{"id":2497,"date":"2026-10-01T18:31:54","date_gmt":"2026-10-01T16:31:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.etsii.urjc.es\/museo\/?page_id=2497"},"modified":"2026-10-01T19:53:39","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T17:53:39","slug":"display-case-3","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.etsii.urjc.es\/museo\/en\/exhibition\/display-case-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Display case 3"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This display case is dedicated to 8-bit computers. During the 1980s, four major players flourished in the home computing market: Sinclair, Amstrad, Commodore, and MSX (a standard championed by a consortium of companies, including Philips, Sony, Sanyo, Canon, Panasonic, and Fujitsu). Of the three major manufacturers, Sinclair was acquired by Amstrad very early on (1986), which itself disappeared in 2011. Commodore, for its part, lasted until 1994.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

On the first shelf, we find two Amstrad computers, which follow the design pioneered by the 464 (see next shelf). On the right, we have a CPC 664 (1985), which replaces the integrated cassette drive with a built-in floppy disk drive. It also softens the red, green, and blue colours of some of the 464’s keys, replacing them with a pale blue, giving it a more professional look. As for memory, it maintained a capacity of 64 kB of RAM. When we received this computer as a donation, it was missing the number 4 key, but we were able to replace it using the 3D printer at the School of Computer Science (ETSII<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the left side, we find a CPC 6128 (1985), which, as you might imagine, boasted an impressive 128 kB of RAM for the time. Like the 664 model, it has an integrated floppy disk drive. In fact, we’ve inserted a 3″ floppy disk into the drive slot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These computers come with two programming books: one for BASIC and one for assembler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

On the second shelf from the top, to the right, we have an Amstrad CPC 464 computer (1984), with its characteristic rectangular shape, angled corners, coloured keys, and integrated tape drive. This computer had 64 kB of RAM and used a specific monitor. Our Museum has both a monochrome and a colour monitor (not shown due to space limitations), as well as the module that allowed the CPC to be connected to a standard television. We have also connected a GX4000 controller, similar to the one for the Sega Master System (see display case 1<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the left, we find an external FD-1 floppy disk drive. The floppy disks are 3 inches and are a proprietary Amstrad format, very different from the 5 1\/4-inch or 3 1\/2-inch disks used in PCs<\/a>. We’ve placed a sample disk from the “Action and Adventure” video game pack (2019) inside; the box can be seen in the background left corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfolded halfway, we have added an advertising leaflet for CPC 464.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, on the front of the display case, several games and programs on cassette can be seen: “Fruit Machine” (1985), “Amsdraw I” (1985), “Word Processor” (1985), “Animal, Vegetable, Mineral” (1985), “La Abad\u00eda del Crimen”<\/em> or “The Abbey of Crime” (a 2021 reissue of the legendary Spanish game created in 1987 by Paco Men\u00e9ndez and Juan Delc\u00e1n for Opera Soft), and “Xevious” (1983). The cassette for the latter game is inserted into the CPC’s cassette player.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

On the third shelf from the top, we find three computers from the British company Sinclair. Starting from the left, we see a Timex Sinclair 1000 (1982), a variant of the ZX81. Characterized by its square case with a membrane keyboard, it had a paltry 2 kB of RAM, which suggests its capabilities were very limited. Its processor was a Zilog Z80. Next to the Timex, we find a user and programming manual, as well as a cassette with introductory programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the centre of the shelf is Sinclair’s crown jewel: the ZX Spectrum, colloquially nicknamed “El Gomas”<\/em> (The Rubber One) in Spain because of its rubber keys. The computer was rectangular, not square like the ZX81, and displayed a four-colour rainbow in the upper right corner, which became a hallmark of Sinclair computers. Also based on a Z80 processor, the Spectrum offered 16 kB of memory (later increased to 48 kB). Its graphics and sound capabilities were far inferior to those of the Commodore 64, but its price was unbeatable, resulting in resounding success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the right of the shelf, we can see a ZX Spectrum+ (1984), noticeably larger and with a much more professional keyboard than its predecessor. It does, however, retain the characteristic rainbow in one corner. To connect a joystick, we used a multi-joystick interface with two ports. This model was sold in Spain by Investr\u00f3nica, as evidenced by a warranty seal located on the underside (you have to turn the computer over to see it). We can also find a cassette with introductory programs for the Spectrum+.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the front of the display case, we’ve placed three copies of magazines dedicated to Sinclair computers. On one side, we have issue number 1 of “Todospectrum”<\/em> magazine (September 1984), next to issue number 6 of “MicroHobby Semanal”<\/em> magazine (December 1984). On the other side, we find issue number 3 of “ZX” magazine (January 1987).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the right of the display case are several examples of video games in cassette format: “Ram\u00f3n Rodr\u00edguez \u2013 Aventuras y Desventuras de un Punki de Aki”<\/em> or “Ram\u00f3n Rodr\u00edguez \u2013 Adventures and Misadventures of a Punk from Here”, produced by the Spanish company Erbe Software (1986), “Gauntlet” by US Gold and distributed by Erbe Software (1986) and, finally, “Galvan” by Imagine Software and also distributed by Erbe (1986).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

On the second shelf from the bottom, we find the computer that holds the Guinness World Record<\/a> for best-selling computer of all time: the Commodore 64, from the first half of the 1980s (at the back on the left). Housed in the famous “breadbox,” so named for the bulky casing that housed the keyboard and all the necessary circuitry, the C64 stands out for its superior graphics and sound capabilities, far exceeding those of the Sinclair Spectrum or the Amstrad. It should also be noted that its price was significantly higher than its competitors, which is why Commodore was particularly successful in the United States, while in Europe in general, and in Spain in particular, Sinclair and Amstrad dominated the domestic market. In terms of memory, it offered 64 kB of RAM plus 20 kB of ROM and was based on a MOS Technology 6510 processor, a variant of the 6502. Connected we have a Spectravideo joystick, with red buttons (centre part at the back), as well as the reference manual for the programmer (front, on the left).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the front left, next to its “parent,” we find a C64 mini (2018), an improved and updated reissue of the Commodore 64. It includes an HDMI connection, a couple of USB ports, and a collection of 64 pre-loaded games, such as the legendary “Impossible Mission” (Epyx), “Everyone’s a Wally” (Mikro-Gen), and “Skool Daze” (Microsphere), among many others. The keyboard on this mini-console is purely decorative. As you can see, it has a retro-style USB joystick connected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the front right side of the shelf, we find several examples of magazines dedicated to this computer. On one side, we can see issue number 1 of “Input Commodore” (September 1985), with a striking cover showing a C64 with eyes and ears. Next to it is issue number 2 of “Commodore World” (March 1984). At the back, open in the middle, is a special “Computers” issue of “Muy Interesante”<\/em> magazine (1984), with diagrams and photographs of the C64.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This shelf is completed by a few games on cassette, “Master of the Lamp” (1985) and “Road Blasters” (1988). We don’t have the Datasette<\/a>, the Commodore 64’s tape drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Finally, on the bottom right shelf, we find the Commodore VIC-20 computer, the predecessor to the C64 on the shelf directly above it. It uses the same breadbox, although in a paler colour. The VIC-20’s capabilities are far inferior: it had 5 kB of RAM and 20 kB of ROM, and its graphics and sound were also quite limited compared to its successor. Next to the computer, we find a user manual, as well as issue number 8 of “Commodore World” magazine (October 1984), open to the middle, with a sample program ready to be typed in and tested on the VIC-20.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the left side of the shelf, we leave the Commodore world behind and delve into the fourth and final competitor in the 8-bit scene: MSX. This was a standard architecture created by Japanese companies and the American company Microsoft, leading to a proliferation of manufacturers compatible with it. The computer shown here is a Canon V-20 (1983), based on the Zilog Z80 processor (like the Spectrum). It had 64 KB of RAM and 32 KB of ROM. Like other computers of the time, the keyboard was integrated into the circuitry casing. A notable feature compared to others was its four arrow keys: up, down, right, and left. In front of the V-20, you can see a cartridge game, “The Maze of Galious” (1987), as well as a brochure from the Sony MSX Users Club, dated 1986.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Below, we list the detailed contents of each shelf in this display case:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

* Amstrad CPC 6128 computer
* Amstrad CPC 664 computer
* Amsoft CF-2 case and floppy disk
* Book “Programming with Amstrad” (Ian Sinclair)
* Book “Machine Code Routines for Your Amstrad” (Clive Gifford and Scott Vincent)<\/td><\/tr>
* Amstrad CPC 464 computer with GX4000 controller
* Amstrad FD-1 external 3″ floppy disk drive
* “Fruit Machine” video game
* “Amsdraw I” program
* “Word Processor” program
* “Animal, Vegetable, Mineral” video game
* “La Abad\u00eda del Crimen”<\/em> (“The Abbey of Crime”) video game
* “Xevious” video game (box and cassette)
* “Action and Adventure: Absolute Zero, The Royal Lineage, Galactic Tomb” video game (box and floppy disk)
* Fold-out advertising leaflet about the Amstrad CPC 464<\/td><\/tr>
* Timex Sinclair 1000 Computer
* Timex Sinclair 1000 BASIC User and Programming Manual, with cassette “Introduction to the TS 1000”
* Sinclair ZX Spectrum Computer
* Sinclair ZX Spectrum+ Computer, with a connected joystick and cassette “User’s Guide”
* “Ram\u00f3n Rodr\u00edguez \u2013 Aventuras y Desventuras de un Punki de Aki”<\/em> (“Ram\u00f3n Rodr\u00edguez \u2013 Adventures and Misadventures of a Punk from Aki”) video game
* “Gauntlet” video game
* “Galvan” video game
* “Todospectrum”<\/em> Magazine, issue 1 (September 1984)
* “Microhobby Semanal”<\/em> Magazine, issue 6 (December 11-17, 1984)
* “ZX” Magazine, issue 37 (January 1987)<\/td><\/tr>
* Commodore 64 Computer
* Spectravideo Joystick
* Book “Commodore 64 Reference Guide”
* “Commodore World” Magazine, Issue 2 (March 1984)
* “Input Commodore” Magazine, Issue 1 (September 1985)
* Special “Computers” issue of “Muy Interesante”<\/em> Magazine (1984)
* “Master of the Lamp” Video Game (case and cassette)
* “Road Blasters” Video Game (case and cassette)
* C64 Mini Video Game Console with Retro-Style Joystick<\/td><\/tr>
* Canon V-20 MSX computer
* Video game “The Maze of Galious” (MSX cartridge)
* Sony MSX Club brochure (1986)
* Commodore VIC-20 computer
* Book “VIC-20 User Manual”
* “Commodore World” magazine, issue 8 (October 1984)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Display case 2<\/a><\/td>Display case 4<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This display case is dedicated to 8-bit computers. During the 1980s, four major players flourished in the home computing market: Sinclair, Amstrad, Commodore, and MSX (a standard championed by a consortium of companies, including Philips, Sony, Sanyo, Canon, Panasonic, and Fujitsu). Of the three major manufacturers, Sinclair was acquired by Amstrad very early on (1986), […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"parent":2439,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2497","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.etsii.urjc.es\/museo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2497","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.etsii.urjc.es\/museo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.etsii.urjc.es\/museo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.etsii.urjc.es\/museo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.etsii.urjc.es\/museo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2497"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.etsii.urjc.es\/museo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2497\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2536,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.etsii.urjc.es\/museo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2497\/revisions\/2536"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.etsii.urjc.es\/museo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2439"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.etsii.urjc.es\/museo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2497"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}