Sony Hit Bit HB-F9P

The Sony Hit Bit HB-F9P brought MSX2 graphics and a substantial 128KB memory configuration to European users without an internal floppy drive. Sony’s Memovision suite started automatically and supplied calendar, database, text and calculation tools.

The Yamaha V9938 supported higher resolutions and 256-colour graphics, while the HBI-55 cartridge could preserve Memovision data. Spanish HB-F9S and other local versions shared the same compact concept.

Notable Features

• MSX2 video added 256-colour and higher-resolution display modes.
• Built-in Memovision suite provided personal-information and productivity tools.

Historical Significance

• Made Sony’s MSX2 range accessible without the cost of an internal disk drive.
• Continued the Personal Databank idea in a much more graphical form.

Collector’s Notes

• The HB-F9P and Spanish HB-F9S are regional versions.
• Memovision data storage depends on a healthy HBI-55 SRAM cartridge battery.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Sony Hit Bit HB-F9P
Manufacturer	Sony
Launched	Wednesday, January 1, 1986
Country	Japan
CPU	Zilog-compatible Z80A at 3.58 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	MSX BASIC 2.0; Memovision
I/O	RF, composite/RGB, cassette, printer, joystick and two cartridge slots
Keyboard	Integrated keyboard
Storage	Cassette, two MSX cartridges and HBI-55 SRAM cartridge; no internal floppy
Sound	YM2149, three tone channels plus noise
Graphics	Yamaha V9938: up to 512x212 in 16 colours or 256x212 in 256 colours
Display	RF, composite or RGB monitor
ROM	MSX2 BASIC and Memovision firmware
RAM	128KB main RAM and 128KB video RAM
CPU Speed	3.58 MHz