Exidy Sorcerer  Sorcerer DP1000-1
exidy_sorcerer

The Exidy Sorcerer was one of the earliest Home Computers, it was launched in 1978. Compared to the competition, the machine had better graphics capability and memory options. It was based on the Z80 architecture which ran at a modest 2MHz.

The Sorcerer was also one of the first home computers that used ROM cartridges as a means of loading software. The cartridge was designed so that it fit in existing 8-track tape casings, which reduced the manufacturing cost. The Sorcerer came standard with a Microsoft BASIC ROM cartridge.

Despite the fact that the marketing was lacking, the machine sold well in Europe. In the Netherlands, the educational broadcasting company TELEAC decided to launch a computer course and viewers could purchase the course bundled with a Sorcerer.

In Europe the Sorcerer was distributed by CompuData, which licensed the design for local production in the Netherlands. Compudata produced the Exidy Sorcerer until 1983 and then switched to a machine of their own design, the Tulip computer which was a 8088-based architecture.

Two versions of the Sorcerer were produced, after some reported problems with the RS-232 serial port on the initial machines, a revised machine the Sorcerer II (DP1000-2 motherboard) was produced, replacing it.

Various hobby groups in the Netherlands and Australia developed RAM upgrades, speed upgrade kits, 80-column add-on cards and updated ROMs that replaced the internal monitor boot-loader program.

Re-used 8-track cartridge shell

The designers of the Exidy Sorcerer used 8-track tape cases as the basis for their catridge design, reducing manufacturing costs.

Released 1978 Country United States Brand Type EXIDY Sorcerer Name Sorcerer DP1000-1 CPU Class Z80 CPU Zilog Z80 @2MHz Memory 8kB, 32kB Max Sound Chip none Sound none Display Chip none Display 64x30 text
512x240 Mono
Sprites none System OS Monitor System Storage External Tape, ROM cartridges Original Price $895
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Sorcerer  DP1000-1 (1978)
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