NorthStar HORIZON Manual page 2

INTROD~CTION
The North Star Computers HORIZON™ is a high-performance, Z80A
based microcomputer system which is especially suited for
business, educational, and software development applications. It
features fast-access disk storage as an integral part of the
package, 4 MHz microprocessor operation, and built-in I/O
capability. The HORIZON uses the S-100 bus structure, allowing a
large selection of compatible products. The system will support
up to 4 disk drives, allowing up to 716K bytes of on-line disk
storage. Powerful system software, including North Star Disk
BASIC, Disk Operating System, and Monitor program, are provided
on diskette with disk versions of the HORIZON. The HORIZON is
compatible with nearly all programs previously written for 8080
or Z80 based machines. North Star BASIC programs which run on
the North Star MICRO-DISK SYSTEM will also run on the HORIZON. A
list of the growing number of HORIZON-compatible applications
programs is included in the North Star Newsletter, which you will
receive after filling out and returning vour Warranty Card.
If you have purchased your HORIZON as a kit, then skim this
manual completely once, and then carefully follow the
instructions in sequence. Be sure to read the Assembly
Information section, even if you are an experienced kit builder.
If you have purchased an assembled HORIZON, be sure to read the
Using the Serial Interfaces section for instructions on
connecting a terminal. You need only read the assembly and
checkout sections for a more complete understanding of how your
computer is built. Of course, if you plan to maintain the
HORIZON yourself, the checkout steps will be very important.
It is important for every HORIZON user to be familiar with the
Operation and Maintenance section, and all sections of this
manual and the accompanying manuals describing the North Star
software. There is a lot of material presented here, but you
will obtain far more performance from your computer if you take
the time to read about all of its capabilities. The HORIZON
documentation includes:
HORIZON Computer System Manual
North Star Z80A Processor Board Manual
North Star 16K RAM Board Manual
North Star System Software Manual
SA-400 minifloppy OEM Manual
Z80 Technical Manual