Contents |
Description
Computer
Sony HB-F1II is a cost reduced version of the HB-F1 to better compete against the Panasonic FS-A1, while also adding a REN-SHA-TURBO slider (auto-fire for both joystick and spacebar).
The Sony HB-F1II was available only in black. It was aimed at the Japanese market.
The computer comes with an external power adapter, it includes a pause button that allows users to pause the system at will and a speed slider to slow down the system.
The cursors keys have a socket for a small 'stick joystick' - which mechanically operates the cursor keys - when not in use the joystick can be clipped in a special storage hole under the MSX
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | HB-F1II |
| Year | 1987 |
| Region | Japan |
| Launch price | ¥29,800 |
| RAM | 64kB in slot 3-3 |
| VRAM | 128kB |
| Media | MSX cartridges |
| Video | Yamaha V9938 |
| Audio | PSG |
| Chipset | Yamaha S1985 |
| Keyboard layout | QWERTY/JIS |
| Extras | firmware (Address book, Schedule and Memo), pause button, speed controller, Ren-Sha Turbo (autofire) |
| Emulation | ROMs dumped and emulated |
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.
From MSX-BASIC, you can go to the Personal Databank with CALL HITBIT or _HITBIT.
Trivia
When keeping the Y and P keys pressed during boot, you will get a scrolling list of the development team followed by a digitized voice saying "It's a Sony!".
Pictures
Specifications
The Sony HB-F1II is a MSX2 with 2 cartridge slots (one at the top, one at the back). The CPU is a Z80A from NEC (uPD780C-1). A MSX-Engine from Yamaha (S1985) is used.
The AC-HB3 power adapter specifications are the same as the Panasonic FS-AA51 adapter for the Panasonic FS-A1 and FS-A1mkII.
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 RAM | |||||||
| Page 8000h~BFFFh | Firmware 2 | Firmware 3 | ||||||||
| Page 4000h~7FFFh | Main-ROM | Firmware 1 | ||||||||
| 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 controllers, ...)
- 2 cartridge slots