wiki:geniuspc

Version 1 (modified by pulkomandy, 12 years ago) ( diff )

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The Genius PC is a home computer from VTech. Released in the late 90s, it is one of the last microcomputers.

Hardware :

  • Motorola MC68EC000, 16-bit external databus, 32MHz
  • 256K of RAM
  • 1 to 4M of ROM (not sure yet) - Sharp LH537NWN mask ROM
  • Mass storage : 128KB flash memory - AM29F010
  • Cartridge port, apparently on memory bus with system ROM and storage flash. The french system comes with cartridges only containing straps, likely shorting some pins enable extra features... The german version seems to have extra flash memory or maybe ROM ?

All memory is only addressable on an 8bit databus, but goes through the VTech custom chip ZKAM9742, which likely converts 16/8bit access.

Output : RGB color video and mono sound.

Color palette is at least 15 colors :

  • White
  • Light grey
  • Dark grey
  • Black
  • Sky blue
  • Blue
  • Red
  • Green
  • Dark green
  • Yellow
  • Orange
  • Brown
  • Dark brown
  • Mauve
  • Pink

Resolution seems to be something like 480x200

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