38:
546:. Areas of the screen could be defined that operated independently and the user could switch between them for different tasks. The output of a program could be directed to one user defined window and then the output of a different program to another window. The Memotech did not use a mouse, window size and position on the screen was controlled using commands. While the concept had been previously invented,
633:, but was not natively supported by the MTX system. A novel feature was multiple monitor support, which was rare for a 1980s personal computer. The MTX internal video could be output simultaneously with the FDX video output. This enabled e.g. a program listing to be displayed on one monitor with the output of the program on another. The card also offered
302:
in 1984 which was a similar machine but with more memory. The machines achieved only modest sales, not assisted by the unfortunate timing of being released shortly before a period of reducing interest in UK home micro purchases through 1984, when a number of other
British micro manufacturers entered
593:
isk
Expansion) was a data storage peripheral with space for expansion cards. The device could be used with any of the machines in the range but at least 64 KB of RAM was needed, necessitating an upgrade for the Memotech 500 model, and required the optional communications board to which it attached
527:. A set of cards can be filled with arbitrary information using an integrated text editor (the user can type anywhere on the screen) and then saved for later retrieval by name. A simplified Noddy programming language aimed at novices allows the cards to be linked together with logic steps based on
322:
was on the horizon by 1985 and a
Russian version of the machine was designed, complete with a bright red case. This could have been the saviour of the range but ultimately the deal fell through and Memotech entered bankruptcy. The company was subsequently relaunched and the final version of the
568:
and a license for CP/M 2.2 was included with the purchase of the optional FDX and HDX disk peripherals. Use of CP/M enabled compatibility with a large library of existing software applications and enabled the machine to be a viable business proposition. At this time, the soon to be dominant
495:
programs occupied the same space in RAM allowing for storage within less memory. Machine code could also be mixed arbitrarily with BASIC to enhance software performance. This was a rarer feature, but was seen in the BASIC of some other contemporary machines such as the
655:
disk controller peripheral was also manufactured that allowed connection of external floppy drive units. A version was also available that had a 3.5" drive integrated. These units did not require the communications board and plugged into the left side edge connector.
682:
resolutions and enabled frame capture from a video camera. This video mode was well beyond that typically offered on personal computers of the era. The attached MTX computer delivered image manipulation features such as scale, rotate, blur, sharpen,
447:
The
Memotech series featured an aluminium case and full-size 79-key keyboard with mechanical full-travel keys. This was a distinctive feature as many competing home computers of the time used a cost-reduced
360:
was also present. By contrast, many other machines of the era used a non-trivial fraction of the advertised total memory for video display and the RAM available to the user was less than it may have seemed.
644:
With the addition of the FDX peripheral, the MTX resembled a desktop PC configuration but the system logic was mostly contained within the keyboard and the FDX unit was principally a storage add-on.
512:
that could be used for debugging programs. Monitors were popular in the 1970s as a method of interacting with computers but were a less common standard feature when the
Memotech was released.
625:
An optional colour 80 column x 24 row video card could also be added to the FDX unit, a display mode which was often perceived as important for running popular business software such as
614:
in total. These cards could emulate drives accessible by CP/M with the intent of accelerating software performance versus running software from mechanical disks. In contrast to modern
468:
interpreter was supplied on ROM as standard, which was a user expectation in the mid 80s for a home computer. The BASIC had extended graphics commands and also integrated support for
531:
statements. The user can be asked questions and based on the typed response, the Noddy program then advances to another card. From this software such as simple databases, an
1079:
1084:
444:. The extra 8KB of ROM was available through bank switching. The ROM could be switched out entirely, allowing the full 16-bit address space to be used for RAM.
791:
539:
could be constructed. Noddy cards could also be integrated with BASIC. The name of the software is a reference to
British slang, meaning simple or trivial.
291:
available at the time by the generous maximum memory ceiling. The 500 and 512 models could be expanded internally up to 512K, an unusually large amount of
966:
928:
433:
Networking was supported over RS-232 via the communications board and up to 255 MTX machines could be connected with the MTX "Node/Ring" system.
418:
outputs and an audio jack. An "uncommitted" generic I/O port was available but there was no external connector; this was supplied from a
816:
272:
machines, Memotech developed their own competing computer when it was perceived the expansion pack business would no longer be viable.
699:
circuitry, additional RAM and a controller. An HRX system was priced at £4,500 (in 1984) and would form the basis of
Memotech's later
528:
1069:
992:
368:
CPU running at 4 MHz which could only address a maximum of 64KB at any one time, larger amounts of RAM were accessed through
610:
cards (referred to as silicon disks) could be added within the FDX chassis, each with up to 8 MB of storage, providing 32 MB of
679:
1064:
327:
released in 1986, produced mainly as a way of using up stocks of parts before the business moved on to other ventures.
696:
692:
473:
795:
330:
The MTX512 (together with the FDX floppy drive peripheral) is remembered for an appearance in the 1985 comedy movie
380:
842:
725:
384:
184:
904:
883:
426:. An optional "communications" board was available for use with the internal slot, which added two 19,200 baud
1074:
121:
651:
was produced, that was sold with a 5 - 20 MB hard disk combined with a single 5.25" floppy drive. A small
975:
606:
interface supporting up to four drives in total. The system also supported older 8" floppy drives. Four
312:
523:
was available in ROM that was a card based information retrieval system somewhat similar in concept to
1038:
573:
was only at the beginning of its ascent and CP/M was a widely popular platform for software releases.
947:
516:
505:
353:
332:
292:
773:
422:
on the motherboard. There was one internal expansion slot that could accept two expansion cards via
1033:
752:
611:
536:
303:
financial difficulties. The MTX was selling into a highly competitive space, with the much cheaper
691:
onto the image. The HRX adapter was supplied as a separate chassis containing the video interface
1043:
543:
1049:
659:
A Memotech monitor was made available around the time of the FDX launch together with a branded
555:
480:
453:
415:
269:
820:
558:
that popularised the windowing user interface style would not be released until later years.
565:
547:
449:
437:
336:
where it had a central role in the plot, being used to conjure the character Lisa played by
108:
37:
860:
688:
619:
469:
253:
219:
142:
996:
684:
551:
501:
423:
403:
379:
or 9928 graphic chips, providing a 256 x 192 resolution, 16 color display and up to 32
369:
100:
94:
88:
356:, while the MTX512 had 64KB, and the RS128 had 128KB. An additional 16KB of dedicated
1058:
660:
532:
441:
407:
337:
288:
284:
275:
The
Memotech machines were technically similar to, although not compatible with, the
207:
151:
147:
59:
675:
595:
492:
319:
215:
599:
488:
484:
304:
265:
155:
17:
700:
419:
388:
126:
664:
638:
630:
607:
524:
497:
399:
365:
357:
308:
257:
634:
626:
349:
261:
663:
and a
Memotech printer with the part number DMX80, which was a rebadged
542:
The
Memotech supported "virtual screens" which were a form of primitive
726:"Advertisement: A world apart from the ordinary: Introducing the MT512"
376:
174:
911:
570:
550:
support was an uncommon feature for a personal computer in 1983. The
427:
392:
211:
670:
A high resolution graphics adapter was available in 1984 called the
817:"Starring the Computer - Memotech MTX 512 in Weird Science (1985)"
637:
character compatibility, a 160 x 96 graphics mode and supported a
465:
196:
603:
562:
411:
113:
792:"30 years on: Remembering the Memotech MTX 500 • The Register"
615:
280:
276:
287:. The machines were particularly distinguished from other
430:
interfaces and an interface for the FDX disk peripheral.
1020:
774:"Introducing the MTX512 A world Apart from the Ordinary"
687:
and contrast adjustment. It could also overlay painted
264:
in 1983 and sold mainly in the UK, France, Germany and
315:
making inroads into becoming a standard for business.
260:
based home computers released by the British company
414:
cassette ports (mic and ear), RF for use with a TV,
622:, meaning the data was lost when power is removed.
234:
226:
203:
191:
180:
170:
162:
141:
133:
120:
107:
83:
65:
55:
47:
456:or rubber keyboard that was difficult to type on.
268:. Originally a manufacturer of memory add-ons for
137:32KB (MTX 500), 64KB (MTX 512) or 128KB (RS 128)
318:The prospect of a very large contract with the
8:
402:, two joystick ports, a proprietary Z80 bus
30:
27:Series of home computers released in 1983–84
598:. It was sold with either one or two 5.25"
1050:Memotech MTX 512 - The Russian Schools Bid
348:The MTX500 was fitted as standard with 32
295:in 1983 for a computer aimed at home use.
36:
29:
1080:Computers designed in the United Kingdom
678:(2, or 262,144 colours) images at up to
311:conquering the education market and the
97:315 (equivalent to £1,343 in 2023)
91:275 (equivalent to £1,172 in 2023)
747:
745:
743:
741:
739:
712:
1085:Computer-related introductions in 1983
298:The MTX range saw the addition of the
103:399 (equivalent to £1,620 in 2023)
961:
959:
483:/disassembler was also included. The
398:The system interfaces offered were a
387:sound chip generated 3 voices plus a
7:
899:
897:
878:
876:
874:
768:
766:
720:
718:
716:
307:finding favour with home users, the
865:OLD-COMPUTERS.COM : The Museum
757:OLD-COMPUTERS.COM : The Museum
843:"Bits & Bytes - New Computers"
25:
841:Hawkins, William (January 1984).
602:drives installed and contained a
279:standard, making use of the same
647:A variant of the FDX called the
440:accessible in the first 16KB of
1034:MTX family at old-computers.com
890:. January 1984. pp. 44–45.
166:256 x 192 resolution, 16 colors
905:"MTX Technical Specifications"
680:standard-definition television
1:
995:. 2023-01-30. Archived from
935:. March 31, 1984. p. 4.
819:. 2023-06-01. Archived from
794:. 2023-01-27. Archived from
732:. June 18, 1984. p. 24.
674:that could display close to
476:language used in education.
210:, cassette, joysticks (2x),
1021:MTX information and reviews
968:Memotech MTX Sales Brochure
71:; 41 years ago
1101:
949:Memotech Operator's Manual
214:(2x optional), audio, TV (
946:Pritchard, Brian (1983).
35:
1070:Z80-based home computers
884:"Memotech Advertisement"
780:. June 1984. p. 17.
344:Technical specifications
753:"MEMOTECH MTX 500 /512"
436:All models had 24KB of
400:Centronics printer port
888:Your Computer Magazine
561:The MTX could run the
464:An MTX variant of the
375:The machine featured
1065:Early microcomputers
537:text adventure games
517:programming language
515:A novel proprietary
508:was included called
506:machine code monitor
472:in the style of the
406:(which doubled as a
305:Sinclair ZX Spectrum
230:48.6 x 20.3 x 5.7 cm
618:, these disks were
612:solid state storage
364:All machines had a
32:
1044:Creative Computing
929:"Memotech Goodies"
84:Introductory price
1027:, content mostly
861:"MEMOTECH RS 128"
556:Microsoft Windows
416:composite monitor
391:channel with a 6
242:
241:
143:Removable storage
16:(Redirected from
1092:
1041:originally from
1039:Review of MTX512
1030:
1026:
1008:
1007:
1005:
1004:
989:
983:
982:
980:
974:. Archived from
973:
963:
954:
953:
943:
937:
936:
925:
919:
918:
916:
910:. Archived from
909:
901:
892:
891:
880:
869:
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857:
851:
850:
838:
832:
831:
829:
828:
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804:
803:
788:
782:
781:
770:
761:
760:
749:
734:
733:
722:
566:operating system
323:machine was the
192:Controller input
109:Operating system
79:
77:
72:
40:
33:
21:
1100:
1099:
1095:
1094:
1093:
1091:
1090:
1089:
1055:
1054:
1028:
1024:
1017:
1012:
1011:
1002:
1000:
991:
990:
986:
978:
971:
965:
964:
957:
945:
944:
940:
927:
926:
922:
914:
907:
903:
902:
895:
882:
881:
872:
859:
858:
854:
847:Popular Science
840:
839:
835:
826:
824:
815:
814:
810:
801:
799:
790:
789:
785:
772:
771:
764:
751:
750:
737:
724:
723:
714:
709:
689:vector graphics
579:
554:and subsequent
470:turtle graphics
462:
346:
325:MTX512 Series 2
252:are a range of
246:Memotech MTX500
175:TMS9918 or 9928
75:
73:
70:
43:
42:Memotech MTX500
28:
23:
22:
18:Memotech MTX512
15:
12:
11:
5:
1098:
1096:
1088:
1087:
1082:
1077:
1075:Home computers
1072:
1067:
1057:
1056:
1053:
1052:
1047:
1036:
1031:
1016:
1015:External links
1013:
1010:
1009:
993:"Memotech HRX"
984:
981:on 2023-07-15.
955:
938:
920:
917:on 2017-04-17.
893:
870:
852:
849:. p. 140.
833:
808:
783:
778:Computing Now!
762:
735:
711:
710:
708:
705:
685:edge detection
578:
575:
502:Camputers Lynx
466:BASIC language
461:
458:
424:daisy chaining
404:edge connector
370:bank switching
345:
342:
289:microcomputers
240:
239:
236:
232:
231:
228:
224:
223:
205:
201:
200:
195:Joysticks (2x
193:
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145:
139:
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85:
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80:
67:
63:
62:
57:
53:
52:
49:
45:
44:
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26:
24:
14:
13:
10:
9:
6:
4:
3:
2:
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1051:
1048:
1046:
1045:
1040:
1037:
1035:
1032:
1022:
1019:
1018:
1014:
999:on 2023-01-30
998:
994:
988:
985:
977:
970:
969:
962:
960:
956:
951:
950:
942:
939:
934:
933:Evening Times
930:
924:
921:
913:
906:
900:
898:
894:
889:
885:
879:
877:
875:
871:
866:
862:
856:
853:
848:
844:
837:
834:
823:on 2023-06-01
822:
818:
812:
809:
798:on 2023-01-27
797:
793:
787:
784:
779:
775:
769:
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713:
706:
704:
702:
698:
694:
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686:
681:
677:
673:
668:
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662:
661:cassette deck
657:
654:
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628:
623:
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605:
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588:
584:
576:
574:
572:
567:
564:
559:
557:
553:
549:
545:
540:
538:
534:
533:expert system
530:
526:
522:
518:
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511:
507:
503:
499:
494:
490:
486:
482:
477:
475:
471:
467:
459:
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455:
451:
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443:
442:address space
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355:
351:
343:
341:
339:
338:Kelly LeBrock
335:
334:
333:Weird Science
328:
326:
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217:
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209:
208:Parallel port
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68:
64:
61:
60:Microcomputer
58:
54:
50:
46:
39:
34:
19:
1042:
1029:(in English)
1023:- some text
1001:. Retrieved
997:the original
987:
976:the original
967:
948:
941:
932:
923:
912:the original
887:
864:
855:
846:
836:
825:. Retrieved
821:the original
811:
800:. Retrieved
796:the original
786:
777:
756:
729:
671:
669:
658:
652:
648:
646:
643:
624:
596:ribbon cable
590:
586:
582:
580:
560:
541:
520:
514:
509:
493:machine code
491:versions of
478:
463:
446:
435:
432:
410:port), 2400
397:
374:
363:
347:
331:
329:
324:
320:Soviet Union
317:
299:
297:
274:
249:
245:
243:
218:), monitor (
204:Connectivity
92:
66:Release date
48:Manufacturer
31:Memotech MTX
1025:(in German)
952:. Memotech.
676:true colour
600:floppy disk
577:Peripherals
510:Front Panel
266:Scandinavia
187:3.5mm phono
156:floppy disk
1059:Categories
1003:2023-07-02
827:2023-07-02
802:2023-07-02
707:References
703:business.
701:video wall
420:DIL socket
389:pink noise
366:Zilog Z80A
285:video chip
227:Dimensions
158:(optional)
127:Zilog Z80A
116:(optional)
730:InfoWorld
665:Panasonic
639:light pen
631:SuperCalc
552:Macintosh
548:windowing
525:HyperCard
521:MTX Noddy
498:BBC Micro
481:assembler
408:cartridge
358:video RAM
309:BBC Micro
220:composite
152:cartridge
635:teletext
627:WordStar
620:volatile
608:RAM disk
460:Software
454:membrane
385:SN76489A
352:of user
270:Sinclair
262:Memotech
199:pin-out)
185:SN76489A
171:Graphics
154:, 5.25"
148:Cassette
93:MTX512:
87:MTX500:
51:Memotech
667:model.
594:with a
529:if/else
519:called
450:chiclet
395:range.
381:sprites
377:TMS9918
163:Display
99:RS128:
74: (
589:loppy
571:MS-DOS
544:window
489:object
485:source
479:A Z80
428:RS-232
393:octave
313:IBM PC
256:Zilog
250:MTX512
238:2.6 Kg
212:RS-232
134:Memory
129:@ 4MHz
979:(PDF)
972:(PDF)
915:(PDF)
908:(PDF)
383:. A
300:RS128
254:8-bit
197:Atari
181:Sound
629:and
616:SSDs
604:SASI
581:The
563:CP/M
504:. A
500:and
487:and
474:Logo
412:baud
283:and
258:Z80A
248:and
244:The
235:Mass
114:CP/M
76:1983
69:1983
56:Type
697:DAC
693:ADC
672:HRX
653:SDX
649:HDX
583:FDX
535:or
438:ROM
354:RAM
293:RAM
281:CPU
277:MSX
122:CPU
1061::
958:^
931:.
896:^
886:.
873:^
863:.
845:.
776:.
765:^
755:.
738:^
728:.
715:^
641:.
452:,
372:.
350:KB
340:.
216:RF
150:,
1006:.
867:.
830:.
805:.
759:.
695:/
591:D
587:F
585:(
222:)
101:£
95:£
89:£
78:)
20:)
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Additional terms may apply.
