I've wanted a Commodore Plus/4 for a long time. I really like its design. In addition, it comes with Basic V3.5, with many more controls than the Commodore 64.
Purtroppo mi è arrivato... non funzionante. Sul blog trovate i video relativi all'unboxing, test and repair.
E' un computer piuttosto interessante, anche perché la Commodore ambiva a raggiungere gli utenti professionali in ufficio, con la suite di software già inclusi nella ROM del computer: un elaboratore di testi, un foglio di calcolo e un database).
The boot screen of the Commodore Plus4 (also called Commodore 3+1) is very similar to that of the Commodore 16.
The Commodore Plus/4 is a home computer from CBM (Commodore Business Machines), released from 1984 to 1986. It belongs to the Commodore 264 series: a family of home computers that also includes the Commodore 16 and the Commodore 116.
Technical characteristics of the Commodore Plus/4
CPU: MOS 7501 / MOS 8501, about 0.89MHz with TED operational, or 1.77MHz (PAL) / 1.79MHz (NTSC) the rest of the time
ROM: 64 KB
RAM: 64 KB, of which 60671 bytes are available for BASIC V3.5
Graphics: MOS TED (TED 7360 or MOS 8360)
Text mode: 40×25 characters (PETSCII). Three text modes are available: standard, extended color, multicolor
Graphics mode: 160×200 (multi-colored, no sprite) / 320×200 (high resolution) with 121 colors
Keyboard: QWERTY, 67 keys with function keys and arrows
Software included in ROM:
- BASIC 3.5
- Machine Language Monitor
- 3 software "3 Plus 1" di TRI-Micro (elaboratore di testi, foglio di calcolo, database)
I/O Ports:
- 1 IEC Serial
- 1 User Port
- 1 Expansion port (cartridge slot)
- 1 Datassette port (7-pin mini-DIN connector, not compatible with the Commodore 64, although there are adapters that allow you to connect the C64's Datassette)
- 1 Audio/Video (CVBS and S-Video composite video)
- 1 Antenna (RF connection to TV)
- 2 x 8-pin mini-DIN Joystick Ports
Emulation
E' possibile emulare il Commodore Plus/4 su un comune PC Windows, tramite il VICE. In questo modo, è possibile provare ad avviare programmi e giochi, nonché programmare il retro computer, in maniera semplice e comoda... senza nemmeno possedere il Commodore Plus4!
Commodore Plus/4 Power Supply
Depending on the version of the Commodore Plus4, there may be a round power connector, compatible with the Commodore 64, rather than a square DIN connector. My Commodore Plus/4 has a square connector.
Papers
1. Commodore Plus/4 user's manual
2. Commodore Plus/4 integrated software manual
3. Commodore Plus/4 service manual
Collection entry date: 26/04/2022