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Info for ibmpcjr


====== IBM PC Junior (1983) ======




===== Features =====

* CPU: Intel 8088 4.77 MHz
* Co-Processor: Texas Instrument sn76496 n (Sound)
* RAM: 64k (up to 640 KB); Extended model : 128k
* VRAM: from 2k to 128k (use the conventional RAM)
* ROM: 24 KB
* Text Modes: 40 x 25 / 80 x 25
* Graphic Modes: 160 x 200 (16 colors), 320 x 200, 640 x 200
* Colors: 16
* Sound: three channels
* I/O Ports: 2 cartridges ports (64 KB each), Centronics (optional), RS232, Joystick, Light Pen, video out (RCA plug)
* Keyboard: Chicklet keyboard (full stroke keyboard was available later)
* Built In Media: one 5.25" disk drive
* OS: MS DOS



===== Known Issues =====

The driver is currently under heavy rewrite. Graphic emulation is good and both cart and tape support have been added. On the other hand, there are still known bugs (e.g. in the hard disk emulation).



===== History and Trivia =====

Enhanced IBM PC for home use.

After launching the IBM PC (and its great success), IBM tried to stand out a standard for home computers, it created then the PC junior, which itself is a "light" version of the PC especially designed for home activities.

Despite its qualities, the PC jr had few success and never managed to replace the established home computers like Commodore 64, Apple II or Atari 800.

Two IBM PC junior models were available: a basic one and a enhanced one (supplied with 128k, 30 programs, a 5.25" floppy disk drive [360 KB] and its controller).

Contrary to the IBM PC, the power supply is not integrated to the case, but is external. The keyboard is linked by infra-red to the CPU, though there was a RJ11 (standard phone jack) plug that could be used instead to save batteries. It is impossible to connect a 8087 math co-processor.

The RS232 connector is not a standard one. To use a standard RS232 device, the user has to buy a special adapter ("Berg" style connector breakout -> D25 connector).

The PC Jr runs under MSDOS 2.1 (the same version as the PC) and handles a hard disk when it is not possible to connect hard disk on the PC Jr (go figure)! There was an internal modem available that ran at 300 bps sold by IBM. Third party modems were also available at 1200bps.

A cartridge containing enhanced basic (with special graphics instructions) was also available. To get a 80 column text display, the extra 64k RAM expansion is needed.

Many IBM PC programs would not originally run on the PCjr because it did not include a DMA controller. This was available through a memory side-car add-on from Tecmar Systems. Many people were able to then run the PCjr as a competent business type of system as
well.

//(info from old-computers.com)//



===== Links =====

* Forever70...80...90... -- http://perso.orange.fr/fabrice.montupet/ibm.htm
* Mike's PCjr Page -- http://mail.magnaspeed.net/~mbbrutman/PCjr/pcjr.html
* PC Jr. Reborn -- http://www.micro-zone.com/index.html
* PC Junior at old-computers.com -- http://old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=186




Generated on Sun Jul 19 10:17:28 2009