website/content/museum/amstrad-cpc-464.md

title, categories, types, origins, years, cpus, params

title	categories	types	origins	years	cpus	params
Amstrad CPC 464	Computers	Home Computer	United Kingdom	1984	Zilog Z80	name image company company_name specs tabs forum_thread photos adverts hardware screenshots emulators links docs videos related oc_id source CPC 464 /media/museum/photos/cpc464.jpg /companies/amstrad Amstrad label value NAME CPC 464 label value MANUFACTURER Amstrad label value TYPE Home Computer label value ORIGIN United Kingdom label value YEAR 1984 label value END OF PRODUCTION 1990 label value BUILT IN LANGUAGE Locomotive Basic label value KEYBOARD QWERTY mechanical keyboard\ Numeric keypad and edit block with arrow keys label value CPU Zilog Z80 label value SPEED 4 MHz label value RAM 64 kb (42kb left for user) label value VRAM 16 kb label value ROM 32 kb label value TEXT MODES 20 x 25 with 16 colors\ 40 x 25 with 4 colors\ 80 x 25 with 2 colors label value GRAPHIC MODES 160 x 200 with 16 colors\ 320 x 200 with 4 colors\ 640 x 200 with 2 colors label value COLORS 27 label value SOUND 3 channels, 8 octaves\ +1 noise channel label value I/O PORTS Printer port\ Bus port\ 1 Joystick plug (Atari standard)\ Floppy Disc Port\ DIN plug for Amstrad monitor\ Headphone / Sound stereo jack output label value BUILT IN MEDIA Tape Recorder (1000 or 2000 bauds) label value OS AMSDOS or CP/M label value POWER SUPPLY 5v DC (powered by an Amstrad monitor) label value PRICE Monochrome - 455 (December 84)\ Monochrome -410 (March 86)\ Color - 684 (Dec. 84)\ Color - 608 (March 86) photos adverts hardware software emulators links docs videos 99 title subtitle text image TOP VIEW The keyboard is colourful... /media/museum/photos/amstrad_cpc464_top.jpg title subtitle text image TAPE-RECORDER Zoom on the integrated tape-recorder and the numeric keypad. Note the useless sketch under the tape trap-door... /media/museum/photos/amstrad_cpc464_tape.jpg title subtitle text image REAR VIEW You can see the different connectors at the back of the machine :\ Monitor | Power in | Disk port | Printer port | User/Joystick port | Sound output /media/museum/photos/amstrad_cpc464_rear.jpg title subtitle text image THE KC - THE AMSTRAD CPC COMPATIBLE FROM RUSSIA. There was the "official" Amstrad CPC clone: the Schneider CPC. The Schneider was built by Amstrad and distributed in Germany and France. It differed from the Amstrad CPC in very few ways (keyboard colour and Centronics port). There was also an "unofficial" Amstrad CPC clone, the KC, which was built in Russia. We don't know if it had different features, but it was said to be fully compatible with the CPC. /media/museum/photos/kc.jpg title subtitle text image AMSTRAD CPC-472 There was a special version of the CPC-464 sold in Spain, called the CPC-472. This special Spanish model was released to avoid the prohibition / taxes for selling computers in Spain with 64Kb or less without the 'Ñ' key ! That was the reason why they released a 72Kb version of the CPC-464, without the 'Ñ' key. But after a short time all computers sold in Spain had to be sold with a Spanish keyboard including the 'Ñ' key and not only the ones with memory of 64 KB or less. So Amstrad continued to sell CPC-472 in Spain but with an 'Ñ' key. Thus, there exist two versions of the CPC-472 : one with the 'Ñ' key and one without... The model pictured here is the most recent one, with the 'Ñ' key. Thanks to Vicente Simon for this picture. /media/museum/photos/amstrad_cpc472_1.jpg title subtitle text image CPC-472 CLOSE-UP The CPC-472 is not much different from the CPC-464 :\ - It has more memory\ - The stickers show ''472'' instead of ''464''\ - There is an "Ñ" key on later models... Thanks to Vicente Simon for this picture. /media/museum/photos/amstrad_cpc472_2.jpg title subtitle text image INSIDE THE CPC-472 The inside of the CPC-472 was identical to the original CPC-464 apart from a small add-on card fixed to the original ROM socket and supporting the original ROM, a 4164 RAM chip and a standard logic gates chip. The RAM and logic chips weren't conected at all. Printed circuit lines didn't reach them! This add-on board was only a fake to avoid taxes. Thanks to [zonadepruebas](http://www.zonadepruebas.com) for the pictures. /media/museum/photos/amstrad_cpc464_inside472_s1.jpg title subtitle text image CPC-464 WITH GREY KEYS This version with grey keyboard was distributed in Germany. Originally, Schneider was the official distributor and all "grey" CPC-464 had a Schneider logo on their case. But later, Amstrad distributed these systems under their own names. This version is pretty rare... Thanks to Dazza203 for this picture /media/museum/photos/amstrad_cpc464_grey_1.jpg title subtitle text image INSIDE CPC EXPLAINED **(1)** Centronics parallel connectors for printers. Any parallel printer could be used with the CPC 464, but sadly, the connector was not standard and a specific flat cable interface is needed. This defect will be corrected in the following versions.\ **(2)** Numeric keypad and cursor control keys. Each key could be redefined with a 32-character string which could be for example a frequently used BASIC command. Each alphabetical key could also be redefined by another character than the original one.\ **(3)** Tape recorder controlled by the computer. The recording speed was either 1000 (slow for security) or 2000 (fast) bauds. Whatever the chosen speed, the recording reliability was very high.\ **(4)** Tape counter\ **(5)** On/Off switch\ **(6)** This output provides 2 types of video signals. One, composite, for the Amstrad B&W monitor, and the second for the Amstrad RGB colour monitor. Thus, both Amstrad monitors conceived for the CPC 464 use this connector\ **(7)** These 8 chips hold the 64 KB user RAM.\ **(8)** Expansion connector mainly used for the 3" disk drive\ **(9)** Zilog Z80A microprocessor running at 4 Mhz\ **(10)** 6845 chip in charge of video display management (1 text and 3 graphic modes)\ **(11)** 8225 chip in charge of various input/outputs\ **(12)** 32 Kb ROM memory containing the operating system and Locomotive Basic\ **(13)** Keyboard connector\ **(14)** Sound generator chip (3 voices, 8 octaves and special effects)\ **(15)** Joystick connector using the universal Atari standard /media/museum/photos/s_amstrad_464_inside1.jpg title subtitle text image BOX /media/museum/photos/amstrad_cpc464_box.jpg title subtitle text image HOMEBREW PORTABLE CPC-464 /media/museum/photos/amstrad_cpc464_homebrew_1.jpg title subtitle text image HOMEBREW PORTABLE CPC-464 /media/museum/photos/amstrad_cpc464_homebrew_2.jpg title subtitle text image FRENCH ADVERT (JAN. 1985) "After the compliments made to the Amstrad CPC-464, what could be added ?" /media/museum/pubs/amstrad_cpc464_pub_tous-les-compliments.jpg title subtitle text image U.K. AD. (DEC. 1985) Special Christmas offer with 12 games. Monochrome version: **£199**\ Colour version: **£299** /media/museum/pubs/amstrad_cpc464_ukpub_2.jpg title subtitle text image U.K. AD. (NOV. 1986) Same offer and same sale prices as in December 1985 /media/museum/pubs/amstrad_cpc464_ukpub_1.jpg title subtitle text image 464 - 6128 PERIPHERALS From top left to bottom right:\ - T.V. modulator for the CPC 6128\ - Joystick with joystick adaptor\ - T.V. modulator for the CPC 464\ - Disc drive with interface and CP/M for CPC 464\ - Speech synthesizer and stereo amplifier\ - Additional disc drive\ - Light pen with graphics software\ - RS232 interface\ - DMP 2000 dot printer /media/museum/pubs/amstrad_cpc464_ukpub_3.jpg title subtitle text image FRENCH ADVERT (APRIL 1987) "Once upon a time, the future" /media/museum/pubs/amstrad_cpc464_pub_future_1.jpg title subtitle text image DDI-1 Amstrad disk drive After a long wait for the first purchasers of CPC-464, the diskette drive was available one year after its announcement. It connected to the expansion connector of the computer and used a 3" Hitachi diskette drive. This choice may appear strange in the light of the growing success of the Sony 3,5" standard, but would prove highly reliable in use. The Amstrad operating system (AMSDOS) is stored in a 16 KB ROM. Two operating systems and one language were delivered with this unit :\ - **AmsDOS** allowed Amstrad Basic to be used via additional file-management commands, but was not very practical to use.\ - **CP/M 2.2** from Digital Research which gave access to an immense professional software library but required two floppy drives in order to function well.\ - **Dr. LOGO** A popular language, especially in educational circles. It took advantage of the sound and graphic capabilities of the Amstrad. In spite of a prohibitive price due to a long period of (organized?) scarcity, Amstrad’s 3" floppy disks became the primary medium for numerous games and other programs and contributed to the big commercial success of the machine in Europe, until the announcement of the <$112$>CPC 664, the first model with an integrated disk drive. DDI-1 with interface for CPC-464 or CPC-664 : 1990fr (March 86)\ FD-1, second drive for CPC-464,664 and 6128 : 1590fr (March 86) /media/museum/hardware/fd_ddi_1.jpg title subtitle text image INSIDE DDI-1 CASE **(1)** Read/Write magnetic head\ **(2)** As in any disk drive, 2 engines are required : the biggest one to spin the magnetic disc, and the second one (at the top) to move the read/write head\ **(3)** The DDI case contains its own power supply. The PSU is shown here surrounded by a thick metallic plate to prevent magnetic fields from damaging the disks\ **(4)** The power supply regulation part is located under the disk drive\ **(5)** Disk introduction slot and eject button. Disk storage capacity is of 169 Kb. for system floppy disks (which include an operating system), or 178 Kb. for data disks. /media/museum/hardware/fd_eclate.jpg title subtitle text image AMX MOUSE For drawing and moving the cursor Could be used with the CPC-464,664 and 6128\ Cost 105 Euros in March 86. /media/museum/hardware/amstrad_amx_mouse.jpg title subtitle text image AMSTRAD LIGHT PEN For all models with a colour monitor\ Sold with a drawing program: 44 Euros (March 86) /media/museum/hardware/amstrad_light_pen.jpg title subtitle text image DMP 2000 Amstrad printer 90 Fonts, 20-100 characters /s\ 350 Euros (March 86) /media/museum/hardware/amstrad_dmp2000.jpg title subtitle text image AMSTRAD JOYSTICK Classic joystick sold by Amstrad.\ It includes another joystick plug to add a second joystick. Cost 23 Euros in March 86 /media/museum/hardware/amstrad_joystick.jpg title subtitle text image MP1 / MP2 ADAPTOR Amstrad Scart adaptors Enabled the use of an Amstrad with a Peritel (scart) TV. MP1 for CPC-464: 60 Euros (March 86)\ MP2 for CPC-664 and 6128: 75 Euros (March 86) /media/museum/hardware/amstrad_scart_adaptator.jpg title subtitle text image AMSTRAD RS-232C INTERFACE Self-explanatory I think... For the CPC-464, 664 and 6128\ 90 Euros in March 86 /media/museum/hardware/amstrad_cpc464_rs232.jpg title subtitle text image VOCAL SYNTHESIZER And your CPC talks! For CPC-464, 664 and 6128\ 60 Euros (March 86) /media/museum/hardware/amstrad_vocal_synth.jpg title subtitle text image TECHNI-MUSIQUE MUSICAL SYNTHESIZER Musical synthesizer with 12 stereo channels\ A 4-octave piano keyboard was optional\ Application delivered on disk Price : 150 Euros (France, October 1987) /media/museum/hardware/amstrad_musical_synth.jpg title subtitle text image LOADING SCREEN /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_1942-title.gif title subtitle text image SCREENSHOT /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_1942.gif title subtitle text image LOADING SCREEN /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_1943-title.gif title subtitle text image LOADING SCREEN /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_addams-family_title.gif title subtitle text image SCREENSHOTS /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_addams-family.gif title subtitle text image SCREENSHOT /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_airwolf.gif title subtitle text image LOADING SCREEN /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_alien-highway2_title.gif title subtitle text image SCREENSHOT /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_alien-highway2-encounter.gif title subtitle text image LOADING SCREEN /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_apb.png title subtitle text image SCREENSHOT /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_apb2.png title subtitle text image LOADING SCREEN /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_arabian-nights_title.png title subtitle text image SCREENSHOT /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_arabian-nights.png title subtitle text image SCREENSHOT /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_beyondicepalace.png title subtitle text image LOADING SCREEN /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_bombjack-title.png title subtitle text image SCREENSHOT /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_bombjack.png title subtitle text image SCREENSHOT /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_boulderdash.png title subtitle text image SCREENSHOT /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_bountybob-strikesback.png title subtitle text image LOADING SCREEN /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_brucelee_title.png title subtitle text image SCREENSHOT /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_brucelee.png title subtitle text image LOADING SCREEN /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_bubblebobble.png title subtitle text image SCREENSHOT /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_bubblebobble2.png title subtitle text image LOADING SCREEN /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_catch23.png title subtitle text image SCREENSHOT /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_catch23_2.png title subtitle text image LOADING SCREEN /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_cauldron_t.png title subtitle text image SCREENSHOT /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_cauldron.png title subtitle text image SCREENSHOT /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_chuckie-egg.png title subtitle text image LOADING SCREEN /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_commando_t.png title subtitle text image SCREENSHOT /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_commando.png title subtitle text image SCREENSHOT /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_fruityfranck.png title subtitle text image SCREENSHOT /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_5axe.gif title subtitle text image LOADING SCREEN /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_mgt_t.png title subtitle text image SCREENSHOT /media/museum/software/amstrad_cpc_ss_mgt.png title url platform text Arnimedes http://www.arnimedes.de/ MS DOS CPC emulator for DOS title url platform text CaPriCe32 http://www.caprice32.cybercube.com/ Windows 32 bit Amstrad CPC Emulator title url platform text No Cash Amstrad CPC Emulator (NO$CPC) http://www.work.de/nocash/cpc.htm Windows For Windows and MS-DOS title url platform text WinAPE32 http://winape.emuunlim.com/ Windows Fast, accurate CPC/+ emulation title url platform text Arnold http://www.bannister.org/software/arnold.htm Apple Arnold/MacOS is an Amstrad CPC/CPC+/KC Compact Emulator for the Macintosh. title url platform text CPC ++ http://bricerive.free.fr/cpc Apple Emulator for MAC OS title url platform text CPC ++ http://bricerive.free.fr/cpc Unix / Linux Emulator for Linux and SunOS. title url platform text XCPC http://XCPC.EMUUNLIM.COM Unix / Linux CPC emulator for any UNIX platform with X-Window title url platform text Ami-CPC http://www.chez.com/deplanque/ Amiga OS title url platform text C-ONE http://c64upgra.de/c-one/ Other platform Hardware emulator (re-configurable computer) title url platform text DreamCPC http://www.consolevision.com/dreamcast/emus/amstrad/ Other platform CPC emulator for Dreamcast title url platform text PocketCaprice http://www.pocketcult.com Other platform Pocket PC/PDA emulator for Windows Mobile 2003 or Windows Mobile 5 operating system title url platform text Arnold (amstad 128k v3 emulator) http://arnold.emuunlim.com/ Multiplatform Emulates CPC 464, 644, 6128, 464+, 6128+, and KC Compact. title url platform text CPCE http://cpce.emuunlim.com/ Multiplatform Amstrad CPC emulator for DOS, DPMI and WIN32 title url platform text MESS http://www.mess.org/ Multiplatform MESS emulates a lot of Amstrad computers (available for many OS) ! title url text Amstrad Computer Manuals http://www.instruction-manuals.co.uk/category/computer/amstrad.htm title url text Amstrad CPC 464 664 6128 Basic programming tutorial and games. The Basic Idea http://www.sean.co.uk/books/amstrad/index.shtm title url text Amstrad.cpc.free.fr http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/ Excellent site full of info title url text Amstrad.DK http://www.amstrad.dk/ 464, 664, 6128 emulation, games and demos. Nice site. title url text Amstrad's Home Page http://web.ukonline.co.uk/cliff.lawson/index.htm title url text CPC/IP The TCP/IP Stack for the Amstrad CPCs http://www.nenie.org/cpcip/ title url text CPCWIKI http://www.cpcwiki.eu The biggest Amstrad CPC site and community title url text CPCwiki http://www.cpcwiki.com/index.php/Main_Page This site hopes to evolve into an encyclopaedia on all things Amstrad CPC related. title url text DDDS Ltd Home Page http://www.diskdoctor.co.uk/ title url text FutureOS - THE operating system for the CPC http://www.FutureOS.de FutureOS is a very fast OS for Amstrad CPC 6128 and 6128+. title url text Generic and Amstrad CPC based Programs written in Turbo Pascal 3 http://turpas3.angelfire.com/ Turbo Pascal programs written on a CPC. title url text Good Old Games http://speccy.altervista.org/ Many games with screenshot comparisons, download and magazines title url text Les Sucres en Morceaux http://scampin.chez-alice.fr/cpc/index.html Demomaking and gfx title url text Phenix Informatique http://phenixinformatique.free.fr/ History, games, links, emulators, contacts (French) title url text SymbOS Amstrad CPC Multitasking Operating System http://www.symbos.de/ A multitasking OS for the CPC 6128 with a Windows-like GUI title url text The Unofficial Amstrad WWW Resource http://andercheran.aiind.upv.es/~amstrad/ collection of documentations dedicated to the Amstrad CPC (CPC464, CPC664 and CPC6128), Amstrad Plus (464+,6128+ and GX4000 console), and VEB Mikroelectronic KC Compact title url text Tricky's Amstrad CPC page http://www.trickynz.com/Amstrad%20CPC.html Old mags and Amsoft catalogues for download title url text Web Wiz CAPTCHA http://www.webwizcaptcha.com title url cover text AMSTRAD CPC 464 - GUIDE DE L'UTILISATEUR (FRENCH MANUAL) http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/article.php?sid=23 /media/museum/docs/couvs/amstrad_cpc-464_french-manual.jpg [**AMSTRAD CPC 464 - GUIDE DE L'UTILISATEUR (FRENCH MANUAL)**](http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/article.php?sid=23)written by Amstrad  compiled/archived by Charles Da Silva\  type of document : PDF\  source : [Amstrad.CPC](http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr) title url cover text AMSTRAD CPC 464 - GUIA DEL USUARIO (SPANISH MANUAL) http://www.cpcmania.com/ /media/museum/docs/couvs/doc_cpc464_user-manual_s.jpg [**AMSTRAD CPC 464 - GUIA DEL USUARIO (SPANISH MANUAL)**](http://www.cpcmania.com/)written by Amstrad  compiled/archived by cpcmaniaco\  type of document : PDF\  size : 16,5 MB\  source : [www.cpcmania.com](http://www.cpcmania.com/) title url cover text AMSTRAD CPC 464 - SERVICE MANUAL http://www.cpcmania.com/ /media/museum/docs/couvs/doc_cpc464_service-manual.jpg [**AMSTRAD CPC 464 - SERVICE MANUAL**](http://www.cpcmania.com/)written by Amstrad  compiled/archived by Mochilote\  type of document : PDF\  size : 11,3 MB\  source : [www.cpcmania.com](http://www.cpcmania.com/) title url cover text AMSTRAD CPC FIRMWARE MANUAL http://www.cantrell.org.uk/david/tech/cpc/cpc-firmware/ /media/museum/docs/couvs/amstrad_cpc_firmware-guide.jpg [**AMSTRAD CPC FIRMWARE MANUAL**](http://www.cantrell.org.uk/david/tech/cpc/cpc-firmware/)written by Bob Taylor and Thomas Defoe  compiled/archived by David Cantrell / John Kavanagh\  type of document : PDF\  source : [Dave's Free Press](http://www.cantrell.org.uk/david/) title url cover text TEACH YOURSELF AMSTRAD BASIC - A TUTORIAL GUIDE - PART 1 http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/article.php?sid=23 /media/museum/docs/couvs/amstrad_cpc_teach-yourself-amstrad-basic_1.jpg [**TEACH YOURSELF AMSTRAD BASIC - A TUTORIAL GUIDE - PART 1**](http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/article.php?sid=23)written by Amstrad  compiled/archived by Charles Da Silva\  type of document : PDF\  source : [Amstrad.CPC](http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/) title url cover text TEACH YOURSELF AMSTRAD BASIC - A TUTORIAL GUIDE - PART 2 http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/article.php?sid=23 /media/museum/docs/couvs/amstrad_cpc_teach-yourself-amstrad-basic_1.jpg [**TEACH YOURSELF AMSTRAD BASIC - A TUTORIAL GUIDE - PART 2**](http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/article.php?sid=23)written by Amstrad  compiled/archived by Charles Da Silva\  type of document : PDF\  source : [Amstrad.CPC](http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/) title url cover text DMP2000 PRINTER - MANUEL UTILISATEUR (FRENCH MANUAL) http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/article.php?sid=23 /media/museum/docs/couvs/amstrad_dmp2000_manuel-utilisateur.jpg [**DMP2000 PRINTER - MANUEL UTILISATEUR (FRENCH MANUAL)**](http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/article.php?sid=23)written by Amstrad  compiled/archived by Charles Da Silva\  type of document : PDF\  source : [Amstrad.CPC](http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/) title url cover text DMP2160 PRINTER - GUIDE DE L'UTILISATEUR (FRENCH MANUAL) http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/article.php?sid=23 /media/museum/docs/couvs/amstrad_dmp2160_manuel-utilisateur.jpg [**DMP2160 PRINTER - GUIDE DE L'UTILISATEUR (FRENCH MANUAL)**](http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/article.php?sid=23)written by Amstrad  compiled/archived by Charles Da Silva\  type of document : PDF\  source : [Amstrad.CPC](http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/) title url cover text AMSTRAD DDI-1 DISK DRIVE - MANUEL DE L'UTILISATEUR (FRENCH MANUAL) http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/article.php?sid=23 /media/museum/docs/couvs/amstrad_ddi-1_user-manual.jpg [**AMSTRAD DDI-1 DISK DRIVE - MANUEL DE L'UTILISATEUR (FRENCH MANUAL)**](http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/article.php?sid=23)written by Amstrad  compiled/archived by Charles Da Silva\  type of document : PDF\  source : [Amstrad.CPC](http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/) title url cover text AMSTRAD MP2F PERITEL ADAPTER - MANUEL UTILISATEUR (FRENCH MANUAL) http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/article.php?sid=23 /media/museum/docs/couvs/amstrad_mp2f.jpg [**AMSTRAD MP2F PERITEL ADAPTER - MANUEL UTILISATEUR (FRENCH MANUAL)**](http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/article.php?sid=23)written by Amstrad  compiled/archived by Charles Da Silva\  type of document : PDF\  source : [Amstrad.CPC](http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/) title url cover text AMX MOUSE - GUIDE DE L'UTILISATEUR (USER MANUAL) http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/article.php?sid=23 /media/museum/docs/couvs/amstrad_amx-mouse.jpg [**AMX MOUSE - GUIDE DE L'UTILISATEUR (USER MANUAL)**](http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/article.php?sid=23)written by Cygnet Computer Consultants Limited  compiled/archived by Charles Da Silva\  type of document : PDF\  source : [Amstrad.CPC](http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/) title url cover text AMSTRAD LP-1 LIGHT PEN - INSTRUCTIONS POUR L'UTILISATEUR (FRENCH MANUAL) http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/article.php?sid=23 /media/museum/docs/couvs/amstrad_lp1_lightpen.jpg [**AMSTRAD LP-1 LIGHT PEN - INSTRUCTIONS POUR L'UTILISATEUR (FRENCH MANUAL)**](http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/article.php?sid=23)written by Amstrad  compiled/archived by Charles Da Silva\  type of document : PDF\  source : [Amstrad.CPC](http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/) title url cover text MARK 2 LIGHT PEN - USER MANUAL http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/article.php?sid=23 /media/museum/docs/couvs/amstrad_mark2-light-pen.jpg [**MARK 2 LIGHT PEN - USER MANUAL**](http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/article.php?sid=23)written by Electric Studio Products  compiled/archived by Charles Da Silva\  type of document : PDF\  source : [Amstrad.CPC](http://amstrad.cpc.free.fr/) title url text Amstrad CPC - French commercial http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=1649912029980987973&hl=fr Length: 29 s /museum/amstrad-464-6128-plus /museum/amstrad-cpc-5512 /museum/amstrad-cpc-6128 /museum/amstrad-cpc-664 /museum/schneider-germany-cpc-464 84 url date https://web.archive.org/web/20230603112625/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=84 2023-06-03

The Amstrad CPC 464 was one of the most successful computers in Europe. More than two million computers were sold. Despite its ordinary characteristics (like those of the Sinclair Spectrum and often less interesting than those of the others like the Commodore 64 or Atari XL/Xe series) or odd features (like video memory or strange floppy disk format), it was very popular because of its really low price and its interesting commercial concept : all peripherals were sold together (like the Commodore PET that was sold years earlier): CPU/keyboard, tape recorder, monitor (monochrome green or colour).

A huge number of programs and peripherals were developed for this machine. It ran AmsDos (Amstrad's Operating System). AmsDos was completely embedded in the Basic using so-called RSX commands starting with |, but it could not format disks, you needed a special application for that.
The 464 also could use CP/M 2.2 or 3.0 when used with an external Floppy disk unit (3" Hitachi, 180 KB / face). A lot of great CP/M software was adapted for the Amstrad CPC.

About 42 KB RAM was available for the user, the video memory and the ROM were mapped on the same addresses with a dedicated chip to switch the memory banks automatically.

Notice that the first Amstrad CPC prototype (called "Arnold", which gave the name ROLAND (Arnold acronym) to several CPC games) was built around a 6502 processor and then changed to a Z80 late in the computer’s development. A few months later, the CPC series would be completed with a computer which offered a built-in floppy disk unit: the CPC 664.

Ekkehard Morgenstern from Germany reports:
AMSDOS could be run only with Amstrad's 3" floppy disk drive. CP/M could be run either with 3" floppy disk drives or other drives available on the market. (I had a 5 1/4" Vortex disk drive with 704K capacity)

Actually CP/M was pretty good compared to MS-DOS, but of course it was only 8 bit. Interesting was that the Z80 processor was downwards compatible to the 8080 processor and hence allowed the 8-bit CP/M to be run without changes. But when programming in assembly language, you had to use the 8080 instruction set which had different mnemonics than the Z80's.

There was a lot of cool add-on hardware for the CPC. I had a MAXAM module which had a built-in editor, assembler and disassembler in ROM. This made it fairly easy to write BASIC and assembly mixed programs. (It would've been better though if the Locomotive BASIC would've had the ability to mix BASIC and assembly, like the BBC computer did)

Locomotive BASIC was surprisingly fast at the time and had even software interrupts, with which it was possible to react to hardware interrupts that were passed to the BASIC interpreter. Hence you could write programs that behaved like multitasking apps. The language also had an advanced sound architecture containing commands to define different wave-forms.

The tape drive routines in ROM had variable baud rate parameters, and so it was possible to store programs at 19200 baud or higher. However, this could lead to read errors of course, which was used as a copy protection by many programs sold on tape.