Description

Computer

Sakhr Computers was a Kuwaiti company (Al Alamiah co.) that was selling MSX computers imported from Japan in all of the Arab world. These MSX were localized by Al Alamiah and rebranded for the Arabic market.

The Sakhr AX-170 seems to be the Sanyo MPC-2 localised for Arabic countries. The PCB and components are not the same and a RGB output has been added on some versions. There are also exemplars with the RGB output that is blocked.

This model was the most popular in the Arabic countries. It has an Arabic QWERTY keyboard, but is also available in an Arabic/French version AX-170F (with AZERTY keyboard), where the English Word Processor is replaced by a French Word Processor.

After booting without pressing the CTRL key, the computer will be in Arabic mode. In this mode:

• the combination of the GRAPH key with an alphabetic key will display an MSX-BASIC instruction on the screen
• the extra STAR key can be used in a similar way to the GRAPH key (contrary to other Sakhr models with AZERTY keyboard, this key is available on the AX-170F)
• some combinations can produce accented characters instead of MSX-BASIC instructions

Firmware

This machine comes with version 1.01 of Arabic firmware, present on all Sakhr/Al Alamiah computers.

The firmware can be skipped by pressing CTRL key while booting and until you hear a first beep. By doing that, the machine will be in International mode and the Arabic characters will not be available. If a software (even in cartridge) doesn't work, try it in this mode.

Note: If you continue to press CTRL until a second beep, you will get only one drive (the A: drive) if you have added external diskdrives.

This firmware adds Arabic characters, new MSX-BASIC instructions (see Arabic BASIC) and 4 applications. You can choose them in the menu with the keys 1 to 4:

• Calendar - by comparison with version 1.0, it has been completely modified, as you can now also use it partially in English
• Graphics, a graphic tool in screen 2
• Arabic Writer (Word Processor)
• English (or French) Writer (Word Processor)

These options remain unchanged on all Sakhr/Al Alamiah MSX1 computers.

If you press key 5 when you are in the menu, you will go to MSX-BASIC.

Going back to the menu is possible with CALL MENU or _MENU (don't use it if you are in International mode !).

Pictures

Computer

Sakhr AX-170

Sakhr AX-170 box (Arabic side)

Sakhr AX-170F

Sakhr AX-170 left side

Sakhr AX-170 box (English side)

Sakhr AX-170 right side

Sakhr AX-170 label

Sakhr AX-170 PCB

Sakhr AX-170 PCB underside

Sakhr AX-170 with manuals

AX-170 back - RGB output blocked

AX-170 back with RGB output

AX-170 back without RGB output

AX-170 back with RGB output

Firmware

Arabic firmware version 1.01

Arabic firmware 1.01 menu

Arabic Calendar

English Calendar

Graphics

Arabic Writer

English Writer

Specifications

The AX-170 is a MSX1. The Z80A, the VDP and the PSG are integrated in MSX-Engine T7937A.

The integrated VDP is the Toshiba T6950, which does not support some undocumented features of the Texas Instruments TMS9918, TMS9928 and TMS9929 VDP's.

Slot Map

Connections

• RGB output (only on some versions)
• RF output
• Analog sound & Composite video (Pal)
• Data Recorder connector
• Centronics compatible Parallel port for a printer
• 2 general connectors (Joysticks, Mouse, Paddle controlers, etc)
• 2 cartridge slots

Fixes and Repair

• Sakhr AX-170 audio modification

External Links

• Sakhr AX-170 User Manual
• Video presenting the Sakhr AX-170 (in Arabic)