So according to https://uniabis.net/pico/msx/msxjp the FS-A1FM has MSX-JE. Is there an easy way to test for it in openmsx? Because right now the wiki does not mention it.
Japanese input
Kanji Basic and Kanji MSX-DOS2 etc. can be used for Japanese input including Kanji.
The input method differs depending on the presence of MSX-JE.
In some cases, it will be combined phrase conversion, otherwise it will be single kanji conversion.
In kanji BASIC, enter with CALL KANJI (0 to 3),
Switch Japanese input ON / OFF with CTRL + SPACE or GRAPH + SELECT.
All characters and conversion candidates being input are displayed at the bottom of the screen.
In case of KEY ON, it is displayed by switching to function key display.
On models with built-in word processor software, etc., the built-in software may operate differently.
MSX-JE (Dual Phrase Conversion)
This is an input method similar to the current Japanese input.
Assignments for Panasonic and Sony
are as follows, but key assignments differ depending on the environment.
SPACE-conversion, next candidate
SHIFT + SPACE-Former candidate
F1-Roman character / English number switching
F2-Full-width Katakana conversion
F3-Hankaku Katakana conversion
F4-JIS code conversion (4 digit input → F4)
F5 · RETURN-Confirm
Kana-Roman characters / Kana switching
Single Kanji conversion
Even MSX2 + Sanyo was this input method.
Suggestions are displayed when you enter a reading of one character.
Other than that, it is close to hiragana and katakana input.
Kana-Kana / English number switching
SHIFT + Kana-Roman character switching
SHIFT + input-Katakana input
SPACE-next candidate
Arrow-Select
I've just tested in blueMSX. It works with for example FS-A1WX, but not with the FS-A1FM.
The procedure can be explained more simply:
0 - (only for MSX2) add the MSX-DOS 2 cartridge
1 - boot (firmware de-activated)
2 - CALL KANJI
3 - Presss CTRL+ SPACE or GRAPH+SELECT
the result on the last line is not the same when MSX-JE is detected
4 - press the KANA key
5 - press any character
6 - try functions keys if MSX-JE detected
I think the mentioned procedure in BASIC and outside a Word Processor works only on MSX2+ and MSX Turbo R. For the MSX2 with MSX-JE, it must be checked inside the Word Processor. Not only the FS-A1FM is concerned, but also the FS-4600F. Bt we don't kow the exact way to use the WP.
AS this Japanese site contains many other intesresting things (also for programming), I think we can trust this site. Here's the main menu: https://uniabis.net/pico/msx/
Mars, your saying the MPC-25FS was meant for Europe. But there is a picture of the 25FS, and the writing on the back is in Japanese, and it is a 100V. Does not seem it was meant for Europe to me.
I think that page must be wrong. The only country in the world that uses 100V is Japan. It would simply not be usable anywhere else without a power converter.
On the other side, it's strange that there's no any trace of this model in the Japanese magazines or advertisements. And the price is unknown. Maybe for Japanese officials outside Japan ??? I'm puzzled with that.
The 25FS is a model exclusively sold in Japan. The keyboard is Japanese and it is not written "Made in Japan". In addition it is rare but it is sold from time to time on Yahoo auction and other Japanese sites. I even saw him in a Japanese store a long time ago.
