SuperDerek

In the News: https://www.vice.com/en/article/ak3k34/2200-forgotten-vintage-computers-are-being-liberated-from-a-barn-in-massachusetts There are several reasons why one might want to purchase a NABU Computer: 1.) To run the original 80's NABU Games, now available on servers*. 2.) To run the Programs (including CP/M), now available on servers*. 3.) To develop hardware (circuits) and/or software (code) for it. 4.) As a vintage computer collector. 5.) To appreciate its retro style and technology. 6.) As a present for one of the above. *RS-422/USB converter required ---------------------------------------- INTRODUCTION: This Z80 computer is very cost effective and provides a terrific platform for projects or products. It would also make a great educational platform for courses in microcomputer hardware/software embedded systems training. They were manufactured by a major brand name, and they look just great. They are new old stock and we offer them at an incredible price. HISTORY: The NABU (Natural Access to Bi-directional Utilities) Computer was an early home computer system and a component of the NABU Network which operated from 1982 to 1985. The NABU Network was a closed network that operated over a cable TV system and was a precursor to the internet. The NABU Adaptor was the functional “modem” of the system that connected the NABU Computer to the NABU Network through a Cable TV provider. The computer could download applications and information from NABU Servers through the NABU Network. The download data rate was a very fast 6.4 megabytes per second (but upload was slow). It has been called, “The Internet – 10 years ahead of its time”. The NABU project was heavily subsidized by the Canadian government and at its peak NABU had 900 employees. The NABU Computer originally cost $950. TECHNICAL INFORMATION: Here is the basic technical information concerning the features and functions of the Z80 NABU Computer. The system includes: Computer, Keyboard, Cables, User’s Manual, and on-line technical manual & schematics. (It has the same chipset resources as the ColecoVision Video Game System and the MSX Computer Architecture.) ---------------------------------------- Motherboard Z80A Microprocessor* - running at 3.58MHz - Interrupts: eight levels, maskable, mode 2 vectored - 64K DRAM - (System RAM) eight HM4864P-2 - 4/8K EPROM - jumper select 4K or 8K - comes with 4K EPROM (many routines) - no operating system available - develop code with an EPROM emulator - may be de-selected by software TMS9918 Video Display* - Composite Color Video (NTSC Compatible) - TV RF Modulator (Ch 3 or Ch 4) - 16K DRAM - (Video RAM) eight TMS4116-15NL - 256 x 92 Resolution (Graphics) - 40 x 24 Text (TV Screen Readable) - 32 Sprite Planes (Animation Patterns) - 15 Colors (Plus Transparent) AY-3-8910 Sound Generator* - 3 Channels of Sound - Sound Effects, Music Synthesis, Alarms - TV Set Output (RF Modulator) - External Amplifier Output (Line level) TR1863 High Speed UART* - EIA RS-422 protocol - Full Duplex, 111 Kbits/sec - Network Serial Interface - 5-pin DIN connector - can be modified for standard BAUD rates - can be modified for RS-232/RS-485 protocols D8251AC USART - EIA RS-422 - Keyboard Serial Interface - 6-pin DIN connector SN74LS Series Logic Chips - 32 Low Power Schottky Logic Chips *Chip in Socket Keyboard (17"x7"x2.5") - charcoal gray, black keys - durable plastic, full stroke keyboard - 2-key rollover, auto repeat - 2 DB-9 joystick connectors Computer I/O 4 Card Slots - 30 pin 0.1" SIP male header - for user I/O Circuits or Cards - contains bi-directional data lines - contains 16 decoded addresses each - other signals: control, clocks, power Audio Output - RCA phono connector - 10 KOhm output impedance - 1.5V p-p signal Video Output - RCA phono connector - 75 Ohm 1V p-p, +/-6dB negative sync - Composite Video (NTSC Compatible) External RF Input - Type-F connector - 75 Ohm CATV cable input - input signal for normal TV viewing TV RF Output - Type-F connector - ASTEC UM 1285-8 Modulator - 75 Ohm cable output - Video and Audio are RF modulated - Ch 3 or Ch 4 modulator switch - software switchable output (TV/Computer) Network Serial Interface - 5-pin DIN connector - RS-422 protocol, Full Duplex, 111 Kbits/sec Keyboard Serial Interface - 6-pin DIN connector - serial RS-422 protocol Printer Interface - DB-15 connector - 8-bit parallel printer port with handshaking Power Supply - 40 Watts AC/DC Switching Supply & Fan - +5V@2.5A/+12V@2.0A/-12V@0.1A - sealed and separate from motherboard - quiet cooling fan Enclosure (18.5"x11"x4") - charcoal gray, with plastic front panel - contains power supply & motherboard - 4-screw, easy open, easy access cover - Front: ON/OFF & reset switches - Front: 4 LEDs, 3 are programmable - Back: 7 connectors & 4 I/O panels - all metal case, effective RF shielding