SVI-838

SVI-838

Also known as	X'press 16
Manufacturer	Spectravideo
Type	personal computer
Release date	1986
Operating system	MS-DOS 2.11 / CP/M-86
CPU	Intel 8088 @ 4.77 MHz
Memory	256 KB (+128 KB VRAM)—640 KB (max.)
Removable storage	Cartridge, disc drive
Graphics	CGA, Yamaha V9938
Sound	AY-3-8910

The SVI-838, also known as X'press 16, is the last microcomputer produced by Spectravideo (at Hong Kong). Although it was a PC clone, it had the standard sound and video coprocessors of the MSX2, making it a hybrid system. The sales were unimpressive and it is now considered a collectible.

With a SVI-811 adapter, the machine could run MSX1 programs in cartridge.

Technical specifications

The SVI-838 had the following technical specifications:

• CPU: Intel 8088 @ 4.77 MHz
• RAM: 256 to 640 KB
• VRAM: 128 KB (V9938); 16 KB (CGA)
• ROM: 16 KB (BIOS)
• Keyboard: mechanic, PC standard 83 keys
• Display: CGA and Yamaha V9938 for MSX2 graphics
• Sound: General Instrument AY-3-8910 (PSG)
• Ports: two joystick ports, TV out, video monitor out, parallel port, serial port, sound out (RCA), cartridge slot, SV expansion slot, one ISA slot.
• Storage: single 51⁄4" disk drive (360 KB); two disk drives; one disc drive and a 20 MB HD

Peripherals

Main itens:

• SVI-109P: Quickshot IX, joyball (IBM compatible)
• SVI-811: MSX1 Game Adapter (an adapter with a Zilog Z80A UCP and MSX standard joystick ports)
• SVI-812: Multifunction card (384 KiB RAM, RS-232C, RTC)
• SVI-813: cooler
• SVI-814P: PAL RF Adapter (to colour TVs or RGB monitor)
• SVI-815: Monitor Cable (D15 to 21 pins adapter, to RGB monitor)
• SVI-816: Monitor Cable (D15 to 8 pins adapter, to digital/analog RGB monitor).

External links

• (in Spanish)-SVI-838 X'Press at Museo de los 16 Bits
• "SVI-838 Circuit Diagram" (PDF).