Heathkit H11
ManufacturerHeathkit
TypePersonal computer
Release date1978 (1978)
Introductory priceUS$1295 (equivalent to $5,810 in 2022)[1] (kit) or US$1595 (equivalent to $7,156 in 2022)[1] (assembled)[2]
Discontinued1982 (1982)[3]
Mediaoptional 8-inch floppy disks, optional paper tape
Operating systemoptional HT-11
CPULSI-11 clocked at 2.5MHz
Memory4kword base system, maximum optional 32kword RAM, 8kword ROM (2 bytes/word)
RelatedPDP-11

The Heathkit H11 Computer is an early kit-format personal computer introduced in 1978. It is essentially a Digital Equipment PDP-11 in a small-form-factor case, designed by Heathkit. The H11 is one of the first 16-bit personal computers, at a list price of US$1,295,[2] (equivalent to $5,810 in 2022) but it also requires at least a computer terminal and some form of storage to make it useful. It was too expensive for most Heathkit customers, and was discontinued in 1982.[3]

Specifications

The H11 featured:[4]

  • Processor — LSI-11 (KD11-HA half-size or "double-height" card)
  • Speed — 2.5 MHz
  • ROM — 8 kWords (16 kBytes) (max)
  • RAM — 32 kWords (64 kBytes) (max)
  • Slots — 7 Q-bus slots
  • Storage — H27 8-inch floppy drive (2 256k 8-inch single sided drives) or paper tape
  • I/O — serial (RS-232) or parallel ports
  • Operating system — HT-11 (a simplified version of RT-11)
  • Instruction set — PDP-11/40 instruction set
  • Languages — BASIC, Focal and others

Initial memory limitations restrict the selection of system software, but the system RAM can be expanded to 32 kWords * 16 bit. Many PDP-11 operating systems and programs run without trouble. The system will also work with most DEC PDP-11 equipment, including many Q-bus compatible peripherals.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved May 28, 2023.
  2. 1 2 Heathkit 1978 catalog pages retrieved 2011 July 11
  3. 1 2 Wise, Deborah (1982-09-13). "Heath joins Zenith to attract hobbyists, businesses". InfoWorld. p. 19. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
  4. ↑ 1977 advertising material from Heathkit of Benton Harbor, Michigan.
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