After launching the IBM PC (and its great success), IBM tried to stand out a standard for home computers, it created then the PC junior, which itself is a "light" version of the PC especially designed for home activities.
Despite its qualities, the PC jr had few success and never managed to replace the established home computers like Commodore 64, Apple II or Atari 800.
Two IBM PC junior models were available: a basic one and a enhanced one (supplied with 128k, 30 programs, a 5.25" floppy disk drive [360 KB] and its controller).
Contrary to the IBM PC, the power supply is not integrated to the case, but is external. The keyboard is linked by infra-red to the CPU, though there was a RJ11 (standard phone jack) plug that could be used instead to save batteries. It is impossible to connect a 8087 math co-processor.
The RS232 connector is not a standard one. To use a standard RS232 device, the user has to buy a special adapter ("Berg" style connector breakout -> D25 connector).
The PC Jr runs under MSDOS 2.1 (the same version as the PC) and handles a hard disk when it is not possible to connect hard disk on the PC Jr (go figure)!
There was an internal modem available that ran at 300 bps sold by IBM. Third party modems were also available at 1200bps.
A cartridge containing enhanced basic (with special graphics instructions) was also available. To get a 80 column text display, the extra 64k RAM expansion is needed.
Many IBM PC programs would not originally run on the PCjr because it did not include a DMA controller. This was available through a memory side-car add-on from Tecmar Systems. Many people were able to then run the PCjr as a competent business type of system as well.
I have a PCjr for sale - original boxes, 2 keyboards, 2 joy sticks, 8 games, 10 magazines and all original books - guide to Operations, Basic book, Hands on Basic, IBMPCjr sample disk.
Saturday 2nd February 2019
Don (Virginia USA)
I had an IBM JR and added the racore side extension and a 20MB hard drive with 640K ram. I used it up to 1992. It worked quite well. I finally had a power problem with house 60A service and it finally died.
Sunday 2nd April 2017
dlblake (usa)
Mike from Rochester, I was gong to point out to you the somewhat recent jrIDE, then I realized who you were, well, duh, of course you know about it now, you helped make it happen!
(For those who are curious, here is the thread on Mike''s own forums detailing the creation of an ATA adapter for the PCjr: http://www.brutman.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f$1$t$180
Thursday 15th September 2016
CharonPDX (Cascadia)
NAME
PC Junior
MANUFACTURER
IBM
TYPE
Home Computer
ORIGIN
U.S.A.
YEAR
November 1983
END OF PRODUCTION
March 1985
KEYBOARD
Chicklet keyboard (full stroke keyboard was available later)
CPU
Intel 8088
SPEED
4.77 MHz
CO-PROCESSOR
Texas Instrument sn76496 n (sound)
RAM
64k (up to 640 KB) Extended model : 128k
VRAM
from 2k to 128k (use the conventional RAM)
ROM
24 KB
TEXT MODES
40 x 25 / 80 x 25
GRAPHIC MODES
160 x 200 (16 colors), 320 x 200, 640 x 200
COLORS
16
SOUND
three channels
SIZE / WEIGHT
Unknown
I/O PORTS
2 cartridges ports (64 KB each), Centronics (optional), RS232, Joystick, Light Pen, video out (RCA plug)
