Dynacom MX1600

MX-1600
Dynacom MX-1600
ManufacturerDynacom
Release date1985; 39 years ago (1985)
Discontinued1986; 38 years ago (1986)
CPU6809E @ 0.895 / 1.79 MHz
Memory64 kB
DisplayPAL-M color composite or TV RF out
GraphicsMC6847 video display generator
Sound6-bit DAC
Backward
compatibility		TRS-80 Color Computer

The MX-1600 was an 8-bit home computer produced in Brazil by the company Dynacom in 1985.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] It was one of the many clone machines based on the TRS-80 Color Computer introduced during the Brazilian "Market Reserve", like the Codimex CD-6809 or Prológica CP 400 COLOR.[8][9]

History

[edit]

Launched in August 1985 by Dynacom, a Brazilian video game console manufacturer, the MX-1600 was intended to compete with 8-bit microcomputers such as the Apple II, taking advantage of the success of TRS-80 Color Computer compatibles in the market, based on the excellent sales results of the Prológica CP 400 COLOR.[10]

To differentiate itself from competitors, the MX-1600 was sold with two cassette tapes containing more than one hundred games, applications and utilities, while its biggest opponent, the mentioned CP 400 COLOR, came with a single cassette tape containing only eight programs.[11]

However, sales of the MX-1600 were below expectations and production was shut down in 1986. Although it had plans to launch a MSX standard computer, Dynacom decided to focus on developing IBM PC compatible machines.[12][13]

The Dynacom MX-1600 can be emulated in MAME or XRoar.[14][15][16]

Technical features

[edit]

The basic features of the Dynacom MX-1600 are similar to the TRS-80 Color Computer, yet there are some differences.

The cartridge slot was in the top right corner of the case, and as a result, cartridges were connected vertically, similar to video game consoles of the time.[5] Only cartridges manufactured or licensed by Dynacom could be used, due to their physical format being different from that of other TRS-80 Color Computer compatibles.

Dynacom also changed the input / output connectors on the MX-1600, preferring not to use standard DIN connectors. This allowed the usage of hardware (ex. joysticks) already manufactured by the company for its video game consoles

  • CPU: Motorola 6809E, 890 kHz / 1.79 MHz
  • Memory:
    • ROM: 20 KB (containing "Extended Color BASIC" or "ECB")
    • RAM: 64 KB
  • Keyboard:
    • Built-in, 59-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)
  • Other ports:
    • PAL-M color composite or TV RF out
    • RS-232C serial port
    • Analogue or digital joysticks
    • Cassette recorder (1500 baud, with remote engine control)

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Dynacom MX-1600". MV - Marcos Velasco Software (in Portuguese). Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  2. ^ "Dynacom MX 1600 Computer – 1985". GamePlayerSpecial (in Portuguese). 2012-07-08. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  3. ^ "Manual Dynacom MX-1600". Datassette (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2015-04-17. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  4. ^ "Dynacom MX-1600". MCC - Museu Capixaba do Computador (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2021-01-01. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  5. ^ a b Campos, Daniel. "MX-1600: Mais um dos "obscuros" TRS Color nacionais | AMX PROJECT" (in Portuguese). Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  6. ^ Pitre, Boisy G.; Loguidice, Bill (2013-12-10). CoCo: The Colorful History of Tandy's Underdog Computer. CRC Press. p. 83. ISBN 978-1-4665-9247-6.
  7. ^ "epocalc - Computer models database". www.epocalc.net. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  8. ^ Benassi, Elaine; H. Bersch, Fernando. A História da informática no Brasil (in Portuguese).
  9. ^ "CP-400". Museu Virtual UNIPAR (in Portuguese). Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  10. ^ Administração (2020-07-31). "Dynacom MX1600". Família TRS Color (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  11. ^ "MX-1600 - Relação de Software". Datassette (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2019-11-23. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  12. ^ "Canal-3 A Entrevista com Gabriel Almog". muriloq.com (in Portuguese). 2002. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  13. ^ "Linha do Tempo dos Computadores Pessoais e Portáteis (Criadores, Fabricantes, Hardwares, Softwares, Internet, Periféricos, Calculadoras): "Tamanho não é Documento"… (e "Quem" ou o "Que" os conduziram ao estrondoso sucesso atual!)". R e t r o P l a y e r B r a z i l (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2011-02-05. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  14. ^ Motoschifo. "MX-1600 - MAME machine". adb.arcadeitalia.net (in Italian). Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  15. ^ Old, Vintage is The New. "XRoar – The all-in-one emulator for the TRS-80 Color Computer and Dragon". Vintage is The New Old. Retrieved 2023-03-22.
  16. ^ "XRoar, a Dragon and Tandy 8-bit computer emulator". www.6809.org.uk. Retrieved 2023-03-22.


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