HP 9845A

The HP 9845A was a powerful all-in-one technical computer using separate processors for computation and input/output. Its CRT, dual tape drives, printer and strong BASIC graphics environment supported engineering and scientific visualisation.

The 9845 family anticipated the integrated technical workstation and later expanded into colour graphics.

Notable Features

• Two processors divided computation from input/output duties.
• The enclosure integrated display, printer and two cartridge-tape drives.

Historical Significance

• The 9845 family anticipated the integrated technical workstation and later expanded into colour graphics.

Collector’s Notes

• Original HP manuals, peripherals and software media are particularly useful because many interfaces and formats were proprietary.
• Memory, storage, displays and expansion hardware should be documented because configurations often changed during a system’s working life.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	HP 9845A
Manufacturer	Hewlett-Packard
Launched	Saturday, January 1, 1977
Discontinued	Mid-1980s
Country	United States
CPU	Two HP BPC processors
Units Sold
Form Factor	All-in-one technical workstation
Power	Internal mains supply
Networking	HP-IB and optional communications
Operating System	Enhanced BASIC in ROM
Expansion / I/O	HP-IB and extensive peripheral interfaces
Keyboard	Integrated full keyboard and thermal printer
Storage	Dual built-in DC100 tape drives; optional floppy and hard disks
Sound	Internal beeper
Colours	Monochrome on 9845A
Graphics	High-resolution monochrome graphics; later colour models available
Display	Built-in 12-inch CRT
ROM	System and BASIC firmware
RAM	Up to approximately 64KB depending on model
CPU Speed	Approximately 8 MHz internal clock