Panasonic FS-A1

The Panasonic FS-A1 was a compact Japanese MSX2 home computer with enhanced V9938 graphics, 64 KB RAM and built-in personal software.

Its low price and approachable design made the A1 family a major part of the later Japanese MSX market.

Notable Features

• MSX2 graphics
• Integrated A1 Cockpit productivity firmware
• Compact low-cost keyboard console

Historical Significance

• Its low price and approachable design made the A1 family a major part of the later Japanese MSX market.

Collector’s Notes

• Japanese firmware and keyboard layout are integral to the model; cartridge-slot and power details should be checked.
• Memory, storage, displays and expansion hardware should be documented because configurations often changed during a system’s working life.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Panasonic FS-A1
Manufacturer	Panasonic
Launched	Wednesday, October 1, 1986
Launch Price	¥29,800
Country	Japan
CPU	Zilog Z80A compatible
Units Sold
Form Factor	Keyboard console
Power	Internal mains power supply
Networking	None built in
Operating System	MSX BASIC / MSX-DOS as supported
Expansion / I/O	Two cartridge slots on later models, joystick, printer and video connections
Keyboard	Integrated Japanese keyboard
Storage	Cartridge and cassette; optional floppy disk
Sound	AY-3-8910-compatible three-voice PSG plus noise
Colours	MSX palette and modes appropriate to generation
Graphics	Yamaha V9938: up to 512 x 212 pixels
Display	Television or RGB monitor
ROM	MSX BIOS, BASIC and model-specific firmware
RAM	64 KB main RAM and 128 KB video RAM
CPU Speed	3.58 MHz