Contents |
Description
Computer
The FS-A1FX is a computer released on the Japanese market by Panasonic. It is the same as the FS-A1WX but without MSX-MUSIC or Word processor, which explains why the "取消" (Cancel) and "実行" (Execute) keys are missing.
The Ren-Sha Turbo feature provides auto-fire mode while playing games. The repetition speed can be adjusted with a slider.
This model was available in black and red on the front.
| Brand | Panasonic |
| Model | FS-A1FX |
| Year | 1988-10-21 |
| Region | Japan |
| Launch price | ¥57.800 |
| RAM | 64kB in slot 3-0 |
| VRAM | 128kB |
| Media | MSX cartridges, 2DD floppy disks |
| Video | Yamaha V9958 |
| Audio | PSG (AY-3-8910 compatible, integrated in MSX-Engine T9769x) |
| Chipset | Toshiba T9769 model A or B and gate array Mitsubishi M50014 |
| Keyboard layout | QWERTY/JIS + numeric keypad |
| Extras | CPU Turbo mode, 720kB 3,5" floppy disk drive, firmware switch, pause button, Ren-Sha Turbo slider (autofire), Kanji-ROM level 1, Kanji BASIC, Cockpit firmware, Utility disk with MSX-DOS 1 and files used by the firmware |
| Emulation | ROMs dumped and emulated. The firmware switch is emulated in the OFF position, such that the machine will not by default boot to the integrated firmware application. This can be changed in openMSX with the "set firmwareswitch on" command. |
Firmware
The firmware is launched automatically when you boot the machine. Bypassing this software on startup requires the user to press the DEL key during boot until a Beep sound or to change the position of the front switch before booting the computer.
The built-in Cockpit software has different features, just like its predecessor Deskpac on the Panasonic MSX2 computers.
Its menu presents 7 options:
- 0 - Screen Colors
- 1 - Clock
- 2 - Calendar
- 3 - Disk Utility
- 4 - Video Graphics (in screen 8)
- 5 - Picture Gallery (in screen 12)
- 6 - MSX-BASIC
Besides, icons give access to Clock Settings and Screen Adjust.
Options 3 to 5 require the utility disk in drive A. The Video Graphics application in screen 8 is a version without superimposing and digitizing support, but there's an icon for using the FS-RS500 scanner.
Software
An utility disk was provided with this computer.
Besides MSX-DOS 1, the disk includes several files that are useful with the firmware.
Pictures
Computer
Firmware
Utility disk
Specifications
The FS-A1FX is a MSX2+ with 2 cartridge slots (one at the top, one at the back) and a Z80A integrated in the MSX-Engine T9769(A or B) from Toshiba. This Z80A can be switched from to 3.58 MHz to 5.37 MHz via I/O port. The floppy disk controller is the Toshiba TC8566AF.
There is a front switch to disable the Cockpit firmware execution on startup.
Main RAM can be natively expanded to 256kB internally. (See below)
MSX-MUSIC can be added internally by soldering the missing chips. The main difficulty is to add the ROM. (See below)
Floppy Disk Belt specifications:
Type: Rubber Belt
Thickness: 0.3mm
Diameter: 58mm
Width: 3mm
Original Slot Map
| Slot 0 | Slot 1 | Slot 2 | Slot 3-0 | Slot 3-1 | Slot 3-2 | Slot 3-3 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Page C000h~FFFFh | Cartridge Slot 1 | Cartridge Slot 2 | 64kB Memory Mapper | |||||||
| Page 8000h~BFFFh | Kanji driver | A1 Cockpit | ||||||||
| Page 4000h~7FFFh | Main-ROM | Disk ROM | ||||||||
| Page 0000h~3FFFh | Sub-ROM |
Modified Slot Map
(Removing of A1 Cockpit and addition of MSX-MUSIC)
| Slot 0 | Slot 1 | Slot 2 | Slot 3-0 | Slot 3-1 | Slot 3-2 | Slot 3-3 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Page C000h~FFFFh | Cartridge Slot 1 | Cartridge Slot 2 | 64kB Memory Mapper | |||||||
| Page 8000h~BFFFh | Kanji driver | |||||||||
| Page 4000h~7FFFh | Main-ROM | Disk ROM | MSX-Music | |||||||
| Page 0000h~3FFFh | Sub-ROM |
Connections
- RF output
- RGB output
- Analog sound & Composite video
- Data Recorder connector
- Centronics compatible Parallel port for a printer
- 2 general connectors (Joysticks, Mouse, Paddle controlers, etc)
- 2 cartridge slots
- Power Plug male for main power supply (JIS C 8303 class, AC 100V +/-10% 50/60Hz)
CPU Turbo mode
Contrary to Sony and Sanyo MSX2+ systems which run only at 3.58 MHz, the Panasonic systems are capable of running at 5.37 MHz. In Basic this can be achieved with the following commands:
Activating the 5.37 MHz Mode
Switching to Turbo 5.37 MHz mode can be activated with this command:
OUT 64,8: OUT 65,0
Prefer to use the following line in your program:
IF PEEK(&H2D)=2 THEN OUT 64,8:IF INP(64)=247 THEN IF (INP(65) AND 4)=0 THEN OUT 65,0
Deactivating the 5.37 MHz Mode
Switching back to 3.58 MHz is done with this command:
OUT 64,8: OUT 65,1
Prefer to use the following line in your program:
IF PEEK(&H2D)=2 THEN OUT 64,8:IF INP(64)=247 THEN IF (INP(65) AND 4)=0 THEN OUT 65,1
Maintenance / Repair / Upgrades
- Replacing the old FDD belt of Panasonic MSX2+ and turbo R. (sold on ebay - product code: Panasonic FW-U1P501J)
- Replacing the FDD with a PC-Drive
- Adding a 2nd Drive
- Adding MSX-Music: FM chip and Rom.
- RAM Upgrade
- How to upgrade RAM to 512kB, add MSX-Music and replace RF by S-Video connector (Japanese)
- How to upgrade RAM to 8192kB (Japanese)
Recommended batteries: Lithium batteries or Eneloop (white or cyan).
Batteries advised against: Alkaline batteries because they leak one day or another.