Codimex CD-6809

Codimex CD-6809

Codimex CD-6809
Manufacturer	Codimex
Release date	1983;42 years ago (1983)
Lifespan	1985;40 years ago (1985)
Units sold	380
Operating system	Microsoft Extended Color BASIC, Tandy RSDOS, Microware OS-9, TSC Flex9
CPU	6809E @ 0.895 / 1.79 MHz
Memory	32 kB
Display	RF out, PAL-M
Graphics	MC6847 video display generator
Sound	6-bit DAC
Backward compatibility	TRS-80 Color Computer

The Codimex CD-6809 was an 8-bit home computer produced in Brazil by the company Codimex Imp.Exp. de Computadores Ltda from Porto Alegre. ^{[1] [2] [3]} It was introduced in early 1983, during the Brazilian "Market Reserve" period, and based on the TRS-80 Color Computer. ^{[4] [5] [6] [7]}

The CD-6809 was the first Brazilian home computer compatible with the TRS-80 Color line. ^{[4] [8]} It was marketed as a computer for small business, entertainment and self employed professionals, and was sold with a 149-page user manual. ^{[9] [10]}

Around 380 units were produced at the Porto Alegre plant. ^[11] The machine can be emulated under MAME. ^[12]

Technical features

The basic features of the Codimex CD-6809 are similar to the TRS-80 Color Computer: ^[2]

• CPU: Motorola 6809E, 895 kHz to 1.79 MHz
• Memory:
  • ROM: 16 KB (containing "Color BASIC 1.1" and "Extended Color BASIC 1.0")
  • RAM: 32 KB
• Keyboard:
  • Built-in, 53-keys
• Display: Motorola 6847, 9 colors
  • Text mode (with 32 x 16 characters)
  • Low resolution graphics (with 64 x 32 pixels)
  • Medium and high resolution graphics (up to 256 x 192 pixels, 2 colors per pixel)
• Expansion port (cartridges, 40 pin)
• Other ports:
  • PAL-M RF out
  • RS-232C serial port (5 pin DIN)
  • Joysticks (5 pin DIN)
  • Cassette recorder (1500 baud, with remote engine control, 5 pin DIN)

The machine had a unique "Reverse Video" switch on the back, that displayed a black background with green characters. ^[2]

See also

• Motorola 6809
• CP 400 COLOR
• LZ Color 64
• TRS-80 Color Computer

References

1. Campos, Daniel. "Codimex CD-6809: A tríade agora está completa! | AMX PROJECT" (in European Portuguese). Retrieved 2023-03-20.
2. "Codimex CD6809". Família TRS Color (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2020-08-03. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
3. "Codimex CD-6809". MV - Marcos Velasco Software. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
4. "Equipamentos: CD-6809" (PDF). Micro Sistemas. No. 23. August 1983. p. 42.
5. "Codimex 6809". www.old-computers.com. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
6. "Como lançar um computador na reserva de mercado". Datassette (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2015-08-13. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
7. "Codimex CD-6809 - Material de Lançamento". Datassette (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2015-04-26. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
8. Daniel, Campos (2016). "The dawn of the CoCo clones in Brazil". Vintage is The New Old. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
9. "Codimex CD-6809 - Apresentação do Projeto para a Secretaria Especial de Informática". Datassette (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2015-05-05. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
10. Codimex CD-6809 - Manual Do Usuário (PDF). Codimex. 1983.
11. Campos, Daniel (July 2013). "Entrevista: Davi Menda - Sócio-fundador da Codimex" (PDF). Jogos 80. No. 11. p. 17. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-10-27.
12. "CD-6809". mame.spludlow.co.uk. Retrieved 2023-03-20.