<WRAP group>
<WRAP round box twothirds column>
{{ https://raw.githubusercontent.com/fabricecaruso/es-theme-carbon/master/art/logos/dragon64.svg?nolink&280 }}

====== Dragon 64 ======
The [[wp>Dragon_64|Dragon 64]] is a home computer manufactured by **[[wp>Dragon_Data|Dragon Data Ltd]]**, a Welsh company based in Port Talbot, Wales. Released in 1983, it is the upgraded successor to the [[wp>Dragon_32|Dragon 32]] (1982) with doubled RAM and an added RS-232 serial port.

The Dragon 64 features a [[wp>Motorola_6809|Motorola 6809E]] CPU at 0.89 MHz, 64 KB RAM, 16 KB ROM containing Microsoft Extended Color BASIC, a [[wp>Motorola_6847|Motorola MC6847]] VDG (text 32x16, graphics up to 256x192), and single-channel sound via a 6-bit DAC. Storage includes a cassette interface (1500 baud) and optional floppy disk drives (DragonDOS). The key upgrade over the Dragon 32 is the built-in **RS-232C serial port** for modems and printers.

The Dragon 32/64 is architecturally **very similar to the [[systems:coco|TRS-80 Color Computer (CoCo)]]** — both use the same Motorola reference design (6809E CPU, MC6847 VDG, MC6883 SAM, Microsoft BASIC). Many CoCo programs run on the Dragon with minimal modification. The Dragon 64 can also run **[[wp>OS-9|OS-9]] Level 1**, a real-time multitasking Unix-like operating system.

Dragon Data went into receivership in **June 1984** due to intense competition from the [[systems:zxspectrum|ZX Spectrum]], [[systems:c64|Commodore 64]], and [[systems:amstradcpc|Amstrad CPC]], limited software library, and the bankruptcy of parent company Mettoy. The rights were acquired by **Eurohard S.A.** in Spain, who continued manufacturing as the **Dragon 200** for the Spanish market until approximately 1985.

This system scrapes metadata for the "dragon64" group(s) and loads the ''dragon64'' set from the currently selected theme, if available.
</WRAP>

<WRAP third column>
{{ https://raw.githubusercontent.com/fabricecaruso/es-theme-carbon/master/art/consoles/dragon64.png?nolink&350 |}}
</WRAP>
</WRAP>

==== Quick reference ====
  * **Emulator:** [[#mame|MAME]], [[#retroarch|RetroArch]], [[#xroar|XRoar]]
  * **Core:** [[#mame|MAME]], [[#libretro:_mame|libretro: MAME]], [[#xroar|XRoar]]
  * **Folder:** ''/userdata/roms/dragon64''
  * **Accepted ROM formats:** ''.wav'', ''.cas'', ''.dsk'', ''.dmk'', ''.ccc'', ''.rom'', ''.bin'', ''.zip'', ''.7z''

===== BIOS =====
^ MD5 checksum ^ Share file path ^ Description ^
| | ''bios/dragon64.zip → d64_1.rom'' | Dragon 64 ROM part 1 |
| | ''bios/dragon64.zip → d64_2.rom'' | Dragon 64 ROM part 2 |
| | ''bios/dragon64.zip → d64bas.rom'' | Dragon 64 BASIC ROM |
| | ''bios/dragon32.zip → d32.rom'' | Dragon 32 ROM (for Dragon 32 emulation) |

<WRAP center round important>
The BIOS files must match the version of MAME used in your version of Batocera. You can verify your BIOS files from the Batocera menu: **GAME SETTINGS > MISSING BIOS CHECK**.
</WRAP>

===== ROMs =====
Place your Dragon 64 ROMs in ''/userdata/roms/dragon64''.

Software was distributed on cassette tapes, floppy disks, and ROM cartridges:
  * ''.cas'', ''.wav'' — cassette tape images (autoload using CLOADM:EXEC)
  * ''.dsk'', ''.dmk'' — floppy disk images (autoload from boot disk)
  * ''.ccc'', ''.rom'' — cartridge ROMs (autoload directly)

<WRAP center round tip>
Autoload behavior can be customized by editing CSV files in ''system/configs/mame/autoload/dragon64_{cass,flop}_autoload.csv''.
</WRAP>

===== Emulators =====
==== MAME ====
[[https://www.mamedev.org/|MAME]] (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) supports the Dragon 32, Dragon 64, and Dragon Alpha models.

==== XRoar ====
[[https://www.6809.org.uk/xroar/|XRoar]] is a dedicated Dragon and CoCo family emulator with excellent compatibility. It supports Dragon 32, Dragon 64, and CoCo models.

==== RetroArch ====
[[https://docs.libretro.com/|RetroArch]] (formerly SSNES), is a ubiquitous frontend that can run multiple "cores", which are essentially the emulators themselves. The most common cores use the [[https://www.libretro.com/|libretro]] API, so that's why cores run in RetroArch in Batocera are referred to as "libretro: (core name)". RetroArch aims to unify the feature set of all libretro cores and offer a universal, familiar interface independent of platform.

=== libretro: MAME ===
The libretro version of MAME can be used to emulate the Dragon 64. It uses the same BIOS and ROM sets as the standalone version.

===== Controls =====
The Dragon 64 has a full-travel keyboard. A physical USB keyboard is strongly recommended.

===== See also =====
  * [[systems:coco|TRS-80 Color Computer (CoCo)]] — very similar architecture, high software compatibility
  * [[systems:mc10|TRS-80 MC-10]] — related Tandy budget computer
  * [[systems:trs80|TRS-80]] — the original Tandy Z80 computer line

===== Troubleshooting =====
==== Black screen on boot ====
Make sure the BIOS file (''dragon64.zip'') is in ''/userdata/bios/'' and matches the MAME version. Use **GAME SETTINGS > MISSING BIOS CHECK** to verify.

==== CoCo software doesn't work ====
While many CoCo programs run on the Dragon, some may require adjustments due to different I/O mappings and keyboard layout. Try the [[systems:coco|CoCo]] system instead for dedicated CoCo software.

==== Further troubleshooting ====
For further troubleshooting, refer to the [[:support|generic support pages]].