Fujitsu FM16 Beta

The Fujitsu FM16β was a 16-bit business computer based on an 8 MHz Intel 80186. It supplied 512KB of memory, accelerated 640x400 graphics and extensive Japanese character support as standard.

FD systems included twin 1MB floppy drives, while HD systems combined one floppy with a 10MB hard disk. Later FDII and HDII versions moved to an 8 MHz 80286 and helped lead into Fujitsu’s FM R business range.

Notable Features

• One of the earlier business computers to use Intel’s 80186.
• Custom graphics hardware greatly accelerated drawing over the FM-11.

Historical Significance

• Succeeded the FM-11EX and became a bridge to Fujitsu’s FM R series.
• Offered unusually complete Japanese-language support for its time.

Collector’s Notes

• FD, HD, FDI, HDI, FDII and HDII denote substantially different configurations.
• The 1986 II models use an 80286 rather than the original 80186.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Fujitsu FM16 Beta
Manufacturer	Fujitsu
Launched	Saturday, December 1, 1984
Country	Japan
CPU	Intel 80186 at 8 MHz with Motorola 68B09E display processor
Units Sold
Operating System	Japanese CP/M-86; later MS-DOS 2.1/3.1 and 286 XENIX
I/O	Serial, parallel and expansion interfaces
Keyboard	Separate JIS or thumb-shift keyboard
Storage	Two 1MB 5.25-inch floppies, or one floppy and 10MB hard disk
Sound	Internal beeper
Graphics	640x400, two screens, 8 colours selectable from 16
Display	Japanese business monitor
ROM	System and Japanese character ROM
RAM	512KB standard, expandable to 1MB; later 80286 models 1MB to 3MB
CPU Speed	8 MHz