Pinball (Apex Trading) Apex Trading
Pinball (Microdeal) 1983 Microdeal
Pirate Abrasco Ltd
Pirate Adventure Adventure International
Pirates Ahoy Compusense
Pit Fiend 1984 Microdeal/Pocket Money Software
Planet Conquest Blaby Computer Games
Planet Invasion Microdeal
Pogo-Jo J. Morrison (Micros)
Poker Compusense
Pontoon (Computerware) Computerware
Poseidon Adventure Dragon Data
Pratfall Pearly Scorpio Software
Program Pack 1 Microdeal
Program Pack 2 Microdeal
Program Pack 3 Microdeal
Program Pack 4 1983 Microdeal
Program Pack 5 1983 Microdeal
Protector (Algray) Algray
Protector (Programmers Guild) Programmers Guild
Pub Crawl B & H Software
Puzzler 1983 Shards Software
Pyradventure 1987 Dragonfire Services
Pyramid Of Doom Adventure International
Qiks Spectral Associates
QMON 1986 Microvision
Quazimodo Cable Software
Quest (Dragon Data) Dragon Data
Quest (Impact Software) Impact Software
Questprobe - Spiderman Adventure International
Questprobe 1 - The Hulk Adventure International
Quickshot I 1984 Microdeal
Quickshot II (SVI-102) 1984 Microdeal
Quinky in the Caves of Doom PSE Computers
Quiz Pack (Crossword / Wordwise) 1983 Shards Software
Racer Ball Microdeal
Rail Runner (Dragon Data) 1982 Dragon Data
Rail Runner (Microdeal) 1985 Microdeal
Rainbow Writer Microdeal
Rally Adventure 1988 Pulser Software
Red Alert Wizard Software
Red Meanies Salamander Software
Renju - Radio Ham PSE Computers
Return of the Ring Wintersoft Software
Return To Pirates Island Adventure International
Reversi (Trojan) Trojan Products
River Of Fire J. Morrison (Micros)
Robin Hood Pocket Money Software
Robin Hood (Potent Adventures) Portent Adventures
Rola-Ball Compusense
Rola-Ball 2 Starship Software
Roman Empire Lothlorien
Romik Cube Romik Software
Rommel 3D Microdeal
Rommel's Revenge Design Design
Ruby Robba Blaby Computer Games
Ruby Runabout Scorpio Software
Samsim Dragon Data
Samurai Warrior Lothlorien
SAS Peaksoft
Savage Island Part 1 Adventure International
Savage Island Part 2 Adventure International
Scanner 13 Bamby Software
Scarfman Microdeal
School Maze Dragon Data
Screaming Abdabs 1985 A & F Software
Scribe Premier Microsystems
Sea Quest Dragon Data
Secret Mission Adventure International
Setter Dragsoft
Sewer Rat PSE Computers
Sewer Rats / Raiders Blaby Computer Games
Shaft 1983 Dragon Data
Shaolin Master Quickbeam Software
Shaolin Master Plus Quickbeam Software
Shape Up Dragon Data
Shaper Shards Software
Shark Treasure Dragon Data/Microdeal/Computerware
Shenanigans Dragon Data
Sherlock Orange Software
Shocktrooper Microdeal
Show Jump Computerware
Shrunken Scientist 1988 Orange Software
Shuttle Zap Eurohard
Shuttlezap Dragon Data
Simon Apex Trading
Simon Says Touchmaster
Simon Shapes Touchmaster
Simon Squares Touchmaster
Simply Simon Touchmaster
Sir Leapin' Lancelot Anik Microsystems
Sir Randolf of the Moors Griffin Software
Sirius Iv Wizard Software
Six-Aside-Soccer Quickbeam Software
Sketch-A-Puzzle Diand Software
Skid Row Microdeal
Skier CRL
Skramble Microdeal
Skyjoust 1983 J. Morrison (Micros)
Slide Microdeal/Pocket Money Software
Slow But Sure Dragsoft
Smash Wizard Software
Snakebite Diand Software
Snow Queen Cambrian Computersolve
Snow Queen 7+ Shards Software
Sorcerer Of Claymorgue Castle Adventure International
Space Castle Wizard Software
Space Fighter Microdeal
Space Mission Gem Software
Space Monopoly Microdeal
Space Race Compusense
Space Raiders Microdeal
Space Shuttle Microdeal
Space Trek (Dragon Data) Dragon Data
Space Trek (Trojan) Trojan Products
Space Trek 1 Dragonfire Services
Space Trek 2 Dragonfire Services
Space Trek 3 Dragonfire Services
Space War Microdeal
Space Wrek Microdeal
Speed Racer Microdeal
Spellbound: Besieged Sulis Software
Spider 1983 Premier Microsystems
Splosh Abacus
Sporting Decathlon Paramount
Sprite Designer 1983 Orange Software
Spy Against Spy Pulser Software
St George and the Dragons CRL
Stalag / Eno Dragon Data
Star Cargo Scorpio Software
Star Defence Blaby Computer Games
Star Spores Microdeal
Star Swoop 1984 Blaby Computer Games
Star Trek Salamander Software
Star Trek / Reversi Preston (R & AJ)
Starfighter (Dragon Data) Dragon Data
Starfighter (Micros) J. Morrison (Micros)
Stargate Abacus
Starjammer Salamander Software
Starke Island Orange Software
Starman Jones 1984 Blaby Computer Games
Starship Chameleon Dragon Data/Microdeal/Computerware
Starship Destiny Pulser Software
Starting Fractions Wizard Software
Startrek (Impact Software) Impact Software
Startrek (PSS) PSS
Starword Wizard Software
Stockmarket (Asp Software) Asp Software
Stockmarket (Bamby Software) Bamby Software
Stone Raider Ii Microdeal
Storm 1982 Microdeal
Storm Arrows Dragon Data
Strange Odyssey Adventure International
Strategic Command (Romik) Romik Software
Strategic Command (Touchmaster) Touchmaster
Strategy Wizard Software
Submarine Command Program Direct
Submarine Commander B & H Software
Sultan's Maze Gem Software
Sunken City Slik Software
Sunken Ghost Dragonfire Services
Supa Nova Orange Software
Super Fruit Machine Premier Microsystems
Super Skill Hangman 1983 Salamander Software
Super Spy (Amplasoft) Ampalsoft
Super Spy (Richard Shepherd Software) 1983 Richard Shepherd Software
Superbowl Cable Software
Superkid Quickbeam Software
SuperNova 1988 Orange Software
Surprise Bamby Software
Swashbuckler A & F Software
Syzygy Microdeal
Table Adventures 1984 Dragon Data
Take The Strain Twig Systems Software
Talking Android Attack Microdeal
Tangle Wood Microdeal
Tank Battle Premier Microsystems
Taskship (Micros) J. Morrison (Micros)
Taskship (Programmers Guild) Programmers Guild
Tea Time 1984 Pocket Money Software
Tee Off Dragon Data
Temple Of Doom Blaby Computer Games
Temple Of Zoren Dungeon Software
Ten Little Indians Channel 8 Software
Terror Castle Quickbeam Software
Terror From The Deep Kayde Software
Tetris PSE Computers
Textstar 1982 PSS
The Animator Screenplay
The Bells Blaby Computer Games
The Bomb! Dragonfire Services
The Chocolate Factory / Fabrica de Chicles 1983 Eurohard
The Count Adventure International
The Cricklewood Incident 1983 Salamander Software
The Crystal Chalice Dungeon Software
The Curse of Camarc 1988 Orange Software
The Dark Pit Microdeal
The Dragon Composer Microdeal
The Emperor Must Die Phoenix Software
The Fall Of Rome Asp Software
The Filing System Active Software
The Games Cassette Datacom Publications
The Golden Baton 1984 Channel 8 Software
The Great Fish Van Scandal Orange Software
The Immortal Strain Dragonfire Services
The Ket Trilogy 1985 Incentive Software
The King 1982 Microdeal
The Lost Tower Of Tintagel Portent Adventures
The Manager Dungeon Software
The Meddler Nemesis
The Mystery Of The Java Star 1984 Shards Software
The Puzzler Computerware
The Quiz Twig Systems Software
The Ring Of Darkness Wintersoft Software
The Roundsby Incident Kayde Software
The Seven Hills Anik Microsystems
The Shrunken Scientist Quickbeam Software
The Swamp Kayde Software
The Sword and the Sorcerer 1984 Blaby Computer Games
The Tiger Grand Prix 1983 Tiger Software
The Time Machine Channel 8 Software
The Tower Twig Systems Software
The Trial Of Arnold Blackwood Nemesis
The Valley (Asp Software) Asp Software
The Valley (Kayde) 1983 Kayde Software
The Vortex Factor Microdeal
The Water Of Life Abacus
The White Barrows Asp Software
The White Cliffs Of Dover Salamander Software
The Wizard Of Akyrz Channel 8 Software
The Wizards Lair Blaby Computer Games
Thirteenth Task Orange Software
Tick Tock 1984 Gravesend Home Computers
Tim Love's Cricket Peaksoft
Time Bandit 1984 Microdeal
Time Jumper Lothlorien
Time Lord Incentive Software
Time Machine Search Dragonfire Services
Time Port 1 Wizard Software
Time Port 2 - The Staff Of Life Wizard Software
Time Traveller Sulis Software
Tiny Touch'N'Go Dorling Kindersley Software
Tombstone & Codcreek PSE Computers
Tombstone And Cod Creek Quickbeam Software
Toppler Microdeal/Pocket Money Software
Total Eclipse PSE Computers
Touchdown Wizard Software
Touch'N'Go 1984 Goldstar
Touchstone 1984 Microdeal
Trace Chase Wizard Software
Trace Race 1983 Cable Software
Transylvanian Tower 1983 Richard Shepherd Software
Treasure Tombe Dungeon Software
Treasures of Barsoom Microdeal
Trekboer Microdeal
Triplet Wizard Software
Trivial Crosswords Quickbeam Software
Trun Blaby Computer Games
Tubeway Army Design Design
Turnover Orange Software
Tyrant Of Athens Lothlorien
UGH! Softek
Ultimate Adventure 4 1982 Microdeal
Ultrapede Softek
Underbeings Of Croth Dragonfire Services
Up Periscope Beyond
Usurper of Rune 1985 Wintersoft Software
Utopia Dragonfire Services
UXB 1984 Virgin
Variety Pack Qed Systems
Vegas Jackpot 1984 Mastertronic
Video Challenge 1 Qed Systems
Video Challenge 2 Qed Systems
Viking Dragon Data
Volcanic Dungeon Carnell Software
Voodoo Castle Adventure International
Vulcan Noughts And Crosses 1982 Salamander Software
Vultures J. Morrison (Micros)
War Hammer of Gilibran 1988 Orange Software
Warlord 1982 Lothlorien
Waxworks Channel 8 Software
Weetabix Versus The Titchies Romik Software
Weirds Of Kesh Quickbeam Software
Whirlybird Run Dragon Data
White Crystal Romik Software
Who Said That Item Limited
Wild West Destiny Pulser Software
Williamsburg Adventure 3 1982 Microdeal
Willys Revenge Abacus
Wings of War 1984 Salamander Software
Wizard Wizard Software
Wizard Pinball Wizard Software
Wizard War 1982 Salamander Software
Wizards Lair Preston (R & AJ)
Wizards Quest Microdeal
Word Search 1986 Computerware
Worlds Of Flight Microdeal
Wormtube Hornet Software
Yahtcee Anik Microsystems
Yakzee 1983 Automata
Zak'sson Cable Software
Zorakk the Conqueror Icon Software
Zotoka Preston (R & AJ)


Differences from the TRS-80 Color Computer

[edit]

Both the Dragon and the TRS-80 Color Computer are based on a Motorola data sheet design for the MC6883 SAM (MMU) chip for memory management and peripheral control.

The systems are sufficiently similar that a significant fraction of the compiled software produced for one machine will run on the other. Software running via the built-in Basic interpreters also has a high level of compatibility, but only after they are re-tokenized, which can be achieved fairly easily by transferring via cassette tape with appropriate options.

It is possible to permanently convert a Color Computer into a Dragon by swapping the original Color Computer ROM and rewiring the keyboard cable.[9]

The Dragon has additional circuitry to make the MC6847 VDG compatible with European 625-line PAL television standards, rather than the US 525-line NTSC standard, and a Centronics parallel printer port not present on the TRS-80. Some models were manufactured with NTSC video for the US and Canadian markets.

References

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  1. ^ a b c Sangani, Kris (2009). "Gadgets That Design Forgot". Engineering & Technology. 4 (16). IET: 31. doi:10.1049/et.2009.1604. ISSN 1750-9637. Archived from the original on 5 February 2010.
  2. ^ "Dragon 32 - 64K Upgrade". worldofdragon. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
  3. ^ Worlock, Peter. "Dragon Fire Flickers". Personal Computer News. Archived from the original on 15 September 2014. Retrieved 14 September 2012.
  4. ^ "Tano dragon". cadigital.com. Archived from the original on 20 February 2017. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  5. ^ Williams, Gregg (January 1983). "Microcomputer, British Style / The Fifth Personal Computer World Show". BYTE. p. 40. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
  6. ^ a b "The Computer that Roared" by Fernleigh Edmonson. "Microcomputing" magazine 1983 May.
  7. ^ Brooks, Phil. "Dragon User May 1985, 'Write On!'" (PDF). World of Dragon. Dragon User. p. 10. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 March 2016.
  8. ^ "Dragon 32 Games Database". dragon32.co.uk. Dragon 32 / Dragon 64 Archive. Retrieved 15 January 2026.
  9. ^ "Coco to Dragon Conversion". Archived from the original on 26 November 2009. Retrieved 5 August 2008.
Notes
  • Vander Reyden, John (1983). Dragon 32 programmer's reference guide. Beam Software/Melbourne House. ISBN 0-86161-134-9.
  • Smeed, D.; Sommerville, I. (1983). Inside the Dragon. Addison-Wesley. ISBN 0-201-14523-5
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