Contents |
Description
The HX-21 is the same version as the HX-20 computer with a extra RGB output. It is an intermediate machine between the HX-20 and the HX-22.
The following models exist:
| Product | Region | Keyboard | Video and audio out | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HX-21 | JP | QWERTY/JIS | RF, composite video and stereo audio, RGB RP13A | Optional RS-232C interface |
| HX-21F | FR | QWERTY with accent key | only RGB SCART |
Although it's a MSX1 computer, the Japanese model can use a part of the MSX memory to create a Memory Disk (feature generally reserved for MSX2 and higher computers).
The RS-232C interface can be added by adding the connector and probably some components.
A kit was sold for the HX-20 and HX-21 by Toshiba in Japan at the time. This is the HX-R701 kit. It can also be used on the HX-23, HX-23F and HX-32.
| Brand | Toshiba |
| Model | HX-21 / HX-21F |
| Year | 1984-10-16 (Japan) 1985 (France) |
| Region | HX-21: Japan HX-21F: France |
| Launch price | JP: ¥79,800 |
| RAM | 64kB in slot 3-0 (HX-21) or probably split between slots 0 and 3-0 (HX-21F) |
| VRAM | 16kB |
| Media | MSX cartridges |
| Video | Texas Instruments TMS9928A |
| Audio | PSG (AY-3-8910A) |
| Chipset | Toshiba TCX-1010 in HX-21, Toshiba TCX-1012 in HX-21F |
| Keyboard layout | QWERTY/JIS |
| Extras | firmware (Japanese Word Processor - Kanji-Kun v.2.0 or English Word Processor), (only Japanese version) MemoryDisk BASIC, Printer BASIC, stereo PSG sound and RS-232C BASIC, (only Japanese version and optional) Toshiba HX-R701 RS-232C interface + switch |
| Emulation | ROMs dumped and emulated for the HX-21 version. ROM dumps needed for the HX-21F version. See this thread for details |
Pictures
Check also the pages about the different models!
Specifications
The HX-21 is a MSX1 with 2 cartridge slots (one at the top, one at the back) and a a Z80A from Sharp (LH-0080A).
The 2 joystick ports are located on the right side of the computer, as well as the data recorder connector.
In the HX-21F, the 64kB RAM is probably split in half between the slots 0 and 3-0, a configuration that can cause poorly written software to crash. Also, with this layout, the POKE-1,(15-PEEK(-1)\16)*17 trick to workaround buggy software that does not handle subslots properly will not work on this machine.
Slot Map on HX-21
| Slot 0 | Slot 1 | Slot 2 | Slot 3-0 | Slot 3-1 | Slot 3-2 | Slot 3-3 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Page C000h~FFFFh | Cartridge Slot 1 | Cartridge Slot 2 | 64kB RAM | Mirror | ||||||
| Page 8000h~BFFFh | Firmware | |||||||||
| Page 4000h~7FFFh | Main-ROM | |||||||||
| Page 0000h~3FFFh | Mirror |
- The Firmware ROM is a 32kB ROM - 4000h-BFFFh, which is mirrored (4000h-7FFFh is mirrored to C000h-FFFFh and 8000h-BFFFh is mirrored to 0000h-3FFFh)
Slot Map on HX-21F
| Slot 0 | Slot 1 | Slot 2 | Slot 3-0 | Slot 3-1 | Slot 3-2 | Slot 3-3 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Page C000h~FFFFh | Upper 32kB RAM | Cartridge Slot 1 | Cartridge Slot 2 | Mirror | ||||||
| Page 8000h~BFFFh | Firmware | |||||||||
| Page 4000h~7FFFh | Main-ROM | Lower 32kB RAM | ||||||||
| Page 0000h~3FFFh | Mirror |
- The Firmware ROM is a 32kB ROM - 4000h-BFFFh, which is mirrored (4000h-7FFFh is mirrored to C000h-FFFFh and 8000h-BFFFh is mirrored to 0000h-3FFFh)
Connections
- RF output (only on HX-21)
- RGB output RP13A connector (HX-21) or SCART connector (HX-21F)
- Analog sound (stereo with Stereo/Mono switch) & Composite video (only on HX-21)
- Slot for the HX-R701 optional RS-232C connector (only on HX-21)
- Data Recorder connector
- Centronics compatible Parallel port for a printer
- 2 general connectors (Joysticks, Mouse, Paddle controlers, etc)
- 2 cartridge slots
- Power plug male for main power supply (on HX-21: JIS C 8303 class, AC 100V +/-10% 50/60Hz)
- Ground terminal (HX-21F only)
Pages in category "Toshiba HX-21"
The following 2 pages are in this category, out of 2 total.