Manufacturer | Dynacom |
---|---|
Release date | 1985 |
Discontinued | 1986 |
CPU | 6809E @ 0.895 / 1.79 MHz |
Memory | 64 kB |
Display | PAL-M color composite or TV RF out |
Graphics | MC6847 video display generator |
Sound | 6-bit DAC |
Backward compatibility | TRS-80 Color Computer |
The MX-1600 was an 8-bit home computer produced in Brazil by the company Dynacom in 1985.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] It was one of the many clone machines based on the TRS-80 Color Computer introduced during the Brazilian "Market Reserve", like the Codimex CD-6809 or Prológica CP 400 COLOR.[8][9]
Launched in August 1985 by Dynacom, a Brazilian video game console manufacturer, the MX-1600 was intended to compete with 8-bit microcomputers such as the Apple II, taking advantage of the success of TRS-80 Color Computer compatibles in the market, based on the excellent sales results of the Prológica CP 400 COLOR.[10]
To differentiate itself from competitors, the MX-1600 was sold with two cassette tapes containing more than one hundred games, applications and utilities, while its biggest opponent, the mentioned CP 400 COLOR, came with a single cassette tape containing only eight programs.[11]
However, sales of the MX-1600 were below expectations and production was shut down in 1986. Although it had plans to launch a MSX standard computer, Dynacom decided to focus on developing IBM PC compatible machines.[12][13]
The Dynacom MX-1600 can be emulated in MAME or XRoar.[14][15][16]
The basic features of the Dynacom MX-1600 are similar to the TRS-80 Color Computer, yet there are some differences.
The cartridge slot was in the top right corner of the case, and as a result, cartridges were connected vertically, similar to video game consoles of the time.[5] Only cartridges manufactured or licensed by Dynacom could be used, due to their physical format being different from that of other TRS-80 Color Computer compatibles.
Dynacom also changed the input / output connectors on the MX-1600, preferring not to use standard DIN connectors. This allowed the usage of hardware (ex. joysticks) already manufactured by the company for its video game consoles