UKNC

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UKNC
UKNC
Type Study and research computer
Release date 1987
Operating system RAFOS, FODOS, RT-11
CPU 2 × KM1801VM2
Memory RAM 192 KB, ROM 32 KB

UKNC (Russian: УКНЦ) was a Soviet PDP-11-compatible educational computer, aimed at teaching school informatics courses. It is also known as Elektronika MS-0511. UKNC stands for Educational Computer by Scientific Centre.

Hardware

  • CPU: KM1801VM2 @ 8 MHz, 16 bit data bus, 17 bit address bus
  • Peripheral processor: KM1801VM2 @ 6,25 MHz
  • CPU RAM: 64 KB
  • PPU RAM: 32 KB, ROM: 32 KB, video RAM: 96 KB (3 planes 32KB each, each 3-bit pixel had a bit in each plane)
  • Graphics: max 640x288 with 8 colors in one line (16 or 53 colors on whole screen), it's possible to set individual palette, resolution (80, 160, 320 or 640 dots per line) and memory address for each of 288 screen lines; no text mode.
  • Keyboard: 88 keys
  • built-in LAN controller
  • built-in controller for common or special tape-recorder with computer control (to use for data storage, usually 5-inch FDD's were used)

One unique part of the design is the usage of a peripheral processing unit (PPU). PPU unloaded the CPU, taking responsibility for the management of peripheral devices (display, audio and so on), but could run any user programs, as well as CPU.

The computer was released in 3 sub-models: 0511, 0511.1, 0511.2. The 0511.1 model, intended for home use, had a power supply for 220V AC, while others utilized 42V AC. The 0511.2 featured new firmware with extended functionality and changed the marking of the keyboard's gray keys, compared to the initial version. The photo shows an 0511.2 variant.

There was no active cooling, and at least the 0511.2 variant tended to overheat and halt after several hours of operation.

The case and keyboard (with changed markings) were re-used to produce an IBM PC clone, though less well-known than the once famous Poisk computer.

Software

See also

External links

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