Just thought I'd post something here about a weird piece of hardware I've encountered.

I bought a small collection of 80s computers from a guy, and one of the items he listed in his advertisement was a 'Spectravideo SVI-808 computer'. This led to a bit of an argument between him and another guy about what he had. The other guy said that a SVI-808 is a modem, not a computer. My research backed that up, but the seller was certain that he had a SVI-808 computer, so I bought the gear mainly because I was so curious.

And, guess what - it turns out he was right. The machine in question is badged SVI-808, and it is a computer, not a modem. In fact, it looks identical to the SVI-838, but in different colours, and with a small 'Franklin Computer' badge on the right hand side. The Franklin/SVI theme continues inside - the power supply and BIOS are Spectravideo units, and the motherboard is branded Franklin, though it certainly looks like the semi-MSX2-capable model.

Has anyone seen one of these before?

Pictures are here:
http://fenz.net/808-1.jpg
http://fenz.net/808-2.jpg
http://fenz.net/808-3.jpg

Now, a request - this machine doesn't go! The transformer produces no voltage. The transformer unit is marked 'For use with X'Press-16 use only'. Does anyone have one of these available? I'd prefer a 220-240 volt unit, but a 120 volt one would also be fine.

Thanks,

Mike.
Email: mike@dont.spamme.fenz.net
(remove the dont spamme to reply!)

I have never seen or heard of this computer before! It sure looks like the X'press 16 (SVI-838).

Does it have an external expansion connector for the the MSX game adaptor (SVI-811)?

Perhaps an Micro-ATX power supply will fit in the case.

/Tomas

Yep, it uses the same plastic as the 838, but in different colours. The colour scheme alone makes it an interesting looking machine.

I don't know whether it has the internal slot for the MSX adaptor, as I don't have an 838 myself to compare it with. Anyone know of any pictures of the 838 motherboard that I could compare with? Failing that, perhaps someone could describe the location and configuration of the MSX expansion slot?

Yep, I could certainly fit another power supply in there, there's a fair amount of room, but then it wouldn't be the original power supply! :-) I might have to look into rewinding the original transformer, if I can't find another.

Here's another question: Does the 838 use a standard XT-style keyboard? My unit didn't come with a keyboard, which is a pity. I'll have to find something elsewhere to use. The pictures of 838s I've seen look like they come with a very standard XT keyboard, and the plug is the same...

Thanks for the feedback!

Mike.

Sorry, I haven't got any SVI-838 computer to look at but I have a SVI-811 MSX adapter. The adapter is mounted in a small expansion box, the box has a PCB edge connector and two mounting screws for connection to the computer. It also has two MSX compatible joystick ports and a cartridge slot.

So it isn't a switched mode power supply?

The keyboard is a standard PC/XT one, this kind of keyboard can be hard to find but some older AT keyboards could also be used (if they have a switch for AT and PC/XT mode).

Do you have any floppy disks for it?

Thanks for the info and the pictures.

/Tomas

So the SVI-811 is actually mounted externally? In that case, I'm not sure if this machine would accept it - it only seems to have an internal expansion slot!

The power supply isn't switched-mode, no - it's a big transformer and two sets of diodes in full wave rectifier format, producing two rails of +16VDC and -16VDC. From that, there's a set of 78 and 79 series voltage regulators that regulate the power for the motherboard.

Having said that, I now have the machine working! The transformer had a bad contact, a little work and it now goes fine.

I found a box of XT keyboards in my basement, so I fitted one of those, and that goes fine.

The machine came without any accessories - just the box.

I'd love to know more about this machine! I was hoping that when it powered up, it would say 'SVI-808' or 'SVI-838', but all it does is give a list of the peripherals installed. I'll have to pull it apart again, the power switch sticks so I must have aligned things incorrectly. When I do that, I'll look at the printing on the BIOS ROM, that has some info on it. Perhaps that will help.

If you're interested, I can take more photos of the machine (e.g. inside), if so let me know what you'd like to see!

Thanks,

Mike.

Could this be Spectravideo clone made by Franklin Computers.

We know that they did clone from Apples :)

I don't think so, for a few reasons - the 838 was apparently assembled by Franklin, this machine is badged Spectravideo, and it uses some original Spectravideo parts. If I had to guess, it's an 838 with different badging and colouring, designed for a different market. Still haven't found out much about it though! And I must get round to taking some pictures, too.

Mike.

Hello

Sounds like a very odd machine. If possible it would be nice see some more pictures from inside of that box and also the bacside connectors.

- RHa

Will do! I plan to take some pictures of this machine over the next couple of days (when I find the battery charger for my camera). I'll post links to the pics here.

Mike.