The Olivetti Prodest PC128 is an 8-bit home computer that was distributed in Italy from 1986 to 1989 by the Olivetti company. The computer was produced by the company French Thomson (model MO6) and was distributed in Italy, with some changes to the keyboard and ROM, by Olivetti.
I wasn't looking for this computer in particular. I bought it along with a large batch of computers in the summer of 2021.
Startup screen
Your computer's startup screen shows:
- the amount of memory available: 128 KB
- the title of the cartridge program, if inserted, accessible by pressing the 0 (zero) key
- Microsoft BASIC 128, accessible by pressing the 1 key
- Microsoft BASIC 1.0, accessible by pressing the 2 key
- options, accessible from key 3 on the keyboard
Technical characteristics of the Olivetti Prodest PC128
CPU: Motorola 6809 E, 8-bit, 1 MHz
ROM: 64 KB
RAM: 128 KB
Graphics: Thomson EF9363, Graphic Display Processor (GDP)
Text mode: 80 columns x 25 rows or 40 columns x 25 rows
Graphics mode: 160 x 200 pixels (16 colors) up to 640 x 200 pixels (2 colors)
Audio: 4 voices on 7 octaves
Keyboard: QWERTY 69 keys, includes arrows and function keys, plus 6 keys for recorder
Software included in ROM: BASIC 128 Microsoft and BASIC 1.0 Microsoft
Storage media: internal cassette player
Top cartridge port.
Expansion ports (rear):
- SCART for connection to TV
- RCA audio output
- Parallel (Centronics 14 poles)
- Multipurpose connector for expansion (edge)
Expansion ports (side):
- N. 2 DB9 sockets for mouse and joystick
- RCA RF PAL audio/video output
- DIN socket for light pen
To the expansion connector you can connect: QDD (quick disk drive), 3.5" floppy drive, 5.25" floppy drive, MODEM, IEEE interface, RS232 serial interface, video interface.
On both sides of the computer there are also: the power switch (left side) and the reset button (right side).
Dimensions and weight: 36 x 31 x 9 cm, 3 Kg
Emulate the Olivetti Prodest PC128
The Olivetti Prodest PC128 home computer, as well as several Thomson computer models (MO5, MO5E, MO5N, MO5NR, MO6, T9000, TO7, TO7/70, TO8, TO8D, TO9, TO9+) can be emulated with the DCMOTO program.
Power supply
The power supply of the Olivetti Prodest PC128 home computer is internal. The mains power cord comes directly out of the computer. My computer runs at 220 V, alternating current 50 Hz, and draws 24 W.
Papers
1. Olivetti Prodest PC128, manuale d’uso (ITA)
2. Thomson MO6, wiring diagrams
Date of entry into the collection: 08/25/2021