Thomson MO6

Thomson MO6
Thomson MO6
Also known asOlivetti Prodest PC128
ManufacturerThomson SA
Release date1986; 38 years ago (1986)
Discontinued1989; 35 years ago (1989)
MediaAudio cassette
Operating systemBASIC 128 and Basic 1.0[1]
CPUMotorola 6809E @ 1MHz
Memory64 KB ROM, 128 KB RAM[1]
StorageAudio cassette (1200/2400 bauds), disk drive (optional)[1]
Display8 modes from 160 × 200 to 640 × 200 with 2 to 16 colors (from 4096)
GraphicsThomson EF9369
Sound4 channels, 7 octaves
Input69 keys mechanical AZERTY keyboard, light pen[1]
Controller inputJoystick, Mouse [1]
Power200V, 24W
Dimensions362 x 87 x 315 mm
Mass3 kg
Backward
compatibility		Thomson MO5[1]
PredecessorThomson MO5

The Thomson MO6 was a Motorola 6809E-based computer introduced in France in 1986.[2][3] It was intended as the successor to the Thomson MO5[4] and featured 128 KB of RAM, a 40 × 25 text display, and a new built-in Microsoft BASIC interpreter (BASIC 128[5]). It retained compatibility with its predecessor, while incorporating the same technology as the TO8.[6]

Graphic abilities were expanded compared to the MO5, by the use of the Thomson EF9369 graphics chip. The 16 colour palette could be defined from a total of 4096[5] colours and extra video modes were available:[5]

  • 160 × 200 × 5 colours with 3 transparency levels
  • 160 × 200 × 16 colours
  • 320 × 200 × 2 colours (allows shifting between two screen pages)
  • 320 × 200 × 3 colours and one transparency level
  • 320 × 200 × 4 colours
  • 320 × 200 × 16 colours (2 colours per 8 × 1 pixels restraint)
  • 640 × 200 × 2 colours

In Italy it was sold by Olivetti with minor aesthetic changes, and named Olivetti Prodest PC128. Twenty-one games were released for the MO6.[7][8] The machine was available until January 1989.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Thomson". Tilt - Jeux et Micro Guide 1989. No. 60. December 1988. pp. 123–124.
  2. ^ "Thomson MO6". www.old-computers.com.
  3. ^ "THOMSON JOUE LES LAPINS" (PDF). Hebdogiciel Magazine (150): 1. August 29, 1986.
  4. ^ Garret, Yann (September 1986). "Thomson présente sa nouvelle gamma". Science & Vie Micro. No. 31. p. 107. ISSN 0760-6516.
  5. ^ a b c Thomson MO6 Guide (PDF). Thomson/SIMIV. 1986.
  6. ^ Miné, Antoine. "Thomson MO6 Emulation in MESS". Antoine Miné's Web Site.
  7. ^ "Thomson MO6 video games (Hardware entity)". Universal Videogame List. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  8. ^ "Listing of all Thomson MO6 games - Page 1". The Video Games Museum. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  • DCMOTO: PC emulator for Thomson MO5, MO5E, MO5NR, MO6, T9000, TO7, TO7/70, TO8, TO8D, TO9, TO9+ and Olivetti Prodest PC128. Comprehensive software and documentation are also available.


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