Contents |
Description
The VG-8010 is the second MSX computer released by the Dutch company Philips. Like the VG-8000, It has been manufactured in France (at the Mans by La Radiotechnique), but comes with more RAM: 32kB (not 48kB as indicated on the box and the machine by adding the VRAM).
It has the same defaults as it predecessor: no Centronics port, no expansion bus, no separate audio out, a poor keyboard and a non-standard PAL connector. The external power supply was provided with the computer - see Philips VU-0022.
This machine is available in 2 versions:
- the International version (VG-8010/00) has a QWERTY keyboard and a silver top case, it was sold mainly in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany - this version was released in Italy as the Phonola VG-8010
- the French version (VG-8010/19 or VG-8010F) has an AZERTY keyboard and a black top case - this version was also released as the Radiola MK 180 and Schneider MC 810
On both versions, the GRAPH and CODE keys work as toggles, just like the KANA key on Japanese machines.
It is possible to connect a printer, by first inserting the Philips VU 0040 cartridge.
| Brand | Philips (Manufacturer: La Radiotechnique) |
| Model | VG-8010 |
| Year | 1985 |
| Region | Belgium, Germany, France and the Netherlands |
| Launch price | BE: ??? BF DE: 799 DM FR: 2990 FF NL: ƒ849 |
| RAM | 32kB in slot 0 |
| VRAM | 16kB |
| Media | MSX cartridges |
| Video | Texas Instruments TMS9129NL |
| Audio | PSG (AY-3-8910) |
| Chipset | none (separate IC's) |
| Keyboard layout | (VG-8010/00) QWERTY - (VG-8010/19) AZERTY - non-standard matrix in both cases |
| Extras | Reset button |
| Emulation | ROM dumped and emulated as respectively the "VG 8010" and "VG 8010F" |
Pictures
Specifications
The VG-8010 is a MSX1 with a Z80 from SGS and without printer port. The cartridge slots are on top, hidden under a panel.
Slot Map
| Slot 0 | Slot 1 | Slot 2 | Slot 3 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Page C000h~FFFFh | RAM | Cartridge Slot 1 | Cartridge Slot 2 | ||||
| Page 8000h~BFFFh | |||||||
| Page 4000h~7FFFh | Main-ROM | ||||||
| Page 0000h~3FFFh |
Connections
- RF output (PAL models only)
- RGB output (VG-8010/19 only)
- CVBS connector for monitor (PAL models only)
- Data Recorder connector
- 2 general connectors (Joysticks, Mice, Paddle controllers, etc)
- 2 cartridge slots
- DC power connector for the Philips VU-0022