Lambda 8300


The Lambda 8300 was a List of ZX80 and [ZX81 clones|Sinclair ZX81 clone] from Lambda Electronics Limited of Hong Kong.' It had a modified ROM and extra hardware, making it not fully compatible. Total compatibility could be achieved by installing a ZX81 ROM.'
It came with 2K RAM, three octave single voice sound and an Atari joystick port. Specifically, it used a NEC D780C-1 microprocessor at 3.25 MHz.
The character set was slightly altered from the ZX81, replacing some symbols with game graphics. BASIC tokens have alternate codings, further preventing 100% compatibility with the ZX81. Command input is done key by key.
The computer was somewhat successful in Northern Europe and China, and today enthusiasts still develop new hardware.
The Lambda 8300 can be emulated on modern systems using, for example, the EightyOne Sinclair Emulator or MAME.

Models

The machine was licensed to several different companies, with many rebranded models available in different markets.' Unisonic distributed it as the Futura 8300 in the US. In France it was available as the DEF 3000.
Known model designations:
  • Lambda 8300
  • Your Computer PC 8300 '
  • DEF 3000
  • Basic 2000 '
  • Marathon 32K '
  • Tonel 'PC '
  • Unisonic Futura 8300 '
  • PC-81 Personal Computer
  • CAC-3
  • Polybrain P118
  • Creon Electronics Power 3000
  • NF300 jiaoXueDianNao '
  • Basic 2000
  • Basic 3000
  • '''PC 2000'''

Character set

The character set was slightly altered from that of the ZX81 [character set|ZX81], replacing the ,, ?, £, and ' symbols with game graphics:,, and. BASIC tokens also have alternate codings.