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Sharp PC-3101A lovely piece of Rare Sharp Technology The Sharp PC-3101 is a rather rare computer that came into my possession in a way that has happened more than once in my collection: the person who originally outbid me simply never followed through with the purchase. I therefore had the opportunity to acquire the system afterwards, which made me feel quite lucky.
The computer came as a very complete set. It included all of the original packaging, several manuals, and a number of software disks. Even the disk drive unit and the monitor still had their original boxes, which is always a nice bonus when collecting vintage hardware. Because systems like this are not very common, it is an especially interesting machine to preserve and document. Over time I hope to explore it further and learn more about the software and ecosystem surrounding this Sharp system. |
Released in
1900
System Overview
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Why the PC-3101 matters
The Sharp PC-3101, introduced around 1980, was designed as a professional or business-oriented computer system. At the time many companies were experimenting with complete desktop systems intended for offices, laboratories, and technical environments rather than for hobbyists or home users.
The PC-3101 followed this philosophy by offering a modular system consisting of a keyboard-based computer unit, a monochrome monitor, and external floppy disk drives. Systems like this were often sold as complete workstation packages and were used for tasks such as business administration, programming, and data processing.
Historically, the PC-3101 also represents an interesting moment in Sharp’s internal computer development. Around this time Sharp had multiple divisions working on different computer platforms, including the MZ series and business-oriented machines like the PC-3101.
While machines such as the MZ-80K targeted hobbyists and educational markets, systems like the PC-3101 were aimed more at professional users. This diversity shows how rapidly the computer industry was evolving at the start of the 1980s, when manufacturers were still experimenting with many different designs and markets.
Today the Sharp PC-3101 is relatively rare, making surviving systems valuable examples of early professional microcomputers.
The PC-3101 followed this philosophy by offering a modular system consisting of a keyboard-based computer unit, a monochrome monitor, and external floppy disk drives. Systems like this were often sold as complete workstation packages and were used for tasks such as business administration, programming, and data processing.
Historically, the PC-3101 also represents an interesting moment in Sharp’s internal computer development. Around this time Sharp had multiple divisions working on different computer platforms, including the MZ series and business-oriented machines like the PC-3101.
While machines such as the MZ-80K targeted hobbyists and educational markets, systems like the PC-3101 were aimed more at professional users. This diversity shows how rapidly the computer industry was evolving at the start of the 1980s, when manufacturers were still experimenting with many different designs and markets.
Today the Sharp PC-3101 is relatively rare, making surviving systems valuable examples of early professional microcomputers.
Technical specifications
| Specification | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Sharp Corporation | [1] |
| Model | Sharp PC-3101 | [1] |
| Release year | Around 1980 | [1] |
| CPU | Zilog Z80A | [1] |
| Clock speed | 2 MHz | [1] |
| RAM | 32 KB standard (expandable) | [1] |
| Storage | External 5.25-inch floppy disk drives | [1] |
| Display | External monochrome monitor | [1] |
| Keyboard | Full-stroke keyboard with integrated system unit | [1] |
| Operating system | Sharp FDOS (Floppy Disk Operating System) | [1] |
Collection status
| Field | Status |
|---|---|
| â–ˇ Collection status | In collection |
| ⚙️ Working state | Working |
| â–ˇ Included items | Original packaging, manuals, software disks |
| â–ˇ Packaging | Computer, monitor, and disk drive packaging present |
| â–ˇ Planned work | Further exploration and documentation |
RetroMelsArchive resources
Excited to bring the added software and documents to my Archive site!
RetroMelsArchive Resource
| Resource | Access |
|---|---|
| Software archive | Being archived at the moment |
| Manuals and documentation | Being archived at the moment |
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Magic smoke reportPASSED: I removed the RiFa caps as a preventetive measure, the PC-3101 did not produce magic smoke.
Power on tip: Remove or replace the RiFa Caps Before power on. |
anchor: mztachtigk
Sharp MZ80K
I love, love, love the Sharp MZ80K, retro at it's finest... If you're interested in how I acquired this computer, I have one thing to say: watch the video I made about it. In that video I also visited a place I occasionally refer to as “Heaven” — the Home Computer Museum in Helmond.
When I first received the computer it did not boot into the built-in monitor and only displayed random characters on the screen. As it turned out, the issue was caused by faulty RAM. Fortunately I had replacement chips on hand, and after replacing the defective memory the machine came back to life. The repair process was documented in an episode of Computer TLC, where I go through the troubleshooting and bring the system back into working order. If you're interested in that repair, you can find the video under the “Appearances” tab on this page. Getting this MZ-80K working was quite important to me, as I plan to use it in a larger video project that I am currently working on. |
Release year
1900
Machine Profile
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Why the MZ80K matters
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The Sharp MZ-80K, introduced in 1978, was one of the earliest mass-produced personal computers created by the Japanese electronics company Sharp Corporation. At the time, many computers were still sold as kits or required significant technical knowledge to assemble and operate. The MZ-80K stood out because it was delivered as a complete, ready-to-use system, including a keyboard, monitor, and cassette tape storage.
The system was developed by Sharp’s computer division in Osaka, which played an important role in bringing personal computing to a wider audience in Japan and beyond. Unlike many competing machines of the time, the MZ-80K focused on reliability and accessibility rather than requiring users to build or heavily configure the system themselves. In several European countries, including the Netherlands, the MZ-80K became popular among early computer hobbyists and educational users. Enthusiasts formed clubs, exchanged software on cassette tapes, and published newsletters describing programs and technical experiments. This community played an important role in spreading computer literacy during the early days of personal computing. Today the Sharp MZ-80K represents an important moment in computer history: the transition from experimental hobbyist machines to complete consumer microcomputers that could be used by a much wider audience. |
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Technical specifications
| Specification | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Sharp Corporation | [1] |
| Model | Sharp MZ-80K | [1] |
| Release year | 1978 | [1] |
| CPU | Zilog Z80 | [1] |
| Clock speed | Approximately 2 MHz | [1] |
| RAM | 20 KB standard | [1] |
| Display | Built-in monochrome CRT | [1] |
| Storage | Built-in cassette tape drive | [1] |
| Operating environment | Monitor program in ROM, BASIC loaded from cassette | [1] |
Collection status
| Field | Status |
|---|---|
| Collection status | In collection |
| Working state | Not working |
| Observed behaviour | Displays random characters, does not enter monitor |
| Planned work | Troubleshooting and restoration in a Computer TLC episode |
| Purpose in collection | Planned use in a larger video project |
RetroMelsArchive Resource
| Resource | Access |
|---|---|
| Documentation | Sneak peek |
| Cassette tapes | Being archived |
| Starter pack | Coming soon |
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Magic smoke reportPASSED: the MZ80K did not produce magic smoke.
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anchor: mzeightykeng
Sharp MZ80K
My second MZ80K, the key to fixing my first This is my second Sharp MZ-80K. These days many of the computers I buy come into the collection because of the software that comes with them, and that was very much the case here.
The listing included a large number of cassette tapes, which immediately caught my attention. For systems like the MZ-80K, original software on cassette is becoming increasingly difficult to find, so this was a great opportunity to expand the archive. Those tapes are currently being processed and will soon become available through the RetroMelsArchive. Over time I have really grown to appreciate the MZ-80K platform. The system has a very elegant and well thought-out design: a complete computer with keyboard, monitor and cassette drive integrated into a single machine. It feels very much like a product from a time when manufacturers were still experimenting with what a personal computer should look like. Having a second MZ-80K also means I now have another system available for testing tapes, experimenting with repairs, and exploring the software ecosystem that grew around these machines. |
Design note
A clean all-in-one computer
Curator’s Note
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Why this MZ80K matters to me
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One of the most interesting things included with this machine was a handwritten letter describing the software that accompanied the system. The letter lists several programs written for the Sharp MZ-80K, including development tools and games.
Some of the software mentioned in the letter includes:
The letter also mentions that source code for several programs was included, including the source for Sargon, Zen and Monaco GP. Finding source code together with original tapes and listings is particularly interesting from an archival perspective, as it allows the software to be studied and preserved more completely. The tapes, listings and documents that came with this system are currently being digitized and archived. Full letter available on my archive site. |
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Collection status
| Field | Status |
|---|---|
| Collection status | In collection |
| Working state | Working |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Included software | Large collection of cassette tapes |
| Notable programs | Sargon chess, Zen editor/assembler, Monaco GP, Space Invaders |
| Documentation | Printed source listings and handwritten letter from original owner |
| Archival status | Cassette tapes and documents are being digitized |
| Planned work | Archiving tapes and publishing them on RetroMelsArchive |
RetroMelsArchive Resource
| Resource | Access |
|---|---|
| Documentation | Sneak peek |
| Cassette tapes | Being archived |
| Starter pack | Coming soon |
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Magic smoke reportPASSED: like the other MZ80K this computer did not contain RiFa caps, and did not produce magic smoke.
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anchor: MZtwelve
Sharp MZ1200
Beyond repair, but still a lovely piece This Sharp MZ-1200 came into my collection from Japan. I had seen the listing appear several times and decided to wait a bit to see if the price would come down. Eventually it did, and I decided to take the opportunity to add this interesting machine to the collection.
The computer made the long journey from Japan by sea, which took around three months. Unfortunately, this particular machine appears to have had a rather rough life. Based on its condition it looks like it may have been exposed to water, possibly during a flood, and the damage is severe enough that the system is most likely beyond repair. Even so, the design of the MZ-1200 is absolutely lovely. The machine represents a very elegant early personal computer with its integrated monitor and keyboard. Even in its current condition it remains an interesting artifact from the early days of Sharp’s personal computer history. |
Release year
1900
Machine Profile
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Why MZ1200 matters
The Sharp MZ-1200, released in 1982, was an evolution of Sharp’s earlier MZ-80 series computers. While the original MZ-80K established the platform, the MZ-1200 refined the concept and made the system more accessible to international markets.
Like earlier machines in the series, the MZ-1200 followed Sharp’s philosophy of building a complete self-contained computer. The system combined a keyboard, monitor, and cassette tape drive into a single integrated unit. This approach gave the machine a very tidy and approachable appearance compared with many contemporary systems that relied on multiple external components.
The MZ-series computers developed a strong following among enthusiasts and hobbyists in several countries. In Europe, and particularly in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, user groups and magazines helped build a small but enthusiastic community around these machines.
Like earlier machines in the series, the MZ-1200 followed Sharp’s philosophy of building a complete self-contained computer. The system combined a keyboard, monitor, and cassette tape drive into a single integrated unit. This approach gave the machine a very tidy and approachable appearance compared with many contemporary systems that relied on multiple external components.
The MZ-series computers developed a strong following among enthusiasts and hobbyists in several countries. In Europe, and particularly in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, user groups and magazines helped build a small but enthusiastic community around these machines.
Technical specifications
| Specification | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Sharp Corporation | [1] |
| Model | Sharp MZ-1200 | [1] |
| Release year | 1982 | [1] |
| CPU | Zilog Z80A | [1] |
| Clock speed | Approximately 2 MHz | [1] |
| RAM | 64 KB | [1] |
| Display | Built-in monochrome monitor | [1] |
| Storage | Built-in cassette tape drive | [1] |
| Operating environment | Monitor program in ROM, BASIC loaded from cassette | [1] |
Collection status
| Field | Status |
|---|---|
| Collection status | In collection |
| Origin | Japan |
| Working state | Non-functional |
| Condition | Severe water damage, likely flood exposed |
| Repair status | Beyond practical repair |
| Collector value | Interesting artifact despite condition |
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Magic smoke reportFailed: The Sharp MZ1200 is beyond repair.
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anchor: MZeight
Sharp MZ 800
An under appreciated machine, I love! The Sharp MZ-800 is a wonderful computer. Just like the Sharp MZ-700, I really appreciate the design and form factor of the machine. Both computers share the same design language and keyboard layout, making the MZ-800 feel like a natural evolution of the earlier MZ-700.
Unlike the older Sharp MZ-80K, which had a built-in monitor, the MZ-800 connects to an external display such as a television or RGB monitor. This change allowed the system to support more advanced graphics modes while still retaining the distinctive Sharp MZ styling. One aspect that particularly interests me about this machine is the Quick Disk drive system that was available for the MZ-700 and MZ-800. While researching the platform I discovered that there is surprisingly very little information about these drives available on the internet. I hope to explore this topic further in a future video. Before doing that, I would really like to find an MZ BASIC boot Quick Disk so I can properly experiment with the system. Another thing I really enjoy about the MZ-800 is its graphics capabilities. Compared with earlier machines in the MZ series, the system can produce colorful graphics that look very nice and give the computer a distinctive visual character. |
Release year
1900
Machine Profile
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Why the MZ800 matters
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Released in 1982, the Sharp MZ-800 was developed as an evolution of the earlier MZ-700, expanding its capabilities while retaining compatibility with much of the existing software library.
One of the most significant improvements was the introduction of true bitmap graphics modes with color support. While the MZ-700 was primarily designed around text and character graphics, the MZ-800 offered higher resolutions such as 320×200 and 640×200, allowing for far more detailed graphics and more visually ambitious software. Sharp preserved compatibility with the MZ-700 by including a dedicated compatibility mode. When enabled, the computer could run many programs written for the earlier system, allowing users to continue using existing software while also benefiting from the new graphics capabilities of the MZ-800. Like many home computers of the early 1980s, the MZ-800 developed an enthusiastic user community, particularly in Europe and Japan. Hobbyists exchanged programs on cassette tapes and disks, wrote games and utilities, and explored the expanded graphical capabilities of the machine. Today the MZ-800 stands out as an interesting hybrid in the Sharp MZ family: a computer that retains the distinctive form factor and heritage of the earlier MZ machines while introducing graphical features that brought it closer to other home computers of the early 1980s. |
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Technical specifications
| Specification | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Sharp Corporation | [1] |
| Model | Sharp MZ-800 | [1] |
| Release year | 1982 | [1] |
| CPU | Zilog Z80A | [1] |
| Clock speed | 3.5 MHz | [1] |
| RAM | 64 KB | [1] |
| Display | External monitor, graphics: Bitmap graphics up to 640Ă—200 (2 colors) or 320Ă—200 (4 colors) | [1] |
| Graphics | Up to 640Ă—200 resolution with color graphics modes | [1] |
| Storage | Cassette tape, floppy disk, or Quick Disk | [1] |
| Compatibility | MZ-700 compatibility mode | [1] |
Collection status
| Field | Status |
|---|---|
| Collection status | In collection |
| Working state | Working |
| Primary storage | Cassette tape |
| Research focus | Quick Disk drive system |
| Planned work | Investigating Quick Disk drives and archiving software |
RetroMelsArchive Resource
| Resource | Access |
|---|---|
| MZ-800 Collection Overview | View collection |
| Cassette tape listings | Browse tapes |
| Software archive | Open archive Being archived at the moment |
| Manuals and documentation | Coming soon |
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Magic smoke reportPASSED: Unlike the MZ-700, the MZ-800 does not appear to contain the notorious RIFA capacitors in its power supply. As a result, the machine powered on politely and refrained from releasing any magic smoke.
Note: this does not guarantee that every MZ-800 is free of RIFA capacitors. Always inspect your machine carefully and follow proper safety precautions when working with vintage power supplies. |
anchor: mzeighthunderedtwo
Sharp MZ-800 2
A second MZ-800 — and a reminder that cassette decks can be surprisingly stubborn. This is my second Sharp MZ-800, a machine that came into my collection more or less by chance. Sometimes you come across a listing that simply looks interesting enough that you decide to take the opportunity before it disappears again.
This particular system appears to have some video issues, and it also introduced me to what is quickly becoming my new arch enemy: the cassette deck. For reasons I still have not fully figured out, I cannot yet get the tape drive working reliably. Considering how central cassette storage was for many home computers of the early 1980s, that is something I will definitely have to spend some time on. Despite these small challenges, it is always nice to have another example of the MZ-800 in the collection. Why the MZ-800 remains interesting |
Release year
1900
Historical Note
More than just a machine, the MZ-800 belonged to a broader Sharp hobbyist culture. User groups, club magazines, cassette swapping, and typed-in listings kept software circulating long after release, helping the MZ platform maintain a loyal following among enthusiasts.
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One of the reasons the MZ-800 remains interesting today is how approachable it was for hobbyists. The machine encouraged users to experiment with programming, graphics and hardware.
For many enthusiasts the computer was not just a device to run software, but a platform for learning and experimentation. People wrote their own programs, shared them with friends on cassette tapes and published them in magazines.
Machines like this second MZ-800 are therefore small snapshots of that era — computers that once sat on desks in bedrooms and hobby rooms, running programs that were often written by their owners.
For many enthusiasts the computer was not just a device to run software, but a platform for learning and experimentation. People wrote their own programs, shared them with friends on cassette tapes and published them in magazines.
Machines like this second MZ-800 are therefore small snapshots of that era — computers that once sat on desks in bedrooms and hobby rooms, running programs that were often written by their owners.
Collection status
| Field | Status |
|---|---|
| Collection status | In collection |
| Working state | Working |
| Video output | Some display issues present |
| Cassette deck | Currently not functioning reliably |
| Future plans | Further investigation and repair attempts |
RetroMelsArchive Resource
| Resource | Access |
|---|---|
| MZ-800 Collection Overview | View collection |
| Cassette tape listings | Browse tapes |
| Software archive | Open archive Being archived at the moment |
| Manuals and documentation | Coming soon |
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Magic smoke reportPASSED: Unlike the MZ-700, the MZ-800 does not appear to contain the infamous RIFA capacitors in its power supply. This meant the machine powered on peacefully, with no magic smoke escaping during the test.
Note: this does not guarantee that every MZ-800 power supply is free of RIFA capacitors. Always inspect your unit carefully and take proper safety precautions when powering on vintage equipment. |
anchor: mzsevenhundered
Sharp MZ-700The MZ-700 is such an sophisticated machine Some machines take a while before they finally join the collection. The Sharp MZ-700 was one of those computers for me. It had been on my wishlist for quite some time and after a lot of searching I finally managed to find this lovely example.
What immediately stood out was the condition. The previous owner must have stored this computer extremely well, because it still looks remarkably fresh for a machine that dates back to the early 1980s. The plastics are bright, the keyboard looks barely used and overall the machine has that satisfying “almost new” look that collectors always hope for. Even better: the integrated cassette deck still works perfectly, which is often one of the first things to fail on these machines. The computer itself also behaves exactly as it should. Well… almost. |
Release year
1900
Machine Profile
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Why the MZ-700 matters
Released in 1982, the Sharp MZ-700 was designed as a successor to the earlier MZ-80K series. It continued Sharp’s distinctive approach to home computers: a complete system in one compact unit, with the keyboard, cassette recorder and electronics integrated into a single case.
Unlike many competing home computers of the time, the MZ-700 initially focused on text display and programmability rather than advanced graphics. Users typically started by loading a BASIC interpreter from cassette, after which they could begin programming or loading software.
This design philosophy made the machine especially popular among hobbyists who enjoyed experimenting, writing their own programs and sharing software through magazines and user groups.
The MZ-700 would later serve as the basis for the Sharp MZ-800, which expanded the system with improved graphics while retaining compatibility with much of the earlier software.
Unlike many competing home computers of the time, the MZ-700 initially focused on text display and programmability rather than advanced graphics. Users typically started by loading a BASIC interpreter from cassette, after which they could begin programming or loading software.
This design philosophy made the machine especially popular among hobbyists who enjoyed experimenting, writing their own programs and sharing software through magazines and user groups.
The MZ-700 would later serve as the basis for the Sharp MZ-800, which expanded the system with improved graphics while retaining compatibility with much of the earlier software.
Technical specifications
| Specification | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Sharp Corporation | [1] |
| Model | Sharp MZ-700 | [1] |
| Release year | 1982 | [1] |
| CPU | Zilog Z80A compatible processor | [2] |
| Clock speed | 3.5 MHz | [2] |
| RAM | 64 KB main RAM, 4 KB video RAM | [2] |
| ROM | Monitor ROM with character generator ROM; BASIC typically loaded separately | [3] |
| Display | External colour monitor or TV output | [1] |
| Graphics | 40Ă—25 text display, programmable character-based graphics, 8 colours | [1] |
| Storage | Built-in cassette recorder | [3] |
| Successor | Sharp MZ-800 | [4] |
Collection status
| Field | Status |
|---|---|
| Collection status | In collection |
| Working state | Working* |
| Condition | Very clean example |
| Cassette deck | Working |
| Power supply | RIFA capacitor replaced after failure |
| Collection note | Long time wishlist machine |
*Original RIFA suppression capacitor failed and was replaced.
RetroMelsArchive resources
RetroMelsArchive Resource
| Resource | Access |
|---|---|
| Software overview page | View overview |
| Alphabetised software | Open archive Currently being archived |
| Manuals and documentation | Currently being archived |
| Starter packs | Coming soon |
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Magic smoke report
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anchor: mzsevenhunderedtwo
Sharp MZ-700 2Came with a bunch of lovely software, some of which is available on my archive site. My second Sharp MZ-700 is a machine that, to be honest, I mainly bought for the documentation and software that came with it.
It was kindly dropped off by the person I bought it from on the Dutch version of eBay. During the handover he shared a nice story: he told me that he used to play on the computer together with his recently deceased father. Hearing stories like that is always a reminder that these machines are more than just electronics — they were part of real lives and memories. The computer itself appears to have spent most of its life in an attic, which means it could definitely benefit from a careful cleaning session. This computer will therefore receive a proper Computer TLC treatment before anything else happens. |
Release year
1900
Historical Note
The Sharp MZ-700 followed a design philosophy different from many early home computers. Instead of shipping with BASIC in ROM, the system booted into a monitor program and users typically loaded the BASIC interpreter from cassette. This approach reflected Sharp’s earlier MZ systems and encouraged experimentation, programming and software sharing within the enthusiast community.
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What did the MZ-700 cost?
When the Sharp MZ-700 was released in 1982, it occupied an interesting position in the rapidly growing home computer market.
Unlike some of the cheaper entry-level machines that were starting to appear at the time, the MZ-700 was priced closer to the mid- to high-range systems of the era. In many European markets the system sold for roughly the equivalent of £350–£400, putting it in a similar price bracket as machines like the BBC Micro and early Commodore 64 systems.
By comparison:
This meant the MZ-700 was positioned as a serious home computer rather than a budget gaming machine.
Sharp’s design philosophy was also somewhat different from many competitors. The MZ-700 integrated the keyboard, cassette recorder and computer electronics into a single unit, creating a compact and self-contained system. Rather than including BASIC directly in ROM, the computer booted into a monitor program and typically loaded BASIC from cassette.
This approach reflected Sharp’s earlier MZ systems and appealed particularly to hobbyists who enjoyed experimenting, programming and sharing software.
Unlike some of the cheaper entry-level machines that were starting to appear at the time, the MZ-700 was priced closer to the mid- to high-range systems of the era. In many European markets the system sold for roughly the equivalent of £350–£400, putting it in a similar price bracket as machines like the BBC Micro and early Commodore 64 systems.
By comparison:
- ZX Spectrum 48K launched at around £175
- BBC Micro Model B cost roughly £399
- Commodore 64 initially sold for about £399
This meant the MZ-700 was positioned as a serious home computer rather than a budget gaming machine.
Sharp’s design philosophy was also somewhat different from many competitors. The MZ-700 integrated the keyboard, cassette recorder and computer electronics into a single unit, creating a compact and self-contained system. Rather than including BASIC directly in ROM, the computer booted into a monitor program and typically loaded BASIC from cassette.
This approach reflected Sharp’s earlier MZ systems and appealed particularly to hobbyists who enjoyed experimenting, programming and sharing software.
Collection status
RetroMelsArchive Resource
| Resource | Access |
|---|---|
| Software overview page | View overview |
| Alphabetised software | Open archive Currently being archived |
| Manuals and documentation | Currently being archived |
| Starter packs | Coming soon |
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Magic smoke reportUntested: due to a fear of RiFa's, this computer is not tested yet.
Power on tip: Remove the RiFa capacitor before testing/powering up the computer. |
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