Spectravideo SVI-318

The SVI-318 was an 8-bit microcomputer based on Zilog's Z80 microprocessor, manufactured by Spectravideo in 1983, on whose hardware the design of the MSX standard was based. Two models were launched, the SVI-328 aimed at the more professional market, and the SVI-318, with less memory and a worse keyboard as a low-end model.

Internally they are identical to the MSX, except for the ports and memory layout. Basic with very few differences, with very easy adaptation. Several companies released MSX adapters. Spectravideo released one with an MSX Cartridge port and an MSX cassette jack, but it did not allow communication between both modes. CGG (a Basque company) released a cartridge and disk that allowed not only the use of MSX tape games and MSX DOS, but also switching from SVI to MSX mode without losing memory. Not all of them worked, but it allows you to load a Basic MSX cassette and switch to SVI mode, saving in that mode (MSX and SVI recordings are incompatible with each other)

In Spain it is imported by several companies, until Indescomp (later Amstrad Spain) takes over the official distribution, which then passes to SVI Spain when the parent company establishes a subsidiary due to the success of its MSX and compatible PCs. In the Education section, a product from SVI Spain stands out: an SVI328 with SuperExpander and 10/20 Mega HD, acting as a server for an SVI 328/MSX network as a computer classroom

See also: SVI-328 MSX

Features

The characteristics of the Spectravideo 318 are:

• microprocessor Zilog Z80 A to 3.6 MHz (8-bit and 16-bit address registration).

• ROM of 32 Kb (16 of them the BASIC interpreter), enlarged to 96 Kb by cartridges
• 16 Kb RAM expandable to 144 Kb via external banks (with MiniExpander or SuperExpander adapters). 32 Kb accessible directly from BASIC, although banks that see Zilog Z80 can be controlled
• 16 Kb VRAM controlled by TMS9918 video chip
• Rectangular box of white plastic. Slot cartridge protected by tray at the top. Power LED. Joystick shots on the right side. Homemade, expansion and TV/AV in the back.
• Keyboard of 67 calculating rubber keys in QWERTY format. All keys included: Escape, Tab, Caps Lock, Control and 2 Shift. 5 function keys at the top (using Shift + Fn, a total of 10 functions available). Normal space bar. On the right 2 special keys: Left Graph and Right Graph. They are used with alphanumerics to produce the graphic characters serigraphed on the panel on each key. Stop key along with 3 edit keys: (Copy, Paste/Insert, Out/Delete). A red led on the Caps Lock key looks when we have capital nails. What highlights is the bright red joystick mounted instead of the cursor key. In fact, Joystick controls the cursor. A Select key, which acts as a Fire button is located up to the left. (with memory is the difference with older brother SVI-328). In both models, cursor keys were considered Joystik 0
• AY-3-8912 chip controlled with 3 sound channels plus one white noise. 8 octaves available.
• Screen controlled by the Chip of TMS9918 graphics with sprites capacity and user-defined characters. 16 colors available. It has 3 modes:
  • SCREEN 0 Text in 40 x 24.
  • SCREEN 1 High resolution graphics of 256 x 192, with some color restrictions.
  • SCREEN 2 Low-resolution charts of 64 x 48
• As a native support you use:
  • Casete (owned interface) to 1200 children
  • 5'25 discs in CP/M SVI 328 format (simply or double-sided)
  • 10/20 Mb hard disk
  • ROM cartridge up to 64 Kb
• Your input / output connectors are
  • TV connector (RF NTSC or PAL modifier).
  • Composed Video DIN 5 Connector.
  • Port Cartucho SVI
  • Expansion slot.
  • Homemade interface. (1200 baud)
  • 2 joystick/paddle/raton/tracball standard MSX. Accept joystick standard Atari.
  • External power supply connector

Extensions

• SV-803 Memory Extension Card, 16 Kb
• SV-807 Memory Extension Card, 64 Kb
• SV-805 Port Card RS 232
• SV-701 Internal modem 300 Bd
• SV-802 Puerto Centronics Card
• SV-806 Card 80 columns
• SV-801 floppy controller card
• HD Controller
• Network card
• SV-602 MiniExpander allows you to connect a single card.
• SV-601a Expander provides power supply and several slots, with external floppys.
• SV-601b The SuperExpander, the same but with internal floppy and HD (like the case of IBM PC)
• SV-603 Colecovision Cartridge Adapter
• SV-901 Printer 80 columns 50 cps (a renamed Seikosha). Sold with the SV-801
• SV-902 External floppy unit. Initially SSDD, DSDD is also removed
• SV-903 SVI cassette unit
• SV-105 Graphic Tablet
• Joysticks QuickShot I, II and III. SVI is always a highly appreciated jewellery manufacturer (some extravagant but well designed). You may have one on your PC or console under Logic 3. The I and II are standard, being the II one of the most appreciated by the plays of all systems. The III is a special design to use with the SV-603 and even with the Colecovision console

Source

• The Museum of the 8 Bits