![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a3/Aster_CT-80_oldest_model_2_%2528despeckle_and_NR%2529.jpg/640px-Aster_CT-80_oldest_model_2_%2528despeckle_and_NR%2529.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Aster CT-80
1982 personal computer / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Aster CT-80?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
The Aster CT-80 is a 1982 personal computer developed by the small Dutch company MCP[1][2][3] (later renamed to Aster Computers), was sold in its first incarnation as a kit for hobbyists. Later it was sold ready to use. It consisted of several Eurocard PCB's with DIN 41612 connectors, and a backplane all based on a 19-inch rack configuration. It was the first commercially available Dutch personal/home computer.[4] The Aster computer could use the software written for the popular Tandy TRS-80 computer while fixing many of the problems of that computer, but it could also run CP/M software, with a large amount of free memory Transient Program Area, (TPA) and a full 80×25 display, and it could be used as a Videotext terminal. Although the Aster was a clone of the TRS-80 Model I it was in fact more compatible with the TRS-80 Model III and ran all the software of these systems including games. It also had a built-in speaker which was compatible with such games software.
This article needs additional citations for verification. (April 2024) |
![]() The first kit version running Newdos/80. The 64x16 TRS-80 mode uses only a portion of the monitor, because the letters are the same size as the 80×25 CP/M screen. It was fixed with the redesign to a commercial product. | |
Manufacturer | MCP / Aster Computers |
---|---|
Type | Home computer |
Release date | June 1982 (1982-06) |
Operating system | TRS-DOS, CP/M |
CPU | Zilog Z80 @ 4 |
Memory | 64 KB |
Removable storage | floppy discs, cassette |
Display | 128 x 48 black and white graphics; 32 x 16, 64 x 16 and 80 x 25 characters black and white text; (256 x 192 in 16 colors graphics with optional TMS9918, 640 x 288, black and white graphics with optional NEC μPD7220) |
Graphics | (optional TMS9918 or NEC μPD7220) |
Sound | Beeper |