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RESEARCH MACHINES

LINK 480Z

The Link 480Z was meant originally as a disc-less network station. It was designed to offer a lower cost computer to schools. The name "Link" meant link in a chain. It was a very reliable system, and one of the first personal computers used in the English schools.

Because of the good reputation of the Research Machines computers, the Link 480Z was one of the three computers chosen for the U.K. 1982 Educational Scheme, with the Sinclair Spectrum and the BBC Model B.

The basic version (cassette based with 32 KB of RAM and 8 KB ROM Monitor) could be extended to a real professional CP/M based system with network ability.

An optional expansion board added:
- 32 KB of RAM
- Colour or monochrome high resolution graphics (up to 640 x 192)
- Full IEEE 488 and colour RGB monitor interfaces
- Floppy disc interface in single, double or quad density modes

The 480Z was fully compatible with the 380Z. It was initially released in a black metal case prior to tooling being made for the subsequent beige plastic case version.