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APF Imagination Machine

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APF Imagination Machine
ManufacturerAPF Electronics Inc
TypeVideo game console
GenerationSecond generation
Release dateNovember 1979; 45 years ago (November 1979)[1]
Introductory priceUS$700 (equivalent to $3,033 in 2024)
MediaCartridges, Compact Cassette
CPUMotorola 6800 8-bit @ 0.89 MHz (3.579 MHz Oscillator divided by 4)
Memory9 KB RAM (expandable to 17 KB (8 KB / 16 KB + 1 KB)) , 14 KB ROM
GraphicsVideo Display Controller MC6847 @ 256×192×4, 128×192×8
SoundOne sound channel in 5 octaves

The APF Imagination Machine is a combination home video game console and computer system released by APF Electronics Inc. in late 1979.[1] It has two separate components, the APF-M1000 game system, and an add-on docking bay with full sized typewriter keyboard and tape drive. The APF-M1000 was built specifically to compete with the Atari 2600. The full APF Imagination Machine, including the APF-M1000 console and the IM-1 computer component, originally sold for around US$700 (equivalent to $3,033 in 2024).


Specifications

  • CPU: 8-bit 0.89 MHz Motorola 6800 (3.579 MHz Oscillator divided by 4)
  • ROM: 14 KB
  • RAM: 9 KB expandable to 17 KB (8 KB / 16 KB + 1 KB)
  • Video Display Controller: MC6847
  • Resolutions: 256×192×4 / 128×192×8
  • Colors: 8
  • One sound channel in 5 Octaves
  • Controllers: 2
    • 13 buttons
      • 0-9 numeric keypad
      • Clear and End key
      • Trigger
    • 4 way joystick

Special features

The APF Imagination Machine has a few stand-out features for its time.

APF Basic

The bundled APF Basic compiler allows any users to develop their own programs. Most retailers of the system offered a full and hefty instruction manual to explain how the specialized code works, and a tech sheet that specifies every function of every chip on the console, so as to allow the users to make the most efficient code possible. To encourage more home users to create their own games and trade them, a monthly mailing list lasted well through the video game crash of 1983 and into the next generation of consoles.

Special cassette

One of the most marketed features of the console is the dual-sided cassette drive that allows the user to write or use a stored program, and also to record or play audio. The feature is generally used for programmers to leave notes about their work, or for instructions to be read aloud before a game is played.

Peripherals

The console has a number of aftermarket add-ons:

  • RS232 Storage Cartridge
  • Floppy Disk Storage
  • 8k RAM Cartridge
  • Mini Floppy Disk Storage
  • Telephone Modem

It has a hub of sorts, generally called the "building block", which allows for the connection of some standard computer accessories.

Games

In addition to the 1 Basic interpreter cartridge bundled with the system, only 15 official game cartridges were ever released by APF Electronics Inc, although several game cartridges contain multiple titles. Many games were created by an active programming community of owners and distributed through the monthly newsletter, released on cassette tape or printout.

The official game list is as follows:

  • Artist and Easel
  • Backgammon
  • Baseball
  • Blackjack
  • Bowling / Micro Match
  • Boxing
  • Brickdown / Shooting Gallery
  • Budget Manager
  • Casino
  • Catena
  • Hangman / Tic-Tac-Toe / Doodle
  • Pinball / Dungeon Hunt / Blockout
  • Rocket Patrol
  • Space Destroyers
  • UFO / Sea Monster / Break it down / Rebuild / Shoot

APF IM-2 console

APF had planned on releasing a follow up to the original M1000 Imagination Machine game console, but went out of business just before the console could go to market. No official specs have ever been released, although some former employees have mentioned that it was essentially the same M1000 core with typical upgrades.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b Bassett, S. B. (May 12, 1980). "APF's Imagination Machine". InfoWorld. Vol. 2, no. 7. Palo Alto, CA: Popular Computing. pp. 14, 16. ISSN 0199-6649.
  2. ^ Greenfield, Larry (May 2010). "The APF Imagination Machine". Retrieved July 26, 2013.
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