WTB Panasonic MSX2 A1

Supporter (10)

22-08-2022, 14:13

Hi, I'm a ZX Spectrum guy and saw a photo of the Panasonic MSX2 FS-A1 on the SpectrumComputing forum...
There's a couple for sale on eBay but they're in Japan.
Is there much difference between the A1 and A1mk2?

Does anyone have one for sale?

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Van MDDRED

Expert (90)

22-08-2022, 17:56

Panasonic_FS-A1
Panasonic_FS-A1mkII
Here you have detailed information

Van Retrofan

Paragon (1339)

22-08-2022, 17:59

The Panasonic FS-A1mkII is identical to the FS-A1 but with an additional keypad.
If you add your mailaddress to your profile, people can contact you

Van Nitrowing

Supporter (10)

22-08-2022, 19:15

Done. I'd prefer a mkI if that's the only difference

Van Retrofan

Paragon (1339)

22-08-2022, 19:27

Nice one! You also could consider de Panasonic FS-A1F. This one also has a floppydrive or can be replaced with a Gotek. Very nice compact MSX2!

Van Wierzbowsky

Guardian (3608)

22-08-2022, 19:58

Retrofan wrote:

Nice one! You also could consider de Panasonic FS-A1F. This one also has a floppydrive or can be replaced with a Gotek. Very nice compact MSX2!

Yep, it's better to have the MSX2 with a floppy drive or a Gotek. If you need an adapter for A1F to install Gotek or PC floppy drive, contact me by email.

After buying A1F it's wise to replace the caps on the HIC board.

Van sdsnatcher73

Prophet (3964)

22-08-2022, 21:03

I will have FS-A1 and FS-A1F in the next batch (currently being repaired). Actually the FS-A1 is mostly a reliable machine and I just have the firmware removed so it is easier to use. The diskdrives in the FS-A1F are not that great and mostly break down beyond repair, so mostly I have the original drive replaced with a Gotek.

If you want the machine with the firmware intact I have them available immediately.

Van Nitrowing

Supporter (10)

22-08-2022, 22:38

I'm completely baffled with the firmware situation!
I'd like a working kit - PSU etc that I can just plug&play.
Sure, a complete boxed set would be lovely to have but...

Van sdsnatcher73

Prophet (3964)

23-08-2022, 05:11

Many Japanese MSX came with some firmware that would start automatically. It can be bypassed by holding a key mostly but some don’t have that. For non Japanese users these firmwares can be quite annoying and I really recommend getting a machine where it is disabled.

Van st1mpy

Paladin (938)

25-08-2022, 13:54

Firmware is what you see at 7 seconds in this video.
If you don't want to see that screen everytime and you want to go straight to BASIC, you might want it removed.

Van Wierzbowsky

Guardian (3608)

25-08-2022, 18:24

Btw. the latest beta Carnivore2 boot menu v2.54 should be able to bypass the firmware launching for quite a few computers, thanks to the joined efforts of certain users of this forum.