====== Coleco Adam (1983) ======
===== Features =====
* CPU: Zilog Z80-A 3.58MHz
* Co-Processor: 6801 Master-microcomputer
* RAM: 64 kb (25 kb available with Smart Basic), upgradeable to 144 kb
* VRAM: 16 kb
* ROM: 32 kb
* Display: TV (RF) & composite video, 36 x 24 text, 16 colors, 256 x 192 graphics
* Ports: cartridge, video, AdamNet
* Keyboard: Full-stroke keyboard with 75 keys, separated arrow keys, ten command keys and six programmable function keys.
* Expansion: 3 internal expansion slots
* Peripherals: Daisy-wheel printer (required)
* Storage: 1 or 2 internal cassette drives (Custom Digital Data Packs that look surprisingly like audio cassettes, but aren't the same), external 5.25" floppy drive available
* OS: EOS (Elementary OS) similar to CP/M, OS-7, SmartBASIC (loaded from cassette)
===== Usage =====
Currently, MESS supports for the adam both cart dumps (in .rom, .col and .bin format) and disk images (.dsk format). The former ones are supported through the "cartridge" (cart) device; the latter ones uses up to four floppy drives, "floppydisk1" (flop1) to "floppydisk4" (flop4).
== Keyboard ==
This system requires full keyboard emulation to work correctly. At startup, full keyboard emulation mode is enabled by default. Whilst in full keyboard emulation mode, some key associated functionality may be disabled (like the ESC key for EXIT). The keyboard emulation mode is toggled using the "Scroll Lock" key (by default).
Original Keyboard: QWERTY full stroke keyboard, 75 keys
ESCAPE BACK MOVE STORE
WP HOME I II III IV V VI SPACE UNDO COPY SET CLEAR
\| 1! 2@ 3# 4$ 5% 6_ 7& 8* 9( 0) -` += ^~ INSERT PRINT DELETE
TAB Q W E R T Y U I O P [{ ]}
CONTROL A S D F G H J K L ;: '" RETURN UP
SHIFT Z X C V B N M ,< .> /? SHIFT LEFT RIGHT
LOCK SPACEBAR DOWN
===== Known Issues =====
Emulation is incomplete due to missing MC6801 AdamNet MCU dumps (Tape, Disc, Keyboard). It should nevertheless work ok.
===== History and Trivia =====
The ADAM was available in two models, the complete system and Expansion Module #3. When the memory console of Expansion Module #3 is connected to the ColecoVision, the two models are essentially identical in function. The expansion module #3 uses part of the ColecoVision hardware, thus the memory unit doesn't have any cartridge slot, and isn't delivered with any controllers nor TV switch box.
The whole system is made of the daisywheel printer, the memory unit and the keyboard. The power supply is built-in the printer!
The Smart Basic isn't in ROM and has to be loaded from a tape, however there's a little word processor in ROM, this word processor prints the text to the printer at the same time the user types on the keyboard, but can also be used as a classic wordprocessor.
The Adam had a pretty short life, only two years! Despite this there is still a community of Adam fans who still use their system. Nowadays, most Adam users use a 320k 5 1/4 inch disk drive, an external 2400 baud modem, and a 20, 30 or 40 megabyte IDE harddisk. Adams often have memory expanders up to 2 MB in size (which is usually used as a RAM disk), and also a parallel printer (like a bubble jet)!
//(info from old-computers.com)//
===== Links =====
* eColeco -- http://coleco.freeservers.com/
* Coleco Adam Technical Manual -- http://drushel.cwru.edu/atm/atm.html
* Adam Family Computer System -- http://www.sacnews.net/adamcomputer/
* Coleco Adam at vintage-computer.com -- http://www.vintage-computer.com/adam.shtml
* Coleco Adam at old-computers.com -- http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=57
===== Other Emulators =====
* ADAMEm -- http://www.komkon.org/~dekogel/adamem.html
Generated on Sun Jul 19 10:17:28 2009