Hector (microcomputer)

Short description: Series of a microcomputers produced in France in the early 1980s.

Hector (or Victor Lambda) are a series of a microcomputers produced in France in the early 1980s.

In January 1980, Michel Henric-Coll founded a company named "Lambda Systems" in Toulouse, that would import a computer (produced by "Interact Electronics Inc" of Ann Arbor, Michigan[1][2]) to France. The computer was sold under the name of "Victor Lambda".[3][4]

"Lambda Systems" went bankrupt in July 1981, along with "Interact". In December 1981, "Micronique",[5] an electronic components company based in southern Paris, acquires the rights to the "Victor Lambda".

In 1982, "Victor Lambda Diffusion", a subsidiary, distributes the "Victor Lambda". The first machines built in the United States were not a success, and the following models were designed and produced in France at the headquarters of the "Micronique" company. The company uses the slogan: "The French Personal Computer".[6]

In 1983, the "Victor" is renamed "Hector",[7] to avoid confusion with the machines from the Californian company "Victor Technologies" (formerly "Sirius Systems Technology").

The last model introduced was the Hector MX, with production of the series ending in 1985.[6] The series was not successful, due to the focus on the French market, intense competition from Amstrad machines and high prices.[8][9]

## Contents

* 1 Models
* 1.1 Victor Lambda
* 1.2 Hector 1 (Victor Lambda 2)
* 1.3 Hector 2 HR (Victor Lambda 2HR)
* 1.3.1 DISK II device
* 1.3.2 Programming languages
* 1.4 Hector 2HR+
* 1.5 Hector HRX
* 1.6 Hector MX
* 2 Software
* 3 References

## Models

### Victor Lambda

Main article: Engineering:Interact Home Computer

The Victor Lambda was a rebranded Interact Home Computer[10][11][2][12](also called The Interact Family Computer 2[13]) microcomputer. Introduced in 1980, it had a chiclet keyboard and built-in cassette recorder for data storage.

Specifications:[4][10]

* CPU: Intel i8080, 2.0 MHz
* Memory: 8K RAM, expandable to 16K RAM; 2K ROM
* OS: Basic Level II (Microsoft BASIC v4.7); EDU-Basic (both loaded from tape)
* Keyboard: 53-key chiclet
* Display: 17 × 12 characters text in 8 colors; 112 × 78 with 4 colors from a palette of 8
* Sound: SN76477 (one voice, four octaves)
* Ports: Television (RGB), two joysticks, RS232 (optional)
* Built-in cassette recorder (1200 B/s)[citation needed]
* PSU: External AC transformer

### Hector 1 (Victor Lambda 2)

The Hector 1[7][14][15][16] was a 1983 computer, based on the Victor Lambda. Initially sold as Victor Lambda 2[7][17][18] it was renamed to avoid trademark confusion. Also known as Hector 16K. More than 100 games were published for this machine.[19]

It was eventually considered as an entry level machine.[20]

Specifications:[14]

* CPU: Zilog Z80 @ 1.7 MHz
* Memory: 16K RAM
* OS: Basic Level III (loaded from tape)
* Keyboard: mechanical
* Display: 17 × 12 text in 8 colors, 112 × 78 in 8 colors
* Sound: SN76477N (one voice, four octaves)
* Ports: Television (RGB), two joysticks, RS232 (optional)
* Built-in cassette recorder (1200 B/s) [citation needed]
* PSU: Built-in

### Hector 2 HR (Victor Lambda 2HR)

The Hector 2HR[21][22][23] is a 1983[24] computer with a Zilog Z80 processor, 16KB of ROM and 48KB of RAM. Initially sold as Victor Lambda 2HR, it was renamed avoid trademark confusion.[25] Graphics were improved, with a resolution of 243x231 in 4 colors, and 40x23 character text.[26] It has an built-in cassette recorder and an optional disk drive (DISK II). At launch there were sixty software titles available on tape.[26] It was considered as a more serious machine for those wishing to program their own games.[20]

Specifications:[24][27]

* CPU: Zilog Z80A @ 5 MHz
* Memory: 48K RAM; 4KB ROM
* OS: Basic Level III (loaded from tape)
* Keyboard: mechanical
* Display: 40 × 22 text; 112 × 78 in 8 colours, 243 × 231 in 4 colours
* Sound: SN76477 (one voice, four octaves)
* Built-in cassette recorder

#### DISK II device

The "Disk II" is a dual external ​5 1⁄4-inch floppy disk drive with a dedicated processor. The Hector processor would handle the screen, keyboard and printer, while the floppy drive processor would run CP/M and manage floppy disks. Communication took place via the bi-directional parallel port.

#### Programming languages

The programming language is not available in ROM but loaded at startup. This makes it possible to distribute several languages, with BASIC 80, Pascal MT+, Cobol 80, Fortran 77, Forth and Assembly being available.

### Hector 2HR+

The Hector 2HR+,[28][29][30] also released in 1983, is similar to the previous model, but including the BASIC language in ROM[24] (thus freeing up more RAM memory for user programs).

Specifications:[27]

* CPU: Zilog Z80A @ 5 MHz
* Memory: 48K RAM; 16KB ROM
* OS: Basic Level III
* Keyboard: mechanical
* Display: 40 × 22 text in 8 colours; 112 × 78 in 8 colours, 243 × 231 in 4 colours
* Sound: SN76477 (one voice, four octaves)
* Ports: Television (RGB, SECAM), two joysticks, Centronics, Disc Drive
* Built-in cassette recorder
* PSU: Built-in

### Hector HRX

The Hector HRX,[31][32][33][34][35] also released in 1983, is similar to the previous model, but changes BASIC for a Forth language interpreter in ROM and features a 64KB RAM.[36] An early 1983 review mentioned as positive compatibility with existing Lambda II HR software, but pointed lack of high-profile titles like arcade game conversions.[37] It was considered as a professional machine, capable of running small business applications like text processors, spreadsheets and databases.[20] A 1985 review of the system praised the varied peripherals available, but again criticized the lack of software.[33]

Specifications:[38]

* CPU: Zilog Z80A @ 5 MHz
* Memory: 64K RAM; 16K ROM
* OS: Forth
* Keyboard: mechanical
* Display: 40 × 22 text in 8 colours; 112 × 78 in 8 colours, 243 × 231 in 4 colours
* Sound: SN76477 (one voice, four octaves)
* Ports: Television (RGB, SECAM), two joysticks, Centronics, Disc Drive
* Built-in cassette recorder
* PSU: Built-in

### Hector MX

The Hector MX,[39][40] released in 1985, is similar to the HRX but offers BASIC, Forth, Logo and Assembly as languages available in ROM.[41]

Specifications:[41]

* CPU: Zilog Z80A @ 5 MHz
* Memory: 48K RAM; 64K ROM
* OS: BASIC 3X, HRX Forth, Logo, Assembly
* Keyboard: mechanical
* Display: 40 × 22 text in 8 colours; 112 × 78 in 8 colours, 243 × 231 in 4 colours
* Sound: SN76477 (one voice, four octaves)
* Ports: Television (RGB, SECAM), two joysticks, Centronics, Disc Drive
* Built-in cassette recorder
* PSU: Built-in

## Software

Some software like Wordstar or Multiplan exists for this series of machines, along with many small games.[42][43] They are also compatible with the Interact Home Computer

Title  | Alternative name  | Type

|
|

Addition  | Add Em Up  | Video game
Alunissage  |  | Video game
Arithmétique et Tables  |  | Utility
Asteroïdes  | Hot Rocks  | Video game
Auto Formation Hector - 1 sur 6  |  | Utility
Auto Formation Hector - 2 sur 6  |  | Utility
Auto Formation Hector - 3 sur 6  |  | Utility
Auto Formation Hector - 4 sur 6  |  | Utility
Auto Formation Hector - 5 sur 6  |  | Utility
Auto Formation Hector - 6 sur 6  |  | Utility
Auto Lumière, L'  |  | Video game
Backgammon  |  | Video game
Balade dans Paris  |  | Video game
Baroudeur, Le  |  | Video game
Base Spatiale  |  | Video game
Bataille Navale  |  | Video game
Batter-Up  |  | Video game
Beat The Clock  |  | Video game
Biorhythm  |  | Utility
Blackjack  |  | Video game
Bombardement  |  | Video game
Calcul Mental  |  | Utility
Calculator  |  | Utility
Castle  |  | Video game
Catacombs  |  | Video game
Caverne des Lutins, La  |  | Video game
Chain Reaction  |  | Video game
Chatbyrinthe  | Computer Maze  | Video game
Checkbook Balancer  |  | Utility
Chenille, La  |  | Video game
Combat!  |  | Video game
Concentration  |  | Video game
Contratac  |  | Video game
Cow-Boys  | Showdown  | Video game
Crazy 8  |  | Video game
Crédits  |  | Utility
Dé + 2  | Knockdown  | Video game
Decimal Tic-Tac-Toe.  |  | Video game
Dédale  |  | Video game
Désert des Tartares, Le  |  | Video game
Dogfight  |  | Video game
Double Trouble  |  | Video game
Dragon du Donjon, Le  |  | Video game
Earth Outpost I  |  | Video game
Entrainement au Calcul  |  | Utility
Envahisseurs, Les  | Alien Invaders  | Video game
Etoile Noire  |  | Video game
Extension Glouton  |  | Video game
Flipper  | Heads-Up-Pinball  | Video game
Formule 1  |  | Video game
Fractions Simplification  |  | Utility
Furet, Le  |  | Video game
Galaxius  |  | Video game
Glouton, Le  | Packrat, Extension Glouton  | Video game
Goofy Golf  | Micro Golf  | Video game
Grand Prix  |  | Video game
Grenouille  | Wing It!  | Video game
Hammurabi  |  | Video game
Hector Géo-France  |  | Utility
Hector Mémoire  |  | Video game
Hector-Man  |  | Video game
Hep, Taxi !  |  | Video game
Hibou Taquin  |  | Video game
Hyams  |  | Video game
Identités Remarquables  |  | Utility
Isola  |  | Video game
Jeep Lunaire  |  | Video game
Jumping-Jack  |  | Video game
King of the Road  |  | Video game
Laby 1  |  | Video game
Life  |  | Video game
Logicase  | Attro-Logic  | Video game
Mangeur d'Étoiles  |  | Video game
Manoir d'Alba, Le  |  | Video game
Mega Volts  |  | Video game
Mega Volts II  |  | Video game
Micro Chess  |  | Video game
Micro Dico  |  | Utility
Micro Yatse  |  | Video game
Minor  |  | Video game
Montlhéry  |  | Video game
Morse Code Trainer  |  | Utility
Mots et Chiffres  |  | Utility
Mur de Briques, Le  | Breakthrough  | Video game
Mysterious Mansion Adventure, The  |  | Video game
Ortographie  |  | Utility
Over Sea Aircraft Mission  |  | Video game
Pack Wars  |  | Video game
Packrat Multimaze Overlay  |  | Video game
Participe Passé  |  | Utility
Pendu, Le  | Hang-Man  | Video game
Pengo  |  | Video game
Pesée  |  | Utility
Piège, Le  |  | Video game
Piranhas  | Vicious Fishes  | Video game
Poker Elan  |  | Video game
Poursuite  |  | Video game
Questions Réponses  |  | Utility
R-Bert  |  | Video game
Régates  | Regatta  | Video game
Régions Françaises, Les  |  | Utility
Relatifs  |  | Utility
Relations  |  | Utility
Reversi - Othello  | Reversi  | Video game
Safecracker  |  | Video game
Sous-marin  | Depth Charge  | Video game
Space Opéra  |  | Video game
Spéculation  |  | Video game
Speed Reader  |  | Utility
Star Track  |  | Video game
Stramble  |  | Video game
Strip 21  |  | Video game
Sub Search  |  | Video game
Superbowl  | Football  | Video game
Tic Tac Math  |  | Video game
Tirages  |  | Utility
Touch Down!!  |  | Video game
Tour de France en Avion, Le  |  | Utility
Toute la Conjugaison  |  | Utility
Trail Blazers  | Encirclement  | Video game
Turbo  |  | Video game
Vautours  |  | Video game
Video Chess  |  | Video game
Videograph  |  | Utility
Volleyball  |  | Video game
Zarcos  |  | Video game

## References

1. ↑ "Interact Home Computer System". http://www.oldcomputermuseum.com/interact.html.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "The Interact Family Computer". https://www.angelfire.com/mi/ujb/interact.html.
3. ↑ "MICRONIQUE". https://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/index2.php?url=http://siravo.fabrice.free.fr/micronique/microniq.htm#&.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Micronique Victor Lambda". https://www.system-cfg.com/detail.php?ident=295.
5. ↑ "Micronique | Sous-traitance électronique en Île-de-France" (in fr-FR). https://www.micronique.fr/.
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Hector, l'ordinateur personnel francais". http://hectorvictor.free.fr/index.php?page=5AXi95GpT.1.
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "Micronique Hector 1". https://www.system-cfg.com/detail.php?ident=296.
8. ↑ Quentin, François (1993) (in fr). Ces Ordinateurs sont dangereux, ou, La faramineuse histoire d'Alan Sugar et de ses drôles de bécanes. Qwerty. pp. 148. ISBN 978-2-910223-00-7. https://books.google.com/books?id=Bqm1AAAAIAAJ&q=ordinateurs+hector+-wiki.
9. ↑ Speranza, René (2018-03-09) (in fr). Manettes & pixels: Histoire du jeu vidéo et Retrogaming. Éditions La Vallée Heureuse. ISBN 978-2-36696-077-8. https://books.google.com/books?id=aI5QDwAAQBAJ&dq="Hector+HRX"+-wiki&pg=PT135.
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "MICRONIQUE > Victor Lambda". https://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=151.
11. ↑ "INTERACT > Home Computer System". https://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/index2.php?url=http://www.old-computers.com/museum/doc.asp?c=1004#&.
12. ↑ "Interact Model One". http://hectorvictor.free.fr/index.php?page=uNYhHp3XpFsJ.
13. ↑ "The Interact Family Computer". https://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/index2.php?url=http://www.angelfire.com/mi/ujb/interact.html.
14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "MICRONIQUE Victor / Hector 1". https://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?st=1&c=427.
15. ↑ "Micronique Hector I". https://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/index2.php?url=http://obsolete-tears.com/micronique-hector-i-machine-285.html#&.
16. ↑ "Le Hector 1". http://hectorvictor.free.fr/index.php?page=tEHwE7MpT.1.
17. ↑ "Victor Lambda 2 / Hector I". https://www.1000bit.it/scheda.asp?id=1271.
18. ↑ "Victor Lambda 2". http://hectorvictor.free.fr/index.php?page=8IHwE7.EQ6o9RkTwI.
19. ↑ "Listing of all Micronique Hector I games - Page 1" (in en). https://www.video-games-museum.com/en/sys/142-hector-i/2/all.
20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 "Bancs d'essai des ordinateurs individuels - Hector 2 HR. Hector HRX". Tout Micro 1984/85: 109. 1984. http://hectorvictor.free.fr/img/presse/toutmicro84_85p108.jpg.
21. ↑ "Micronique Hector 2HR". https://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/index2.php?url=http://obsolete-tears.com/micronique-hector-2hr-machine-2.html#&.
22. ↑ "Micronique Hector 2HR". https://www.system-cfg.com/detail.php?ident=297.
23. ↑ "Hector 2HR". http://hectorvictor.free.fr/index.php?page=tEHwE7NLVb1BF.
24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 "Micronique Hector 2HR". https://obsolete-tears.com/micronique-hector-2hr-machine-2.html.
25. ↑ "Victor Lambda 2HR". http://hectorvictor.free.fr/index.php?page=8IHwE7NLVb1BF.
26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 "Victor Lambda II HR: en français dans le texte". Tilt (4): 59. March 1983. http://hectorvictor.free.fr/img/presse/tilt04marsavril83p59.jpg.
27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "MICRONIQUE Victor / Hector 2HR / 2HR +". https://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?st=1&c=152.
28. ↑ "Micronique - Hector 2HR+". https://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/index2.php?url=http://www.system-cfg.com/detailcollection.php?ident=53#federation=archive.wikiwix.com.
29. ↑ "Micronique Hector 2HR+". https://www.system-cfg.com/detail.php?ident=298.
30. ↑ "Hector 2HR+". http://hectorvictor.free.fr/index.php?page=tEHwE7NLVFIJ.O.
31. ↑ "Micronique Hector HRX". https://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/index2.php?url=http://obsolete-tears.com/micronique-hector-hrx-machine-255.html#&.
32. ↑ "TILT (1982-1994)". https://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/index2.php?url=http://empichon72.free.fr/bs3/revues/revue_annee.php?revue=tilt&annee=1983&id=tilt_008#federation=archive.wikiwix.com.
33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 "Hector HRX". Tilt (26): 15. November 26, 1985. http://hectorvictor.free.fr/img/presse/tilt26nov85p15.jpg.
34. ↑ "Micronique Hector HRX". https://www.system-cfg.com/detail.php?ident=299.
35. ↑ "Hector HRX". http://hectorvictor.free.fr/index.php?page=tEHwE78Vbb1BF.
36. ↑ "Micronique Hector HRX". https://obsolete-tears.com/micronique-hector-hrx-machine-255.html.
37. ↑ "Hector HRX: En français dans le texte". Tilt (8): 147. November 1983. http://hectorvictor.free.fr/img/presse/hrx_tilt08_p141.jpg.
38. ↑ "MICRONIQUE HECTOR HRX". https://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?st=1&c=142.
39. ↑ "Le Hector HR.MX 80c existe, je l'ai vu". http://hectorvictor.free.fr/index.php?page=tEHwE7/blZIJ.O.
40. ↑ "Micronique Hector MX". https://www.system-cfg.com/detail.php?ident=300.
41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 "MICRONIQUE HECTOR MX". https://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?st=1&c=169.
42. ↑ "Voici la liste des logiciels parus pour le Hector". https://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/index2.php?url=http://hectorvictor.free.fr/index.php?page=5CWlF9EqPErC7HI1Lm2HU#federation=archive.wikiwix.com&tab=url.
43. ↑ Musee des jeux videos Hector I

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