Sharp X1C (CZ-801C) - Computer

The X1C works perfectly. The electro-magnetic cassette has been cleaned, oiled, and new belts have been fitted. And it already functions correctly.

The condition of the equipment is acceptable as it shows signs of use and marks likely caused by winding cables around the unit, as can be seen in the photos.

Being a Japanese unit, the built‑in power supply is 100 VAC 50/60 Hz and the video output is NTSC. I have tested it with a transformer (not included) 220VAC -> 110VAC, and with an RGB cable to a Philips CM8833 monitor (which is not included either).

When the unit is powered on, it displays the message:

IPL is under preparing

And after a few seconds, if there is no cassette inserted in the drive, it brings up the menu:

Make ready any device
Push (F, R, C or T) key
F:Floppy
R:ROM
C:CMT
T:Timer

If it detects a tape at startup, or after inserting it and selecting the C option, the message appears:

IPL is looking for a program from CMT

And proceeds to load the software stored on the tape. Unfortunately, I only have one tape with which I’ve tested the unit, and it is not included in the auction.

Only the keys corresponding to the menus, and those used to control the ship in the game, have been tested on the keyboard.

[History]
In 1982 Sharp had the MZ computer series on the market, which had been designed by the Electronics (or Components) division, which had achieved relative success in Europe.

The X1 series was developed by the Television division, being a completely different product, sold only in Japan, and it competed with Sharp’s own MZ series.

The X1 series was on sale from 1982 to 1988, and although it came from entirely different development departments, both share the concept that Sharp calls "clean design": they do not include any language or operating system in ROM, only a simple IPL (Initial Program Loader) program that loads the operating system, programming language, or storage device application, which allows all of the system RAM to be available. By default, the basic storage device, and usually included, is a cassette recorder.

Both the MZ and X1 series are based on Sharp’s own Z80A processor, although the X1 series includes a GI AY-3-8910 sound processor.

The X1 was marketed as a "PC TV", as it was sold with an RGB monitor that also included a TV tuner capable of overlaying a computer screen image onto the TV image and subtitles. Moreover, all TV functions can be controlled from either a computer program or the keyboard, even with the computer turned off. Thus, one of the options available in the IPL menu is a TV on/off scheduler for a given channel, very similar to the scheduler used in VHS and similar video recorders.

The X1 was a computer technically quite advanced: Zilog Z80A-compatible processor at 4 MHz, 64 KB of RAM, 4 KB of VRAM expandable to 48 KB and 6 KB of ROM with the IPL. It features a graphics resolution of 320x200 and 640x200. In the Sharp X1 you can choose a background color from eight. Additionally, the monitor can mix the following outputs:
- Text mode and graphics mode.
- Text mode, graphics mode, and the TV input.
- Text mode, graphics mode, and the video input.

The X1s include a fully programmable character generator (PCG), which allows defining characters or graphic symbols with a 4-bit color, and moving them quickly across the screen (though with movement not as "fine" as Sprites).

The X1C (CZ-801C), released in 1983, is the compact version, and was available in red and bronze metallic colors.