MPF-1 (MicroProfessor 1)

Posted by musovern on Apr 4th, 2018 in Micro-Professor, Single Board Computers | 0 comments

The MPF-1 (MicroProfessor 1) was a computer system specifically designed by Multitech (now known as Acer!) as a learning tool for use in the teaching of microprocessor, microelectronics, and control technology. In the 80’s it was sold as an Z80 CPU learning and initiation system, and believe it or not, it is still in production and sold by http://www.flite.co.uk/.

The capacities of the system were quite poor. The standard model could be programmed only in machine code through a small hexadecimal keyboard. When sold in it’s original package it had the particularity to look like a book when closed.

There was an EPROM socket, which can be compared to a cartridge slot. A mini-Basic EPROM and some other utilities and languages were available as options.

There are in fact two models: MPF-1 (later called MPF-1A) and MPF-1B. The MPF-1(A) is machine code programmed only whereas the MPF-1B offers a really crude version of BASIC (one button = 1 command, as per the early TRS-80) in addition to the machine code capabilities.

 

 

 

 

NAME MPF-1 A/B
MANUFACTURER Multitech
TYPE Home Computer
ORIGIN Taiwan
YEAR 1981
BUILT IN LANGUAGE Machine code
KEYBOARD Hexadecimal calculator-type keyboard
36 keys including, 16 hexadecimal keys, 19 function keys, and one user-definable key
CPU Zilog Z80
SPEED 1,79 MHz
CO-PROCESSOR 8255 Programmable Peripheral Interface (used for keyboard scanning and control of seven-segment LED display)
RAM 2 KB (up to 4 KB)
ROM 2 KB (up to 8 KB)
TEXT MODES 6 digits (Six digit half-inch seven-segment red LED display)
GRAPHIC MODES None
COLORS No (red 😉 )
SOUND Beeper
SIZE / WEIGHT 1575 x 2230 x 160 mm / 1.41lb
I/O PORTS Z80 bus, PIO CPC I/O bus, cassette interface, EPROM slot
POWER SUPPLY The board operates from a single 5V power supply and has a current consumption of 500mA
PRICE MPF-1 – Micro-Professor: $149