Commodore MDS 6500

The Commodore MDS 6500 Microcomputer Development System was a specially configured PET 2001-N32 supplied with assembler and development tools. A matching 2040 disk drive formed part of the original package.

Produced in small numbers, it offered professional software development for the rapidly expanding 6502 ecosystem.

Notable Features

• Factory development software distinguishes it from an ordinary 2001-N32.
• The original package included a matching dual-disk system.

Historical Significance

• Produced in small numbers, it offered professional software development for the rapidly expanding 6502 ecosystem.

Collector’s Notes

• PET revisions often share names while differing in motherboard, ROM, keyboard and display hardware; the serial number and internal board revision should be recorded.
• Memory, storage, displays and expansion hardware should be documented because configurations often changed during a system’s working life.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Commodore MDS 6500
Manufacturer	Commodore
Launched	Monday, January 1, 1979
Discontinued	Early 1980s
Country	United States
CPU	MOS Technology 6502 at approximately 1 MHz
Units Sold
Form Factor	All-in-one metal desktop computer
Power	Internal mains supply
Networking	PET networking and shared-drive systems available from Commodore and third parties
Operating System	Commodore BASIC in ROM
Expansion / I/O	IEEE-488, cassette, user port and internal expansion connections
Keyboard	Full-size graphics keyboard
Storage	Matching Commodore 2040 dual floppy drive; external IEEE-488 disk drives supported
Sound	Piezoelectric beeper on later models; early PETs have no dedicated sound
Colours	Monochrome green or white phosphor
Graphics	MOS 6545/CRTC or discrete PET video logic depending on model; character graphics
Display	Built-in 9-inch CRT; 40 x 25 text
ROM	PET BASIC plus development firmware
RAM	32KB
CPU Speed	Approximately 1 MHz