Memotech MTX

Memotech MTX
The Memotech MTX500 model with a black case. The keyboard is shown without a monitor or other peripherals attached. The keyboard enclosure houses the computer.
Memotech MTX500
ManufacturerMemotech
TypeMicrocomputer
Release date1983; 41 years ago (1983)
Introductory priceMTX500: £275 (equivalent to £1,172 in 2023)

MTX512: £315 (equivalent to £1,343 in 2023)

RS128: £399 (equivalent to £1,620 in 2023)
Operating systemCP/M (optional)
CPUZilog Z80A @ 4MHz
Memory32KB (MTX 500), 64KB (MTX 512) or 128KB (RS 128)
Removable storageCassette, cartridge, 5.25" floppy disk (optional)
Display256 x 192 resolution, 16 colors
GraphicsTMS9918 or 9928
SoundSN76489A 3.5mm phono
Controller inputJoysticks (2x Atari pin-out)
ConnectivityParallel port, cassette, joysticks (2x), RS-232 (2x optional), audio, TV (RF), monitor (composite)
Dimensions48.6 x 20.3 x 5.7 cm
Mass2.6 Kg

The Memotech MTX500 and MTX512[1][2][3] are a range of 8-bit Zilog Z80A based home computers released by the British company Memotech in 1983 and sold mainly in the UK, France, Germany and Scandinavia. Originally a manufacturer of memory add-ons for Sinclair machines, Memotech developed their own competing computer when it was perceived the expansion pack business would no longer be viable.

The Memotech machines were technically similar to, although not compatible with, the MSX standard, making use of the same CPU and video chip. The machines were particularly distinguished from other microcomputers available at the time by the generous maximum memory ceiling. The 500 and 512 models could be expanded internally up to 512K, an unusually large amount of RAM in 1983 for a computer aimed at home use.

The MTX range saw the addition of the RS128 in 1984 which was a similar machine but with more memory. The machines achieved only modest sales, not assisted by the unfortunate timing of being released shortly before a period of reducing interest in UK home micro purchases through 1984, when a number of other British micro manufacturers entered financial difficulties. The MTX was selling into a highly competitive space, with the much cheaper Sinclair ZX Spectrum finding favour with home users, the BBC Micro conquering the education market and the IBM PC making inroads into becoming a standard for business.

The prospect of a very large contract with the Soviet Union was on the horizon by 1985 and a Russian version of the machine was designed, complete with a bright red case. This could have been the saviour of the range but ultimately the deal fell through and Memotech entered bankruptcy. The company was subsequently relaunched and the final version of the machine was the MTX512 Series 2 released in 1986, produced mainly as a way of using up stocks of parts before the business moved on to other ventures.[4]

The MTX512 (together with the FDX floppy drive peripheral) is remembered for an appearance in the 1985 comedy movie Weird Science where it had a central role in the plot, being used to conjure the character Lisa played by Kelly LeBrock.[5]

  1. ^ "Advertisement: A world apart from the ordinary: Introducing the MT512". InfoWorld. June 18, 1984. p. 24.
  2. ^ "MEMOTECH MTX 500 /512". OLD-COMPUTERS.COM : The Museum.
  3. ^ "Introducing the MTX512 A world Apart from the Ordinary". Computing Now!. June 1984. p. 17.
  4. ^ "30 years on: Remembering the Memotech MTX 500 • The Register". 2023-01-27. Archived from the original on 2023-01-27. Retrieved 2023-07-02.
  5. ^ "Starring the Computer - Memotech MTX 512 in Weird Science (1985)". 2023-06-01. Archived from the original on 2023-06-01. Retrieved 2023-07-02.