Homecomputer – **** THE HOMECOMPUTER GUY ****

Tatung Einstein TC01 – A relatively genius Brit!

Computers with 8-bit CPUs were the predominant systems far into the 1980s. From the mid-1970s, the MOS 6502 CPU and the Zilog Z80 were inexpensive 8-bit processors that finally made computers affordable for home use. The demand for such computers was correspondingly enormous. As a result, more and more companies wanted to share in the success of the pioneers. These included Atari, Apple, Commodore, Sinclair, Tandy Radio Shack and many more. Another newcomer to the computer market was the Taiwanese group Tatung Inc. They developed an 8-bit computer based on the Z80 microprocessor at their facility in the UK, which was different from the competitors in many aspects and is therefore an interesting computer from today’s collector’s point of view.

A Genie on the desk

^{Photo by Diego F. Parra: https://www.pexels.com/photo/genie-in-miracle-garden-15131329/}

The 8-bit home computer EACA “Colour Genie” EG2000

This 8-bit keyboard computer will soon be leaving me again, as I unfortunately don’t have the time to spend more time with it.

Nevertheless, I would like to take this (last) chance to introduce you to a rather rare computer from the early 1980s.

Commodore PET/CBM Series Overview

For some time now, I can call myself the happy owner of a Commodore CBM 8096-SK. Before I introduce my own computer in more detail, I would like to give a brief overview of the Commodore PET and CBM series that were available during the 8-bit era from 1977 until around the mid-1980s. As it turns out, a brief summary is not that easy, as there were a sometimes confusing number of series and model variants. Nevertheless, I will try to give as concise an overview as possible.

Full speed null modem cable for EPSON HX-20

To transfer software for the EPSON HX-20 from the PC, a so-called null modem cable is required. These cables usually have 9 pin D-Sub connectors at both ends. Therefore it is necessary to cut such a cable in the middle to solder a round 8 pin DIN connector to the open end.

For the HX-20 there are basically two variants for a data transmission cable. The simple variant requires only 3 cable wires, but has the disadvantage that no handshake or data flow control is possible. Ergo, only a low transfer rate is possible. I already presented such a simple cable here some time ago.

Here I now describe the more complex variant of a null modem cable, which is also suitable for higher transmission rates with data flow control. This allows a much more stable connection between PC and HX-20.

TA alphatronic PC – A pretty German Personal Computer

Franconian (so called people from a German region in upper Bavaria) are rather reserved and quiet people. They prefer the cozy social gathering over a glass of beer or wine and the greatest praise of a Franconian is: “Bassd scho!”

Today I would like to present you a PC from 1984 of a former computer manufacturer from Franconia – more precisely from Nuremberg, the metropolis of Middle Franconia. It is the TA alphatronic PC from the company Triumph-Adler, a Z80 based 8-bit computer with 64 kB RAM, 32 kB ROM and integrated Microsoft Basic.

Triumph-Adler TA alphatronic PC from 1984

You can definitely compare the computer with the features of the Franconian: The PC has a simple, straight-lined case shape and it comes across rather inconspicuous and reserved. On the other hand, it impresses with its workmanship and inner values. A Franconian would say: “Bassd scho!”.