Sega SC-3000

Computer Information

The SC-3000 is a computer version of Sega's SG-1000 and is both forward and backwards compatible with its games. The system first sold in Japan for 29 800 Yen and was marketed as a programmers/beginners computer. It outsold the SG-1000 because of these capabilities as well as being able to play games.

Users of the computer could develop their own games and programs and some were released in addition to the official games and programs. There was also some third party accessories such as a Speech Synthesis unit and a Light Pen. New Zealand also had a magazine called "Sega Computer - The Official Magazine of the Sega User Club of New Zealand".

Sega later made an upgraded version of the SC-3000, called the SC-3000H, with a better keyboard and twice the RAM. This one originally sold for 33 800 Yen in Japan. These systems are quite rare today.

Sega SC-3000 Technical Specifications

• CPU: NEC 780C microprocessor running at 4 MHz. Maximum address range of 65535 bytes. First 32K occupied by Basic or Games ROM.
• RAM: 16 Kb (SC-3000) and 32 Kb (SC-3000H)
• Video Chip: Texas Instruments TMM9929A
• Video RAM: 16 Kb
• ROM: 18 Kb--32 Kb
• Sound Chip: SN76487AN chip with 3 channels and noise generator.
• Sound Capabilities: 6 voices, 2.5 octaves
• Screen text: 40 x 25 (16 colours) and 32x24
• Resolution: 256 x 192 (16 colours)
• Text Characters Dimensions: 8 x 8 pixels
• Maximum number of simultaneous sprites: 32 (if monochromatic)
• Keyboard: 64 rubber touch, typewriter, key buttons
• Power Supply: 220V CA, 9V CC, 12 Amps.
• DIN 7 pins printer port
• Cartridge port
• Cassette port
• DIN 8 pins composite video port
• 2 x D9 type Joystick Ports
• Dimensions: Width 353 mm (13.9") x Depth 210 mm (8.27") x Height 46 mm (1.81").