Philips VG5000 VG-5000, Radiola, vintage back computer, keyboard French AZERTY

Philips VG-5000 μ

The Philips VG-5000 μ (sometimes spelled VG5K) is an 8-bit home computer, manufactured by French Radiotechnique (RTS), and marketed by Philips, Radiola and Schneider from 1984 until 1986. Despite having a similar name to the Philips VG-8000, it is not compatible with the MSX standard and only works with proprietary software.

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Philips VG5000 VG-5000, vintage computer, AZERTY French keyboard, 24K RAM, 18K ROM

The Philips VG-5000 has a keyboard with French AZERTY layout. Obviously, the computer I bought for my collection is from France. In addition to the computer, the lot I bought on eBay also includes the SCART video cable, the manual (in French), the cardboard box and the Philips VU-0022 power supply (also compatible with the vintage computer Philips VG-8010).

The exact computer model is: Philips VG-5000/19.

Philips VG5000 VG-5000, Radiola, power supply VU 0022, box, SCART RGB video cable, Microsoft Basic, 80s

Philips VG-5000 μ computer startup screen

The Philips VG5000 computer starts with a screen in French, showing the following black lettering on a blue background:

VG 5000 BASIC version 1.1
13758 octets disponibles
Ok! 
Philips VG5000 VG-5000, home screen, boot screen, boot screen, VG 5000 BASIC version 1.1, 13758 octets available, Ok!

Technical characteristics of the Philips VG-5000

CPU: Zilog Z80, 8-bit, 4 MHz

ROM: 18 KB

RAM: 16 KB expandable up to 48 KB (+ 8KB video separate RAM)

Text mode: 40 columns x 25 rows

Graphics mode: 320 × 250 pixels (8 colors)

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Keyboard: AZERTY 63 keys

Software included in ROM: Microsoft BASIC

Philips VG5000 VG-5000, vintage back computer, video connector, tape, power supply, round DIN ports

Expansion ports:

  • 50-pole edge connector for expansion
  • Tape drive (DIN 8-pin)
  • Audio/Video (DIN 8 poles)

Emulate vintage Philips VG-5000 computer μ

The Philips VG5000 home computer can be emulated, under Windows, with the DCVG5K emulator.

Philips VG5000 power supply

The power supply of the Philips VG5000 home computer is external.

Philips VU 0022, VU0022 power supply Philips VG 8010 and VG 5000, 5V, 12V, -12V

It connects to the computer with a round 5-pin DIN connector. This is the arrangement of the connector poles, looking at it towards the back of the computer and looking at the power steering wheel connector from the side of the solders.

Philips VG-5000 VG-8010 power connector pinout, power connector pinout seen from the back of the computer or from the contact side of the steering wheel connector. 5V 12V

Pin 1, center: Not connected.
Pin 2, bottom left: +5V.
Pin3, bottom right: -12V (negative).
Pin 4, top right: GND.
Pin 5, top left: +12V.

The Philips VU-0022 (VU 022) power supply generates the following voltages:

  • 5V, 1.55A
  • 12V, 100mA
  • -12V, 100mA

The input of the power supply connects to the mains voltage at 220 V, in alternating current 50 Hz.

Papers

1. Philips VG5000 manuel d'utilisation (French)
2. Philips VG5000 technical manual
3. 56 programmes in BASIC
4. Philips VG0022 service manual (power supply)
5. Wiring diagram

Collection entry date: 31/01/2023

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