Hotbit
DeveloperSharp
ManufacturerEpcom
TypeHome computer
Release dateNovember 1985
Discontinued1988
Operating systemMSX BASIC, MSX-DOS, CP/M
CPUZilog Z80A @ 3.58 MHz
Memory64 KB–512 KB (max.)
Removable storageCassette tape, cartridge, floppy discs (optional)
Display40×24 text characters;
256×192 pixels;
16 colours, 32 sprites
GraphicsTMS9928NL, (V9938 optional)
SoundAY-3-8910
Backward
compatibility		MSX

The Hotbit HB-8000 is an MSX home computer developed and sold by the Brazilian subsidiary of Sharp Corporation through its Epcom home computer division in mid-1980s.[1][2][3] The MSX machines were very popular in Brazil at the time, and they virtually killed all the other competing 8 bit microcomputers in the Brazilian market.[1][4]

Versions 1-1.2

The Hotbit had three versions: 1.0 and 1.1 with gray and white case and 1.2, with a black case and a ROM slightly modified to solve an ASCII table compatibility issue with the other popular Brazilian MSX, the Gradiente Expert.

Technical specifications

CPUZilog Z80A @ 3.58 MHz
RAM64 KB
VRAM16 KB (TMS9928NL)
ROM32 KB
Keyboardmechanic, 73 keys (with 4 cursor keys), reset key
Displaytext: 40×24 rows; graphics: 256×192 pixels, 16 colours, 32 sprites
SoundGeneral Instrument AY-3-8910 (PSG), 3 voices, white noise
Ports2 joystick connectors, TV out, sound out, tape recorder connector, parallel port, 2 cartridge slots
Storagetape recorder (1200/2400 bps) or one or two external 51⁄4" disk drive (360 KB)

Peripherals

Serial interface for external Modem HB-3000.
  • HB-100: joystick
  • HB-2400: tape recorder
  • HB-3000 or HB-3001: external modem
  • HB-3600: Dual disk drive controller and power supply. Sold in a bundle with one HB-6000 drive
  • HB-4000: 80 columns card with the V9938 VDP inside
  • HB-4100: 64KB RAM expansion
  • HB-6000: 51⁄4" disk drive (slim height), 360 KB

References

  1. 1 2 "Epcom / Sharp Hotbit HB-8000". www.old-computers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-20.
  2. ↑ Carvalho, Ladmir (2022-12-16). "Hotbit HB-8000 - Museu de Tecnologia Alterdt" (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2023-05-20.
  3. ↑ "MCI - Museu da Computação e Informática". Museu da Computação e Informática - MCI (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2012-02-16. Archived from the original on 2012-02-16. Retrieved 2023-05-20.
  4. ↑ Gold, Administrador Msx. "MSX GOLD". MSX GOLD (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2023-05-20.


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