Hotbit
 | |
| Developer | Sharp |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Epcom |
| Type | Home computer |
| Released | November 1985 |
| Discontinued | 1988 |
| MSX BASIC, MSX-DOS, CP/M | |
| CPU | Zilog Z80A @ 3.58 MHz |
| Memory | 64 KB–512 KB (max.) |
| Cassette tape, cartridge, floppy discs (optional) | |
| Display | 40×24 text characters; 256×192 pixels; 16 colours, 32 sprites |
| Graphics | TMS9928NL, (V9938 optional) |
| Sound | AY-3-8910 |
| MSX | |
The Hotbit HB-8000 is an MSX home computer developed and sold by the Brazilian subsidiary of Sharp Corporation through its Epcom home computer division in mid-1980s.[1][2][3] The MSX machines were very popular in Brazil at the time,[4][5] and they virtually killed all the other competing 8 bit microcomputers in the Brazilian market.[1][6]
Versions 1-1.2
[edit]The Hotbit had three versions: 1.0 and 1.1 with gray and white case and 1.2, with a black case and a ROM slightly modified to solve an ASCII table compatibility issue with the other popular Brazilian MSX, the Gradiente Expert.
Technical specifications
[edit]The HB-8000 had the following technical specifications:[7]
| CPU | Zilog Z80A @ 3.58 MHz |
| RAM | 64 KB (expandable to 512KB) |
| VRAM | 16 KB (TMS9928NL) |
| ROM | 32 KB |
| Keyboard | mechanic, 73 keys (with 4 cursor keys), reset key |
| Display | text: 40×24 rows; graphics: 256×192 pixels, 16 colours, 32 sprites |
| Sound | General Instrument AY-3-8910 (PSG), 3 voices, white noise |
| Ports | 2 joystick connectors, PAL-M composite or RF out, sound out, tape recorder connector, parallel port, 2 cartridge slots |
| Storage | tape recorder (FSK, 1200/2400 bps) or one or two external 51⁄4" disk drive (360 KB) |
Peripherals
[edit]
- HB-100: joystick
- HB-2400: tape recorder
- HB-3000 or HB-3001: external modem
- HB-3600: Dual disk drive controller and power supply. Sold in a bundle with one HB-6000 drive
- HB-4000: 80 columns card with the V9938 VDP inside
- HB-4100: 64KB RAM expansion
- HB-6000: 51⁄4" disk drive (slim height), 360 KB
References
[edit]- 1 2 "Epcom / Sharp Hotbit HB-8000". old-computers.com. Archived from the original on 2023-09-28. Retrieved 2023-05-20.
- ↑ Carvalho, Ladmir (2022-12-16). "Hotbit HB-8000". Museu de Tecnologia Alterdata (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2023-05-20.
- ↑ "Hotbit". Museu da Computação e Informática - MCI (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2012-02-16. Archived from the original on 2012-02-16. Retrieved 2023-05-20.
- ↑ Braga, Filipe (2013). "Computador "caseiro" MSX completa 30 anos". Adrenaline.
- ↑ Barros, Thiago (2013-06-27). "MSX, um computador com 'jeitão' de videogame, completa 30 anos". TechTudo (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-04-04.
- ↑ "MSX SHARP HOTBIT HB-8000". MSX GOLD (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2023-05-20.
- ↑ APRESENTAÇÃO MICROCOMPUTADOR HB-8000. Epcom Equipamentos Eletrônicos Ltda-. November 1985. p. 2.
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