The Hector 2HR
This is the exact same machine as the Victor 2HR but branded with the new Hector Iname. Due to some confusion with trademarking, the Victor line of computers was rebranded to Hector, there were some cosmetic differences, but the specifications and capabilities were the same.
The Hector 2HR (or initially known as the Victor Lambda 2HR) was, just like the Hector 1, produced in 1983. The machine had more capabilities than its predecessor. The Z80 was replaced by a Z80A which ran at 5MHz. The memory was upgraded to 48kByte and the graphics and text capabilities also were upgraded. The machine now could display 40x22 text, and 243x231 graphics in 4 colors. This was much more in line with the other computers that were out on the market. Unfotunately, BASIC still had to be loaded from tape.
Lambda also produced the Disk II external floppy disk drive. The drive had its own dedicated processor. This was rather unique, because the floppy disk drive actually ran the operating system CP/M, while the computer handled screen, keyboard and printer. Communication between the two devices was via a bi-directional parallel port.
Several programming languages were available for this computer:
- BASIC 80
- Pascal MT+
- Cobol 80
- Fortran 77
- Forth
- z80 Assembly
SN76477 Complex Sound Generator
The SN76477 is a sound chip produced by Texas instruments in 1978. This chip was used as the sound generator in arcade games, toys and home computers.
The SN76477 generates complex audio signal waveforms by combining the outputs of a low frequency oscillator, variable frequency (voltage controlled) oscillator (VCO) and noise source, modulating the resulting composite signal with a selected envelope and, finally, adjusting the signal's attack and decay periods. At each stage, the process can be controlled at the programming inputs of the signal modification and generation circuits, using control voltages, logic levels, or different resistor and capacitor values.
Texas Instruments SN76477 Sound Chip
The Texas Instruments SN76477 Complex Sound Generator is a sound chip produced in 1978. The chip was used in several arcade games, toys, computers and in hobby projects. The musical ability of this chip was limited due to the difficulties in controlling the pitch of the sound it produced.
The SN76477 generates complex audio signal waveforms by combining the outputs of a low frequency oscillator, variable frequency (voltage controlled) oscillator (VCO) and noise source, modulating the resulting composite signal with a selected envelope and, finally, adjusting the signal's attack and decay periods. At each stage, the process can be controlled at the programming inputs of the signal modification and generation circuits, using control voltages, logic levels, or different resistor and capacitor values.
CPU View - Zilog Z80 Family
The Z80 quickly became popular in the personal computer market, with many early personal computers, such as the TRS-80 and Sinclair ZX80, using the Z80 as their central processing unit (CPU). It was also widely used in home computers, such as the MSX range, SORD, and the Amstrad CPC, as well as in many arcade games. Additionally, it was also used in other applications such as industrial control systems, and embedded systems. The Z80 was widely used until the mid-1980s, when it was gradually replaced by newer microprocessors such as the Intel 80286 and the Motorola 68000.
The Z80 microprocessor was developed by Zilog, a company founded by Federico Faggin in 1974. The Z80 was released in July 1976, as a successor to the Intel 8080. It was designed to be fully compatible with the 8080, but also included new features such as an improved instruction set, more powerful interrupts, and a more sophisticated memory management system.
The Z80 quickly became popular in the personal computer
RAM max: 64kB
ROM: 16kB Sound Chip TI SN76477 Sound Generator Sound 1Voice, 4 Octaves sound Display 40x22 text in 8 colors
112x78 in 8 colors
243x231 in 4 colors Best Text 40x22 Best Color 8 colors Graphics 243x231 Sprites none System OS BASIC Level III (from tape) Storage 1500 Baud Internal Cassette drive