Difference between revisions of "Dragon Data Ltd"

From The Dragon Archive
(→‎Tape: Added some missing references, sortable table and reference column (that is, the product number without the package type prefix).)
 
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The history of Dragon Data Ltd in the period 1982–84 was a chequered one. The company was originally set up by a Toy Company called [[Mettoy]], and after initial good sales looked to have a bright future. At its high point it entered negotiations with [[Tano]] to form a North American branch. [[Mettoy]] then suffered financial difficulties, casting a shadow on the future of Dragon Data Ltd before it was spun off as a separate company. However, a number of circumstances (the delay in introducing the 64K model, poor colour support with a maximum of 4 colours displayable in "graphics mode" and only 2 colours in the highest 256 x 192 pixel mode, the late introduction of the external disk unit and of the supporting [[OS-9]] based software) caused the company to lose market share.
 
The history of Dragon Data Ltd in the period 1982–84 was a chequered one. The company was originally set up by a Toy Company called [[Mettoy]], and after initial good sales looked to have a bright future. At its high point it entered negotiations with [[Tano]] to form a North American branch. [[Mettoy]] then suffered financial difficulties, casting a shadow on the future of Dragon Data Ltd before it was spun off as a separate company. However, a number of circumstances (the delay in introducing the 64K model, poor colour support with a maximum of 4 colours displayable in "graphics mode" and only 2 colours in the highest 256 x 192 pixel mode, the late introduction of the external disk unit and of the supporting [[OS-9]] based software) caused the company to lose market share.
  
−
To combat this, under the control of GEC, Dragon Data Ltd worked on the next generation of Dragon computers - the [[Project Alpha]] (or Dragon Professional) and [[Project Beta]] (or Dragon 128). These systems only made it to the prototype stage before the business went into receivership and was sold on to the Spanish startup [[Eurohard SA]] in 1984. Unfortunately Eurohard also suffered financial problems and went into receivership a couple of years later.
+
To combat this, under the control of GEC, Dragon Data Ltd worked on the next generation of Dragon computers - the [[Project Alpha]] (or Dragon Professional) and [[Project Beta]]. These systems only made it to the prototype stage before the business went into receivership and was sold on to the Spanish startup [[Eurohard SA]] in 1984. Unfortunately Eurohard also suffered financial problems and went into receivership a couple of years later.
  
 
In addition to the [[Dragon 32]] and [[Dragon 64]], an MSX-compatible machine, the [[Dragon MSX]] reached the prototype stage.
 
In addition to the [[Dragon 32]] and [[Dragon 64]], an MSX-compatible machine, the [[Dragon MSX]] reached the prototype stage.
Line 22: Line 22:
  
  
−
== Software ==
+
== Software==
 +
===Cartridge===
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 +
!Title
 +
!Format
 +
!Packaging
 +
!Reference
 +
|-
 +
|[[All Dream]]
 +
|Cartridge
 +
|Large Case
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[A0109 Demonstration Cartridge|Demonstration Cartridge]]
 +
|Cartridge
 +
|White Box with red dragon logo
 +
|A0109
 +
|-
 +
|[[A2000 Shop Demo|Shop Demo]]
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|A2000
 +
|-
 +
|[[Astroblast]]
 +
|Cartridge
 +
|Black Box or White Box with red dragon logo
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[Berserk]]
 +
|Cartridge
 +
|Black Box or White Box with red dragon logo
 +
|A0100
 +
|-
 +
|[[Bridge Master]] (Plus Cassette)
 +
|Cartridge with Cassette
 +
|Large Case
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[Cave Hunter]]
 +
|Cartridge
 +
|Black Box or White Box with red dragon logo
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[Chess]]
 +
|Cartridge
 +
|Large Case, Black Box or White Box with red dragon logo
 +
|A0108
 +
|-
 +
|[[Cosmic Invaders]]
 +
|Cartridge
 +
|Black Box, Black Box with 32 or White Box with red dragon logo
 +
|A0102
 +
|-
 +
|[[Doodle Bug]]
 +
|Cartridge
 +
|Black Box
 +
|A0110
 +
|-
 +
|[[Ghost Attack]]
 +
|Cartridge
 +
|Black Box or White Box with red dragon logo
 +
|A0103
 +
|-
 +
|[[LOGO]]
 +
|Cartridge
 +
|Large Case
 +
|F20311
 +
|-
 +
|[[Meteoroids]]
 +
|Cartridge
 +
|Black Box or White Box with red dragon logo
 +
|A0101
 +
|-
 +
|[[Rail Runner]]
 +
|Cartridge
 +
|Black Box
 +
|A0111
 +
|-
 +
|[[Starship Chameleon]]
 +
|Cartridge
 +
|Black Box or White Box with red dragon logo
 +
|A0106
 +
|-
 +
|[[Super Dragon Writer II]]
 +
|Cartridge
 +
|Large Case
 +
|
 +
|}
  
−
CARTRIDGE ALLDREAM
+
===Tape===
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 +
!Title
 +
!Format
 +
!Packaging
 +
!Reference
 +
|-
 +
|[[Adventure Trilogy]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case, Cassette Case (M30881)
 +
|0881
 +
|-
 +
|[[All Dream]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[Astrology]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case (M30892)
 +
|0892
 +
|-
 +
|[[Black Sanctum]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Bag (N30509), Black Box (A0509)
 +
|0509
 +
|-
 +
|[[Black Sanctum (Graphical)]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Cassette Case
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[Bloc Head]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case, Cassette Case (M30885)
 +
|0885
 +
|-
 +
|[[Bumpers]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Cassette Case (M30889)
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[Calixto Island]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Bag (N30508), Black Box (A0508)
 +
|0508
 +
|-
 +
|[[Calixto Island (Graphical)]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Cassette Case
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[Children From Space]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Clamshell
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[Cimeeon Moon]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case, Cassette Case (M30882)
 +
|0882
 +
|-
 +
|[[Circus Adventure]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Black Box (M30528)
 +
|0528
 +
|-
 +
|[[Computavoice]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Bag (N30506), Black Box (A0506), Large Case
 +
|0506
 +
|-
 +
|[[Cosmic Clones]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case, Cassette Case (M30889)
 +
|0889
 +
|-
 +
|[[Cranky]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case (M30842), Clamshell
 +
|0842
 +
|-
 +
|[[Dragon Birthday Special]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[Dragon Forth]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case (J30798)
 +
|0798
 +
|-
 +
|[[Dragon Mountain]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Bag (N30513), Black Box (A0513)
 +
|0513
 +
|-
 +
|[[Dragon Selection 1]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Bag (N30500), Black Box (A0500)
 +
|0500
 +
|-
 +
|[[Dragon Selection 2]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Bag (N30501), Black Box (A0501)
 +
|0501
 +
|-
 +
|[[Dragon Selection 3]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Black Box
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[Dragon Selection 4]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Black Box (A0511)
 +
|0511
 +
|-
 +
|[[Dragon Selection 5]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Black Box
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[Dream]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case, Black Box
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[DreamBug]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case (M30535)
 +
|0535
 +
|-
 +
|[[Editor Assembler]]
 +
| (A0516)
 +
|0516
 +
|-
 +
|[[El Bandito]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case, Cassette Case (M30888)
 +
|0888
 +
|-
 +
|[[El Diablero]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Black Box (A0518)
 +
|0518
 +
|-
 +
|[[Examples From The Manual]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Bag (N30507), Black Box (A0507)
 +
|0507
 +
|-
 +
|[[Face Maker]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Clamshell (L30848)
 +
|0848
 +
|-
 +
|[[Fembots' Revenge]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Cassette Case (A0523)
 +
|0523
 +
|-
 +
|[[Final Countdown]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Black Box (A0523)
 +
|0523
 +
|-
 +
|[[Flag]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Black Box (A0514)
 +
|0514
 +
|-
 +
|[[Flight]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case, Cassette Case (M30893)
 +
|0893
 +
|-
 +
|[[Fruity]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Cassette Case (M30901)
 +
|0901
 +
|-
 +
|[[Galax Attax]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Black Box, Large Case, Cassette Case (A0534)
 +
|0534
 +
|-
 +
|[[Graphic Animator]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Bag (N30505), Black Box (A0505)
 +
|0505
 +
|-
 +
|[[Hide & Seek]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Black Box
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[Jumpjet]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case, Cassette Case (M30890)
 +
|0890
 +
|-
 +
|[[Junior's Revenge]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case, Cassette Case (L30844)
 +
|0844
 +
|-
 +
|[[Let's Count]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Clamshell (L30839)
 +
|0839
 +
|-
 +
|[[Lunar Rover Patrol]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case (L30841), Cassette Case (L30841)
 +
|0841
 +
|-
 +
|[[Madness & The Minotaur]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Bag (N30503), Black Box (A0503)
 +
|0503
 +
|-
 +
|[[Mansion of Doom]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Black Box (A0524)
 +
|0524
 +
|-
 +
|[[Middle Kingdom / Breakout]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case (M30891), Cassette Case (M30891)
 +
|0891
 +
|-
 +
|[[Monsters and Magic]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case, Cassette Case (M30880)
 +
|0880
 +
|-
 +
|[[Moonhopper]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case, Cassette Case (M30884)
 +
|0884
 +
|-
 +
|[[Music Box]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[Nerble Force]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case, Cassette Case (M30886)
 +
|0886
 +
|-
 +
|[[Number Chaser]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Clamshell (L30849)
 +
|0849
 +
|-
 +
|[[Number Gulper]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Black Box (A0517)
 +
|0517
 +
|-
 +
|[[Number Puzzler]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Black Box (A0519)
 +
|0519
 +
|-
 +
|[[Personal Finance]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Bag (N30504), Black Box (A0504)
 +
|0504
 +
|-
 +
|[[Pixel Editor]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Black Box (A0520), Large Case
 +
|0520
 +
|-
 +
|[[Poseidon Adventure]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Black Box (A0522)
 +
|0522
 +
|-
 +
|[[Quest]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Bag (N30502), Black Box (A0502)
 +
|0502
 +
|-
 +
|[[Samsim]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Cassette Case
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[School Maze]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Black Box (A0529)
 +
|0529
 +
|-
 +
|[[Sea Quest]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Cassette Case (M30944)
 +
|0944
 +
|-
 +
|[[Shaft]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case, Cassette Case (M30894)
 +
|0894
 +
|-
 +
|[[Shape Up]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Clamshell (L30847)
 +
|0847
 +
|-
 +
|[[Shark Treasure]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Black Box, Large Case, Cassette Case (A0532)
 +
|0532
 +
|-
 +
|[[Shenanigans]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Cassette Case (M30943)
 +
|0943
 +
|-
 +
|[[Shuttlezap]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case, Cassette Case (M30902)
 +
|0902
 +
|-
 +
|[[Space Trek]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[Stalag / Eno]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Black Box (A0526)
 +
|0526
 +
|-
 +
|[[Starfighter]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case, Cassette Case (M30883)
 +
|0883
 +
|-
 +
|[[Storm Arrows]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Black Box (A0527), Cassette Case
 +
|0527
 +
|-
 +
|[[Synther 7]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case (A0533), Cassette Case
 +
|0533
 +
|-
 +
|[[Table Adventures]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Clamshell (L30845)
 +
|0845
 +
|-
 +
|[[Tee Off]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case, Cassette Case (M30896)
 +
|0896
 +
|-
 +
|[[The Gruneberg Linkword Language System - French]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[The Gruneberg Linkword Language System - German]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[The Gruneberg Linkword Language System - Italian]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[The Gruneberg Linkword Language System - Spanish]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|[[Timscript]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Black Box (A0530)
 +
|0530
 +
|-
 +
|[[Typing Tutor]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Bag (N30512), Black Box (A0512)
 +
|0512
 +
|-
 +
|[[Viking]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case, Cassette Case (M30879)
 +
|0879
 +
|-
 +
|[[Whirlybird Run]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Black Box, Large Case, Cassette Case (M30114)
 +
|0114
 +
|-
 +
|[[Words, Words, Words]]
 +
|Tape
 +
|Large Case (L30840), Clamshell (L30840), Cassette Case
 +
|0840
 +
|}
  
−
CARTRIDGE A2000 SHOP DEMO
+
===Disk===
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 +
!Title
 +
!Format
 +
!Packaging
 +
!Reference
 +
|-
 +
|[[OS-9 Basic 09]]
 +
|Disk
 +
|Large Case
 +
|B11002
 +
|-
 +
|[[OS-9 C Compiler]]
 +
|Disk
 +
|Large Case
 +
|S11094
 +
|-
 +
|[[OS-9 Cash & VAT]]
 +
|Disk
 +
|Large Case
 +
|D11048
 +
|-
 +
|[[OS-9 Dynacalc]]
 +
|Disk
 +
|Large Case
 +
|B11001
 +
|-
 +
|[[OS-9 Editor Assembler]]
 +
|Disk
 +
|Large Case
 +
|D11047
 +
|-
 +
|[[OS-9 System]]
 +
|Disk
 +
|Large Case
 +
|F11070
 +
|-
 +
|[[OS-9 Programmers Manual]]
 +
|Disk
 +
|Large Case
 +
|J02100
 +
|-
 +
|[[OS-9 Pascal]]
 +
|Disk
 +
|Large Case
 +
|S11093
 +
|-
 +
|[[OS-9 Record Management System]]
 +
|Disk
 +
|Large Case
 +
|C11024
 +
|-
 +
|[[OS-9 Stock Recording]]
 +
|Disk
 +
|Large Case
 +
|D11049
 +
|-
 +
|[[OS-9 Stylograph]]
 +
|Disk
 +
|Large Case
 +
|D11095
 +
|}
  
−
CARTRIDGE ASTROBLAST
+
==Packaging Formats==
 +
===The Bag===
 +
This is probably the rarest form of packaging left today, not because many were produced but due to the fact that it was just a plastic bag with a cardboard 'tab'. This just lent it's self to being thrown in the bin straight after purchase, once again another reason for the amount of loose Dragon Data cassettes. As this style was used from the launch it can be assumed it died out at the same time as the early logo cart boxes (Dec' 82).
  
−
CARTRIDGE BERSERK
+
[[File:DragonDataBag.jpg|100px]]
  
−
CARTRIDGE BRIDGE MASTER (PLUS CASSETTE))
+
===Cardboard Box===
 +
This form of packaging was used for the majority of all cassette and cartridge software. As this packaging was quite 'fragile' and awkward to get it's contents in an out many were just discarded this is the reason for many loose Dragon Data cassettes and carts about today.
  
−
CARTRIDGE CAVE HUNTER
+
====''Early Logo Box''====
 +
This was the first packaging style to appear, so far this style has only been found in use with Cartridges. As some boxes have dates stamped on the inside of the top flap, this style was in use until around December 1982.
  
−
CARTRIDGE CHESS
+
[[File:DragonDataEarlyBox1.jpg|100px]]
  
−
CARTRIDGE COSMIC INVADERS
+
[[File:DragonDataEarlyBox2.jpg|100px]]
  
−
CARTRIDGE DOODLE BUG
+
====''Mid Black Box''====
 +
As with the Dragon 32 boxes there was short lived black style packaging. The side of the box now has a 'window' for the name of the contents to be displayed. The Dragon logos (on the white background) are actually the front of the instructions.Again from dates stamped on the box this style was used from December 1982 for a few months. This style appear to be least common.
  
−
CARTRIDGE GHOST ATTACK
+
[[File:DragonDataMidBox1.jpg|100px]]
  
−
CARTRIDGE LOGO
+
[[File:DragonDataMidBox2.jpg|100px]]
  
−
CARTRIDGE METEOROIDS
+
====''Late Black Box''====
 +
The front of the box now gets a nice picture in the 'window' and a yellow border.The '32' has now been moved to the insert of the side window and the '32' is removed from the top/bottom and back. Can only guess the impending arrival of the 64 brought this change. Just strange '32' wasn't removed from the front of the box?
  
−
CARTRIDGE RAIL RUNNER
+
[[File:DragonDataLateBox1.jpg|100px]]
  
−
CARTRIDGE STARSHIP CHAMELEON
+
[[File:DragonDataLateBox2.jpg|100px]]
  
−
CARTRIDGE SUPER DRAGON WRITER II
+
For where there wasn't a picture available (yet) this plain black cardboard insert with stickers for 'NEW TITLE' and the title of it's contents, in this case 'Pixel Editor'.
  
 +
[[File:DragonDataLateBoxNewTitle.jpg|100px]]
  
−
TAPE ADVENTURE TRILOGY
+
Top Left: Contents of the windows (front and side) where made up of a single folded piece of card.
 +
Top Right: The cassette was supplied in a plain case without an inlay.
 +
Bottom Left: Instructions - Now about half the size of the mid and early versions.
 +
Bottom Right. Mini software brochure
  
−
TAPE ALLDREAM
+
[[File:DragonDataLateBoxContent.jpg|100px]]
  
−
TAPE ASTROLOGY
+
===Cassette Case===
 +
All the cassette cases where in the same style, on some covers the title appears where 'COMPUTER SOFTWARE' is printed.Later on many items where sold as 'Reduced Price'.
  
−
TAPE BEYOND THE CIMEEON MOON
+
[[File:DragonDataCassette1.jpg|100px]]
  
−
TAPE BLACK SANCTUM
+
[[File:DragonDataCassette2.jpg|100px]]
  
−
TAPE BLACK SANCTUM (GRAPHICAL)
+
After Dragon Data got into financial trouble Microdeal (who release more titles for the Dragon than any other company) took over the distribution of a few of the titles but still using the Dragon Data inlays.
  
−
TAPE BLOC HEAD
+
[[File:DragonDataCassette3.jpg|100px]]
  
−
TAPE BUMPERS
+
===Clamshell===
 +
This is a small padded 'box' that is slightly bigger than the cassette it's self. So far this packaging has only been seen on the 'Young Learning' which was part of Dragon Data's Educational Software.
  
−
TAPE CALIXTO ISLAND
+
[[File:DragonDataClamshell.jpg|100px]]
  
−
TAPE CALIXTO ISLAND (GRAPHICAL)
+
===Large Box===
 +
I like these :o), they really make you feel like you've bought something, oh yeah and look good, showing off the art work very well.
  
−
TAPE CHILDREN FROM SPACE
+
[[File:DragonDataLargeBox1.jpg|100px]]
  
−
TAPE CIMEON MOON
+
Typical inside of a big box with the tape on the left and instructions right. This packaging must have been especially designed for Dragon Data as the insert below the cassette is used to hold carts. (such as All Dream).
  
−
TAPE CIRCUS ADVENTURE)
+
[[File:DragonDataLargeBoxInside1.jpg|100px]]
  
−
TAPE COMPUTAVOICE
+
There was one less common variant to the big box, which externally is slightly taller and thinner. Internally there is only space for a cassette. This is the same packaging as used by Salamander Software. ''[Needs additional validation]''
  
−
TAPE COSMIC CLONES
+
[[File:DragonDataLargeBoxInside2.jpg|100px]]
  
−
TAPE CRANKY
+
== Other ==
 +
* Dragon Data Blank Tape
 +
[[File:DragonData_Blank_Tape.jpg|300px]]
  
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TAPE DRAGON BIRTHDAY SPECIAL
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[[Category:Documentation]] [[Category:History]] [[Category:Hardware]] [[Category:Software]] [[Category:Company]] [[Category:Software_publishers]]
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TAPE DRAGON FORTH
 
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TAPE DRAGON MOUNTAIN
 
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TAPE DRAGON SELECTION 1
 
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TAPE DRAGON SELECTION 2
 
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TAPE DRAGON SELECTION 3
 
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TAPE DRAGON SELECTION 4
 
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TAPE DRAGON SELECTION 5
 
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TAPE DREAM
 
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TAPE DREAMBUG
 
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TAPE EL BANDITO
 
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TAPE EL DIABLERO
 
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TAPE ENO / STALAG
 
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TAPE EXAMPLES FROM THE MANUAL
 
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TAPE FACE MAKER
 
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TAPE FEMBOTS' REVENGE
 
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TAPE FINAL COUNTDOWN
 
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TAPE FLAG
 
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TAPE FLIGHT
 
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TAPE FRUITY
 
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TAPE GALAX ATTAX
 
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TAPE GRAPHIC ANIMATOR
 
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TAPE HIDE & SEEK
 
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TAPE JUMPJET
 
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TAPE JUNIOR'S REVENGE
 
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TAPE LET'S COUNT
 
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TAPE LUNAR ROVER PATROL
 
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TAPE MADNESS & THE MINOTAUR
 
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TAPE MANSION OF DOOM
 
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TAPE MIDDLE KINGDOM / BREAKOUT
 
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TAPE MONSTERS & MAGIC
 
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TAPE MOONHOPPER
 
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TAPE MUSIC BOX
 
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TAPE NERBLE FORCE
 
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TAPE NUMBER CHASER
 
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TAPE NUMBER GULPER
 
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TAPE NUMBER PUZZLER
 
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TAPE PERSONAL FINANCE
 
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TAPE PIXEL EDITOR
 
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TAPE POSEIDON ADVENTURE
 
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TAPE QUEST
 
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TAPE SAMSIM
 
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TAPE SCHOOL MAZE
 
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TAPE SEA QUEST
 
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TAPE SHAFT
 
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TAPE SHAPE UP
 
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TAPE SHARK TREASURE
 
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TAPE SHENANIGANS
 
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TAPE SHUTTLEZAP
 
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TAPE SPACE TREK
 
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TAPE STARFIGHTER
 
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TAPE STORM ARROWS
 
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TAPE SYNTHER 7
 
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TAPE TABLE ADVENTURES
 
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TAPE TEE OFF
 
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TAPE THE GRUNEBERG LINKWORD LANGUAGE SYSTEM - FRENCH
 
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TAPE THE GRUNEBERG LINKWORD LANGUAGE SYSTEM - GERMAN
 
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TAPE THE GRUNEBERG LINKWORD LANGUAGE SYSTEM - ITALIAN
 
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TAPE THE GRUNEBERG LINKWORD LANGUAGE SYSTEM - SPANISH
 
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TAPE TIMSCRIPT
 
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TAPE TYPING TUTOR
 
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TAPE VIKING
 
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TAPE WHIRLYBIRD RUN
 
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TAPE WORDS, WORDS, WORDS
 
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== OS-9 ==
 
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[[OS-9 Basic 09]]
 
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[[OS-9 C Compiler]]
 
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[[OS-9 Cash & VAT]]
 
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[[OS-9 Dynacalc]]
 
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[[OS-9 Editor Assembler]]
 
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[[OS-9 System]]
 
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[[OS-9 Programmers Manual]]
 
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[[OS-9 Pascal]]
 
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[[OS-9 Record Management System]]
 
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[[OS-9 Stock Recording]]
 
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−
[[OS-9 Stylograph]]
 

Latest revision as of 02:15, 15 February 2025

Dragon Data Ltd Factory

Dragon Data Ltd was a Welsh producer of home computers during the early 1980s. These computers, the Dragon 32 and Dragon 64, strongly resembled the Tandy TRS-80 Color Computer ("CoCo")—both followed a standard Motorola datasheet configuration for the three key components (CPU, SAM and VDG). The machines came in both 32KB and (later) 64KB versions.

The history of Dragon Data Ltd in the period 1982–84 was a chequered one. The company was originally set up by a Toy Company called Mettoy, and after initial good sales looked to have a bright future. At its high point it entered negotiations with Tano to form a North American branch. Mettoy then suffered financial difficulties, casting a shadow on the future of Dragon Data Ltd before it was spun off as a separate company. However, a number of circumstances (the delay in introducing the 64K model, poor colour support with a maximum of 4 colours displayable in "graphics mode" and only 2 colours in the highest 256 x 192 pixel mode, the late introduction of the external disk unit and of the supporting OS-9 based software) caused the company to lose market share.

To combat this, under the control of GEC, Dragon Data Ltd worked on the next generation of Dragon computers - the Project Alpha (or Dragon Professional) and Project Beta. These systems only made it to the prototype stage before the business went into receivership and was sold on to the Spanish startup Eurohard SA in 1984. Unfortunately Eurohard also suffered financial problems and went into receivership a couple of years later.

In addition to the Dragon 32 and Dragon 64, an MSX-compatible machine, the Dragon MSX reached the prototype stage.


History / Timeline

To see a full history of how Dragon Data Ltd came to be, look at timeline below:

1912 - 1933 Tipp & Co. (TCO)

1933 - 1983 Mettoy

1982 - 1984 Dragon Data Ltd


Software

Cartridge

Title Format Packaging Reference
All Dream Cartridge Large Case
Demonstration Cartridge Cartridge White Box with red dragon logo A0109
Shop Demo A2000
Astroblast Cartridge Black Box or White Box with red dragon logo
Berserk Cartridge Black Box or White Box with red dragon logo A0100
Bridge Master (Plus Cassette) Cartridge with Cassette Large Case
Cave Hunter Cartridge Black Box or White Box with red dragon logo
Chess Cartridge Large Case, Black Box or White Box with red dragon logo A0108
Cosmic Invaders Cartridge Black Box, Black Box with 32 or White Box with red dragon logo A0102
Doodle Bug Cartridge Black Box A0110
Ghost Attack Cartridge Black Box or White Box with red dragon logo A0103
LOGO Cartridge Large Case F20311
Meteoroids Cartridge Black Box or White Box with red dragon logo A0101
Rail Runner Cartridge Black Box A0111
Starship Chameleon Cartridge Black Box or White Box with red dragon logo A0106
Super Dragon Writer II Cartridge Large Case

Tape

Title Format Packaging Reference
Adventure Trilogy Tape Large Case, Cassette Case (M30881) 0881
All Dream Tape Large Case
Astrology Tape Large Case (M30892) 0892
Black Sanctum Tape Bag (N30509), Black Box (A0509) 0509
Black Sanctum (Graphical) Tape Cassette Case
Bloc Head Tape Large Case, Cassette Case (M30885) 0885
Bumpers Tape Cassette Case (M30889)
Calixto Island Tape Bag (N30508), Black Box (A0508) 0508
Calixto Island (Graphical) Tape Cassette Case
Children From Space Tape Clamshell
Cimeeon Moon Tape Large Case, Cassette Case (M30882) 0882
Circus Adventure Tape Black Box (M30528) 0528
Computavoice Tape Bag (N30506), Black Box (A0506), Large Case 0506
Cosmic Clones Tape Large Case, Cassette Case (M30889) 0889
Cranky Tape Large Case (M30842), Clamshell 0842
Dragon Birthday Special Tape Large Case
Dragon Forth Tape Large Case (J30798) 0798
Dragon Mountain Tape Bag (N30513), Black Box (A0513) 0513
Dragon Selection 1 Tape Bag (N30500), Black Box (A0500) 0500
Dragon Selection 2 Tape Bag (N30501), Black Box (A0501) 0501
Dragon Selection 3 Tape Black Box
Dragon Selection 4 Tape Black Box (A0511) 0511
Dragon Selection 5 Tape Black Box
Dream Tape Large Case, Black Box
DreamBug Tape Large Case (M30535) 0535
Editor Assembler (A0516) 0516
El Bandito Tape Large Case, Cassette Case (M30888) 0888
El Diablero Tape Black Box (A0518) 0518
Examples From The Manual Tape Bag (N30507), Black Box (A0507) 0507
Face Maker Tape Clamshell (L30848) 0848
Fembots' Revenge Tape Cassette Case (A0523) 0523
Final Countdown Tape Black Box (A0523) 0523
Flag Tape Black Box (A0514) 0514
Flight Tape Large Case, Cassette Case (M30893) 0893
Fruity Tape Cassette Case (M30901) 0901
Galax Attax Tape Black Box, Large Case, Cassette Case (A0534) 0534
Graphic Animator Tape Bag (N30505), Black Box (A0505) 0505
Hide & Seek Tape Black Box
Jumpjet Tape Large Case, Cassette Case (M30890) 0890
Junior's Revenge Tape Large Case, Cassette Case (L30844) 0844
Let's Count Tape Clamshell (L30839) 0839
Lunar Rover Patrol Tape Large Case (L30841), Cassette Case (L30841) 0841
Madness & The Minotaur Tape Bag (N30503), Black Box (A0503) 0503
Mansion of Doom Tape Black Box (A0524) 0524
Middle Kingdom / Breakout Tape Large Case (M30891), Cassette Case (M30891) 0891
Monsters and Magic Tape Large Case, Cassette Case (M30880) 0880
Moonhopper Tape Large Case, Cassette Case (M30884) 0884
Music Box Tape Large Case
Nerble Force Tape Large Case, Cassette Case (M30886) 0886
Number Chaser Tape Clamshell (L30849) 0849
Number Gulper Tape Black Box (A0517) 0517
Number Puzzler Tape Black Box (A0519) 0519
Personal Finance Tape Bag (N30504), Black Box (A0504) 0504
Pixel Editor Tape Black Box (A0520), Large Case 0520
Poseidon Adventure Tape Black Box (A0522) 0522
Quest Tape Bag (N30502), Black Box (A0502) 0502
Samsim Tape Cassette Case
School Maze Tape Black Box (A0529) 0529
Sea Quest Tape Cassette Case (M30944) 0944
Shaft Tape Large Case, Cassette Case (M30894) 0894
Shape Up Tape Clamshell (L30847) 0847
Shark Treasure Tape Black Box, Large Case, Cassette Case (A0532) 0532
Shenanigans Tape Cassette Case (M30943) 0943
Shuttlezap Tape Large Case, Cassette Case (M30902) 0902
Space Trek Tape Large Case
Stalag / Eno Tape Black Box (A0526) 0526
Starfighter Tape Large Case, Cassette Case (M30883) 0883
Storm Arrows Tape Black Box (A0527), Cassette Case 0527
Synther 7 Tape Large Case (A0533), Cassette Case 0533
Table Adventures Tape Clamshell (L30845) 0845
Tee Off Tape Large Case, Cassette Case (M30896) 0896
The Gruneberg Linkword Language System - French Tape Large Case
The Gruneberg Linkword Language System - German Tape Large Case
The Gruneberg Linkword Language System - Italian Tape Large Case
The Gruneberg Linkword Language System - Spanish Tape Large Case
Timscript Tape Black Box (A0530) 0530
Typing Tutor Tape Bag (N30512), Black Box (A0512) 0512
Viking Tape Large Case, Cassette Case (M30879) 0879
Whirlybird Run Tape Black Box, Large Case, Cassette Case (M30114) 0114
Words, Words, Words Tape Large Case (L30840), Clamshell (L30840), Cassette Case 0840

Disk

Title Format Packaging Reference
OS-9 Basic 09 Disk Large Case B11002
OS-9 C Compiler Disk Large Case S11094
OS-9 Cash & VAT Disk Large Case D11048
OS-9 Dynacalc Disk Large Case B11001
OS-9 Editor Assembler Disk Large Case D11047
OS-9 System Disk Large Case F11070
OS-9 Programmers Manual Disk Large Case J02100
OS-9 Pascal Disk Large Case S11093
OS-9 Record Management System Disk Large Case C11024
OS-9 Stock Recording Disk Large Case D11049
OS-9 Stylograph Disk Large Case D11095

Packaging Formats

The Bag

This is probably the rarest form of packaging left today, not because many were produced but due to the fact that it was just a plastic bag with a cardboard 'tab'. This just lent it's self to being thrown in the bin straight after purchase, once again another reason for the amount of loose Dragon Data cassettes. As this style was used from the launch it can be assumed it died out at the same time as the early logo cart boxes (Dec' 82).

DragonDataBag.jpg

Cardboard Box

This form of packaging was used for the majority of all cassette and cartridge software. As this packaging was quite 'fragile' and awkward to get it's contents in an out many were just discarded this is the reason for many loose Dragon Data cassettes and carts about today.

Early Logo Box

This was the first packaging style to appear, so far this style has only been found in use with Cartridges. As some boxes have dates stamped on the inside of the top flap, this style was in use until around December 1982.

DragonDataEarlyBox1.jpg

DragonDataEarlyBox2.jpg

Mid Black Box

As with the Dragon 32 boxes there was short lived black style packaging. The side of the box now has a 'window' for the name of the contents to be displayed. The Dragon logos (on the white background) are actually the front of the instructions.Again from dates stamped on the box this style was used from December 1982 for a few months. This style appear to be least common.

DragonDataMidBox1.jpg

DragonDataMidBox2.jpg

Late Black Box

The front of the box now gets a nice picture in the 'window' and a yellow border.The '32' has now been moved to the insert of the side window and the '32' is removed from the top/bottom and back. Can only guess the impending arrival of the 64 brought this change. Just strange '32' wasn't removed from the front of the box?

DragonDataLateBox1.jpg

DragonDataLateBox2.jpg

For where there wasn't a picture available (yet) this plain black cardboard insert with stickers for 'NEW TITLE' and the title of it's contents, in this case 'Pixel Editor'.

DragonDataLateBoxNewTitle.jpg

Top Left: Contents of the windows (front and side) where made up of a single folded piece of card. Top Right: The cassette was supplied in a plain case without an inlay. Bottom Left: Instructions - Now about half the size of the mid and early versions. Bottom Right. Mini software brochure

DragonDataLateBoxContent.jpg

Cassette Case

All the cassette cases where in the same style, on some covers the title appears where 'COMPUTER SOFTWARE' is printed.Later on many items where sold as 'Reduced Price'.

DragonDataCassette1.jpg

DragonDataCassette2.jpg

After Dragon Data got into financial trouble Microdeal (who release more titles for the Dragon than any other company) took over the distribution of a few of the titles but still using the Dragon Data inlays.

DragonDataCassette3.jpg

Clamshell

This is a small padded 'box' that is slightly bigger than the cassette it's self. So far this packaging has only been seen on the 'Young Learning' which was part of Dragon Data's Educational Software.

DragonDataClamshell.jpg

Large Box

I like these :o), they really make you feel like you've bought something, oh yeah and look good, showing off the art work very well.

DragonDataLargeBox1.jpg

Typical inside of a big box with the tape on the left and instructions right. This packaging must have been especially designed for Dragon Data as the insert below the cassette is used to hold carts. (such as All Dream).

DragonDataLargeBoxInside1.jpg

There was one less common variant to the big box, which externally is slightly taller and thinner. Internally there is only space for a cassette. This is the same packaging as used by Salamander Software. [Needs additional validation]

DragonDataLargeBoxInside2.jpg

Other

  • Dragon Data Blank Tape

DragonData Blank Tape.jpg

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