Research Machines 380Z

The Research Machines 380Z was a robust British microcomputer designed primarily for schools, colleges and laboratories. Its modular metal enclosure housed a Z80 processor and could be configured for cassette storage, internal 5.25-inch disks or external 8-inch drives.

Strong construction, good service support and educational networking helped the 380Z become a familiar sight in British classrooms before lower-cost all-in-one micros took over. It ran Research Machines’ COS monitor and, on disk systems, CP/M.

Notable Features

• Heavy-duty 19-inch rack-width construction with a separate keyboard.
• Available with cassette, internal 5.25-inch floppy or external 8-inch disk storage.
• Later systems offered 80-column text and optional bitmap graphics.

Historical Significance

• One of the first British microcomputers sold in quantity to education.
• Established Research Machines as a major supplier to UK schools.

Collector’s Notes

• Specifications vary considerably because the system was modular and remained in production for years.
• A complete disk system may include a separate keyboard, monitor and one of several RM disk units.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Research Machines 380Z
Manufacturer	Research Machines
Launched	Thursday, December 1, 1977
Discontinued	1985
Launch Price	£965 for a 16KB cassette system; £1,787 for a 32KB floppy system in 1978
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Zilog Z80A at 4 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	COS; CP/M 1.4 or 2.2; MP/M II on network servers
I/O	Serial, parallel and proprietary expansion interfaces
Keyboard	Separate full-size keyboard
Storage	Cassette at 300/1200 baud; 5.25-inch or external 8-inch floppy options
Sound	Internal speaker
Graphics	Optional 320x192 bitmap graphics
Display	40x24 text; 80x24 on later systems
ROM	COS monitor firmware
RAM	16KB to 64KB; 56KB usable in a 64KB system
CPU Speed	4 MHz