{"id":5046,"date":"2014-07-28T18:57:19","date_gmt":"2014-07-28T17:57:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/?p=5046"},"modified":"2026-05-25T11:20:56","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T09:20:56","slug":"retro-neu-der-sammlung-schneider-cpc-6128","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/en\/retro-neu-der-sammlung-schneider-cpc-6128\/","title":{"rendered":"Schneider CPC6128"},"content":{"rendered":"

Purely by chance, I have now also acquired another significant computer from the history of 8-bit computing\u2014the Schneider CPC6128<\/strong>. I received it together with the \u201cGT 65<\/strong>\u201d green-screen monitor, an external 3-inch floppy disk drive, and a stack of 3-inch floppy disks. I was able to test the computer immediately\u2014though not the external floppy drive, as the connecting cable to the CPC<\/strong> is missing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

History<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The devices originated in England\u2014where they were produced and distributed by the company Amstrad<\/strong>\u2014while for Germany, the company Schneider<\/strong> handled the distribution. Incidentally, the abbreviation CPC<\/strong> stands for \"Colour Personal Computer<\/strong>.\" The first model in the series was the Schneider CPC464<\/strong>, released in 1984 with 64 KB of memory. It featured an integrated cassette drive; the 3-inch floppy disk drive (FD1)\u2014along with its controller (DDI1)\u2014was available separately. In 1985, the machine was voted Computer of the Year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

In 1985, the CPC664 model<\/strong> was released, featuring a slightly improved keyboard as well as an internal 3-inch floppy disk drive. Shortly thereafter, its successor\u2014the CPC6128<\/strong> (also released in 1985)\u2014hit the market. In addition to the integrated floppy drive, this model now boasted 128 KB of RAM (organized as 2 \u00d7 64 KB via bank switching).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The computer was usually sold as a bundle with a monitor\u2014consequently, the CPC<\/strong> was very attractively priced. The C64<\/strong> was more expensive, as both the floppy disk drive and a monitor always had to be purchased separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technically, the Schneider (Amstrad)<\/strong> was state-of-the-art and could hold its own against the Commodore 64<\/strong>. In some respects, it was even superior\u2014save for the lack of hardware support for sprites.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Schneider
Schneider CPC 6128 \u2013 Rear View<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Technical Specifications<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside, a 4 MHz *Zilog Z80A* is at work\u2014though, due to the wait states that the *Gate Array* imposes on the processor during memory access, the effective speed is somewhat lower. A *Motorola 6845* (CRTC) handles the video output, working in conjunction with the Ferranti *Gate Array* characteristic of the CPC. The latter serves as the true heart of the computer, controlling video timing, mode switching, and memory access. Additionally, an *Intel 8255 PPI* is present to handle I\/O tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three graphics modes are available:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Mode 0:<\/strong> 160 \u00d7 200 pixels with 16 colors<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Mode 1:<\/strong> 320 \u00d7 200 pixels with 4 colors<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Mode 2:<\/strong> 640 \u00d7 200 pixels with 2 colors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    The complete range comprises 27 colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Upon switching on the **CPC**, you land directly in *Locomotive Basic*, which is embedded in the ROM\u2014specifically version 1.1 on the 6128 (the CPC464 still featured version 1.0). Thanks to the *Z80* processor used, the system also offered compatibility with the operating systems *CP\/M 2.2* (64 KB) or *CP\/M 3.0\/Plus* (128 KB), which could be loaded via floppy disk. Incidentally, *AMSDOS*\u2014supplied by Amstrad\u2014is not a distinct operating system layer in its own right, but rather a floppy disk extension for Locomotive Basic.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n
    \"Schneider
    Schneider CPC 6128 – Disk Drive<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    The 3-inch floppy disk format<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The 3-inch floppy disk format (CF-2), developed by Hitachi, never truly managed to gain widespread traction; due to its limited distribution, the price of the disks remained high\u2014at the time, they cost between 7 and 20 DM. The disks themselves were double-sided and had a capacity of 360 kB (180 kB per side). Since the CPC computers were equipped with single-sided drives, the disks had to be physically flipped over in order to write to the second side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Apart from the CPC models, the 3-inch format also appeared in the Sinclair ZX Spectrum +3<\/strong> and the Schneider Joyce<\/strong> (Amstrad PCW)\u2014meaning my collection includes several representatives of this idiosyncratic design. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"The
    Left: 3-inch floppy disk \u2013 Right: 3.5-inch floppy disk<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Sound<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sound in the CPC<\/strong> is handled by an AY-3-8912<\/em> chip from General Instrument. The chip generates three tone channels plus a noise generator. The signal is output in mono via the built-in speaker; stereo output\u2014featuring hard-wired panning (Channel A left, Channel B center, Channel C right)\u2014is available only through the 3.5mm headphone jack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Incidentally, Yamaha's *YM2149F*\u2014which was built into the *Atari ST*\u2014also hails from the same chip family; while both chips are closely related, they are not identical. The 8912 in the CPC, for instance, features only one I\/O port, whereas the 8910 (or YM2149) has two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Power Supply<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The power supply of the CPC<\/strong> is implemented in an unusual manner. The computer itself features neither a built-in power supply unit nor a direct power connection. Instead, the monitor is utilized to provide power. To this end\u2014taking the **GT65** as an example\u2014two cables emerge: one serves as the connection for the monitor, while the other supplies the 5 volts required by the computer. The **CPC** itself is equipped with a cable that connects to the 12-volt input located on the front of the monitor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As a result, it isn't quite so simple to connect the CPC<\/strong> to a TV using an RGB SCART cable, since the Schneider also needs to be supplied with power. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Incidentally, there were two lines of monitors: the green monochrome monitors GT64\/GT65<\/strong> and the color monitors CTM640\/644<\/strong>. Anyone who wanted a color monitor had to dig significantly deeper into their pockets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Market Performance and the End of the Model Series<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Around 3 million CPCs were sold worldwide\u2014a remarkable success. In 1990, the series came to an end with the Plus series<\/strong> (CPC 464Plus, CPC 6128Plus) and the dedicated game console, the Amstrad GX4000<\/strong>. Incidentally, I also have the GX4000 in my collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    My Copy \u2013 The Typical Quirks<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    With my particular unit, I encountered a problem where no floppy disks could be read. Whenever I attempted to access the disks, I consistently received a \"Bad Command\" error. The disks themselves were in good working order (having been tested on a **Sinclair ZX Spectrum +3**), and the seller assured me that everything had been working fine on his end. My initial suspicion fell on the drive belt of the CPC's floppy drive; however, upon opening the computer, the belt appeared to be in excellent condition (it had likely been replaced previously). After examining the floppy drive more closely, I spotted a threaded \"metal pin\" connected to a guide mechanism leading to the read\/write head. Because the guide had slipped out of its proper position within the threads, the read\/write head was unable to move, resulting in the aforementioned error message. I believe this issue was caused by the shipping process. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    After receiving a connection cable to link the FD-1 to my CPC, I unfortunately discovered that the drive was displaying nothing but read errors on the screen. So far, I haven't been able to repair the drive. I would be grateful for any tips\u2014or for a helpful CPC specialist who might be able to fix it. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Since I had never worked with the Schneider CPC<\/strong> before, this is uncharted territory for me\u2014and I will certainly dedicate an article to one or two of my experiences. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Durch Zufall bin ich nun auch noch zu einem anderen wichtigen Computer der 8-Bit-Computergeschichte gekommen \u2013 den Schneider CPC6128 \u2013 diesen habe ich zusammen mit \u2026<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":34674,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[333],"tags":[4737,4750],"class_list":["post-5046","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-schneider-cpc","tag-hardware","tag-heimcomputer"],"modified_by":"Jungsi","wp-worthy-pixel":{"ignored":false,"public":"24f6bf9c84b54cbca913f28c45eea380","server":"","url":"https:\/\/vg03.met.vgwort.de\/na\/24f6bf9c84b54cbca913f28c45eea380"},"wp-worthy-type":"normal","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Schneider-CPC-6128-oben.jpg","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":10648,"url":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/en\/ddi-1-interface-schneider-cpc\/","url_meta":{"origin":5046,"position":0},"title":"DDI-1 Interface","author":"Jungsi","date":"17. April 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Der erste Computer der Schneider CPC-Serie, der CPC464, hatte lediglich ein internes Kassettenlaufwerk. Dies war zwar praktisch und kosteng\u00fcnstig, jedoch auch recht langsam. Aus diesem Grund wurde ab 1985 das Schneider DDI-1 angeboten. Um genauer zu sein, das DDI-1 ist eine Kombination aus einem Interface und einem Diskettenlaufwerk. Im Lieferumfang\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Schneider CPC"","block_context":{"text":"Schneider CPC","link":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/en\/category\/retro\/schneider\/schneider-cpc\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"DDI-1 Vorderseite","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/ddi-1-vorderseite.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":9335,"url":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/en\/schneider-cpc464-retro-schneider\/","url_meta":{"origin":5046,"position":1},"title":"Schneider CPC464 [Retro: Schneider]","author":"Jungsi","date":"19. July 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Schneider CPC464 Auch der \u201eerste\u201c Schneider CPC ist nun in meiner Sammlung. Wenn ich ehrlich bin, sind es sogar zwei. Den ersten habe ich aus Versehen ersteigert, der zweite war ein Schn\u00e4ppchen auf einer Retro-Veranstaltung in M\u00fcnchen. Dort hatte ich eine gro\u00dfe Schachtel mit einem CPC gesehen und einfach mal\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Retro"","block_context":{"text":"Retro","link":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/en\/category\/retro\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Schneider CPC 464 - Anschl\u00fcsse","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/schneider-cpc-464-anschluesse.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":24842,"url":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/en\/schneider-joyce-8256-8512-schneider\/","url_meta":{"origin":5046,"position":2},"title":"Schneider Joyce 8256\/8512","author":"Jungsi","date":"28. April 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Die Joyce von Amstrad\/Schneider ist heute weit weniger bekannt als die CPC-Heimcomputer der gleichen Firmen, obwohl sie in den 80er Jahren ein Verkaufsschlager war. Im Jahr 1985 als der CPC664 und kurz darauf der CPC6128 auf den Markt kamen, wurde im Herbst die \u00d6ffentlichkeit mit einem weiteren Ger\u00e4t \u00fcberrascht: der\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Schneider Joyce"","block_context":{"text":"Schneider Joyce","link":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/en\/category\/retro\/schneider\/schneider-joyce\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Schneider Joyce 8256","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Schneider-Joyce-8256.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Schneider-Joyce-8256.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Schneider-Joyce-8256.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Schneider-Joyce-8256.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Schneider-Joyce-8256.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":11578,"url":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/en\/just-cpc-128k-schneider-cpc\/","url_meta":{"origin":5046,"position":3},"title":"JUST CPC 128K [Schneider CPC]","author":"Jungsi","date":"15. May 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Nach dem Just Speccy 128K - dem Nachbau des Sinclair ZX Spectrum 128 mit integrierten DivSD-Laufwerk, nun der neueste Streich von ZAXON, dem unerm\u00fcdlichen Bastler aus Frankreich. Vor einiger Zeit hat\u00a0er das Gegenst\u00fcck zum Just Speccy\u00a0ver\u00f6ffentlicht - den Just CPC 128K (basierend auf dem Schneider CPC 6128). Auch dieses Projekt\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Retro"","block_context":{"text":"Retro","link":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/en\/category\/retro\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/just-cpc-128k-testaufbau-mit-diskettenlaufwerk.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/just-cpc-128k-testaufbau-mit-diskettenlaufwerk.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/just-cpc-128k-testaufbau-mit-diskettenlaufwerk.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.jungsi.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/just-cpc-128k-testaufbau-mit-diskettenlaufwerk.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6897,"url":"https:\/\/www.jungsi.de\/en\/schneider-ctm644-retro-schneider-cpc\/","url_meta":{"origin":5046,"position":4},"title":"Schneider CTM644 [Retro: Schneider CPC]","author":"Jungsi","date":"23. 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