Editing Osborne Vixen

{{Infobox computer
| name         = Osborne Vixen
| image        = [[File:Osborne-vixen.jpg|250px]]
| caption      = Osborne Vixen portable computer
| manufacturer = Osborne Computer Corporation
| type         = Portable Computer
| release date = November 1984
| discontinued = 1985
| price        = US$1,298 (1984)
| cpu          = Zilog Z80A @ 4 MHz
| memory       = 64 KB RAM
| storage      = Dual 5.25" double-sided, double-density floppy drives (400 KB each)
| display      = 7-inch monochrome CRT, 80×24 text
| sound        = Internal beeper
| dimensions   = 12.5" × 16.25" × 6.75"
| weight       = 18 lbs (8.2 kg)
| os           = CP/M 2.2
| predecessor  = [[Osborne Executive]]
| successor    = 
| codename     = Encore
| model        = OCC-4
}}

The '''Osborne Vixen''' is a Z80-based portable computer introduced by Osborne Computer Corporation in late 1984 as the successor to the Osborne Executive. Designed as a compact, luggable CP/M system, the Vixen featured a larger screen, increased storage, and improved portability for business users.

== Architecture and Processor ==
At its core, the Osborne Vixen utilised the '''Zilog Z80A''' microprocessor running at 4 MHz. The Z80A was a popular 8-bit CPU for CP/M systems, offering robust performance for business and productivity applications of the era.

The system architecture included:
* Z80A CPU @ 4 MHz
* 64 KB DRAM (maximum addressable by CP/M)
* Standard CP/M 2.2 BIOS and BDOS
* ROM for boot and system diagnostics

== Memory and Storage ==
The Vixen shipped with:
* '''64 KB RAM''' – the maximum supported by CP/M 2.2, used for operating system, applications, and RAM disk.
* '''Dual 5.25" floppy drives''' – double-sided, double-density, each offering 400 KB of storage (total 800 KB).
* Optional external 10 MB hard disk (Osborne "Hard Disk Subsystem"), connected via IEEE-488 interface.

The floppy drives supported standard CP/M disk formats, and the system could emulate a RAM disk for faster temporary storage.

== Display and Graphics ==
The Osborne Vixen featured a:
* '''7-inch monochrome CRT display'''
* '''80 columns × 24 rows''' text mode
* Green phosphor screen, non-graphics (text-only)

The larger screen was a significant improvement over the Osborne 1's 5-inch display, allowing full-width CP/M text editing and spreadsheet work.

== Sound Capabilities ==
Sound on the Vixen was limited to a simple internal beeper, used for system alerts and keypress feedback. No advanced audio hardware or synthesis was provided.

== Input/Output and Expansion ==
The Osborne Vixen included a variety of I/O ports and expansion options:
* '''Parallel port''' (Centronics-compatible) for printers
* '''Serial port''' (RS-232C) for modems and terminals
* '''IEEE-488 port''' for external hard disk subsystem
* '''Composite video output''' for external monitor connection
* '''Keyboard''' – detachable, full-stroke, 69-key layout with numeric keypad

Expansion was limited compared to desktop CP/M systems, but the Vixen's ports allowed connection to most business peripherals of the era.

== PCB Schematics & Service Manual ==
<templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" />

{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%; text-align:center;"
! Main Logic Board & IO
! Schematics
|-
| [[File:Vixen CPU top.jpg|center|thumb|249x249px|Osborne Vixen Main Logic Board]][[File:Vixen IO top.jpg|center|thumb|Osborne Vixen IO Board]]
| [[File:Vixen Schematic.pdf|center|thumb|Osborne Vixen Schematic]]
|}

The official '''Osborne Vixen Service Manual''' and full schematics are available on the [[:Category:Osborne Documentation|Osborne Documentation]] category page

== Gallery ==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Osborne-vixen.jpg|Osborne Vixen portable computer (front view)
File:osborne-vixen-back.jpg|Rear panel with I/O ports
File:Vixen CPU top.jpg|Main logic board
</gallery>

== Related Pages ==
* [[Osborne Vixen Maintenance Guide|Osborne Vixen General Maintenance]]
* [[Osborne Vixen Troubleshooting Guide]]
* [[Osborne 1]]

[[Category:Osborne]]