Here we have one of a handfull of Famicom clones built into a keyboard unit. It is
identical to a PC 102 key keyboard (note it does not have the Windows 95 keys next to the
ALT keys like a 105 keyboard). This is definately one of the better and more neat FC
clones you will find. This can be used as a development kit, with the included 256k RAM
cartridge and BASIC program carts (I don't know what kind of game you could write with
only an antique version of BASIC though). You can even print out work done in the text
editor (see below) that comes with the game, as it has a Centronics printer port (just
like PCs, at least pre-USB ones); the only caveat is that it only works with dot matrix
printers like the Epson LX300 (tested), it does not work properly with InkJet printers,
it's been tested with Olivetti JP190 and HP 692C. The problem with the Ink Jet
printers is a "caret" printing between every character. (ed. note: I think this
has to do with the way modern printers interpret raw ASCII text). If you happen to know
Portugese, you can enter Portugese characters via shortscuts (what these are is unknown).
You can also access a demo mode by pressing Insert-Home-PgUp.
This unit comes with the following stuff: Asder console unit, game controller (more than
one as in the pic?), Power unit (220/110Volts), 60/72 pin adapter, video cable (RCA), RF
cable (75 ohms with F conector), 75/300 ohms adapter, memory cartridge (256 Kbits), user
manual, BASIC language manual.
This features 15 built in programs: Math Test, Typing Game, Typing Exercise (2 modes),
Balloon Monster, Music Composer, F-Basic, G-Basic, Calculator, Magic Carpet, Porter, Text
Editor, Calendar, Sound Rack, Message Board, Calc Board. Many of these, of course, use the
keyboard (now, as to whether the offical Family Basic carts will work on this, or any
keyboard style clone, is unknown). Two of the programs listed should ring a bell to NES
collectors: Porter and Magic Carpet, both of which are on the Caltron/Myraid 6-in-1! Did
this company legally license these from Myraid (or whomever they got it from)?Blwo are
the specifications, which are near-identical to that of a NES/FC, with a few exceptions:
- 8 bit microprocessor;
- 64 colors;
- Resolution of 256x240 pixels;
- 64 sprites per screen;
- 5 channel sound processor (1 to white noise)
- 4 Kbytes of RAM
- 4 MB of ROM (is this correct?? that is insane)
- Centronics parallel printer port
- RF out (channel 3)
- Video and Audio out
- 60 pin slot (FC compatible)
- 2 game controller ports
- 102 keys keyboard
Info and pics ripped from Marten Nielsen/NES World |
