The Gemini Galaxy range of computers were of "all British" origin, being manufactured by Gemini Microcomputers Ltd., Amersham, Bucks.
Also called the 'Multiboard Microsystem', the Galaxy systems were built around the 80-BUS, specifically designed for the Z80 microprocessor. They had two Z80A processors, one acting as the CPU and the other running the 'programmable' video card (Called the IVC).
The video card memory was composed of: 2 KB Monitor ROM (SIMON), 2KB User workspace RAM (it was capable of holding user routines), 2 KB Screen RAM, 2KB character generator ROM, 2KB character generator RAM (programmable fonts). Numerous cards were available, like IEEE488 interface card, SASI floppy drive controller or colour graphics card.
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I bought a Gemini Galaxy 1 when they first were available, still have though haven''t used for many years. It was £1850 new. I wrote many programs using the language Comal which was one the software packages that came with the machinre. It had twin processors one video, one for the processing Z80a chips were used. Twin 400k floppy 5 1/4 inch drives ment quick loading. Well ahead for it''s time. I added a modem later on which I bought second hand for £40.00 so I could connect to Bulletin Boards sites. The 80 bus was a great inovated system with board sloted in to adapt the computer and CP/M was a good operating system with now blue screens. A light pen system for touch screen opertion was available also a clock board.could give date and time.
Monday 6th September 2010
James Harrison (UK)
I have the bare-bones version in my garage. Mine has the IO Pluto graphics board 640x575 or 768x575 RGB (3 bit). Some CPU boards had 256kB paged memory. I also have a RAM Disk - which made WordStar fast, and the SVC video card.
Tuesday 10th October 2006
Robert Forsyth (Earth)
I briefly had a Galaxy 2 passing through my collection a few years ago - didn't have space to keep it and traded it on various kit that I needed.
It was a very nice CP/M system. Three floppy drives, which was unusual. The video card was absolutely excellent - very crisp and fast - it was quite the nicest machine I've ever run WordStar on. Reasonable keyboard, nicely put-together - but obviously more expensive than the Superbrains and other CP/M boxes people tended to spend their money on.
Thursday 2nd January 2003
Pete Fenelon (UK)
NAME
GALAXY
MANUFACTURER
Gemini
TYPE
Professional Computer
ORIGIN
United Kingdom
YEAR
1983
KEYBOARD
Full stroke keyboard with numeric keypad
CPU
Zilog Z80A
CO-PROCESSOR
second Zilog Z80A running the 'programmable' video card (Called the IVC).