Contents |
Description
Computer
The Holland Bingo machine is a Philips VG-8020 with a keyboard from which most of the keys have been removed. It is dedicated for Bingo players. This Dutch game was very popular in Norway.
The remaining keys are the number keys from 0-9, the function keys, stop, select, space bar and return. The rest of the keyboard is covered with plastic with no keycaps fitted. The plastic has text in Norwegian near each useful button specifying its purpose and a big "Holland Bingo" logo.
| Brand | Jotan |
| Model | Holland Bingo |
| Year | 1986 |
| Region | Norway |
| Launch price | |
| RAM | 64kB (? in slot 3-2) |
| VRAM | 16kB |
| Media | MSX cartridges |
| Video | Texas Instruments TMS9129NL |
| Audio | PSG (custom chip integrated in MSX-Engine S3527) |
| Chipset | Yamaha S3527 |
| Keyboard layout | specific keyboard |
| Extras | Reset button, specific keyboard |
| Emulation | ROM dumps made but machine not emulated because the cartridge contains extra hardware. |
Provided Software
The computer was provided with a dedicated cartridge, made by Micro Technology Holland in 1986-1987.
This cartridge contains extra hardware and is needed to draw Bingo numbers. The module is larger than a normal cartridge, with a height of 9.7cm and a width of 10.6cm.
This Bingo version on cartridge is quite basic and has been mainly programmed in BASIC language. It was created by Reveal Automation, another Dutch company.
At startup, it checks if a device is connected to the printer port. We ignore which kind of device (maybe a huge 7-segment display screen).
When you are on the main screen, several function keys can be used. Especially F3 gives access to a help screen.
Pictures
Computer with cartridge
Provided Software
Specifications
The Jotan Holland Bingo is a MSX1 with a Z80 from Zilog (Z8400APS) and the MSX-Engine S3527 from Yamaha. The cartridge slots are in front, hidden under a panel.
Slot Map
(to be checked on real machine)
| Slot 0 | Slot 1 | Slot 2 | Slot 3-0 | Slot 3-1 | Slot 3-2 | Slot 3-3 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Page C000h~FFFFh | Cartridge Slot 1 | Cartridge Slot 2 | 64kB RAM | |||||||
| Page 8000h~BFFFh | ||||||||||
| Page 4000h~7FFFh | Main-ROM | |||||||||
| Page 0000h~3FFFh |
Connections
- RF output
- CVBS connector for monitor
- Data Recorder connector
- Centronics compatible Parallel port for a printer
- 2 general connectors (Joysticks, Mice, Paddle controllers, etc)
- 2 cartridge slots