Osborne Vixen: Difference between revisions
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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. | 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. | 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. | ||
| Line 33: | Line 33: | ||
* ROM for boot and system diagnostics | * ROM for boot and system diagnostics | ||
== | == Memory and Storage == | ||
The Vixen shipped with: | The Vixen shipped with: | ||
* '''64 KB RAM''' – the maximum supported by CP/M 2.2, used for operating system, applications, and RAM disk. | * '''64 KB RAM''' – the maximum supported by CP/M 2.2, used for operating system, applications, and RAM disk. | ||
| Line 41: | Line 41: | ||
The floppy drives supported standard CP/M disk formats, and the system could emulate a RAM disk for faster temporary storage. | 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: | The Osborne Vixen featured a: | ||
* '''7-inch monochrome CRT display''' | * '''7-inch monochrome CRT display''' | ||
| Line 49: | Line 49: | ||
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. | 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. | 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: | The Osborne Vixen included a variety of I/O ports and expansion options: | ||
* '''Parallel port''' (Centronics-compatible) for printers | * '''Parallel port''' (Centronics-compatible) for printers | ||
| Line 62: | Line 62: | ||
Expansion was limited compared to desktop CP/M systems, but the Vixen's ports allowed connection to most business peripherals of the era. | 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" /> | <templatestyles src="Template:StyledTable/styles.css" /> | ||
{| class="wikitable styled-table" style="width:80%; text-align:center;" | {| 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 CPU top.jpg|center|thumb|249x249px|Osborne Vixen Main Logic Board]][[File:Vixen IO top.jpg|center|thumb|Osborne Vixen IO Board]] | ||
| Line 75: | Line 75: | ||
The official '''Osborne Vixen Service Manual''' and full schematics are available on the [[:Category:Osborne Documentation|Osborne Documentation]] category page | 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"> | <gallery mode="packed" heights="200"> | ||
File: | File:Osborne-vixen.jpg|Osborne Vixen portable computer (front view) | ||
File: | File:osborne-vixen-back.jpg|Rear panel with I/O ports | ||
File: | File:Vixen CPU top.jpg|Main logic board | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
== | == Related Pages == | ||
* [[Osborne Vixen General Maintenance]] | * [[Osborne Vixen Maintenance Guide|Osborne Vixen General Maintenance]] | ||
* [[Osborne Vixen Troubleshooting Guide]] | * [[Osborne Vixen Troubleshooting Guide]] | ||
* [[Osborne 1]] | * [[Osborne 1]] | ||
[[Category:Osborne | [[Category:Osborne]] | ||
Latest revision as of 19:12, 12 May 2025
 | |
| Osborne Vixen portable computer | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Osborne Computer Corporation |
| Type | Portable Computer |
| Released | November 1984 |
| Discontinued | 1985 |
| Intro 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 / Firmware | CP/M 2.2 |
| Predecessor | Osborne Executive |
| Codename | Encore |
| Model no. | 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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]| Main Logic Board & IO | Schematics |
|---|---|
  |
File:Vixen Schematic.pdf |
The official Osborne Vixen Service Manual and full schematics are available on the Osborne Documentation category page
Gallery
[edit | edit source]-
Osborne Vixen portable computer (front view) -
Rear panel with I/O ports -
Main logic board
