This is my brazilian MSX – the Sharp Hotbit HB-8000. This is the first model released in late 1985; a second black model with updated ROM was released in 1987. I had the black model when I was a kid and overall the two were basically the same computer, a typical MSX 1 computer with 64Kb and composite video output.
My Hotbit is in quite good shape, with very little yellowing and very responsive keyboard. I am still looking to purchase a black model but importing these from Brazil is not very easy.
Technical Specs:
NAME | Hotbit HB-8000 |
MANUFACTURER | Epcom / Sharp |
TYPE | Home Computer |
ORIGIN | Brazil |
YEAR | December 1985 |
END OF PRODUCTION | 1988 |
BUILT IN LANGUAGE | Hot-Basic v1.2 |
KEYBOARD | Full-stroke keyboard, 5 function keys and 4 arrow keys. 73 keys. Portuguese special characters |
CPU | Zilog Z80A |
SPEED | 3.58 MHz |
CO-PROCESSOR | TMS-9128NL video processor |
RAM | 64 KB (28 KB free with MSX Basic) |
VRAM | 16 KB |
ROM | 32 KB BASIC/BIOS ( MSX BASIC V1.0) |
TEXT MODES | Mode 0 : 40 x 24 Mode 1 : 32 x 24 |
GRAPHIC MODES | Mode 2 : 256 x 192 with 16 colors (Hires mode) Mode 3 : 64 x 48 with 16 colors (Multi colour mode) 32 sprites |
COLORS | 16 |
SOUND | General Instruments AY-3-8910 Programmable Sound Generator 3 channels, 8 octaves |
SIZE / WEIGHT | 405 x 280 x 58 mm / 3,2 Kg |
I/O PORTS | Audio output, 2 controller ports, 1 cartridge slot, Tape interface (1200/2400 bauds), Composite video output (PAL-M), RF TV output, Printer / Centronics interface |
OS | MSX DOS |
POWER SUPPLY | Built-in PSU, 120/220V AC60Hz |