My Superbrain

Here is another computer in my collection, arriving November 2005. It is a Intertec Superbrain, and this particular machine was built in late 1980 or early 1981.

This Superbrain

Make and Model: Intertec Superbrain
Built: probably late 1980/early 1981
Serial Number: 6D3128
Where bought: Ebay
When bought: November 2005
Cost me: �86.00
Condition at arrival: Broken

Superbrain Factfile

Manufacturer: Intertec Data Systems in USA
Introduced: 1979 (in UK)
Processor: Z80 at 4MHz
Memory: 32K or 64K bytes of RAM, 2K of ROM
OS or Language: CP/M 2.2
Display: monochrome 80 by 24 text
Graphics: graphics characters only
Keyboard: Proper keyboard with numeric keypad
Sound: beeper
I/O Ports: 2 RS232 serial ports
Mass storage: 2 40 track single or double sided floppy disks.
Second Z80 controls the disks.

Useful links:

oldcomputers.com has a Superbrain page
Dave Dunfield also has a Superbrain page.
1000 Bit has a Superbrain page. Includes schematics!
Commercial CP/M Software Archive
The Unofficial CP/M Web site

Some adverts and other Superbrain information:

Notice in this first advert that BASF disk drives are fitted, the full face of the drive is visible. Later models have Tandon drives and they are hidden behind the computer case. This first advert is from Practical Computing October 1979.

It took until August 1980 for Personal Computer World to review the machine. By then it had lost the BASF drives. They reviewed a QD machine (Quad Density: 35 track, double sided drives). More up to date reviews at www.pcw.co.uk

Personal Computer World Superbrain article (August 1980) reproduced with permission from VNU Business Publications, London, UK