Exxon Computer Division, a branch of the Exxon Oil Company, sold this computer in the U.S.A and Europe.
This computer was built in 1982. The system is composed of CPU box, monitor, dual disk drives and a keyboard. It was delivered withe software on 5.2 disks, manuals, training materials.
This office computer was primarily a word processor with calenders, ticklers and file sharing capabilities. It ran on the Z-80 chipset with a 64 KB architecture running a CPM like OS. In some regards it is a monument to the arrogance of Senior Exxon management who felt that they were so good at managing an oil company, that surely they could manage a successful computer company.
Exxon owned Zilog, the creators of the Z80, which they purchased in 1980. The Z80 based Exxon 510 was the first system to grow out of that purchase. It has been argued by some the if Exxon had not purchased Zilog, that Zilog left alone would have rivaled Intel today. Exxon Office Systems was based on the purchase of Vydec and Zilog with the machines being developed by Compucorp and the printers being built by Qume.
Unfortunately, Exxon really mismanaged the companies and they sold off the business in 1985.
The 510 version was the basic 64 KB system.
The 520 version offered 128 KB of RAM expandable up to 256 KB.
The 530 version featured a 5 MB or 10 MB HDD.
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Contributors: David Gallaher
We need more info about this console ! If you designed, used, or have more info about this system,
please send us pictures or anything you might find useful.
Please consider donating your old computer / videogame system to Old-Computers.com or one of our partners.
I have the Exxon QYX machines in my storeroom, no manual with them, they r up for sale. If any one has interest email me. June 2018
Sunday 17th June 2018
Dave (Pennsylvania. US)
My father was Exxon Corporate (law Dept). I can recall him telling me, at the time, about the guy who invented the qwip (first real fax, before police departments had a clunky machine that transferred mug shots). He lived in the same building as my father as I recall and invented it there. He was an Exxon engineer, I recall. I cannot track down on the internet but, Exxon acquired Emerson Electric based on some professor demonstrating an electric motor that promised incredible efficiencies. After announcement those knowledgeable said the guy was well known and it had been repeatedly proven that the technology would not scale. Exxon sheepishly spun it off a few years later at a loss. That would have been after Exxon Office Products.
Saturday 16th June 2018
Stephen D. McKenna (United States)
I too have an 50 or 510 system. These are likely the last 2 in existence. I have received offers from collectors but I would rather see this unit in a museum.
Saturday 24th December 2016
David gallaher
NAME
500 Series
MANUFACTURER
Exxon
ORIGIN
U.S.A.
YEAR
1982
BUILT IN SOFTWARE / GAMES
None
CONTROLLERS
Full-stroke 97 keys with 12 function keys and arrow keys
CPU
Z80-A
SPEED
4 Mhz
CO-PROCESSOR
None
RAM
64 KB (510 version) or 128 to 256 KB (520-530 versions)
VRAM
Unknown
ROM
1 KB (Boot loader)
TEXT MODES
80 columns x 25 lines
GRAPHIC MODES
None
COLORS
Monochrome
SOUND
Beeper
SIZE / WEIGHT
Unknown
I/O PORTS
Parallel printer, FDD unit, serial (option)
MEDIA
External dual 5.25'' 600 KB FDD unit (510 - 520 versions) 5 or 10 MB HDD (530 version)
