?SN ERROR
Dragon Data Dragon 32/64
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
?SN ERROR on the Dragon means Syntax Error — Microsoft BASIC could not understand the command you typed. The Dragon uses the same Microsoft BASIC as the TRS-80 Color Computer, so error codes are identical. Type LIST to review the offending line and fix the mistake.
Affected Models
- Dragon 32
- Dragon 64
- Dragon 200E
- XRoar emulator
Common Causes
- Misspelled BASIC keyword
- Missing or misplaced punctuation — quotes, commas, brackets
- Using a command from a different BASIC dialect (Sinclair, Commodore, Amstrad)
- Typing a Dragon DOS command in BASIC mode or vice versa
- Variable name conflicts with a reserved word
How to Fix It
-
Type LIST and press ENTER to review the offending line.
BASIC displays the line number with the error. LIST shows the full line so you can find the typo.
-
Check for misspelled keywords.
Dragon BASIC uses standard Microsoft BASIC keywords: PRINT, INPUT, GOTO, GOSUB, FOR, NEXT. All must be spelled exactly — PRITN or INPTU will cause ?SN ERROR.
-
Make sure you are not using commands from a different computer.
If you are typing in a program from a magazine, check it is for the Dragon — not the Spectrum or C64. Dragon BASIC is very similar to TRS-80 CoCo BASIC but different from Sinclair or Commodore BASIC.
-
Retype the line carefully using the line number.
Type the line number, the corrected statement, and press ENTER. The new version replaces the old one. For example: 10 PRINT "HELLO FROM THE DRAGON"
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dragon BASIC the same as TRS-80 Color Computer BASIC?
Very nearly. Both use Microsoft Extended Color BASIC on the Motorola 6809 CPU. Most programs written for the CoCo run on the Dragon with minor changes, and the error codes are identical.
Where was the Dragon 32 made?
The Dragon 32 was designed and manufactured in Port Talbot, Wales by Dragon Data Ltd. It launched in 1982 and was one of the few home computers not made in the USA or Japan.