Thomson TO7

The Thomson TO7, also called Thomson 9000[2] is a home computer introduced by Thomson SA in November 1982,[3] with an original retail price of 3750 Franc. By 1983 over 40000 units were produced.[4]

Thomson TO7
Thomson TO7 computer on display at the Musée Bolo, EPFL, Lausanne
DeveloperThomson SA
TypeHome computer
Generation8-bit
Release dateFrance: 1 December 1982 (1982-12-01)
Lifespan1982-1984
DiscontinuedMay 1984
MediaCassette tape, MEMO7 cartridges
Operating systemnone
CPUMotorola 6809 @ 1 MHz
Memory8 KB RAM, 4KB ROM
GraphicsMotorola MCA1300 gate array on TO7/70[1]
SuccessorThomson TO8

The TO7 is built around a 1 MHz Motorola 6809 processor. ROM cartridges, designed as MEMO7, can be introduced through a memory bay. The user interface uses Microsoft BASIC, included in the kit cartridge. The keyboard features a plastic membrane, and further user input is obtained through a lightpen. Cooling is provided by a rear radiator. Standard TV screens can be used as output through a SCART (Peritel) connector, with a resolution of 320x200 (with 2 colors for each 8x1 pixels).

The TO7 prototype, called Thomson T9000, was developed in 1980. The differences regarding the production model are a different startup menu and buggier BIOS.[5]

Thomson TO7/70

An upgraded version, the Thomson TO7/70, was released in 1984.[2] Among improvements was an increased RAM of 48KB (64 KB including Video RAM) instead of 8KB (22 KB including video RAM). 70 stands for 64+6 (64KB RAM + 6KB ROM). The 6809 processor was replaced by a 6809E and the color palette was extended from 8 to 16 colors.[6] Graphics were provided by Motorola MCA1300 gate array.[1] Software developed for the TO-7 can be run on the TO-7/70, but the reverse is not possible.[2]

References
  1. "TO7-70 Circuit Diagram". dcmoto.free.fr.
  2. "OLD-COMPUTERS.COM : The Museum". www.old-computers.com.
  3. "Thomson TO7 Emulation in MESS". www-apr.lip6.fr/~mine/.
  4. "Thomson TO7". www.obsolete-tears.com.
  5. "Thomson T9000 Emulation in MESS". www-apr.lip6.fr/~mine/.
  6. "Thomson TO7/70 Emulation in MESS". www-apr.lip6.fr/~mine/.


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