Starting out in 1976 as a computer store called "Kentucky Fried Computers"(They had to change there name due to impending litigation from Kentucky Fried Chicken) Their first product was a Floating Point Math Board for S-100 computers.
The board allowed for super fast math operations, 50 times faster but only when utilized with the custom NorthStar BASIC.
After this they developed an inexpensive floppy disk system for existing computers, which led to the first computer with built in floppy drives-the NorthStar Horizon.
The Horizon is one of the few computers with a wood cabinet. It is probably a serious fire hazard and wouldn't pass today's UL equipment safety laws. Later models came with aluminium instead of wood.
It had the option of one or two floppy drives. With one drive it cost $1599 (kit) to 1899 (assembled). With two drives it cost $1999 (kit) to $2349 (assembled).
With the top removed, you can see the heavy-duty linear power supply on the right side, as well as the dual floppy drives. On the left side, is space for 12 S-100 cards. Unlike most other S-100 based computers, the Horizon is more than just a passive motherboard-it has actual circuitry, eliminating the need for additional S-100 cards.
On back is four connectors, two serial and two parallel. above them is room for eight more serial ports. This is not stock and must be added as extra.
The board allowed for super fast math operations, 50 times faster but only when utilized with the custom NorthStar BASIC.
After this they developed an inexpensive floppy disk system for existing computers, which led to the first computer with built in floppy drives-the NorthStar Horizon.
The Horizon is one of the few computers with a wood cabinet. It is probably a serious fire hazard and wouldn't pass today's UL equipment safety laws. Later models came with aluminium instead of wood.
It had the option of one or two floppy drives. With one drive it cost $1599 (kit) to 1899 (assembled). With two drives it cost $1999 (kit) to $2349 (assembled).
With the top removed, you can see the heavy-duty linear power supply on the right side, as well as the dual floppy drives. On the left side, is space for 12 S-100 cards. Unlike most other S-100 based computers, the Horizon is more than just a passive motherboard-it has actual circuitry, eliminating the need for additional S-100 cards.
On back is four connectors, two serial and two parallel. above them is room for eight more serial ports. This is not stock and must be added as extra.