---
title: Husky Computers Limited Hawk
categories:
- Computers
types:
- Professional Computer
origins:
- United Kingdom
years:
- '1987'
params:
  name: Hawk
  image: /media/museum/photos/husky_hawk_system_1.jpg
  company: /companies/husky-computers-limited
  company_name: Husky Computers Limited
  specs:
  - label: NAME
    value: Hawk
  - label: MANUFACTURER
    value: Husky Computers Limited
  - label: TYPE
    value: Professional Computer
  - label: ORIGIN
    value: United Kingdom
  - label: YEAR
    value: '1987'
  - label: BUILT IN LANGUAGE
    value: None
  - label: KEYBOARD
    value: 68 key with numeric/arrows keypad
  - label: CPU
    value: HD64B180 CMOS enhanced version of the Z80
  - label: SPEED
    value: 6.144 MHz
  - label: RAM
    value: 352 KB Battery backed
  - label: ROM
    value: 96 KB + 32 KB space for user applications
  - label: TEXT MODES
    value: 40 chars. x 8 lines backlight LCD screen
  - label: GRAPHIC MODES
    value: 240 x 64 dots
  - label: COLORS
    value: Monochrome
  - label: SOUND
    value: Beeper (4 octaves)
  - label: SIZE / WEIGHT
    value: 21.6 (W) x 15.25 (D) x 2 (H) cm / 0.8 Kg
  - label: I/O PORTS
    value: 2xSerial ports (1xDB25, 1xMini-DIN), 37 pin bus extension, Infra-red transmitter
  - label: BUILT IN MEDIA
    value: Battery backet RAM disk
  - label: OS
    value: DEMOS - CP/M 2.2 compatible
  - label: POWER SUPPLY
    value: Nickel-cadmium battery - 35 hours autonomy
  - label: PERIPHERALS
    value: Modem, A/D converter, RAM/ROM extensions, bar-code reader, floppy disc unit
  - label: PRICE
    value: £895
  forum_thread: 844
  oc_id: 863
  source:
    url: https://web.archive.org/web/20230621103810/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=863
    date: '2023-06-21'
---

The Husky Hawk has inherited the very solid case of the [Hunter](/museum/husky-computers-limited-husky-hunter/). The screen was well protected with a thick layer of plastic and all the ports had protective coverings. However, it was not designed to take the rough treatment that the Husky could endure. For example, it could not being used in the rain.

The chicklet keyboard featured a numeric and arrow key keypad. However, Husky could produce 'cut down' versions dedicated to particular applications.

Several peripheral could be connected to the Hawk.\
The **Sidebox** was designed to be used on the move and was powered by Hawk's internal batteries. It was firmly locked to the Bus expansion and accepted a portable 1200 baud modem, an analogue to digital converter, RAM and ROM disk expansions and a Parallel interface.\
The '**Homebase**' expansion required a mains supply and automatically connected the Hawk to a 2400 baud modem and charger whenever it was placed on it.\
A 3.5" disc drive unit called Oracle (made in Japan by Brother) and a bar-code reader also could be connected to the mini-DIN serial port.

The DEMOS operating system (for **D**isk **EM**ulation **O**perating **S**ystem) was a very compatible extended version of CP/M 2.2. All standard CP/M software - WordStar, CalcStar, Mbasic... - ran without problems. To overcome standard CP/M 80 column screen output, Husky used a 40 X 8 virtual window on a full size 80 x 25 screen.

For custom application writers, Husky also provided a special version of **Locomotive BASIC**, a superset of Microsoft BASIC, also well known of Amstrad users. This version took advantage of the special facilities of the Hawk: graphics handling, both serial and infra-red ports, bar-code reader and file management using physical or virtual RAM and ROM disks.