Contents |
Description
Computer
The Sony HB-701FD is the first HitBit Computer equiped with a built-in floppy disk drive (see HBD-100). This machine was aimed at the Japanese market and available in black on front and pale gray.
The only difference between the HB-701FD and the HB-701 is the drive, which is build in the HB-701FD. Front and back of both machines are exactly the same, with only a little difference on the left front, corresponding to the location of the drive.
The machine has a separate keyboard without numeric keypad.
| Brand | Sony |
| Type | HB-701FD |
| Year | 1984-11 |
| Region | Japan |
| Original price | ¥148,000 |
| RAM | 64kB |
| VRAM | 16kB |
| Media | MSX cartridges, 1DD floppy disks |
| Video | Texas Instruments TMS9928ANL |
| Audio | PSG (YM2149F) |
| Chipset | none (separate IC's) |
| Keyboard layout | QWERTY/JP50on |
| Extras | 360kB 3,5" floppy disk drive, reset button, superimposer, volume control, brightness adjuster for superimposing, remote sensor, firmware HitBit Art, software on disk (sprite animation utility) |
| Emulation | ROM dump needed. See this thread for details. Also a dump of the provided floppy disk is required. |
Firmware
The built-in firmware HitBit Art is a graphic and title editor. It is launched automatically when you boot the machine and presents 7 options:
- BASIC
- Design (F2 for dynamic part - F1 to back for static part)
- Telop
- Sprite
- Story
- Action
- File
Note that the Sprite and Action options can only be used with the HB-701FD or HBD-100 floppy disk.
From MSX-BASIC, you can probably go back to this editor with CALL HITBIT or _HITBIT (but it needs to be confirmed).
Software
An utility disk to create sprite animation is provided with this computer. This disk is required for the Sprite and Action options of the firmware.
Pictures
Computer
(+ Home Computer ABC)
Firmware
Specifications
The HB-701FD is a MSX1 with a Z80A from Sharp (LH0080A) or NEC (uPD780C-1). The floppy disk controller is the WD2793. The controller installed in the FDD is MB8847 (NMOS 4-bit single-chip microprocessor). The installed drive is the Sony MFD-33V (1DD), also used in the external FDD unit HBD-50.
This computer has integrated capabilities for superimposing. A wireless joystick (JS-75) can be used via the remote sensor.
Unit size: 355 (w) x 325 (l) x 79 (h) mm
Connections
- RF output
- RGB output (not SCART)
- Stereo analog sound & Composite video output
- Stereo analog sound & Composite video input
- 2 x RCA connectors for S video signal control
- Data Recorder connector
- Centronics compatible Parallel port for a printer
- 2 general connectors (Joysticks, Mouse, Paddle controlers, etc)
- 2 cartridge slots
- Power socket for the monitor
- Power plug for main power supply (JIS C 8303 class, AC 100V +/-10% 50/60Hz)