MOS / Commodore KIM-1

The MOS / Commodore KIM-1 is what was sometimes referred to as a "kit computer", meaning basically you bought it and figured it out yourself.  Sure it came with a manual, but it was very brief and for the more technical minded.

Largely a training machine, programs were entered via the 23 key hexidecimal keypad, and results were shown on the 6 LED's shown in the picture.  The first four lights are the memory address, the last two are what is stored in that address.

Programs were entered in MACHINE CODE, not assembly.  There were versions of BASIC available for it, which could be loaded if you made an interface for a tape drive and used a tape player to load it, as well as any other programs. Word has it that people expanded these machines drastically, to include a video monitor, full BASIC and a true keyboard.

TECHNICAL INFO:

CPU:            MOS 6502

MEMORY:  1.25 kilobytes

OS:               Machine Code, BASIC available

PORTS:       2 - 44 pin edge connectors

GRAPHICS: 6 digit LED, video monitor could be added for text only

SOUND:       N/A

Date Released:        1976