I've wanted a Commodore Plus/4 for a long time. I really like its design. In addition, it comes with Basic V3.5, with many more controls than the Commodore 64.
Unfortunately it arrived... not working. On the blog you will find videos relating tounboxing, test and repair.
It's a pretty interesting computer, not least because Commodore wanted to reach professional users in the office, with the suite of software already included in the computer's ROM: a word processor, a spreadsheet and a database).
The boot screen of the Commodore Plus4 (also called Commodore 3+1) is very similar to that of the Commodore 16.
The Commodore Plus/4 is a home computer from CBM (Commodore Business Machines), released from 1984 to 1986. It belongs to the Commodore 264 series: a family of home computers that also includes the Commodore 16 and the Commodore 116.
Technical characteristics of the Commodore Plus/4
CPU: MOS 7501 / MOS 8501, about 0.89MHz with TED operational, or 1.77MHz (PAL) / 1.79MHz (NTSC) the rest of the time
ROM: 64 KB
RAM: 64 KB, of which 60671 bytes are available for BASIC V3.5
Graphics: MOS TED (TED 7360 or MOS 8360)
Text mode: 40×25 characters (PETSCII). Three text modes are available: standard, extended color, multicolor
Graphics mode: 160×200 (multi-colored, no sprite) / 320×200 (high resolution) with 121 colors
Keyboard: QWERTY, 67 keys with function keys and arrows
Software included in ROM:
- BASIC 3.5
- Machine Language Monitor
- 3 TRI-Micro “3 Plus 1” software (word processor, spreadsheet, database)
I/O Ports:
- 1 IEC Serial
- 1 User Port
- 1 Expansion port (cartridge slot)
- 1 Datassette port (7-pin mini-DIN connector, not compatible with the Commodore 64, although there are adapters that allow you to connect the C64's Datassette)
- 1 Audio/Video (CVBS and S-Video composite video)
- 1 Antenna (RF connection to TV)
- 2 x 8-pin mini-DIN Joystick Ports
Emulation
It is possible to emulate the Commodore Plus/4 on a common Windows PC, through the VICE. In this way, it is possible to try to start programs and games, as well as program the retro computer, in a simple and convenient way... without even owning the Commodore Plus4!
Commodore Plus/4 Power Supply
Depending on the version of the Commodore Plus4, there may be a round power connector, compatible with the Commodore 64, rather than a square DIN connector. My Commodore Plus/4 has a square connector.
Papers
1. Commodore Plus/4 user’s manual
2. Commodore Plus/4 integrated software manual
3. Commodore Plus/4 service manual
Collection entry date: 26/04/2022