Orao (computer)

Orao

Orao (en. Eagle) was an 8-bit computer developed by PEL Varaždin in 1984. It was used as a standard primary school computer in Croatia and Vojvodina from 1985 to 1991.

Orao (code named YU102) was designed by Miroslav Kocijan to supersede Galeb (code named YU101). The goal was to make a better computer, yet with less components, easier to produce and less expensive. Originally the Motorola 6809 microprocessor was planned for the CPU but was abandoned for MOS 6502 due to its significantly lower cost.

Specifications

• CPU: MOS Technology 6502 at 1 MHz
• Read-Only Memory: 16 KB (with BASIC interpreter and Machine code monitor)
• RAM: 16 KB (expandable to 32 KB)
• VRAM 8 KB
• Graphics: monochrome 256×256 pixels, in up to 8 shades
• Text mode: 32 lines with 32 characters each
• Sound: single-channel, 5 octaves through built-on loudspeaker
• Computer keyboard: 61-key QWERTZ
• I/O ports: video and RF TV out, cassette tape interface (DIN-5), RS-232 (D-25), Edge expansion connector
• Peripherals: 5.25" floppy drive, Printer
• Price: 55,000 dinars planned but increased to 80,000 during production

Design team

• Miroslav Kocijan
• Branko Zebec
• Ivan Pongračić
• Anđelko Kršić
• Damir Šafarić
• Davorin Krizman
• Zdravko Melnjak
• Vjekoslav Prstec
• Dražen Zlatarek

External links

• Old-Computers.com page about Orao
• MESS, Multi-System Emulator which supports Orao
• Orao emulator with source code and some software, as well as Orao 2007 recreation of original computer (page is in Croatian language)
• Orao Emulator written in C#
• Orao Emulator for Android