• CPU: Intel 8086 8 MHz
• RAM: 512 KB (up to 640 KB)
• ROM: 16 KB
• Text Modes: 40 x 25 / 80 x 25
• Graphic Modes: 320 x 200 / 640 x 200 (CGA graphic modes) + 640 x 200 / 16 colors (Amstrad specific mode)
• Colors: 4 (CGA colors) / 16 (in Amstrad Mode)
• Sound: Beeper
• I/O Ports: Centronics, RGB, RS232, Mouse (proprietary), Joystick, 8 bit ISA slots (3)
• Keyboard: Full-stroke professional keyabord, with function keys, numeric keypad and editing keys
• Built In Media: One or two 5.25” disk-drives
• OS: MS-DOS or DR-DOS

Basically the same as MESS ibmpc emulation

• Emulated: special keyboard, special mouse, special joystick, unique dipswitches, unique color graphics adapter mode

• CHARACTER ROM dump is missing, and so multinational character support

Work stopped until more information available or character ROM available

IBM XT compatible desktop with modified CGA Monitor. Sold as Schneider PC1512 in Germany

The Amstrad PC 1512 was launched in 1986. After the Amstrad CPC 464, the CPC 664 and the CPC 6128 (three home computers based on the Z80) and the PCW 8256 and the PCW 9512 (both dedicated word processing computers based on the Z80 as well), Amstrad decided to make its first low-cost PC clone. It was a great European success, capturing more than 25% of the European computer market (impressive now and phenomenal then).

This cheap computer was, however, complete and offered more than some others did. The small power supply (57 W) was integrated into the monitor.

Eight models were offered: The PC 1512 SD/DD (with one or two 5.25” floppy disk drives) and two models with hard disk (HD10 with 10 MB hard disk and HD20 with 20 MB hard disk). FD and HD versions could be acquired with a monochrome or colour monitor.

The Amstrad used an “enhanced” CGA graphic mode, which could display 640×200 pixels with 16 colors (or grayscale). It was sold with MS-DOS 3.2, DR-DOS plus 1.2 (an operating system from Digital Research), GEM (a graphic interface, also used in the Atari ST, TT & Falcon), GEMPAINT and GEM BASIC.

The mouse port, although using 9 pins like a COM port, is proprietary to Amstrad. The port is female and is only for use with an Amstrad mouse.

(info from old-computers.com)

• Amstrad 1512 Page
• PC 1512 at old-computers.com