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Computers
In The Beginning
Sinclair ZX80
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Sinclair ZX80 [Sinclair Programs]. A no-frills Z80A microprocessor-based system. Comes equipped with with a TV/GAME 60-db isolation switch that permits the use with any TV receiver. It is housed in a nonimpact plastic case that measures 6.5 x 8.5 x 1.5 inches. The plastic enclosure houses a forty-key, pressure sensitive keyboard, built-in R-F modulator, 1K bytes of RAM, 4K bytes of system ROM and a cassette interface.
Since an enhanced BASIC is contained in an 8K-byte ROM, nothing else is required for operation except a TV receiver. The Z-80A microprocessor, operating at 3.25 MHz creates the screen image. The black-on-white display which is upper-case only, is limited to 24 lines by 32 characters (768 characters per screen image). The character generator also provides what Sinclair terms 24 standard graphics symbols. However there are 10 graphics symbols and their inversions. The other four are the normal and inverse of the space character and the quote symbol. The graphic characters are formed on an 8x8 dot matrix that offers resolution somewhat better than that of the common 5x7 dot matrix though not quite the high resolution touted by Sinclair. The integrated cassette interface operates at 250 baud.
Sinclair ZX80
06-04-2004