Hotbit

Hotbit
Developer	Sharp
Manufacturer	Epcom
Type	Home computer
Release date	November 1985
Discontinued	1988
Operating system	MSX BASIC, MSX-DOS, CP/M
CPU	Zilog Z80A @ 3.58 MHz
Memory	64 KB–512 KB (max.)
Removable storage	Cassette tape, cartridge, floppy discs (optional)
Display	40×24 text characters;; 256×192 pixels;; 16 colours, 32 sprites
Graphics	TMS9928NL, (V9938 optional)
Sound	AY-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[edit]

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[edit]

CPU	Zilog Z80A @ 3.58 MHz
RAM	64 KB
VRAM	16 KB (TMS9928NL)
ROM	32 KB
Keyboard	mechanic, 73 keys (with 4 cursor keys), reset key
Display	text: 40×24 rows; graphics: 256×192 pixels, 16 colours, 32 sprites
Sound	General Instrument AY-3-8910 (PSG), 3 voices, white noise
Ports	2 joystick connectors, TV out, sound out, tape recorder connector, parallel port, 2 cartridge slots
Storage	tape recorder (1200/2400 bps) or one or two external 51⁄4" disk drive (360 KB)

Peripherals[edit]

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[edit]

^ ^a ^b "Epcom / Sharp Hotbit HB-8000". www.old-computers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-20.
^ Carvalho, Ladmir (2022-12-16). "Hotbit HB-8000 - Museu de Tecnologia Alterdt" (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2023-05-20.
^ "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.
^ Gold, Administrador Msx. "MSX GOLD". MSX GOLD (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2023-05-20.

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[:0-1] "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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