Thomson TO7

Thomson TO7
Thomson TO7 computer on display at the Musée Bolo, EPFL, Lausanne
DeveloperThomson SA
TypeHome computer
Generation8-bit
Release dateFrance: 1 December 1982; 41 years ago (1982-12-01)
Lifespan1982-1984
Introductory price3750 FF
DiscontinuedMay 1984
Units soldMore than 40000 produced
MediaCassette tape, MEMO7 cartridges
Operating systemBASIC (in cartridge)
CPUMotorola 6809 @ 1 MHz
Memory22 KB RAM, 4KB ROM, 16KB cartridges
Display320 x 200, 8 colours (2 colour constraint for each 8x1 pixels)
GraphicsMotorola MCA1300 gate array on TO7/70[1]
SuccessorThomson TO8, Thomson TO9

The Thomson TO7, also called Thomson 9000[2] is a home computer introduced by Thomson SA in November 1982,[3] with an original retail price of 3750 FF.[4] By 1983 over 40000 units were produced.[4] About 84 games were released for the TO7.[5][6]

The TO7 is built around a 1 MHz Motorola 6809 processor. ROM cartridges, designed as MEMO7, can be introduced through a memory bay. The user interface uses Microsoft BASIC, included in the kit cartridge. The keyboard features a plastic membrane, and further user input is obtained through a lightpen. Cooling is provided by a rear radiator. A standard television can serve as a monitor using a RGB SCART (Peritel) connector, with a resolution of 320x200 (with 2 colors for each 8 x 1 pixels).

The TO7 prototype, called Thomson T9000, was developed in 1980. The differences regarding the production model are a different startup menu and buggier BIOS.[7]

  1. ^ "TO7-70 Circuit Diagram". dcmoto.free.fr.
  2. ^ "Thomson TO7". old-computers.com.
  3. ^ Miné, Antoine. "Thomson TO7 Emulation in MESS". Antoine Miné's Web Site.
  4. ^ a b "Thomson TO7". Obsolete Tears. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
  5. ^ "Thomson TO7 video games". Universal Videogame List. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  6. ^ "Listing of all Thomson TO7 games". The Video Games Museum. Retrieved 2023-01-01.
  7. ^ Miné, Antoine. "Thomson T9000 Emulation in MESS". Antoine Miné's Web Site.