VTech PreComputer 1000

The VTech Precomputer 1000 is an electronic learning aid for ages 9 and above[1] manufactured by VTech and released in August 21 1988 (USA)[2] and 1989 (Europe). It contains a dot matrix LCD screen, and a standard size keyboard. It features a number of activities, including trivia on science, history and general knowledge.[3]

The PreComputer 1000 is VTech's first child learning product to incorporate the BASIC programming language and is the predecessor to the PreComputer 2000.

Specifications

The VTech PreComputer 1000 relies upon a Zilog Z84C0004PEC (a Z80B[4] clone) as its processing core. A 16Kbit (2Kx8bit) 2K Sharp LH5116-10[5] or Hyundai HY6116ALP-10[4] SRAM is used for RAM. As of 1992, a CMOS version of the Z80 marketed as the Z84 is used.

A Toshiba TC531000CP 1MBit (128Kx8bit) 128K ROM contains the Operating System and program data.[4] This ROM can be augmented when a cartridge is inserted into the side mounted cartridge slot and then selected, thus providing expansion capability.

Text output is supplied by a single row 20 character dot-matrix LCD panel, sound output is via an inbuilt piezo element beeper.

Functions

The following functions are available on the unit:[6]

  • Typing course
  • Fact quizzes (250 facts in each of the following categories: General Knowledge, History, Science & Geography)
  • Mathematics activities (5 activities for 1 or 2 players)
  • Games (1 single player typing game, Hangman and Scramble)
  • Calculator
  • BASIC (stylized as PRE-BASIC 1.0) programming with 9 example programs

BASIC implementation

PRE-BASIC 1.0 is a simplified unstructured BASIC implementation includes a simple line editor with the ability to change, insert or delete characters on a program line.[6]

Supported features include:[6]

  • Single character variable names for numbers and strings
  • String and numeric arrays up to three dimensions
  • Data manipulation with LET.. DATA.. READ.. RESTORE
  • Input and output with LIST.. PRINT.. INPUT
  • Mathematical functions (e.g. ABS, SGN, TAN)
  • Logical operations (e.g. NOT, OR, AND)
  • String handling (e.g. LEFT$, CHR$)
  • Flow control with IF.. THEN.. ELSE, FOR.. TO.. NEXT.. STEP and GOSUB.. RETURN
  • Single channel sound with 31 notes and 9 durations

Expansion Cartridges

The following cartridges were available for the PreComputer 1000 and also supported in the PreComputer 2000.[1] The cartridges could only be inserted with the power off before re-powering and pressing the 'Cartridge' button to activate.[6]

  • Bible Knowledge (Stock Code: 80-0989)
  • Fantasy Trivia[7] (Stock Code: 80-1001)
  • General Knowledge II (Stock Code: 80-1002)
  • Super Science (Stock Code: 80-1410)
  • Speller (Stock Code: 80-1004)
  • Famous places and things (Stock Code: 80-1533) - Marketed for both PreComputer 1000 and 2000

The same Toshiba TC531000CP 128K ROM is used in some cartridges.[7]

References
  1. VTech UK Advertising Flyer Ref: 95-0155-18
  2. PreComputer 1000 Course Book. VTech Educational Electronics. 1988. ASIN B000BSI01W.
  3. "VTech Laptops". YouTube.
  4. By (2019-11-19). "Teardown: VTech PreComputer 1000 Is An Iconic PC In A Toy Wrapper". Hackaday. Retrieved 2020-06-30.
  5. "Vtech precomputer 1000 1992 PCB". Imgur. 2020-07-07. Retrieved 2020-07-10.
  6. "VTech PreComputer 3in1 Computer Teacher Course Book".
  7. "Precomputer 1000 Fantasy Trivia". Imgur. 2020-07-09. Retrieved 2020-07-10.
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