systems:mz80k [Batocera.linux

This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong.
<WRAP group>
<WRAP round box twothirds column>
{{ https://raw.githubusercontent.com/fabricecaruso/es-theme-carbon/master/art/logos/mz80k.svg?nolink&280 }}

====== Sharp MZ-80K ======
The [[wp>Sharp_MZ|Sharp MZ-80K]] is a home computer manufactured by [[wp>Sharp_Corporation|Sharp]], released in 1978 in Japan and introduced to Europe in 1979. It was one of Sharp's first personal computers and a founding member of the long-running MZ series.

The MZ-80K features a Sharp LH0080A CPU ([[wp>Zilog_Z80|Z80A]]-compatible) running at 2 MHz, 48 KB RAM (approximately 32 KB usable), and an all-in-one design integrating a monochrome CRT monitor, a 40x25 character text display, a keyboard, and a built-in cassette tape recorder. Graphics are character-based only — preset shapes and icons via a character generator ROM, with no native high-resolution pixel-addressable graphics.

The MZ-80K's most distinctive feature is its **"clean computer" philosophy** — the ROM contains only the **SP-1002 monitor program** for basic I/O and cassette loading, with **no built-in BASIC or operating system**. Users had to load their chosen programming language from cassette tape before doing anything. This approach invited third-party development — companies like [[wp>Hudson_Soft|Hudson Soft]] produced multiple languages and operating systems for the platform, and users could choose from various BASIC interpreters, Pascal, FORTRAN, and assembly language tools.

Models in this family:
  * **MZ-80K** (1978) — original model, sold as a kit in Japan
  * **MZ-80K2** — factory-assembled version
  * **MZ-80K2E** — lower-cost variant
  * **MZ-80C** — improved keyboard, 48 KB memory
  * **MZ-80A / MZ-1200** (1982) — upgraded successor with improved keyboard and green-screen CRT

<WRAP center round tip>
The MZ-80K is the ancestor of the entire Sharp MZ family. Other MZ systems in Batocera include [[systems:mz700|MZ-700]], [[systems:mz800|MZ-800]], [[systems:mz2000|MZ-2000]], and [[systems:mz2500|MZ-2500]]. The [[systems:mz700|MZ-700]] (1982) was the direct successor and is "more-or-less fully compatible" with MZ-80K software.
</WRAP>

This system scrapes metadata for the "mz80k" group(s) and loads the ''mz80k'' set from the currently selected theme, if available.
</WRAP>

<WRAP third column>
{{ https://raw.githubusercontent.com/fabricecaruso/es-theme-carbon/master/art/consoles/mz80k.png?nolink&350 |}}
</WRAP>
</WRAP>

==== Quick reference ====
  * **Emulator:** [[#mame|MAME]], [[#retroarch|RetroArch]]
  * **Core:** [[#mame|MAME]], [[#libretro:_mame|libretro: MAME]]
  * **Folder:** ''/userdata/roms/mz80k''
  * **Accepted ROM formats:** ''.mzf'', ''.mzt'', ''.m12'', ''.wav'', ''.zip'', ''.7z''

===== BIOS =====
^ MD5 checksum ^ Share file path ^ Description ^
| | ''bios/mz80k.zip'' | Character generator ROMs (80kcg.rom, 80kcgf.rom) |
| | ''bios/mz80kj.zip'' | System program SP-1002 monitor ROM + floppy disk interface ROM |

<WRAP center round important>
Both BIOS files must match the version of MAME used in your version of Batocera. You can verify your BIOS files from the Batocera menu: **GAME SETTINGS > MISSING BIOS CHECK**.
</WRAP>

===== ROMs =====
Place your Sharp MZ-80K ROMs in ''/userdata/roms/mz80k''.

Software was distributed on cassette tapes. The supported file formats are:
  * ''.mzf'', ''.mzt'' — MZ tape image files (the most common format)
  * ''.m12'' — MZ-1200/MZ-80A tape format
  * ''.wav'' — raw cassette audio recordings

<WRAP center round tip>
Using MAME's software list mode is recommended for best compatibility with verified software.
</WRAP>

===== Emulators =====
==== MAME ====
[[https://www.mamedev.org/|MAME]] (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) is the primary emulator for the MZ-80K in Batocera. MAME supports the MZ-80K and its variants through the ''mz80k'' driver family.

==== RetroArch ====
[[https://docs.libretro.com/|RetroArch]] (formerly SSNES), is a ubiquitous frontend that can run multiple "cores", which are essentially the emulators themselves. The most common cores use the [[https://www.libretro.com/|libretro]] API, so that's why cores run in RetroArch in Batocera are referred to as "libretro: (core name)". RetroArch aims to unify the feature set of all libretro cores and offer a universal, familiar interface independent of platform.

=== RetroArch configuration ===
RetroArch offers a **Quick Menu** accessed by pressing ''[HOTKEY]'' + {{:wiki:south.png?nolink&20|South button (B SNES)}} which can be used to alter various things like [[:advanced_retroarch_settings|RetroArch and core options]], and [[:remapping_controls_per_emulator|controller mapping]]. Most RetroArch related settings can be altered from Batocera's EmulationStation.

=== libretro: MAME ===
The libretro version of MAME can be used to emulate the MZ-80K. It uses the same BIOS and ROM sets as the standalone version.

===== Controls =====
The Sharp MZ-80K is a computer system that uses a **keyboard** for input. A physical USB keyboard is strongly recommended.

<WRAP center round tip>
The original MZ-80K had a non-standard keyboard layout that was widely described as "difficult to use". Key mapping in MAME may differ from what you expect.
</WRAP>

===== See also =====
  * [[systems:mz700|Sharp MZ-700]] — direct successor (1982), adds color graphics, mostly compatible with MZ-80K software
  * [[systems:mz800|Sharp MZ-800]] — adds 640x200 graphics and SN76489 sound (1983)
  * [[systems:mz2000|Sharp MZ-2000]] — business-oriented MZ (1982)
  * [[systems:mz2500|Sharp MZ-2500]] — most powerful 8-bit MZ, Z80B at 6 MHz (1985)
  * [[systems:x1|Sharp X1]] — Sharp's competing computer line from the television division

===== Troubleshooting =====
==== Black screen on boot ====
Make sure both BIOS files (''mz80k.zip'' and ''mz80kj.zip'') are in ''/userdata/bios/'' and match the MAME version. Use **GAME SETTINGS > MISSING BIOS CHECK** to verify.

==== Software won't load from cassette ====
The MZ-80K has no built-in BASIC — the SP-1002 monitor loads software from cassette. If a program requires a specific BASIC interpreter, it must be loaded first. Many software distributions include the required language on the same tape.

==== Further troubleshooting ====
For further troubleshooting, refer to the [[:support|generic support pages]].