Research Machines 380Z
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| Developer | Research Machines Limited |
|---|---|
| Type | Personal computer |
| Release date | December 1977 |
| Discontinued | 1985 |
| Media | 5¼-inch or 8-inch floppy disk |
| Operating system | CP/M |
| CPU | Z80 at 4 MHz |
| Memory | 64 KB maximum (56 KB usable) |
| Graphics | 320×192 pixels, 2 bits per pixel (optional) |
The Research Machines 380Z (often called the RML 380Z or RM 380Z) was an early 8-bit microcomputer produced by Research Machines in Oxford, England, from 1977 to 1985.
The 380Z used a Z80 microprocessor (hence the name) with up to 56 KB of user RAM. When fitted with an optional floppy disk drive the system ran the CP/M operating system. The basic system came with a text-only monochrome video card, which could be enhanced with a 320×192 high-resolution graphics board.
Aided by a British government subsidy to schools for half of the price the 380Z was sold mainly to educational institutions in the United Kingdom, with some also sold to industry. In 1979 a dual 8-inch disk system with 56 KB of memory cost £3266, and a 16 KB cassette-based system cost £965 (excluding VAT).
The 380Z was packaged in a large, black, 19-inch rack-mount, rectangular metal case containing the power supply, a number of printed circuit boards and the optional 5¼-inch floppy disk drives. The front panel had a pair of strong carrying handles, a keyswitch and a reset button. The keyswitch controlled power and also enabled the reset button. The keyboard was separate and came in a tough metal case.
Early versions were contained in a light blue metal case with a white front and had only a cassette interface or 8-inch floppy drives; only a small number of these were made. An optional 8-bit ASCII paper tape punch/reader was also used, as this was a common storage medium at the time - where previous use of a computer had been limited to a teletype machine connected to mainframe by telephone.
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