introduction to the pet/cbm ii
The PET features :
- Between 4k & 96k RAM depending on the model
- Expandable memory in most models
- 40 or 80 column models, business & graphic keyboards
- Various Commodore BASIC variants (reused VIC20 & C64)
- IEEE 488 port for disk/printer connectivity
- SuperPET allowed a second 6809 CPU to be added
- First machines to feature PETSCII
The Commodore PET (Personal Electronic Transactor) was Commodore's
first full-featured computer (the KIM-1 counts as their first computer but
does not have the functionality or feature set of the PET range).
The PET set the tone for Commodore's later mass market machines,
the VIC20, C64 & C128. The PET is also the first all-in-one personal
computer, although both Apple & Radio Shack had offerings; they
appeared after the release of the PET.
The PET 2001 was the first in the series released & despite it's tiny & hard
to use chiclet keyboard (later upgraded) became an instant success in the marketplace.
The 2001 initially appeared as a 4k model but was soon released in an 8k variant, then 16k & 32k. These machines were released in Europe as the 30xx range. In Australia, the earliest models were branded as Hanimex as they were, at that time the Australian distributor. Next releases were the 40xx series & 80xx series. The final "classic' PET release was the SP9000 (SuperPET or MicroMainframe developed by the University of Waterloo to teach computer programming).
After the failure of the CBM II series, the PET line was re-introduced in the new style of case that had been designed for those machines. These were the SK (seperate keyboard) models that also included a swivel monitor. These were originally retrofitted PET 8032's but the later models included the 64k expansion - thus known as 8296's.
The CBM II features :
- VIC-II 40 column colour screen in the 'P' series
- 6545 80 column CRT chip on the B series
- 1MHz 6509 in the P machines, 2Mhz 6509 in the B machine
- 6581 SID chip in both ranges for sound
- CBM BASIC 4.0 (enhanced version)
- IEEE 488 port for disk/printer connectivity
- Industry standard RS-232 serial interface
- Optional 8088 coprocessor board to allow the machine to run
CP/M-86
or MS-DOS 1.25 (B Series)
The II's were released in two basic models - the B128/256 (released in Europe as the 600 & 700) designed for the business market & equipped with an 80 column monochrome monitor & the P series for the home market released in Europe as the 500.
Most of Commodore's inventory was recalled & destroyed, although the P500 was commercially released (at least in Europe) & a number of liquidated machines were sold in the USA by Proteco Enterprises.
The case design (which was later re-used for the re-released PET) is often regarded as the "sexiest" computer ever released.
about our site
Mission statement :
To provide an active & vibrant community devoted to keeping the Commodore PET & CBM II series alive (hence the name of the site) into the future.
To gather together in one place as much relevant material as possible & to provide a "one stop shop" for the PET/CBM II community.
To foster a friendly & sharing PET/CBM II community.
To provide accurate information & discussions about the PET/CBM II.
To promote an active development scene for the PET/CBM II.
To preserve & distribute PET/CBM II related software, manuals & code.
And above all - to have a good time while we're doing it!