TI Museum
Model: TI-56
Battery: 2 x LR44
Adapter:
Year: 1985
Chip: CD4555,CD4556
Info: slanted LCD generation
Model: TI-57 lcd
Battery: 2 x LR44
Adapter:
Year: 1984
Chip: CD4555,CD4572
Info: slanted LCD generation
Model: TI-57 programmable
Battery: BP6 , BP7
Adapter: AC9131 , AC9132
Year: 1980 Price: L.55.000 + iva 14 %
Chip: TMC1501
Info: From an advertisement of the time! The most versatile. Because it is specialized it has 50 compact program steps. Thus it is a real programmable one which, maintaining at the same time the characteristics of a scientific one, lends itself to solving many problems with extreme flexibility. 8 addressable memories, AOS (algebraic operating system), 9 levels of parentheses, 10 labels, 2 levels of subroutines, 4 decision functions, 2 loop control functions. This is why it is the best-selling scientific-programmable in the world!
Model: TI-57 programmabile
Battery: BP6 , BP7
Adapter: AC9131 , AC9132
Year: 1980 Price: L.55.000 + iva 14 %
Chip: TMC1501
Info: From an advertisement of the time! The most versatile. Because it is specialized it has 50 compact program steps. Thus it is a real programmable one which, maintaining at the same time the characteristics of a scientific one, lends itself to solving many problems with extreme flexibility. 8 addressable memories, AOS (algebraic operating system), 9 levels of parentheses, 10 labels, 2 levels of subroutines, 4 decision functions, 2 loop control functions. This is why it is the best-selling scientific-programmable in the world! Special version with Italian mask, probable prototype.
Property Marie Collas
Model: TI-58
Battery: BP1 A
Adapter: AC9131 or DC9105
Year: 1977
Chip: TMC0501E TMC0582 TMC0583 TMC0571 2x TMC0598
Info: TI-58 / 59 programmable
Model: TI-58 C
Battery: BP1 A
Adapter: AC9131 or DC9105
Year: 1982
Chip: TMC0501E TMC0591 CD2400 CD2401 TMC0573 TC5047
Info: TI-58 / 59 programmable
Model: TI-59
Battery: BP1 A
Adapter: AC9131 or DC9105
Year: 1980
Chip: TMC0501E TMC0582 TMC0583 TMC0571 TMC0594 4x TMC0598
Info: TI-58 / 59 programmable
TI-58 or TI-59 calculator this rare Marine Navigation version uses a specialized module with navigation related programs. The calculator was mounted in a expensive wooden box and equipped with a DC-converter for usage on a boat.
The TI-58 and TI-59 calculators introduced a novelty, the Solid State Software Modules™ with up to 5000 program steps. On the backside of the TI-58/59 you'll note a small lid with a place for a module. The Master Library, known as "Module -1-", with 25 different programs was included with the TI-58, TI-58C, and TI-59. Twelve additional Solid State Software Modules™, known as "Module -2- to -13-" were available from Texas Instruments as Standard Modules.
| 1 | Master Libray | TMC0541 |
| 2 | Applied Statistics | TMC0542 |
| 3 | Real Estate Investment | TMC0543 |
| 4 | Surveying | TMC0544 |
| 5 | Marine Navigation | TMC0545 |
| 6 | Aviation | TMC0546 |
| 7 | Leisure Library | TMC0547 |
| 8 | Security Analysies | TMC0548 |
| 9 | Business Decision | TMC0549 |
| 10 | Math Utilities | TMC0550 |
| 11 | Electrical Engineering | TMC0551 |
| 12 | Agriculture | TMC0554 |
| 12 | Surveying ITALY | ??? |
| 13 | Structural Engineerign | TMC0553 |
| 13 | RPN Simulator | TMC0555 |
| 16 | Loran C Navigation | TMC0540 |
Card reader with replacement of the licorice wheel... As promised the photos. I used the 7 mm external and 3 mm internal tube, in some cases I had to use the 6 mm one (SR series), since you disassemble everything, clean all the gears and then use a lithium grease (little I recommend). Since you have to disassemble everything, clean the magnetic head with isopropyl alcohol.
Model: TI-59 ALLIANZ
Battery: BP1 A
Adapter: AC9131 or DC9105
Year: 1979
Chip: TMC0501E TMC0591 CD2400 CD2401 TMC0573 TC5047
Info: made in Holland
Model: TI-59 Chrysler Credicavia
Battery: BP1 A
Adapter: AC9131 or DC9105
Year: 1978
Chip: TMC0501E TMC0591 CD2400 CD2401 TMC0573 TC5047
Info: made in Holland
Model: TI-59 Creg insurance FR
Battery: BP1 A
Adapter: AC9131 or DC9105
Year: 1978
Chip: TMC0501E TMC0591 CD2400 CD2401 TMC0573 TC5047
Info:The innovative TI-59 was the perfect base for a lot of customized calculators. This one was used end of the 70th by insurance agents of the French CREG company.
Model: TI-59 EDF FR
Battery: BP1 A
Adapter: AC9131 or DC9105
Year: 1978
Chip: TMC0501E TMC0591 CD2400 CD2401 TMC0573 TC5047
Info: The innovative TI-59 was the perfect base for a lot of customized calculators. This one was used end of the 70th by the EDF Group in France - a leading supplier of Electricity in Europe - to calculate the necessary energy to heat rooms and houses
Model: TI-59 IMCO mudmod
Battery: BP1 A
Adapter: AC9131 or DC9105
Year: 1978
Chip: TMC0501E TMC0591 CD2400 CD2401 TMC0573 TC5047
Info: The IMCO "MudMod" application was developed in 1982 by IMCO Services, a division of Halliburton Co., Houston for internal use only. IMCO's first module ("DrilMod") with applications in the areas of well control, annular and bit hydraulics, directional design, d-exponents, cost/ft, and drilling mud, a total of 16 programs in all, and second module (“BossMod”) for well-control operations were sold to customers.
Model: TI-59 LLOYD
Battery: BP1 A
Adapter: AC9131 or DC9105
Year: 1978
Chip: TMC0501E TMC0591 CD2400 CD2401 TMC0573 TC5047
Info: TI-58 / 59 programmable
Model: TI-59 LVM insurance
Battery: BP1 A
Adapter: AC9131 or DC9105
Year: 1978
Chip: TMC0501E TMC0591 CD2400 CD2401 TMC0573 TC5047
Info: The innovative TI-59 was the perfect base for a lot of customized calculators. This one was used end of the 70th by insurance agents of the German LVM company.
Model: TI-59 SCOT WARE CL 4
Battery: BP1 A
Adapter: AC9131 or DC9105
Year: 1978
Chip: TMC0501E TMC0591 CD2400 CD2401 TMC0573 TC5047
Info: Scot Ware by Scotch Programs Inc., headquartered in Miami, Florida, introduced already in April 1978 with the CL4 cooling load calculation an early application programmed in a customized Solid State Software Module. Purchased but never arrived!!
Model: TI-59 WG&L Tax Planner
Battery: BP1 A
Adapter: AC9131
Year: 1981
Chip: TMC0501E TMC0591 CD2400 CD2401 TMC0573 TC5047
Info: The tax planner application was developed in 1982 by Warren, Gorham & Lamont, Valhalla NY (WG&L) and programmed by Texas Instruments into a Solid State Software Module. Please notice the © 1983, 1984 date of the module. These modules were probably changed every year due to updates in the tax calculation process and WG&L introduced in 1985 with the incotax calculator a more flexible approach.
Model: TI-60
Battery: 2 x LR44
Adapter:
Year: 1987
Chip: CD4815-CD4614
Info: slanted LCD generation
Model: TI-65
Battery: 2 x LR44
Adapter:
Year: 1988
Chip: CD4805 , CD4806
Info:The TI-65 Technical Analyst is a quite interesting calculator within the Galaxy-line.
Model: TI-66
Battery: 2 x LR44
Adapter:
Year: 1984
Chip: Toshiba T6875, TC5514A
Info: GALAXY line
Model: TI-68
Battery: CR2032
Adapter:
Year: 1990
Chip: CPU: Toshiba T9948A
Info: Taiwan
Model: TI-68 prototype
Battery: CR2032
Adapter:
Year: 1985
Chip: CPU: Toshiba T9948A
Info:Calculator donated by Massa Gennaro in 2023 during the 2nd edition "the story with Texas Instruments" in Rieti, (World Chili Pepper Fair). This was a prototype with transparent case, built in the Rieti factory.
Model: TI-701 graffiti
Battery: solar
Adapter: no
Year: 1989
Chip:
Info: All models share the same design idea of a round "light tube" to collect ambient light and transport it to the high-efficiency solar cells, in the same line you can find the TI-703 blue ocean the TI-702 city night . Made in Taiwan
Special thanks go to Mrs. Pina Battinelli, who donated this calculator.
Dear Sirs, it is with great pleasure and considerable emotion that I entrust to your organization the "companion" of my initial schooling. Thank you and good luck.
Un particolare ringraziamento va alla Signora Pina Battinelli che ha donato questa calcolatrice. Scrivendo:
Gentilissimi, con grande piacere e non poca emozione affido alla vostra associazione la "compagna" del mio iniziale percosrso scolastico. Grazie e in bocca al lupo
Model: TI-702 city night
Battery: solar
Adapter: no
Year: 1989
Chip:
Info:All models share the same design idea of a round "light tube" to collect ambient light and transport it to the high-efficiency solar cells, in the same line you can find the TI-701 graffiti the TI-703 blue ocean . Made in Taiwan
Model: TI-703 blue ocean
Battery: solar
Adapter: no
Year: 1989
Chip:
Info:All models share the same design idea of a round "light tube" to collect ambient light and transport it to the high-efficiency solar cells, in the same line you can find the TI-701 graffiti the TI-702 city night . Made in Taiwan
Model: TI-7100
Battery: Solar
Adapter:
Year: 1991
Chip:
Info:
Model: TI-7140
Battery: solar
Adapter:
Year: 1994
Chip:
Info:
Model: TI-73
Battery: 4 AAA + CR1620
Adapter:
Year: 1999
Chip: Zilog Z84C0008
Info: GRAPHING
Model: TI-7300
Battery: solar
Adapter:
Year: 1989
Chip:
Info:
Model: TI-80
Battery: 2 x CR2032
Adapter:
Year: 1996
Chip: CPU: Toshiba T6M53A ROM: LH5359©1995 RAM: SRM2264 Display: Toshiba T6B79
Info: Taiwan
Model: TI-81
Battery: 4 AAA + CR1620
Adapter:
Year: 1991
Chip: T6A49Atoshiba
Info: GRAPHING
Model: TI-81
Battery: 4 AAA + CR1620
Adapter:
Year: 1993
Chip: T6A43toshiba
Info: GRAPHING
Model: TI-82 1995
Battery: 4 AAA + CR1620
Adapter:
Year: 1995
Chip: CPU: Toshiba T84C00A ASIC: Toshiba TC14L010 ROM: MX J9533©1995 RAM: SRM20256 Display: Toshiba T6A04
Info: GRAPHING
Model: TI-82 parcus
Battery: 4 AAA + CR1620
Adapter:
Year: 1994
Chip: TCPU: Toshiba T6C79 ROM: TA1782©2000 RAM: HY62WT081 Display: Toshiba T6A04A84C00
Info:
Model: TI-83
Battery: 4 AAA + CR1620
Adapter:
Year: 1996
Chip: T6C79 toshiba
Info:From a users point of view the TI-83 is compatible with the TI-82 but added some financial functions and the "official" support of assembly programming. A smart decision, the TI-83 developed itself as a popular programming platform and prepared the tremendous success of the TI-83 Plus.
Model: TI-83 plus
Battery: 4 AAA + CR1620
Adapter:
Year: 1999
Chip: CPU: Zilog Z84C0008 ASIC: TI REF 9815455 Flash: AM29F400 RAM: SRM2B256 Display: Toshiba T6A04
Info:The TI-83 Plus added Flash technology to the TI-83 Graphing calculator. This technology gives you the flexibility to add calculator software applications and additional functionality beyond math and science, providing long-term value.
Model: TI-84 plus
Battery: 4*AAA + SR44
Adapter:
Year: 2004
Chip: ASIC: TI REF 83PLUSB/TA2 or TI REF 84PLUSB/TA3 Flash: 29LV800 Display: Toshiba T6K04
Info:The TI-84 Plus doubles the capacity of the Flash ROM of the original TI-83 Plus to 480k Bytes. Other enhancements include a high contrast LCD, an integrated USB port for computer connectivity, an internal clock, and an available kickstand. The clock speed of the Z80 compatible microprocessor raised to 15 MHz compared to the 6 MHz of the earlier TI-83 products
Model: TI-85
Battery: 4 AAA + CR1620
Adapter:
Year: 1992
Chip: T6A43 toshiba
Info: GRAPHING
Model: TI-86
Battery: 4 AAA + CR1620
Adapter:
Year: 2000
Chip: T6A43 toshiba
Info: GRAPHING
Model: TI-88 (PVT4)
Battery: BP88 (1*AA-NiCd)
Adapter: AC9133
Year: 1982
Chip: TP0485 (CD2901), TP0485 (CD2902), 2*TP0530, 2*TP0531, TP0532 (CD5402), SN77203
Info: We wrote May 1982 when Texas Instruments printed the sales brochures of the TI-88 on glossy paper. The brochures promised the introduction of the TI-58C/TI-59 successor for Forth Quarter 1982 in a package matching the TI-55-II line - before we got word of the TI-66. Today we know more: The development of the TI-88 was finalized, the manuals printed, the first pre-production calculators worked perfectly and Texas Instruments canceled the whole project! Maybe one of the reasons was the introduction of the powerful Hewlett-Packard HP-41C calculator or the innovative Sharp PC-1211 Pocket Computer. Or the underestimated complexity of the TI-88 design. Or electrostatic discharge (ESD) issues of the Module contacts. Or the internal competition with the CC 40 Compact Computer. Or the keyboard problems encountered with the TI-55-II family of calculators. Or the decision of a Manager of TI's Consumer Electronic group to quit the calculator business...
Learn more about the demanding "Project X" initiated already in Summer 1977 and leading not only to the (failed) TI Programmable 88, but the TI-66 PROGRAMMABLE, failed TI-76 PROGRAMMABLE, Compact Computer CC 40, (failed Compact Computer CC 70) and last but not least the successful TI-74 BASICALC and TI-95 PROCALC.
with permission of the author DATAMATH.org
The PC-800 Printer is a dot-matrix thermal printer designed for use with the TI-88 Programmable. It connects to the TI-88 through a 2-pin Peripheral I/O connector. A second Peripheral I/O connector on the back of the PC-800 allows to connect another device like the CA-800 Cassette Interface to the TI-88.
Model: TI-92
Battery: 4 x LR43 + CR2032
Adapter:
Year: 1996
Chip: SC414181
Info: first SYMBOLIC
Model: TI-Nspire cas touchpad
Battery: 4 x AAA
Adapter: USB
Year: 2010
Chip: CPU: TI-NS2007C-0 (L9B0713) SDRAM: MT48H16M16 Flash: SEC K9F5608 Display: Novatek NT7702H, 2*xxx
Info: Texas Instruments announced on March 8, 2010 the new TI-Nspire CAS Touchpad and TI-Nspire Touchpad graphing calculators. In the United States the new calculator was listed on the TI website as a complement to the TI-Nspire CAS with Clickpad while in some other countries, e.g. Germany, the calculator was introduced as successor to the previous model. The new Operating System 2.0 and some internal labels on the PCBs (printed circuit boards) of the calculator suggest indeed the switch to a "TI-Nspire 2".
Model: TI-Nspire CX
Battery: 3.7 L1230SP Li-Ion
Adapter: AC9211U
Year: 2011
Chip: CPU: ET-NS2010B-0 (T6UJ1XBG-0002) ,SDRAM and Flash MCP: Samsung K511F12ACA
Info: Texas Instruments introduced at the 2011 T3 International Conference held on February 25-27 in San Antonio, TX with the TI-Nspire CX and TI-Nspire CX CAS their first graphing calculators with full color, backlit displays.
Model: TI-Nspire CX II
Battery: 3.7 L1200SPA Li-Ion
Adapter:
Year: 2019
Chip: CPU: ET-NS2018-000 (S6M98) SDRAM Micron MT46H32M Flash-ROM: Micron MT29F1G01
Info:Texas Instruments introduced at the 2011 T3 International Conference held on February 25-27 in San Antonio, TX with the TI-Nspire CX and TI-Nspire CX CAS their first graphing calculators with full color, backlit displays.
Model: View Screen TI-80 /81 /82 /83
Battery: power from calculator
Adapter:
Year: 2004
Chip: Toshiba T6A04A
Info:The TI ViewScreen panel connects with a cable to the Texas Instruments Graphing calculators. Placing the panel on the overhead projector enlarges the image of the handheld screen so that each student can follow along.
Compact Computer 40 or CC-40 is a battery-powered laptop that was developed by Texas Instruments and released in March 1983. Priced at $ 249, it weighs 600 grams and can be powered by four AA batteries or an adapter CA. It was designed as a portable business computer and uses TI's TMS70C20 CPU, an 8-bit microprocessor running at 2.5 MHz.
The CC-40 has 6 kilobytes of random access memory (expandable to 18 KB), 34 KB of read-only memory, and a 31-character LCD display. It is capable of running for 200 hours on one set of batteries and the memory is not cleared by turning off the unit, so a non-powered unit can retain data for several months.
The CC-40 has a single Hexbus port for connecting peripherals. The following Hexbus peripherals have been released: 80 column printer, printer / plotter, RS232 and modem. A "wafertape" digital drive (a licensed version of the Exatron Stringy Floppy) [1] pictured on the computer box was released as a prototype only, reportedly because it proved too unreliable. The inability to store the data has permanently damaged the sales of the CC-40.
The software was only available on cartridge or by typing programs into its built-in BASIC interpreter. The BASIC interpreter is similar but not identical to the TI-99 / 4A.
My modules are: module statistic / mathematics /advance electrical engineering / finance only manual
BASIC quick reference card with permission www.datamath.org
HX-1000 A beautiful 1983 plotter for the Texas Instruments Compact Computer 40 (CC-40). The HX-1000 plotter connects to the CC-40 via Hexbus cable (8 pin to pin) and features a passthrough for additional Hexbus devices. The HX-1000 uses an ALPS DPG1302 print head assembly. The HX-1000 uses four colored nibs (black, green, red and blue) and 55mm paper as in many calculators. Many other brands of plotters use the same mechanism called ALPS DPG1302 such as: Commodore 1520 Tandy CGP-115 Sharp CE-150 Atari 1020 Mattel Aquarius 4615.
Pay particular attention to the batteries, because they must be removed, otherwise you risk destroying the pcb of the plotter, as happened to mine, I had to sweat to get it started again.
If you want to test, enter the following instructions!
100 LINPUT " Enter Message: ";M$
110 OPEN #1,"10",OUTPUT ' 10 address HX-1000
120 PRINT #1,CHR$(1);M$ ' PEN 1
130 PRINT #1,CHR$(2);M$ ' PEN 2
140 PRINT #1,CHR$(3);M$ ' PEN 3
150 PRINT #1,CHR$(4);M$ ' PEN 4
160 CLOSE #1
if you want to list the program, insert : LIST "10"
where 10 is the address of the HX-1000, you can change the address between 10 and 11 by changing the hardaware switch under the paper roll!
USERS MANUAL with permission www.datamath.org
The Acorn Electron is a budget version of the BBC Micro educational/home computer introduced by Acorn Computers
Ltd on 25 August 1983. It has 32 kilobytes of RAM, and its ROM includes BBC BASIC v2 along with its operating system.
The Electron was able to save and load programs onto audio cassette via a supplied converter cable that connected it to any
standard tape recorder that had the correct sockets. It was capable of basic graphics, and could display onto either a television set, a colour (RGB) monitor or a "green screen" monitor.
For a short period, the Electron was reportedly the best selling micro in the United Kingdom, with an estimated 200,000 to 250,000 machines sold over its entire commercial lifespan.
Model: Acorn
Adapter: External PSU, 19V AC
Year: 1983
Keyboard: 56-key cwitch keyboard
Cpu: Synertek SY6502A clocked at 2 MHz when accessing ROM and 1 MHz when accessing RAM Speed: 2 mhz CO-processor: x Ram: 432K RAM 32K ROM Sound: 1 channel of sound, 7 octaves; built-in speaker. Software emulation of noise channel supported
Display: RF modulator, composite video, RGB monitor output, 160×256 (4 or 16 colours), 320×256 (2 or 4 colours), 640×256 (2 colours), 320×200 (2 colours – spaced display with two blank horizontal lines following every 8 pixel lines), 640×200 (2 colours – spaced display)
Size - Weight: 58 mm x 343 mm x 160 mm
I/O ports: Expansion port, tape recorder connector (1200 baud CUTS variation on the Kansas City standard for data encoding, via a 7-pin circular DIN connector), aerial TV connector (RF modulator), composite video and RGB monitor output
Media: Cassetta, floppy disk (opzionale), cartuccia ROM (opzionale) OS: Acorn MOS V.1.0
Peripherals: x
Price: 133 £ (1983)
The BBC Microcomputer System, or BBC Micro, is a series of microcomputers designed and built by Acorn Computers Limited in the 1980s for the Computer Literacy Project of the BBC. The machine was the focus of a number of educational BBC TV programmes on computer literacy, starting with The Computer Programme in 1982, followed by Making the Most of the Micro, Computers in Control in 1983, and finally Micro Live in 1985.
Model: BBC micro
Adapter: Internal PSU, 220 VAC
Year: 1981-1994
Keyboard: Keyboard, twin analogue joysticks with fire buttons, lightpen
Cpu: Synertek SY6502A clocked at 2 MHz when accessing ROM and 1 MHz when accessing RAM Speed: 2 mhz CO-processor: x Ram: 16–32 KiB (Model A/B)64–128 KiB (Model B+) 128 KiB (Master) Plus 32–128 KB ROM, expandable to 272 KiB Sound: Texas Instruments SN76489, 4 channels, monoTMS5220 speech synthesiser with phrase ROM (optional) Display: PAL/NTSC, UHF/composite/TTL RGB
Size - Weight: x
I/O ports: Printer parallel, RS-423 serial, user parallel, Econet (optional), 1 MHz bus, Tube second processor interface
Media: cassette tape, floppy disk (optional) – 5+1⁄4-inch or (later) 3+1⁄2-inch, hard disk also known as 'Winchester' (rare), Laserdisc (BBC Domesday Project)OS: Acorn MOS V.1.0
Peripherals: x
Price: 235 £ (1981)
.jpg)
The Amiga 1200, or A1200 (code-named "Channel Z"), is a personal computer in the Amiga computer family released by Commodore International, aimed at the home computer market. It was launched on October 21, 1992, at a base price of £399 in the United Kingdom (equivalent to £1,040 in 2023) and $599 in the United States (equivalent to $1,340 in 2024). The A1200 was launched a few months after the Amiga 600, using a similar slimline design that replaced the earlier Amiga 500 Plus and Amiga 500. Whereas the A600 used the 16-bit Motorola 68000 of earlier Amigas, the A1200 was built around the 32-bit Motorola 68EC020. Physically, the A1200 is an all-in-one design incorporating the CPU, keyboard, and disk drives (including the option of an internal 2.5" hard disk drive) in one physical unit. The A1200's hardware architecture was later used as the basis for Commodore's Amiga CD32 game console in 1993.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Wikipedia Commodore Amiga 1200
The Amiga 500, also known as the A500, is the first low-end version of the Amiga home computer. It contains the same Motorola 68000 as the Amiga 1000, as well as the same graphics and sound coprocessors, but is in a smaller case similar to that of the Commodore 128.
Commodore announced the Amiga 500 at the January 1987 winter Consumer Electronics Show – at the same time as the high-end Amiga 2000. It was initially available in the Netherlands in April 1987, then the rest of Europe in May. In North America and the UK it was released in October 1987 with a US$699/£499 list price. It competed directly against models in the Atari ST line.
The Amiga 500 was sold in the same retail outlets as the Commodore 64, as opposed to the computer store-only Amiga 1000. It proved to be Commodore's best-selling model, particularly in Europe. Although popular with hobbyists, arguably its most widespread use was as a gaming machine, where its graphics and sound were of significant benefit.
Amiga 500
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg)
.jpg){kind=small}
This set consisting of an Amiga 500 and an original monitor from the 80s was donated by Federica Grillo!
The Commodore 16 is a home computer made by Commodore International with a 6502-compatible 7501 or 8501 CPU, released in 1984 and intended to be an entry-level computer to replace the VIC-20. A cost-reduced version, the Commodore 116, was mostly sold in Europe.
The C16 and C116 belong to the same family as the higher-end Plus/4 and are internally very similar to it (albeit with less RAM - 16 rather than 64 KB - and lacking the Plus/4's user port and Three plus one software). Software is generally compatible among all three provided it can fit within the C16's smaller RAM and does not utilize the user port on the Plus/4.
While the C16 was a failure on the US market, it enjoyed some success in certain European countries and Mexico.
The Commodore 64, also known as the C64 or the CBM 64, is an 8-bit home computer introduced in January 1982 by Commodore International (first shown at the Consumer Electronics Show, 7–10 January 1982, in Las Vegas). It has been listed in the Guinness World Records as the highest-selling single computer model of all time, with independent estimates placing the number sold between 12.5 and 17 million units. This claim is in spite of the Commodore 64 having three different Kernal ROM versions, two different SID sound chip versions, a few different motherboard versions and two different cases during its lifetime. Volume production started in early 1982, marketing in August for US$595 (equivalent to $1,596 in 2020).Preceded by the Commodore VIC-20 and Commodore PET, the C64 took its name from its 64 kibibytes (65,536 bytes) of RAM. With support for multicolor sprites and a custom chip for waveform generation, the C64 could create superior visuals and audio compared to systems without such custom hardware.
The Commodore 64C designers intended the computer to have a new, wedge-shaped case within a year of release, 
but the change did not occur. In 1986, Commodore released the 64C computer, which is functionally identical to the original. The exterior design was remodeled in the sleeker style of the Commodore 128. The 64C uses new versions of the SID, VIC-II, and I/O chips being deployed. Models with the C64E board had the graphic symbols printed on the top of the keys, instead of the normal location on the front. The sound chip (SID) was changed to use the MOS 8580 chip, with the core voltage reduced from 12V to 9V. The most significant changes include different behavior in the filters and in the volume control, which result in some music/sound effects sounding differently than intended, and in digitally-sampled audio being almost inaudible, respectively (though both of these can mostly be corrected-for in software). 
The 64 KB RAM memory went from eight chips to two chips. BASIC and the KERNAL went from two 
separate chips into one 16 KB ROM chip. The PLA chip and some TTL chips were integrated into a DIL 64-pin chip. The "252535-01" PLA integrated the color RAM as well into the same chip. The smaller physical space made it impossible to put in some internal expansions like a floppy-speeder. In the United States, the 64C was often bundled with the third-party GEOS graphical user interface (GUI)-based operating system, as well as the software needed to access Quantum Link. The 1541 drive received a matching face-lift, resulting in the 1541C. Later, a smaller, sleeker 1541-II model was introduced, along with the 800 KB 3.5-inch microfloppy 1581.
The Commodore PET 8032 is a line of personal computers produced starting in 1977 by Commodore International. A single all-in-one case combines a MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor, Commodore BASIC in read-only memory, keyboard, computer monitor, and, in early models, a cassette deck.
Development of the system began in 1976 and a prototype was demonstrated at the January 1977 Consumer Electronics Show. A series of problems delayed production versions until December 1977, by which time the TRS-80 and Apple II had already begun deliveries. Byte referred to the three machines collectively as the "1977 trinity".
The PET design underwent a series of updates: more memory, better keyboard, larger screen, and other modifications. The systems were a top seller in the Canadian and United States education markets, as well as for business use in Europe.
The Commodore SX-64, also known as the Executive 64, or VIP-64 in Europe, is a portable, briefcase/suitcase-size "luggable" version of the popular Commodore 64 home computer and the first full-color portable computer.
The SX-64 features a built-in five-inch composite monitor and a built-in 1541 floppy drive. It weighs 10.5 kg (23 lb). The machine is carried by its sturdy handle, which doubles as an adjustable stand. It was announced in January 1983 and released a year later, at 995 USD (equivalent to $2,595 in 2021).
The Commodore VIC-20 (known as the VC-20 in Germany and the VIC-1001 in Japan) is an 8-it home computer that was sold by Commodore Business Machines. The VIC-20 was announced in 1980, roughly
three years after Commodore's first personal computer, the PET. The VIC-20 was the first computer of any description to sell one million units. It was described as "one of the first anti-spectatorial, non-esoteric computers by design...no longer relegated to hobbyist/enthusiasts or those with money, the computer Commodore developed was the computer of the future."
The VIC-20 was called VC-20 in Germany because the pronunciation of VIC with a German accent sounds like the German expletives "fick" or "wichsen". The term VC was marketed as though it were an abbreviation of VolksComputer ("people's computer," similar to Volkswagen and Volksempfänger).
LED Watch CBM TIME - Commodore France
Remember the golden age of home computing? Introduced in 1980 .... COMMODORE 64 was the most popular home computer of the day. Before Commodore produced this landmark system....this same company produced a very cool LED watch! 1975..
.jpg)
THEC64 (2019). The C64 is back, this time in full size and featuring a fully functional keyboard for fans of the best-selling computer of all time. The included joystick has been upgraded with micro switches, making the built-in games more fun than ever. It allows you to load and save your own files and games via USB flash drive and to program in C64 or VIC-20 BASIC.
64 games included, with the option to add more
Alleykat, Anarchy, Attack of the Mutant Camels, Avenger, Battle Valley, Bear Bovver, Boulder Dash, Bounder, California Games, Chips Challenge, Confuzion, Cosmic Causeway, Cyberdyne Warrior, Cybernoid II, Deflektor, Destroyer, Everyone's a Wally, Firelord, Galencia, Gateway to Apshai, Gribbly's Day Out, Gridrunner (VIC 20), Heartland, Herobotix, Highway Encounter, Hover Bovver, Impossible Mission, Impossible Mission II, IO, Iridis Alpha, Jumpman, Mega Apocalypse, Mission AD, Monty Mole, Monty in fuga, Nebulus, Netherworld, Nodi di Yesod, Paradroid, Pitstop II, Planet of Death, Psychedelia (VIC 20), Ranarama, Robin of the Wood, Silicon Warrior, Skate Crazy, Speedball 2, Spindizzy, Steel, Street Sports Baseball , Street Sports Basketball, Summer Games II (include eventi Summer Games), Super Cycle, Sword of Fargoal, Temple of Apshai Trilogy,The Arc of Yesod, Thing Bounces Back, Thing on a Spring, Trailblazer, Uridium, Chi osa vince II, Giochi invernali, Giochi mondiali, Zynap.
Here it is on display at the World Chili Fair 2025
The SG-1000, also known as the Sega Game 1000 or Sega Mark I, is a home video game console manufactured by 
Sega and released in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and other regions. It was Sega's first entry into the home video game hardware business. Introduced in 1983, the SG-1000 was released on the same day that Nintendo released the Family Computer in Japan. The SG-1000 was released in several forms, including the SC-3000 computer and the redesigned SG-1000 II released in 1984. A third iteration of the console, the Sega Mark III, was released in 1985. It provided a custom video display processor over previous iterations and served as the basis for the Master System in 1986, 
Sega's first internationally released console.
Developed in response to a downturn in arcades in 1982, the SG-1000 was created on the advice of Hayao Nakayama, president of Sega Enterprises, Ltd. Shortly after the release, Sega Enterprises was sold to CSK Corporation, which was followed by the release of the SG-1000 II. The SC-3000 and the SG-1000 line both support a library of 76 ROM cartridge games and 29 Sega My Card games, all of which are fully compatible with the Mark III and the Japanese version of the Master System.
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 Multi Cartiridge
.jpg)
This is Dragon multi cartridge version 1.6 for Dragon (TANO) 32/64. It is a minor update of version 1.5. Functionally the same, but a little bit smaller. Display and controls now are in horizontal orientation. The PCB is mounted onto a solid aluminum plate, which makes it rugged and provides a stable seat in the slot, even when operating the controls. The
dimensions are small enough making it possible, to build the cartridge into a standard ATARI VCS/2600 shell.
This device is exclusively designed for cartridge ROM programs, not for cassette or floppy disk programs.
It holds up to 64 8k (or 4k/2k) ROM images. It also can store 16k ROM images on adjacent slots. The cartridge uses a single 27C4001 EPROM (512 kBytes).
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
ROM images are selected by setting two 16 position rotary switches. A two digit LED display shows the number of the selected image (00 ... 63).
Autostart can be switched on and off. An additional switch combines the selected even numbered slot with the following one, providing a 16k slot for larger images.
No loading time:
- hold reset,
- select slot,
- release reset
and the program will launch immediately.
The project started as DRAGON-only, but drifted during the years more and more to be inter-console. In the meantime, most Dragon multi-carts probably are used with different systems.
A special thanks goes to ROLO who introduced me to this multipurpose cartridge!
TroubleShooting
This Dragon made me waste time, RAM and ROM problems and above all the breakdown of the integrated IC33 (74LS138).
IC33 blocked the functioning of the cartridge, because the computer started on reset but blocked when the cartridge was inserted.
Detail of the adapter for the 2764
Adapter for ROM (2364) to EPROM (2764)
Composite Video Out
Power Regulator Board
The Enterprise is a Zilog Z80-based home computer announced in 1983, but through a series of delays, not commercially available until 1985. The specification as released was powerful and one of the higher end in its class (though not by the margin envisaged in 1983). This was due to the use of ASICs for graphics and sound which took workload away from the
CPU, an extensive implementation of ANSI BASICand a bank switching system to allow for larger amounts of RAM than the Z80 natively supported. It also featured a distinctive and colourful case design, and promise of multiple expansion options. Ultimately it was not commercially successful, after multiple renames, delays and a changing market place. Its manufacturer calling in the receivers in 1986 with
significant debt. It was developed by British company Intelligent Software and marketed by Enterprise Computers. Its two variants are the Enterprise 64, with 64 kilobytes of Random Access Memory (RAM), and the Enterprise 128, with 128 KB of RAM.
.jpg)
.jpg)
The EXL 100, is a computer released in 1984 by the French brand Exelvision, based on the TMS 7020 microprocessor from Texas Instruments. This was an uncommon design choice (at the time almost all home.jpg)
computers either used 6502 or Z80 microprocessors) but justified by the fact that the engineering team behind the machine (Jacques Palpacuer, Victor Zebrouck and Christian Petiot) came from Texas instruments. It was part of the government Computing for All plan and 9000 units were used in schools.
The design is unusual compared with similar machines of the time, as it had a separate central processing unit. Two.jpg)
keyboards are available: one with rubber keys and another with a more standard touch. Keyboard and joystick were not connected to the central unit by a cable but by infrared link, and are battery powered. Many extensions were available: modem, floppy disk drive and a 16 KB CMOS RAM powered by an integrated lithium battery. Its TMS 5220 sound processor was capable of French speech synthesis, another unusual feature.
.jpg)
.jpg)
The Personal System/2 or PS/2 is IBM's third generation of personal computers. Released in 1987, it officially replaced the IBM PC, XT, AT, and PC Convertible in IBM's lineup. Many of the PS/2's innovations, such as the 16550 UART (serial port), 1440 KB 3.5-inch floppy disk format, Model M keyboard layout, 72-pin SIMMs, the PS/2 port, and the VGA video standard, went on to become standards in the broader PC market.
The PS/2 line was created by IBM partly in an attempt to recapture control of the PC market by introducing the advanced yet proprietary Micro Channel architecture (MCA) on higher-end models. These models were in the strange position of being incompatible with the IBM-compatible hardware standards previously established by IBM and adopted in the PC industry. However IBM's initial PS/2 computers were popular with target market corporate buyers, and by September 1988 IBM reported that it had sold 3 million PS/2 machines. This was only 18 months after the new range had been introduced.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
-
- Aquarius is a home computer designed by Radofin and released by Mattel Electronics in 1983. Based on the Zilog Z80 microprocessor, the system has a rubber chiclet keyboard, 4K of RAM, and a subset of Microsoft BASIC in ROM. It connects to a television set for audiovisual output, and uses a cassette tape recorder for secondary data storage. A limited number of peripherals, such as a 40-column thermal printer, a 4-color printer/plotter, and a 300 baud modem, were released. The Aquarius was discontinued in October 1983, only a few months after it was launched.us.
Object is a memory and program cartridge expansion unit and 2 game controllers for the Aquarius home computer system in original system box. Game controllers in original plastic; mini expander has been used; original Styrofoam packing in place. Year 1983
Model: Aquarius
Adapter: Non-removable external power supply hard-wired into case providing 8.8 / 16 / -19 VDC
Year: 1983
Keyboard: 48-key rubber chiclet keyboard
Cpu: Zilog Z80 Speed: 3,5 mhz CO-processor: x Ram: 4k (expandable to 36k) Sound: One voice, expandable to four voices
Display: 80x72 semigraphics in 16 colors (TEA1002 chip, 40x24 text characters - with a 25th "zero" row at top - with a size of 8x8 pixels, equivalent to 320 x 192 pixels)
Size - Weight: 34,5 (W) x 15 (D) x 5,5 (H) cm.
I/O ports: Television, cartridge/expansion, tape recorder, printer
Media: x OS: Aquarius Basic
Peripherals: Mini expander, Data recorder, Thermal Printer, color printer, Modem, 4K RAM, Quick Disk, 32k RAM, Micro expander
Price: 49.90 $ (1984)
The Olivetti M24 is a personal computer produced at the Olivetti plant in Scarmagno since 1983 . It was born as a competitor of the IBM PC and had great success on all world markets.
Unlike the IBM PC, which adopted the processor Intel 8088 with a clock of 4.7 MHz, the M24 adopted the more powerful Intel 8086 , with the clock speed of 8 or 10 MHz (the second version SP ), a bus 16-bit data and the ability to increase performance by decreasing the memory refresh rate via software, CGA graphics or NEC 6845 graphics accelerator and 7 free expansion slots. Produced starting from 1983, in one of the typical configurations it cost about six million lire as of January 1986 , equivalent to 10,012 euros in May 2019 . An AT&T 6300 dating from around 1986: earlier models had the function keys lined up on the left side of the keyboard instead of at the top like this model. On the screen the NetHack videogame .
It was possible to choose the hardware and software configuration, from 128 KiB to 640 KiB of RAM (further expandable with EMS memory), 16 KiB ROM, two-unit floppy disk drive or the internal hard disk (only initially 5 MB, then 10 MB and 20 MB), or even two hard disks (one located externally), from the excellent Hantarex monitor with green or gray phosphors and color models. Already at the beginning of 1984 the standard configuration was with 640 KiB and 10 MiB internal hard disk or 27 MiB external hard disk.
Olivetti Prodest PC 128 is a home computer distributed in Italy by Olivetti since 1986 , the first of the Olivetti Prodest series .The computer is based on the Thomson MO6 model produced by the French company Thomson SA , on which aesthetic changes have been applied and the characteristic logo with the image of a pyramid added. The selling price of the basic version was 380000 lire, and was also sold in a second version called " PC 128 starter kit " which included the optical pen and ColorPaint software at a price of 420000 lire.
Wikipedia Olivetti Prodest 128
.jpg)
The Osborne 1 is the first commercially successful portable computer, released on April 3, 1981 by Osborne Computer Corporation. It weighs 24.5 lb.jpg)
(11.1 kg), cost US$1,795, and runs the CP/M 2.2 operating system. It is powered from a wall socket, as it has no on-board battery, but it is still classed as a portable device since it can be hand-carried when the keyboard is closed..jpg){kind=small}
The computer shipped with a large bundle of software that was almost equivalent in value to the machine itself, a practice adopted by other CP/M computer vendors. Competitors quickly appeared, such as the Kaypro II.
The Philips P2000T home computer was Philips' first real entry in the home computer market, after the Philips Videopac G7000 game system (better known in North America as the Magnavox Odyssey2) which they already sold to compete with the Atari 2600 and similar game systems. There was also a P2000M version with an additional 80-column card for use with a monochrome monitor. This version shipped with a monitor cabinet also housing a dual 5.25" floppy drive.
The P2000T was a Z80-based home computer that used a Mullard SAA5050 Teletext display chip to produce the video picture and a small Mini-Cassette recorder for 42 kilobytes of mass storage capacity. The Mini-Cassette was treated as a floppy drive from the user's perspective while using the automatic search for a program (CLOAD command) or free space (CSAVE). A command to display the directory of the cassette also exists.[1] Philips used components they already produced for other markets (television sets and dictation machines) to quickly design a small computer system. It was partially designed by Austrian professor Dieter Hammer.
The VG 8020 was Philips' third MSX 1 computer, after the VG8000 (which did not even have a printer port) and the VG8010 computers.This version had a real keyboard, not a chiclet keyboard like its predecessors. The VG-8020 was released in 1984 and featured a Zilog Z80A microprocessor clocked at 3.56 MHz, 64KB of RAM, 16KB of VRAM, and two cartridge slots.
The Philips VG-8235 was an MSX-2 - home computer from Philips and came in 1986 to the market. The new price at that time
was around 1500 DM . The VG-8235 was one of the best equipped MSX home computers at the time. It had already integrated a 3.5 inch floppy disk drive (capacity 360 KByte) and was equipped with 128 KByte video memory. The video memory enabled different screen modes with a maximum resolution of 512 × 212 with 256 colors.
The TRS-80 Micro Computer System (TRS-80, later renamed the Model I to distinguish it from successors) is a desktop microcomputer launched in 1977 and sold by Tandy Corporation through their Radio Shack stores. The name is an abbreviation of Tandy Radio Shack, Z80 [microprocessor]. It is one of the earliest mass-produced and mass-marketed retail home computers.
The TRS-80 has a full-stroke QWERTY keyboard, the Zilog Z80 processor, 4 KB DRAM standard memory, small size and desk footprint, floating-point Level I BASIC language interpreter in ROM, 64-character per line video monitor, and a starting price of US$600 (equivalent to US$2,600 in 2020). A cassette tape drive for program storage was included in the original package.
The Cambridge Z88 is a portable computer designed by Clive Sinclair and marketed by Cambridge Computers
Ltd. since 1988 . It is a laptop based on the Zilog Z80A microprocessor operating at 3.28 MHz . Power is supplied by common AA batteries which guarantee a maximum autonomy of 20 hours. 
The Black Watch is an electronic wristwatch launched in September 1975 by Sinclair Radionics. It cost £24.95 ready-built, but was also available for £17.95
, as a kit.[These prices are equivalent to around £190 and £140 respectively in 2021, when adjusted for inflation.
The Black Watch was supplied with a plastic band as standard, with a black stainless steel bracelet available as an extra at £2.00.
I'm a fan of watches especially Texas Instruments, but when I come across watches like this 1975 Sinclair black watch I don't let it get away. Unfortunately he had problems with corrosion from the usual button cell batteries.
I solved, as often happens with objects with corroded pcb, to use 0.03 mm copper sheets. You have to clean up the damaged part and copy the part of
the PCB to be reproduced on a transparent sheet, copy it on the copper sheet and cut it.
Then glue the pcb reproduced with silicone or with glue for gold leaf, I prefer the latter. Put it all together and you're done.
Wikipedia Sinclair Black Watch
The Sinclair QL (for Quantum Leap) is a personal computer launched by Sinclair Research in 1984, as an upper-end counterpart to the ZX Spectrum.
The QL was aimed at the serious home user and professional and executive users markets from small to medium-sized businesses and higher educational establishments, but failed to achieve commercial success.
While the ZX Spectrum has an 8-bit Zilog Z80 as the CPU, the QL uses a Motorola 68008. The 68008 is a member of the Motorola 68000 family with 32-bit internal data registers, but an 8-bit external data bus.
TroubleShooting
Power-on problem: White screen, possible faulty RAM memory.
I recommend installing the "Minerva" eprom, FW developed to give a new basic, but above all to help turn on the QL. Remove the two original EPROMs and insert the socket with the new EPROM.
in case of error a screen like this will appear. This window tells us that the first line is the value that is written to RAM, the second line is the read value, the third is the memory address.
In this case, a little program developed by XAD at this address comes to our aid: https://www.nightfallcrew.com/minervaram/index.php
We enter the data and we will have an indication of the faulty RAM. In our case the U4.
IF < $30000 (ADDRESS) = IC8 ,IC7 ,IC6 ,IC5 ,IC4 ,IC3 ,IC2 ,IC1
IF > $30000 (ADDRESS) = IC16 ,IC15 ,IC14 ,IC13 ,IC12 ,IC11 ,IC10 ,IC9
IF > $40000 Faulty ram is in expansion memory.
Here we can see the operation after the repair.
Spectrum Inves +. A clone of the ZX Spectrum+ developed by Investrónica in Spain in 1986, based on the work developed by Investrónica for the ZX Spectrum 128. Released just after Amstrad bought Sinclair Research Ltd, looked much like a normal 48+, but all the inner parts were redesigned. As the ROM was also modified, it has compatibility problems with some games (Bombjack, Commando, Top Gun, etc.).[1] On the rear there was a Kempston joystick connector.
Due to the fact that Invéstronica was the distributor of Sinclair's products in Spain, and because Amstrad already had its own exclusive distributor in Spain (Indescomp, later bought by Amstrad itself), in 1987 Amstrad sued Investrónica to stop the sale of the computer.[2] The court agreed with Amstrad, but the decision was not issued until 1991, when the computer was discontinued as the 8-bit computer market in Spain was dead in favor of 16-bit computers.
.jpg)
THE Spectrum (2024) Relive the magic. A true masterpiece of extraordinary design, born to shine and deserve a place in an art gallery. Decorated in its iconic rainbow colors, this fun, eccentric, and extroverted machine rekindles the joy of simple, immediate games, bringing back that pure, spontaneous experience that modern gaming has slowly forgotten.With a timeless aesthetic and vibrant personality, The Spectrum is more than just an updated replica of the legendary 1980s home computer: it is a true interactive work of art, capable of offering everyone a nostalgic, exciting, and surprisingly contemporary gaming adventure.
Here it is on display at the World Chili Fair 2025
48 built-in games
Contains the best genre defining ZX Spectrum games, such as Manic Miner, Head Over Heels, Saboteur! Remastered, The Hobbit, Army Moves and The Great Escape.
Classic Mode
Switch to Classic Mode and dive into the full ZX Spectrum experience, complete with BASIC programming and virtual cassettes.
48K and 128K compatibility
Compatible with games for 48K to 128K ZX Spectrum models.
Save your progress
Save your progress in one of four save-game slots per game, and return at any time.
Rewind mode
Rewind your gameplay at any time by up to 40 seconds to help you get through those difficult levels!
Extended colours
Supports the ULAplus™ colour mode for richer colour palettes that can be applied to any game.
Load your own
Load and play the programs you already own, optionally with the cassette loading effects you remember.
Display frames
Surround your gameplay with one of 12 attractive frames.
HDMI
High Definition output at 720p 50 or 60Hz.
Four USB ports
Four USB ports support the connection of joysticks, gamepads and USB sticks.
Compatible with game controllers
Compatible with many USB game controllers.
The ZX Spectrum +2 (UK: /zɛdɛks/) is an 8-bit personal home computer developed by Sinclair Research. It was first released in the United Kingdom on 23 April 1982 and went on to become Britain's best selling microcomputer.
Referred to during development as the ZX81 Colour and ZX82, it was launched as the ZX Spectrum to highlight the machine's colour display, compared with the black and white display of its predecessor, the ZX81. The Spectrum was released as eight different models, ranging from the entry level with 16 KB RAM released in 1982 to the ZX Spectrum +3 with 128 KB RAM and built in floppy disk drive in 1987; altogether they sold over 5 million units worldwide (not counting unofficial clones).
The Spectrum was among the first home computers in the UK aimed at a mainstream audience, similar in significance to the Commodore 64 in the US or the MO5 in France. The introduction of the ZX Spectrum led to a boom in companies producing software and hardware for the machine, the effects of which are still seen. Some credit it as the machine which launched the UK IT industry. Licensing deals and clones followed, earning Clive Sinclair a knighthood for services to British industry.
The ZX Spectrum +3 (UK: /zɛdɛks/) is an 8-bit personal home computer developed by Sinclair Research. It was first released in the United Kingdom on 23 April 1982 and went on to become Britain's best selling microcomputer.
Referred to during development as the ZX81 Colour and ZX82, it was launched as the ZX Spectrum to highlight the machine's colour display, compared with the black and white display of its predecessor, the ZX81. The Spectrum was released as eight different models, ranging from the entry level with 16 KB RAM released in 1982 to the ZX Spectrum +3 with 128 KB RAM and built in floppy disk drive in 1987; altogether they sold over 5 million units worldwide (not counting unofficial clones).
The Spectrum was among the first home computers in the UK aimed at a mainstream audience, similar in significance to the Commodore 64 in the US or the MO5 in France. The introduction of the ZX Spectrum led to a boom in companies producing software and hardware for the machine, the effects of which are still seen. Some credit it as the machine which launched the UK IT industry. Licensing deals and clones followed, earning Clive Sinclair a knighthood for services to British industry.
ZX Spectr
um 16K.
The ZX Spectrum (UK: /zɛdɛks/) is an 8-bit personal home computer developed by Sinclair Research. It was first released in the United Kingdom on 23 April 1982 and went on to become Britain's best selling microcomputer.
Referred to during development as the ZX81 Colour and ZX82, it was launched as the ZX Spectrum to highlight the machine's colour display, compared with the black and white display of its predecessor, the ZX81. The Spectrum was released as eight different models, ranging from the entry level with 16 KB RAM released in 1982 to the ZX Spectrum +3 with 128 KB RAM and built in floppy disk drive in 1987; altogether they sold over 5 million units worldwide (not counting unofficial clones).
The Spectrum was among the first home computers in the UK aimed at a mainstream audience, similar in significance to the Commodore 64 in the US or the MO5 in France. The introduction of the ZX Spectrum led to a boom in companies producing software and hardware for the machine, the effects of which are still seen. Some credit it as the machine which launched the UK IT industry. Licensing deals and clones followed, earning Clive Sinclair a knighthood for services to British industry.
ZX Spectrum+ 48K. Planning of the ZX Spectrum+ started in June 1984, and was released on October 15th. This 48 KB Spectrum (development code-name TB) introduced a new QL-style case with an injection-moulded keyboard and a reset button that was basically a switch that shorted across the CPU reset capacitor. Electronically, it was identical to the previous 48 KB model. It was possible to change the system boards between the original case and the Spectrum+ case. It retailed for £179.95 (equivalent to £583 in 2019). A DIY conversion-kit for older machines was available. Early on, the machine outsold the rubber-key model 2:1; however, some retailers reported a failure rate of up to 30%, compared with a more usual 5–6% for the older model. In early 1985, the original Spectrum was officially discontinued and the ZX Spectrum+ was reduced in price to £129.95 (equivalent to £397 in 2019).
The Sinclair ZX80 is a home computer launched on 29 January 1980 by Science of Cambridge Ltd. (later to be better
known as Sinclair Research). It is notable for being one of the first computers available in the United Kingdom for less than a hundred pounds. It was available in kit form for £79.95, where purchasers had to assemble and solder it together, and as a ready-built version at £99.95.The ZX80 was very popular straight away, and for some time there was a waiting list of several months for either version of the machine.
The ZX 81 is a home computer that was produced by Sinclair Research and manufactured in Dundee, Scotland, by Timex Corporation. It was launched in the United Kingdom in March 1981 as the successor to Sinclair's ZX80 and designed to be a low-cost introduction to home computing for the general public. It was hugely successful; more than 1.5 million units were sold. In the United States it was initially sold as the ZX-81 under licence by Timex. Timex later produced its own versions of the ZX81: the Timex Sinclair 1000 and Timex Sinclair 1500. Unauthorized ZX81 clones were produced in several countries.
The ZX81 was designed to be small, simple, and above all, inexpensive, with as few components as possible. Video output is to a television set rather than a dedicated monitor. Programs and data are loaded and saved onto compact audio cassettes. It uses only four silicon chips and a mere 1 KB of memory. There is no power switch or any moving parts with the exception of a VHF TV channel selector switch present in some models. It has a pressure-sensitive membrane keyboard. The ZX81's limitations prompted a market in third-party peripherals to improve its capabilities. Its distinctive case and keyboard brought designer Rick Dickinson a Design Council award.
The ZX81 could be bought by mail order preassembled or, for a lower price, in kit form. It was the first inexpensive mass-market home computer to be sold by high street stores, led by W. H. Smith and soon many other retailers. The ZX81 marked the point when computing in Britain became an activity for the general public rather than the preserve of businessmen and electronics hobbyists. It produced a huge community of enthusiasts, some of whom founded their own businesses producing software and hardware for the ZX81. Many went on to have roles in the British computer industry. The ZX81's commercial success made Sinclair Research one of Britain's leading computer manufacturers and earned a fortune and an eventual knighthood for the company's founder Sir Clive Sinclair.
KIT version of the famous ZX-81
The ZX 81 is a home computer that was produced by Sinclair Research and manufactured in Dundee, Scotland, by Timex Corporation. It was launched in the United Kingdom in March 1981 as the successor to Sinclair's ZX80 and designed to be a low-cost introduction to home computing for the general public. It was hugely successful; more than 1.5 million units were sold. In the United States it was initially sold as the ZX-81 under licence by Timex. Timex later produced its own versions of the ZX81: the Timex Sinclair 1000 and Timex Sinclair 1500. Unauthorized ZX81 clones were produced in several countries.
The ZX81 was designed to be small, simple, and above all, inexpensive, with as few components as possible. Video output is to a television set rather than a dedicated monitor. Programs and data are loaded and saved onto compact audio cassettes. It uses only four silicon chips and a mere 1 KB of memory. There is no power switch or any moving parts with the exception of a VHF TV channel selector switch present in some models. It has a pressure-sensitive membrane keyboard. The ZX81's limitations prompted a market in third-party peripherals to improve its capabilities. Its distinctive case and keyboard brought designer Rick Dickinson a Design Council award.
The ZX81 could be bought by mail order preassembled or, for a lower price, in kit form. It was the first inexpensive mass-market home computer to be sold by high street stores, led by W. H. Smith and soon many other retailers. The ZX81 marked the point when computing in Britain became an activity for the general public rather than the preserve of businessmen and electronics hobbyists. It produced a huge community of enthusiasts, some of whom founded their own businesses producing software and hardware for the ZX81. Many went on to have roles in the British computer industry. The ZX81's commercial success made Sinclair Research one of Britain's leading computer manufacturers and earned a fortune and an eventual knighthood for the company's founder Sir Clive Sinclair.
Donated Sergio Massacesi
T
he Timex Sinclair 1000 (or T/S 1000) was the first computer produced by Timex Sinclair, a joint venture between Timex Corporation and Sinclair Research. It was launched in July 1982, with a US sales price of US$99.95, making it the cheapest home computer at the time; it was advertised as "the first computer under $100".[1] The computer was aimed at regular home users. As purchased, the T/S 1000 was fully assembled and ready to be plugged into home televisions, which served as a video monitor. The T/S 1000 was a slightly modified version of the Sinclair ZX81 with an NTSC RF modulator, for use with North American TVs, instead of PAL for European TVs. The T/S 1000 doubled the onboard RAM from 1 KB to 2 KB. The T/S 1000's casing had slightly more internal shielding but remained the same as Sinclair's, including the membrane keyboard. It had black-and-white graphics and no sound. It was followed by an improved version, the Timex Sinclair 1500 which had substantially more RAM (16 KB) and a lower price (US$80). However, the T/S 1500 did not achieve market success, given that the marketplace was by this time dominated by Commodore, RadioShack, Atari and Apple.
The Timex Sinclair 2068 (T/S 2068), released in November 1983, was Timex Sinclair's third and last home
computer for the United States market. It was also marketed in Canada, Argentina, Portugal and Poland, as Timex Computer 2068 (TC 2068).
The Tomy Tutor, originally sold in Japan as the Pyūta (ぴゅう太) and in the UK as the Grandstand Tutor, is a home computer produced by the Japanese toymaker Tomy. It was architecturally similar, but not identical, to the Texas Instruments TI-99/4A, and used a similar Texas Instruments 16-bit CPU.The computer was launched in the UK and the United States in 1983. Outside Japan, however, sales were not significant.
The Atari 2600 hardware was based on the MOS Technology 6507 chip, offering a maximum resolution of 160 x 192 pixels (NTSC), 128 colors, 128 bytes of RAM with 4 kB on cartridges (64 kB via bank switching). The design experienced many makeovers and revisions during its 14-year production history, from the original "heavy sixer" to the Atari 2600 Jr. at the end. The system also has many controllers and third-party peripherals.
Great success of the event, which took place in Rome in 2019, with the name of VCFI (Vintage Computer Festival Italia). On this occasion we had the opportunity to host many characters from this fantastic world, including the famous Allen Acorn, of which we had the opportunity to meet him and get us to sign a console!
Atari 2600 JR. The 1986 model has a smaller, cost-reduced form factor with an Atari 7800-like appearance. It was advertised as a budget gaming system (under $49.99) with the ability to run a large collection of games. Released after the video game crash of 1983, and after the North American launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System, the 2600 was supported with new games and television commercials promoting "The fun is back!". Atari released several minor stylistic variations: the "large rainbow" (shown), "short rainbow", and an all-black version sold only in Ireland. Later European versions include a joypad.
The Atari XE Video Game System (Atari XEGS) is an industrial redesign of the Atari 65XE home computer and the final model in the Atari 8-bit
computer series. It was released by Atari Corporation in 1987 and marketed as a home video game console alongside the Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega's Master System, and Atari's own Atari 7800. The XEGS is compatible with existing Atari 8-bit computer hardware and software. Without keyboard, the system operates as a stand-alone game console. With the keyboard, it boots identically to the Atari XE computers. Atari packaged the XEGS as a basic set consisting of only the console and joystick, and as a deluxe set consisting of the console, keyboard, CX40 joystick, and XG-1 light gun.
1000 games for your color TV (NE 74 Year 1981)
By structuring microprocessors, it's possible to create an infinite number of
video games, similar to those we're used to seeing in any bar, with the advantage of being able to use your home
TV for this purpose. It doesn't matter whether it's black and white or color. So, in the evening,
instead of going out, as you've been saying, with a pocket full of 100-lire coins to go play in bars, you can stay
at home, sitting in front of the TV and playing for free with
your friends, mostly being able to modify the game at any time by simply inserting a different ROM into the socket.
Nuova Elettronica N.74 (1981) Nuova Elettronica
.jpg)
THE Sega Megadrive (2025).
The Sega Mega Drive Flashback HD is a retro game console with 83 built-in games. It includes flagship titles like Sega Sonic and Phantasy Star, as well as save, pause, and rewind functions for every game. It is a remake of the original Sega Genesis console. Two wireless controllers (2.4GHz) and an HDMI output (720p) are included, along with an HDMI cable. The built-in cartridge holder can play original Sega Genesis games (no games included).
Features:
83 built-in classic games
An exceptional selection of Sega classics: Sonic series, Phantasy Star series, and Shining Force series
Two wireless controllers (2.4GHz) in the style of the original Sega Genesis/Mega Drive console
Save, pause, and rewind functions for every game
HDMI cable and 220V power supply included.
Here it is on display at the World Chili Fair 2025
Model: Amaze-a-Tron
Battery: 4 x 1,5 C + 2 x 9 volt
AC adapter:
Year: 1979
Chip: TMS1000 / MP3301
Info: Amaze-A-Tron is an electronic board game with eight variations that revolve around a hidden computer-generated maze. The board consists of a five-by-five grid of squares numbered 1 to 25.
At the beginning of the "Opposite Start" game variation, the computer selects a starting square (identified by number) for each player. The players then race to see who can get through the maze first and reach the opponent's starting square, through trial and error. The players alternate taking turns moving through the maze. A player can move through any number of squares until the player runs into a wall, at which point the other player gets to take a turn.
There are two solitaire maze games and six two-player games. In the "Blind Alley" variations, the maze includes dead-ends that force a player to backtrack to get back on the correct path. In the "Back to Start" variations, when a player runs into a wall the player's pawn is returned to the starting square, adding a memory element to the game. In the standard "Maze" game, both players start on the same square and are racing to reach the same destination square.
The plastic game board features a two-digit LED readout, red and green LED's (which correspond to the color of the opposing playing pieces), and a storage compartment for the four playing pieces (plastic pawns and start/finish space markers). A 9-volt battery or AC adapter is required.
Model: Auto Racer
Battery: 1 x 9 volt
AC adapter:
Year: 1976
Chip: TMS
Info:AutoRacer Mattel Auto Race was released in 1976, and was the first Mattel Electronics handheld game made available to the public (and is also the first ever all-electronic handheld, using no moving parts, just electronic components).
Model: Bank Shot
Battery: 6 x AA
AC adapter:
Year: 1980
Chip: TMS1400 / MP7313
Info: Bank Shot Electronic Handheld Pool Game By Parker Brothers, Model No. 3600, Takes 6 AA Batteries, Copyright 1980
Model: Battle Ship
Battery: 4 x 1,5 AA
AC adapter:
Year: 1979
Chip: TMS1000 / MP3208 , SN76477
Info: Battle Ship. MB Electronics in the 1979 develops and markets the futuristic version of the classic board game Battaglia Navale, with the use of Texas Instruments chips (TMS1000=MP3208 and SN76477), the miracle of electronics once again keeps its promises, colored buttons, electronic sounds and lights, are the strength of Sink the Fleet - this is the title of the game chosen by MB -. On the packaging the term computer is mentioned several times, powerful microcomputer, which was a jaw-dropping thing for the children of that time.
Instructions:
The With the game off, set the LOAD / GO selector to LOAD and then turn the machine on with the ON / OFF selector. For each of the two players, position the yellow and blue cursors respectively on CM (Clear Memory) and on CLE (CLear Entry) and press them; by doing so you erase the memory. Now you can start programming the positions of the fleets, entering all the positions occupied by all the ships; for example if you have the aircraft carrier positioned horizontally from A1 to A5, you must enter the five positions A1, A2, A3, A4, A5: position the blue cursor on the letter A and press it, then position the yellow cursor on number 1 and press it , finally press the red FIRE button; then move the yellow cursor to number 2 and press FIRE, then to number 3 and press FIRE, number 4 + FIRE, number 5 + FIRE; so you have memorized the position of the aircraft carrier.
.jpg)
Model: Big Trak
Battery: 4 x 1,5 C + 2 x 9 volt
AC adapter:
Year: 1979
Chip: TMS1000 / MP3301
Info: BIG TRAK / bigtrak is a programmable toy electric vehicle created by Milton Bradley in 1979, resembling a futuristic Sci-Fi tank / utility vehicle. The original Big Trak was a six-wheeled (two-wheel drive) tank with a front-mounted blue "photon beam" headlamp, and a keypad on top. The toy could remember up to 16 commands, which it then executed in sequence. There also was an optional cargo trailer accessory, with the UK version being white to match its colour scheme; once hooked to the Bigtrak, this trailer could be programmed to dump its payload.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Model: Cyclon BattleStar Galactica
Battery: 9 volt
AC adapter:
Year: 1978
Chip: TMC0907/ZA0379
Info: The Battlestar Galactica Cyclon, made in Hong Kong, is one of the items I've searched for the most. It uses a TI chip and works like the beautiful MATH MAGIC. It asks you one of ten thousand pre-programmed math questions, using one of four operations, and you have to type the correct answer. If the answer is correct, (the display flashes), or if it's incorrect, (EEE).
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Here you can find the WIZ-A-Tron manual (US), you can use it for this Cyclon Battlestar as well. With permission from datamath.org
.jpg)
Model: Tabletop Defender Strikes
Battery: 6 x type c alkaline
AC adapter:
Year: 1983
Chip: MP6361
Info:This is a rare game that I have searched for a lot. Texas instruments CPU, color VFD display, really interesting, too bad it was broken ... Inside the pcb has a code HP-839B, the broken circuit is the usual switching that generates the various voltages for operation. The two transistors were broken the 2sc1815 case TO92 and the gray transistor without writing, replaced with a BD135 case TO126. Satisfied ...
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Model: Entex Poker
Battery: 4 x AA
AC adapter:
Year: 1979
Chip: TMS1000 / MP2105 Display: Vfd (vacuum fluorescent display)
Info: Vintage Electronic Poker Handheld Game by Entex Industries, Made in Japan, Copyright 1979
Model: Entex Soccer
Battery: 6 x AA
AC adapter:
Year: 1979
Chip: TMS1100 / MP0158
Info: Produced in 1979 and made in Taiwan, it features two game modes: in "car" mode, a single player must reach the goal area (last row of LEDs) and attempt a shot on goal by pressing the "soccer" button. In "man" mode, two players compete, taking turns attacking while the other defends. The player with the ball is identified by the brightest LED.
Model: Entex Space Invader
Battery: 6 x AA
AC adapter:
Year: 1980
Chip: TMS1100 / MP1211 / COPL44 Display : LED
Info: Entex handheld Space Invader game, their version of the popular arcade game. The black version is copyright 1980 (and was designed/programmed by Entex Tokyo), the grey one is copyright 1981 (and was re-designed and re-programmed by Rick Dyer & AMS, thus it has some differences in appearence and gameplay) (note also that the gray one was made from a slightly different mold). Interesting note: the second wasn't supposed to be gray, someone accidently trans-posed 2 numbers on the paperwork where the Pantone color code was listed (it was supposed to be the same black color). Over 800,000 Space Invaders were produced, which is impressive considering a company was happy to have a production of 100,000.
Model: Jingle Ball ITALY 1990
Battery: 2 x AA volt battery
AC adapter: NO
Year: 1990
Chip: TI Custom
Info:Jingle Ball – 1990 Italy World Cup Musical Ball (National Anthems). RAI 1990 Courtesy of SACIS; imported by Texas Instruments. Ball featuring national anthems: press a flag to sing the anthem of the selected nation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Model: Merlin
Battery: 1 x 9 volt
AC adapter:
Year: 1980
Chip: TMS1100 / MP3404
Info: Merlin (also known as Merlin The Electronic Wizard, stylized as MERLIN) is a handheld electronic game first made by Parker Brothers in 1978.
The game was invented by former NASA employee Bob Doyle, his wife Holly, and brother-in-law Wendl Thomis.Merlin is notable as one of the earliest and most popular handheld games, selling over 5 million units during its initial run, as well as one of the most long-lived, remaining popular throughout the 1980s. A version of the game was re-released in 2004 by the Milton Bradley Company.
Wikipedia - Merlin Parker Brothers
Model: Monkey See
Battery: 9 volt
AC adapter:
Year: 1985
Chip: TMS1000 / MP0271
Info:This wonderful educational toy is not related to Texas Instruments. It is just for comparision with the rare MATH MAGIC and its sibling WIZ-A-TRON. With this MONKEY SEE Radio Shack changed from the original "calculator chip" MM5780 to a pre-programmed 4-bit microcontroller from Texas Instruments.
.jpg "Core Module Watch")
.jpg "Calculator Fuller")
.jpg "Olivetti Valentine")
.jpg "Console / Games"){kind=small}
.jpg "APPLE")
.png){kind=small}
