Microbee Series 1 Models
Series 1 models were the first Microbees to be released though they were not actually known as "Series 1" at the time. All Series 1 models use 2532 type EPROMs (4KB). The "25" series EPROMs became difficult to obtain as the Microbee evolved and were replaced with "27" series devices in subsequent Series.
Microbee Kit
Overview
Name
|
Category
|
Release Date
|
Description
|
Microbee Kit
|
Standard
ROM based
|
Feb 1982
|
This was the first Microbee. The new machine had it's technical roots in Applied Technology's (AT's) existing DGZ80 S100 products and was initially released in kit form only. It was announced and publicised through Electronics Today International (ETI) and Your Computer magazines. The first known public announcement of the new machine was an advertisement in the January 1982 edition of ETI where it was called "The Experimenter" and described as being due for release next month. By February, the machine had been renamed to Microbee with an article and detailed 32 page supplement included in Your Computer magazine.
|
Details
Microbee Kit (Black case)
Microbee Kit (Beige case)
|
CPU
|
Zilog Z80 @ 2MHz
|
RAM
|
16KB or 32KB total capacity
Uses CMOS Static RAM (SRAM), eg Hitachi HM6116 (each 2KB)
The RAM can be made non-volatile by fitting a 4-5v battery to the Core board. The battery was not included in the standard kit.
|
ROM
|
A total of 28K ROM could be fitted:
- Microworld Basic (16KB). Fitted as standard.
- EDASM Z80 Editor Assembler (8KB). Optional. WordBee was released later and could be installed as an alternative to EDASM.
- NET ROM (4KB). Space is provided to install this ROM, but AT did not offer any mainstream software to occupy it. Telcom, which released later for this space, requires a 3.375MHz CPU clock.
Uses 2532 EPROMs (each 4KB)
|
Storage
|
Cassette tape via an external recorder with a load/save speed of 300 or 1200 baud.
|
Video
|
Monochrome composite video output using an external monitor. Display resolution is 64*16 characters.
Uses Synertek 6545 CRT controller.
|
Graphics
|
Two graphics modes available using a Programmable Character Generator SRAM (PCG):
- Low resolution (LORES) - 128*48 pixels.
- High resolution (HIRES) - 512*256 pixels.
PCG RAM capacity is 2KB, providing a maximum of 128 unique graphics characters.
|
Fonts
|
Single font for 64*16 character display, supporting both upper and lower case characters (128 characters in total).
Uses a single 2KB ROM (type 2516 EPROM)
|
Sound
|
Internal speaker. Generates sound through software bit bashing.
|
Keyboard
|
60 key QWERTY style with a bit-paired layout. The first 200 (or 400?) units used all white keys with the Reset key in the lower right corner marked "REPT". Later units were changed to a white/black colour combination keyboard with the Reset key now labelled "RESET", which then became the standard for subsequent models. Some kit units also exist that sport a mixture of both keyboard styles.
|
Serial port
|
An RS232-like serial port using a DB25 socket at the rear. The port is configured as Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) but does not implement all RS232 standard signals and does not provide negative voltages on output. Nevertheless, it is compatible with many standard RS232 peripherals. Microworld Basic uses this port to provide 300 and 1200 baud serial communications through software bit bashing.
|
Parallel port
|
8 bit parallel I/O port via a DB15 socket at the rear. The DB15 socket was not included in the standard kit, but was available as an option.
|
Expansion interface
|
An interface to the Z80 bus is available at the rear, but the associated 50 way connector is not fitted as standard. This was available as an option.
|
DIN port
|
A 5 pin multifunction DIN socket at the rear carries:
- Power input.
- Composite video output for connection to a video monitor.
- Tape recorder output for connection to an external recorder's AUX IN/MIC socket.
- Tape recorder input for connection to an external recorder's EAR (earphone) socket.
|
System Clock
|
The master clock runs at 12MHz. This provides a 12MHz video dot clock and is divided by 6 to provide the 2MHz CPU clock.
|
Real Time Clock
|
None
|
Case
|
Kit style. The first 200 (or 400?) units that were produced had a black top cover. This was changed to a beige colour for later units.
|
Power
|
12V 1A plugpack
|
|
Included Software
|
Version
|
Microworld Basic in ROM
|
5.10
|
EDASM in ROM (option)
|
|
|
Included Documentation
|
- Microbee Construction Manual
- Microworld Basic User's Manual
- Microworld Basic Tutorial
- Supplement from Your Computer magazine, Feb 1982
|
|
Pricing
|
$
|
Microbee Kit (with 16K RAM)
|
$399.00
|
Upgrade to 32K RAM
|
$120.00
|
No Apologies assembly/repair service
|
$50.00
|
|
Notes
- A "No Apologies" coupon was included with each kit that could be used to take advantage of an assembly and repair service that Applied Technology (AT) offered for it's Microbee kits. Customers experiencing problems with assembly or testing could return the kit to AT, together with the coupon and a modest fixed service fee, and AT would then complete the job and return a fully working and tested Microbee back to the customer. AT would accept non-working kits in any state as part of this service, even completely unassembled.
- Kits were supplied with a full set of IC sockets. Unfortunately some (many, all?) were low quality single wipe types which became unreliable with age.
- The new injection moulded case that was later produced for factory built models was made available to kit owners as a separate upgrade ($25.00), so not all kit machines today will necessarily be found in the original kit case.
Microbee 16K/32K
Overview
Name
|
Category
|
Release Date
|
Description
|
Microbee 16K/32K
|
Standard
ROM based
|
1982 (month?)
|
Following on from the success of the Microbee Kit and with a high demand for pre-assembled kits, combined with a new contract to supply Microbees into NSW schools, AT soon switched from supplying kits to supplying factory built machines. A new better looking injection moulded case was developed for these machines and the earlier kit case was retired. From a technical perspective, the new factory built machines were identical to the kit model.
|
Details
|
CPU
|
Zilog Z80 @ 2MHz
|
RAM
|
16KB or 32KB total capacity
Uses CMOS Static RAM (SRAM), eg Hitachi HM6116 (each 2KB)
The RAM can be made non-volatile by fitting a 4-5v battery to the Core board. The battery was not included in the standard machine.
|
ROM
|
A total of 28K ROM could be fitted:
- Microworld Basic (16KB). Fitted as standard.
- EDASM Z80 Editor Assembler (8KB). Optional. WordBee was released later and could be installed as an alternative to EDASM.
- NET ROM (4KB). Space is provided to install this ROM, but AT did not offer any mainstream software to occupy it. Telcom, which released later for this space, requires a 3.375MHz CPU clock.
Uses 2532 EPROMs (each 4KB)
|
Storage
|
Cassette tape via an external recorder with a load/save speed of 300 or 1200 baud.
|
Video
|
Monochrome composite video output using an external monitor. Display resolution is 64*16 characters.
Uses Synertek 6545 CRT controller.
|
Graphics
|
Two graphics modes available using a Programmable Character Generator SRAM (PCG):
- Low resolution (LORES) - 128*48 pixels.
- High resolution (HIRES) - 512*256 pixels.
PCG RAM capacity is 2KB, providing a maximum of 128 unique graphics characters.
|
Fonts
|
Single font for 64*16 character display, supporting both upper and lower case characters (128 characters in total).
Uses a single 2KB ROM.
|
Sound
|
Internal speaker. Generates sound through software bit bashing.
|
Keyboard
|
60 key QWERTY style with a bit-paired layout.
|
Serial port
|
An RS232-like serial port using a DB25 socket at the rear. The port is configured as Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) but does not implement all RS232 standard signals and does not provide negative voltages on output. Nevertheless, it is compatible with many standard RS232 peripherals. Microworld Basic uses this port to provide 300 and 1200 baud serial communications through software bit bashing.
|
Parallel port
|
8 bit parallel I/O port via a DB15 socket at the rear. The DB15 socket was not included with the base system, but was available as an option.
|
Expansion interface
|
An interface to the Z80 bus is available at the rear, but the associated 50 way connector is not fitted as standard. This was available as an option.
|
DIN port
|
A 5 pin multifunction DIN socket at the rear carries:
- Power input.
- Composite video output for connection to a video monitor.
- Tape recorder output for connection to an external recorder's AUX IN/MIC socket.
- Tape recorder input for connection to an external recorder's EAR (earphone) socket.
|
System Clock
|
The master clock runs at 12MHz. This provides a 12MHz video dot clock and is divided by 6 to provide the 2MHz CPU clock.
|
Real Time Clock
|
None
|
Case
|
Standard
|
Power
|
12V 1A plugpack
|
|
Included Software
|
Version
|
Microworld Basic in ROM
|
5.10
|
EDASM in ROM (option)
|
|
|
|
Pricing
|
$
|
Microbee 16K
|
$399.00
|
Microbee 32K
|
$499.00
|
EDASM in ROM
|
$49.50
|
Edu Bee Pak (Microbee 16K, Monitor, Cassette Recorder, Software and Manuals)
|
$549.00
|
Home Bee Pak (Microbee 32K, Monitor, Cassette Recorder, EDASM ROM, Software and Manuals)
|
$699.00
|
|
Notes
Microbee 64K
Overview
Name
|
Category
|
Release Date
|
Description
|
Microbee 64K
|
Standard
Disk based
|
1982 (month?)
|
The Microbee 64K was available as a 3rd choice alongside the 16K and 32K machines and was aimed more at the business market. This machine is normally configured to boot CP/M from disk and use floppy disks for program storage rather than booting to Basic and using tapes like the 16K/32K machines. Another external unit was sold separately (or as part of an all inclusive pack) to provide the disk functionality. The disk unit contains the floppy disk controller, floppy drive(s) and power supply and connects to the Microbee via the 50 way Expansion interface.
Aside from the additional RAM, there are several other technical differences between the 64K machine and its 16K/32K stable mates:
- The master and video dot clocks are changed from 12MHz to 13.5Mhz.
- The CPU clock is changed from 2MHz to 3.375Mhz.
- The faster video dot clock allows for a new display resolution of 80*24 characters required for CP/M in addition to the normal 64*16 display.
- The font ROM has been expanded from 2KB to 4KB to support dual fonts required for the dual display resolutions.
- The 50 way Expansion Interface connector is fitted as standard to provide connectivity to an external disk unit.
Changes 1 to 4 will later be applied to the 16K and 32K models as well as part of the IC release.
|
Details
|
CPU
|
Zilog Z80 @ 3.375MHz
|
RAM
|
56KB total capacity (not 64K as you might think from the name)
Uses CMOS Static RAM (SRAM), eg Hitachi HM6116 (each 2KB)
The RAM can be made non-volatile by fitting a 4-5v battery to the Core board. The battery was not included in the standard machine.
|
ROM
|
4KB Boot/Monitor ROM (a single 2532 EPROM)
|
Storage
|
Either:
- 5.25" DSSD floppy disk (178K capacity) via an external disk unit, or
- Cassette tape via an external recorder with a load/save speed of 300 or 1200 baud.
|
Video
|
Monochrome composite video output using an external monitor. Two main display resolutions are available:
- 64*16 characters (for Basic)
- 80*24 characters (for CP/M)
Uses Synertek 6545 CRT controller.
|
Graphics
|
Two graphics modes available using a Programmable Character Generator SRAM (PCG):
- Low resolution (LORES):
- 128*48 pixels on a 64*16 character display.
- High resolution (HIRES):
- 512*256 pixels on a 64*16 character display.
- 640*264 pixels on a 80*24 character display.
PCG RAM capacity is 2KB, providing a maximum of 128 unique graphics characters.
|
Fonts
|
Dual fonts to support 64*16 and 80*24 character displays. Both fonts support upper and lower case characters (128 characters in total per font).
Uses a single 4KB ROM.
|
Sound
|
Internal speaker. Generates sound through software bit bashing.
|
Keyboard
|
60 key QWERTY style with a bit-paired layout.
|
Serial port
|
An RS232-like serial port using a DB25 socket at the rear. The port is configured as Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) but does not implement all RS232 standard signals and does not provide negative voltages on output. Nevertheless, it is compatible with many standard RS232 peripherals. Microworld Basic uses this port to provide 300 and 1200 baud serial communications through software bit bashing.
|
Parallel port
|
8 bit parallel I/O port via a DB15 socket at the rear. The DB15 socket was not included with the base system, but was available as an option.
|
Expansion interface
|
An interface to the Z80 bus is available at the rear with 50 way connector fitted as standard in this model. This interface is used to attach an external disk unit.
|
DIN port
|
A 5 pin multifunction DIN socket at the rear carries:
- Power input.
- Composite video output for connection to a video monitor.
- Tape recorder output for connection to an external recorder's AUX IN/MIC socket.
- Tape recorder input for connection to an external recorder's EAR (earphone) socket.
|
System Clock
|
The master clock runs at 13.5MHz. This provides a 13.5MHz video dot clock and is divided by 4 to provide the 3.375MHz CPU clock.
|
Real Time Clock
|
None
|
Case
|
Standard
|
Power
|
If attached, power is supplied from the external disk unit via the 50 way Expansion interface. Otherwise, a standard 12V 1A plugpack can be used to supply power via the DIN connector. Both sources of power should not be used at the same time as a ground loop can develop leading to video interference.
|
|
Included Software
|
Version
|
Boot/Monitor in ROM
|
?
|
Microworld Basic on disk
|
|
EDASM on disk
|
|
|
|
Pricing
|
$
|
Microbee 64K (no disk drive)
|
$649.00
|
External disk unit (1x disk drive, 178K capacity), incl CP/M software package
|
$799.00
|
S100 Interface
|
$299.00
|
Busi Bee Pak (Microbee 64K, Monitor, S100 Expansion Interface, 178K disk drive, CP/M software package and manuals
|
$1799.00
|
|
Notes
- The first disk system available for the Microbee 64K required adding an S100 expansion interface. Little information has been found about this system but it appears that:
- The S100 expansion connected to the Microbee via the 50 way expansion port and provided 3x S100 slots.
- An S100 disk controller card was installed into one of these slots.
- A single density double sided full height floppy disk drive (type MPI B52) was used to provide a total of 178KB formatted capacity per floppy disk.
- The system was probably ported to the Microbee from Applied Technology's earlier DGZ80 suite. It was subsequently described by AT as "clumsy to say the least" and was soon replaced with a new disk controller that did not require any S100 components and attached directly to the Microbee via the 50 way expansion port. This new system was advertised as part of the Series 2 APC release but it is not clear exactly when the changeover occurred.
Microbee 16K/32K Plus
Overview
Name
|
Category
|
Release Date
|
Description
|
Microbee 16K/32K Plus
|
Standard
ROM based
|
Nov 1982
|
The Microbee 16K/32K Plus models are technically identical to the earlier non-Plus models, with the exception of:
- A backup battery is now fitted as standard, making the RAM non-volatile.
- The parallel port socket (DB15) is now fitted as standard.
The WordBee Word Processor ROM became available around this time which could be installed as an alternative to EDASM.
|
Details
Microbee Plus Product Range
|
CPU
|
Zilog Z80 @ 2MHz
|
RAM
|
16KB or 32KB total capacity. Non-volatile (backup battery is fitted).
Uses CMOS Static RAM (SRAM), eg Hitachi HM6116 (each 2KB)
|
ROM
|
A total of 28K ROM could be fitted:
- Microworld Basic (16KB). Fitted as standard.
- Either EDASM Z80 Editor Assembler (8KB) or WordBee Word Processor (8KB). Optional.
- NET ROM (4KB). Space is provided to install this ROM, but AT did not offer any mainstream software to occupy it. Telcom, which released later for this space, requires a 3.375MHz CPU clock.
Uses 2532 EPROMs (each 4KB)
|
Storage
|
Cassette tape via an external recorder with a load/save speed of 300 or 1200 baud.
|
Video
|
Monochrome composite video output using an external monitor. Display resolution is 64*16 characters.
Uses Synertek 6545 CRT controller.
|
Graphics
|
Two graphics modes available using a Programmable Character Generator SRAM (PCG):
- Low resolution (LORES) - 128*48 pixels.
- High resolution (HIRES) - 512*256 pixels.
PCG RAM capacity is 2KB, providing a maximum of 128 unique graphics characters.
|
Fonts
|
Single font for 64*16 character display, supporting both upper and lower case characters (128 characters in total).
Uses a single 2KB ROM.
|
Sound
|
Internal speaker. Generates sound through software bit bashing.
|
Keyboard
|
60 key QWERTY style with a bit-paired layout.
|
Serial port
|
An RS232-like serial port using a DB25 socket at the rear. The port is configured as Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) but does not implement all RS232 standard signals and does not provide negative voltages on output. Nevertheless, it is compatible with many standard RS232 peripherals. Microworld Basic uses this port to provide 300 and 1200 baud serial communications through software bit bashing.
|
Parallel port
|
8 bit parallel I/O port via a DB15 socket at the rear.
|
Expansion interface
|
An interface to the Z80 bus is available at the rear, but the associated 50 way connector is not fitted as standard. This was available as an option.
|
DIN port
|
A 5 pin multifunction DIN socket at the rear carries:
- Power input.
- Composite video output for connection to a video monitor.
- Tape recorder output for connection to an external recorder's AUX IN/MIC socket.
- Tape recorder input for connection to an external recorder's EAR (earphone) socket.
|
System Clock
|
The master clock runs at 12MHz. This provides a 12MHz video dot clock and is divided by 6 to provide the 2MHz CPU clock.
|
Real Time Clock
|
None
|
Case
|
Standard
|
Power
|
12V 1A plugpack
|
|
Included Software
|
Version
|
Microworld Basic in ROM
|
5.10
|
EDASM in ROM (option)
|
|
WordBee in ROM (option)
|
|
|
|
Pricing
|
$
|
Microbee 16K Plus
|
$449.00
|
Microbee 32K Plus
|
$549.00
|
RAM upgrade from 16KB to 32KB
|
$125.00
|
EDASM in ROM
|
$59.50
|
WordBee in ROM
|
$59.50
|
|
Notes
Microbee 64K Plus
Overview
Name
|
Category
|
Release Date
|
Description
|
Microbee 64K Plus
|
Standard
Disk based
|
Mar 1983
|
The new Microbee 64K Plus was unveiled in March 1983 at the first Australian Personal Computer Show in Sydney. Changes from the earlier non-Plus model are:
- A backup battery is now fitted as standard, making the RAM non-volatile.
- The parallel port socket (DB15) is now fitted as standard.
- Companion disk drives are now half height 5.25" DSDD 40 track, providing a formatted disk capacity of 386KB.
- It appears that the earlier S100 based disk controller is no longer used with the 64K Plus.
|
Details
Microbee Plus Product Range
|
CPU
|
Zilog Z80 @ 3.375MHz
|
RAM
|
56KB total capacity (not 64K as you might think from the name). Non-volatile (backup battery is fitted).
Uses CMOS Static RAM (SRAM), eg Hitachi HM6116 (each 2KB)
|
ROM
|
4KB Boot/Monitor ROM (a single 2532 EPROM)
|
Storage
|
Either:
- Half height 5.25" DSDD floppy disk (386K capacity) via an external disk unit. Up to 4 disk drives can be fitted, or
- Cassette tape via an external recorder with a load/save speed of 300 or 1200 baud.
|
Video
|
Monochrome composite video output using an external monitor. Two main display resolutions are available:
- 64*16 characters (for Basic)
- 80*24 characters (for CP/M)
Uses Synertek 6545 CRT controller.
|
Graphics
|
Two graphics modes available using a Programmable Character Generator SRAM (PCG):
- Low resolution (LORES):
- 128*48 pixels on a 64*16 character display.
- High resolution (HIRES):
- 512*256 pixels on a 64*16 character display.
- 640*264 pixels on a 80*24 character display.
PCG RAM capacity is 2KB, providing a maximum of 128 unique graphics characters.
|
Fonts
|
Dual fonts to support 64*16 and 80*24 character displays. Both fonts support upper and lower case characters (128 characters in total per font).
Uses a single 4KB ROM.
|
Sound
|
Internal speaker. Generates sound through software bit bashing.
|
Keyboard
|
60 key QWERTY style with a bit-paired layout.
|
Serial port
|
An RS232-like serial port using a DB25 socket at the rear. The port is configured as Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) but does not implement all RS232 standard signals and does not provide negative voltages on output. Nevertheless, it is compatible with many standard RS232 peripherals. Microworld Basic uses this port to provide 300 and 1200 baud serial communications through software bit bashing.
|
Parallel port
|
8 bit parallel I/O port via a DB15 socket at the rear.
|
Expansion interface
|
An interface to the Z80 bus is available at the rear with 50 way connector fitted as standard in this model. This interface is used to attach an external floppy drive unit.
|
DIN port
|
A 5 pin multifunction DIN socket at the rear carries:
- Power input.
- Composite video output for connection to a video monitor.
- Tape recorder output for connection to an external recorder's AUX IN/MIC socket.
- Tape recorder input for connection to an external recorder's EAR (earphone) socket.
|
System Clock
|
The master clock runs at 13.5MHz. This provides a 13.5MHz video dot clock and is divided by 4 to provide the 3.375MHz CPU clock.
|
Real Time Clock
|
None
|
Case
|
Standard
|
Power
|
If attached, power is supplied from the external disk unit via the 50 way Expansion interface. Otherwise, a standard 12V 1A plugpack can be used to supply power via the DIN connector. Both sources of power should not be used at the same time as a ground loop can develop leading to video interference.
|
|
Included Software
|
Version
|
Boot/Monitor in ROM
|
?
|
Microworld Basic on disk
|
|
EDASM on disk
|
|
|
|
Pricing
|
$
|
Microbee 64K Plus (no disk drive)
|
$699.00
|
External disk unit (1x DSDD disk drive, 386K capacity), incl CP/M software package
|
$799.00
|
Add-on disk drive
|
$399.00
| |
|
|
Notes
- While the usual configuration for this machine is to have an external disk unit connected and to automatically boot CP/M from disk on power up, it can also be used in a diskless configuration:
- By default, the machine will boot to a blank screen with an inverse block displayed in the top left corner of the display. It will remain in this mode indefinitely, looking for a disk to boot from.
- To use the machine without a disk, hold down the 'M' key during power up (or during a manual Reset) to invoke the Microbee Disk Monitor program.
- Use the Monitor to load Microworld Basic (v5.22e) from tape using the 'R' command. Once Basic has been loaded it can be invoked with the 'G' command - 'G 8000'.
- An optional Core board switch allows the RAM address range of 8000H - DFFFH to be write protected once loaded with Basic and other tape versions of EDASM, WordBee, etc.
- With pre-loaded write protected non-volatile RAM the 64K machine can then effectively be used in the same way as the 16/32K ROM based models.
Microbee 16K/32K IC
Overview
Name
|
Category
|
Release Date
|
Description
|
Microbee 16K/32K IC
|
Standard
ROM based
|
1983 (Mar?)
|
The Microbee IC (Integrated Computer) applies the improved 64K model hardware architecture to 16K and 32K models and introduces a new software package in ROM to compliment it.
Hardware changes for the IC model compared with the earlier 16K/32K and 16K/32K Plus models are:
- The master and video dot clocks are changed from 12MHz to 13.5Mhz.
- The CPU clock is changed from 2MHz to 3.375Mhz.
- The faster video dot clock allows for a new display resolution of 80*24 characters in addition to the normal 64*16 display.
- The font ROM has been expanded from 2KB to 4KB to support dual fonts required for the dual display resolutions.
This configuration becomes the standard for virtually all subsequent Microbees.
Software changes for the IC model compared with the earlier 16K/32K and 16K/32K Plus models are:
- Microworld Basic in ROM is upgraded to version 5.22e. This new version is upwards compatible with previous versions and features:
- Support for the faster 3.375MHz CPU clock
- New colour commands
- Bank selection of ROM PAKs
- Faster exponential operations
- Program listing in upper and lower case
- Improved parallel port handling
- WordBee in ROM is now included, rather than being an option.
- Telcom in ROM is also included
|
Details
|
CPU
|
Zilog Z80 @ 3.375MHz
|
RAM
|
16KB or 32KB total capacity. Non-volatile (backup battery is fitted).
Uses CMOS Static RAM (SRAM), eg Hitachi HM6116 (each 2KB)
|
ROM
|
A total of 28K ROM could be fitted:
- Microworld Basic (16KB). Fitted as standard.
- WordBee Word Processor (8KB). Fitted as standard.
- Telcom (4KB). Fitted as standard.
Uses 2532 EPROMs (each 4KB)
|
Storage
|
Cassette tape via an external recorder with a load/save speed of 300 or 1200 baud.
|
Video
|
Monochrome composite video output using an external monitor. Two main display resolutions are available:
- 64*16 characters.
- 80*24 characters.
Uses Synertek 6545 CRT controller.
|
Graphics
|
Two graphics modes available using a Programmable Character Generator SRAM (PCG):
- Low resolution (LORES):
- 128*48 pixels on a 64*16 character display.
- High resolution (HIRES):
- 512*256 pixels on a 64*16 character display.
- 640*264 pixels on a 80*24 character display.
PCG RAM capacity is 2KB, providing a maximum of 128 unique graphics characters.
|
Fonts
|
Dual fonts to support 64*16 and 80*24 character displays. Both fonts support upper and lower case characters (128 characters in total per font).
Uses a single 4KB ROM.
|
Sound
|
Internal speaker. Generates sound through software bit bashing.
|
Keyboard
|
60 key QWERTY style with a bit-paired layout.
|
Serial port
|
An RS232-like serial port using a DB25 socket at the rear. The port is configured as Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) but does not implement all RS232 standard signals and does not provide negative voltages on output. Nevertheless, it is compatible with many standard RS232 peripherals. Microworld Basic uses this port to provide 300 and 1200 baud serial communications through software bit bashing.
|
Parallel port
|
8 bit parallel I/O port via a DB15 socket at the rear.
|
Expansion interface
|
An interface to the Z80 bus is available at the rear, but the associated 50 way connector is not fitted as standard. This was available as an option.
|
DIN port
|
A 5 pin multifunction DIN socket at the rear carries:
- Power input.
- Composite video output for connection to a video monitor.
- Tape recorder output for connection to an external recorder's AUX IN/MIC socket.
- Tape recorder input for connection to an external recorder's EAR (earphone) socket.
|
System Clock
|
The master clock runs at 13.5MHz. This provides a 13.5MHz video dot clock and is divided by 4 to provide the 3.375MHz CPU clock.
|
Real Time Clock
|
None
|
Case
|
Standard
|
Power
|
12V 1A plugpack
|
|
Included Software
|
Version
|
Microworld Basic in ROM
|
5.22e
|
WordBee in ROM
|
1.2
|
Telcom in ROM
|
1.0
|
|
|
Pricing
|
$
|
Microbee 16K IC
|
$499.00
|
Microbee 32K IC
|
$599.00
|
|
Notes
