The Hewlett-Packard HP-86, introduced in 1982 as part of the Series 80 lineup, was designed to offer enhanced flexibility and performance over its predecessor, the HP-85. Unlike the HP-85, which featured an integrated display and peripherals, the HP-86 was built to accommodate external components, allowing users to connect their choice of monitors and printers. This modularity made it suitable for a variety of professional applications, particularly in engineering and scientific fields.

Technical Capabilities

The HP-86 ran on the proprietary 8-bit Capricorn processor running at 625 kHz. The initial model, the HP-86A, came with 64 KB of RAM and included built-in interfaces for diskette drives and a Centronics printer port. The subsequent HP-86B model increased the RAM to 128 KB and featured an integrated HP-IB (Hewlett-Packard Interface Bus) port, enhancing its connectivity with various peripherals. Both models supported high-resolution graphics and offered expansion slots for additional ROM modules, enabling users to customize the system with advanced functionalities such as matrix operations and mass storage management.

Expandability and Costomization

The HP-86's design emphasized expandability and user customization. Its external monitor support allowed for larger display options compared to the HP-85's built-in screen, and the increased memory capacity facilitated more complex computations and data handling. The availability of various ROM extensions and hardware accessories, including CP/M operating system compatibility through an optional Z80 processor card, made the HP-86 a versatile tool for professionals requiring a reliable and adaptable computing platform in the early 1980s.