Hotbit

Last updated
Hotbit
Sharp HotBit MSX computer.jpg
DeveloperSharp
ManufacturerEpcom
Type Home computer
Release dateNovember 1985
Discontinued1988
Operating system MSX BASIC, MSX-DOS, CP/M
CPU Zilog Z80A @ 3.58 MHz
Memory64 KB–512 KB (max.)
Removable storage Cassette tape, cartridge, floppy discs (optional)
Display40×24 text characters;
256×192 pixels;
16 colours, 32 sprites
Graphics TMS9928NL, (V9938 optional)
Sound AY-3-8910
Backward
compatibility 		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]

Contents

Versions 1-1.2

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

The HB-8000 had the following technical specifications: [7]

CPU Zilog Z80A @ 3.58 MHz
RAM64 KB (expandable to 512KB)
VRAM16 KB (TMS9928NL)
ROM32 KB
Keyboardmechanic, 73 keys (with 4 cursor keys), reset key
Displaytext: 40×24 rows; graphics: 256×192 pixels, 16 colours, 32 sprites
Sound General Instrument AY-3-8910 (PSG), 3 voices, white noise
Ports2 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

Serial interface for external Modem HB-3000. Cartucho Hotbit HB-3000.jpg
Serial interface for external Modem HB-3000.

References

  1. 1 2 "Epcom / Sharp Hotbit HB-8000". old-computers.com. Archived from the original on 2023-09-28. Retrieved 2023-05-20.
  2. ↑ Carvalho, Ladmir (2022-12-16). "Hotbit HB-8000". Museu de Tecnologia Alterdata (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2023-05-20.
  3. ↑ "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.
  4. ↑ Braga, Filipe (2013). "Computador "caseiro" MSX completa 30 anos". Adrenaline.
  5. ↑ Barros, Thiago (2013-06-27). "MSX, um computador com 'jeitão' de videogame, completa 30 anos". TechTudo (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2025-04-04.
  6. ↑ "MSX SHARP HOTBIT HB-8000". MSX GOLD (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2023-05-20.
  7. ↑ APRESENTAÇÃO MICROCOMPUTADOR HB-8000. Epcom Equipamentos Eletrônicos Ltda-. November 1985. p. 2.


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