The Hector HRX
This computer was produced in 1983, the same year that the Hector 2HR+, the Hector 2HR, and the Hector 1 were produced.
The Hector HRX was upgraded to 64kBytes of RAM, and provided with the FORTH programming language in a 16kByte ROM. This freed up RAM for more programming, and for more business use. There were text processor, spreadsheet and database applications available on the market.
There were some compatibility problems with existing Lambda II HR software, but details are not widely available.
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 FORTH in ROM Storage 1500 Baud Internal Cassette drive