LNW-80

The LNW-80, released in 1982, is the first computer built by LNW Research Corporation (later known as LNW Computers).[1][2][3] The computer is 100% compatible with the Tandy TRS-80 Model 1, but has some hardware enhancements. Most notable are the high-resolution color graphics, which could also be used for an 80×24 screen, with a special software driver (TRS-80 is 64×16, while 80×24 is the screen size most CP/M software needed). Other enhancements were high processor speed (Z-80A at 4 MHz), color support, and optionally, CP/M support. The LNW-80 was also sold as a kit.[3]

LNW-80
ManufacturerLNW Research
Release date1982 (1982)
Discontinued1984 (1984)
Operating systemTRSDOS, CP/M
CPUZ-80A @ 1.77 or 4 MHz
Memory48 KB
Display64×16, 80×24 characters; 128×48 semigraphics, 8 colors; 480×192 monochrome; 384×192 pixels, 2 colors for each 3x4 pixel
SoundBuilt-in speaker, tone generator
Backward
compatibility		Tandy TRS-80 Model 1

The LNW supported four screen modes:

  • Mode 0 is the default TRS-80 screen with 64×16 characters, and 128×48 semigraphics.
  • Mode 1 is 480×192 monochrome.
  • Mode 2 uses high-resolution graphics memory to colorize the mode 0 graphics. This results in 128×48 dots with 8 colors per dot. This mode could be used to 'colorize' the standard TRS-80 games when loaded with special software.
  • Mode 3 uses low res character memory to colorize the high res pixels. This results in 384×192 pixels on 128×48 color fields. Per color field, a foreground and background color is selected from the basic eight colors. The colors are white, green, yellow, red, magenta, blue, blue-green and black.

LNW Research

LNW Research started by making third party extensions for the Tandy TRS-80 model 1 market. They started in 1979 or 1980 with a System Extension, a D.I.Y. kit replacement of the Tandy Expansion Interface. The LNW80 appeared at the end of 1980. Later came the LNDoubler, a high quality double density adapter in 1981. 1983 saw the LNW II, an upgrade of the LNW80 capable of running CP/M and the LNW Team, which included an Intel 8088 board for MS-DOS compatibility. The company folded due to bankruptcy in 1984.

References
  1. "LNW80 Main Page". Galaxy of Features. 2015-06-02. Archived from the original on 2015-06-02. Retrieved 2023-03-26.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  2. "LNW-80 LNW Research". Old-Computers.com Museum. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
  3. Reed, Matthew. "The LNW80". www.trs-80.org. Retrieved 2023-03-26.
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