Dynacom MX1600

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]

MX-1600

Dynacom MX-1600
Manufacturer	Dynacom
Release date	1985; 40 years ago (1985)
Discontinued	1986; 39 years ago (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

History

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]

Technical features

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

• CPU: Motorola 6809E, 890 kHz / 1.79 MHz
• Memory:
  • ROM: 20 KB (containing "Extended Color BASIC" or "ECB")
  • RAM: 64 KB
• Keyboard:
  • Built-in, 59-keys
• Display: Motorola 6847, 9 colors
  • Text mode (with 32 x 16 characters)
  • Low resolution graphics (with 64 x 32 pixels)
  • Medium and high resolution graphics (up to 256 x 192 pixels, 2 colors per pixel)
• Expansion port (cartridges)
• Other ports:
  • PAL-M color composite or TV RF out
  • RS-232C serial port
  • Analogue or digital joysticks
  • Cassette recorder (1500 baud, with remote engine control)

See also

• LZ Color 64
• CP 400 COLOR
• Codimex CD-6809
• TRS-80 Color Computer