Fujitsu FM77AV40EX

The Fujitsu FM77AV40EX combined the AV40’s expanded memory and 640x400 display with faster memory access and stronger video facilities. Its 192KB of video memory supported demanding colour and Japanese-language applications.

Standard or readily supported video digitisation made the computer an unusual bridge between 8-bit home computing and affordable multimedia work. It was followed by the final AV40SX.

Notable Features

• Combined accelerated memory access with the AV40’s high-resolution mode.
• Expanded video memory and digitisation facilities supported image work.

Historical Significance

• One of the most capable 6809-family personal computers sold commercially.
• Prepared the platform for the final AV40SX colour expansion.

Collector’s Notes

• Digitiser equipment and original cables are uncommon.
• Japanese character ROM and memory configuration should be verified when restoring a unit.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Fujitsu FM77AV40EX
Manufacturer	Fujitsu
Launched	Sunday, November 1, 1987
Country	Japan
CPU	Motorola 68B09E with accelerated memory access and Motorola 68B09 display processor
Units Sold
Operating System	F-BASIC and disk operating software
I/O	Joystick, printer, serial, expansion, RGB and audio-visual interfaces
Keyboard	Separate keyboard
Storage	Two built-in 3.5-inch 640KB floppy drives
Sound	PSG plus FM synthesis
Graphics	320x200 in 4,096 colours; 640x400 in 8 colours; video digitisation
Display	RGB monitor
ROM	F-BASIC and Japanese character firmware
RAM	192KB to 448KB main RAM; 192KB video RAM
CPU Speed	Approximately 2 MHz; up to 25% faster with memory mapping