Contents |
Description
Computer
The Sony HB-T7 is a computer whose external design is based on the HB-F5 but that is internally very different, especially with the addition of a modem.
It was sold as Communication Terminal. It's one of the two computers released by Sony in the communication sector, the other one is the HB-T600.
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | HB-T7 |
| Year | 1987 |
| Region | Japan |
| Launch price | ¥59,800 |
| RAM | 64kB in slot 3-3 + 8kB SRAM |
| VRAM | 128kB |
| Media | MSX cartridges |
| Video | Yamaha V9938 |
| Audio | PSG (YM2149 integrated in MSX-Engine S1985) |
| Chipset | Yamaha S1985 |
| Keyboard layout | QWERTY/JP50on + numeric keypad |
| Extras | Telcom firmware, Modem, MSX-Modem BASIC, Kanji-ROM level 1, reset button, switch for telephone line tone / pulse |
| Emulation | partially emulated in blueMSX - ROM dump needed for openMSX. See this thread for details |
Firmware
The included firmware is different from the HB-F5. It is automatically launched when you boot the computer.
It is actually a new version of the firmware included in the HBI-1200 modem, combining MSX-Modem BASIC and a data communication program, that can also be found in the Panasonic FS-CM1 modem and the Panasonic FS-A1FM computer.
The Sony version does not have the specific Panasonic extras (Access to The LINKS network, Documents Management, Automatic Awakening).
From MSX-BASIC, you can go back to the firmware with CALL TELCOM or _TELCOM.
Pictures
Computer
Firmware
Specifications
The HB-T7 is a MSX2 with two cartridge slots, a Z80A from Sharp (LH0080A) and an MSX-Engine S1985 from Yamaha. The modem speed is 300/1200bps and has automatic features (dial and log in).
Slot Map
| Slot | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slot 0 | Slot 1 | Slot 2 | 3-0 | 3-1 | 3-2 | 3-3 | ||||
| Page C000h~FFFFh | Cartridge Slot 1 | Cartridge Slot 2 | 64kB RAM | |||||||
| Page 8000h~BFFFh | ||||||||||
| Page 4000h~7FFFh | Main-ROM | Firmware* | ||||||||
| Page 0000h~3FFFh | Sub-ROM | |||||||||
(*) The 64kB firmware rom is in slot 3-1, it has a mapper and is composed of 8 blocks of 8kB. It has also 8kB SRAM.
Connections
- RF output (RCA)
- Analog sound & Composite video (RCA)
- RGB output
- Two RJ11 modular connectors for modem (line in and telephone out)
- Data Recorder connector
- Centronics compatible Parallel port for a printer
- 2 general connectors (Joysticks, Mouse, Paddle controllers, etc)
- 2 cartridge slots
- AC power socket