Difference between revisions of "Teradrive"

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[[Image:Teradrive.jpg|thumb|right|260px|Sega Teradrive]]One variation of the [[Sega Megadrive]] deserves special mention, and that is the '''Sega TeraDrive'''. This was an ordinary AMD 386SX-25 PC clone with 1MB of RAM and a 40 MB hard drive, but it also included a built-in MegaDrive as a 16-bit ISA card. The original Japanese TeraDrive was black in color and vended by Sega in in conjunction with a now-unknown Japanese company for use by MegaDrive developers. It shipped with a software development kit (SDK) which made it possible to develop your MegaDrive and [[Mega CD]] games (the Mega CD accessory appears to have been an option). The TeraDrive eventually found its way outside of Japan in late 1993 under the sponsorship of Amstrad, the noted computer system vendor. They changed the case color to cream, beefed up the memory to 2 MB, and made the MegaDrive SDK optional. The unit wasn't very successful regardless of market, and this was largely due to its high price (about US$3000). A souped-up version called the MegaPlus was later offered based on a 486DX-33 CPU machine with 4 MB of RAM, but very few seem to have made it out the door. The TeraDrive and its successor have all but disappeared with the passage of time.
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{{ConsoleBob
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| logo=Teradrive logo.png
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| consoleimage=Teradrive.jpg
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| maker=[[IBM]], [[Sega]]
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| variants=
 +
| add-ons=
 +
| releases={{releasesMD
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| md_date_jp=1991-05-31{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20130214041918/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/md/tera.html}}
 +
| md_rrp_jp=148,000e{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20130214041918/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/md/tera.html}}
 +
| md_code_jp=HTR-2000
 +
| md_type_jp_1=Model 2
 +
| md_date_jp_1=1991-05-31{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20130214041918/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/md/tera.html}}
 +
| md_rrp_jp_1=188,000e{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20130214041918/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/md/tera.html}}
 +
| md_code_jp_1=HTR-2001
 +
| md_type_jp_2=Model 3
 +
| md_date_jp_2=1991-05-31{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20130214041918/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/md/tera.html}}
 +
| md_rrp_jp_2=248,000e{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20130214041918/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/md/tera.html}}
 +
| md_code_jp_2=HTR-2002
 +
| md_date_as=199x
 +
| md_rrp_as=
 +
| md_code_as=MK-52002-18
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' (テラドライブ) is a hybrid computer system developed by [[Sega]] and [[IBM]] containing both an [[IBM PC]] and [[Sega Mega Drive]]. It was released exclusively in Asia in May 1991.
  
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[[Category:Genesis Hardware]]
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==Hardware==
 +
[[File:Teradrive MD TMSS.png|thumb|right|200px|The [[TradeMark Security System]] screen used by the Teradrive.]]
 +
The Teradrive was designed to fullfil two roles, being a fully fledged IBM PC AT-class PC system also capable of running Mega Drive games through standard cartridges. Three models were made available with different RAM, floppy disk and hard drive configurations (for the PC side), alongside a full keyboard, two-button mouse, full colour monitor (all in black plastic) and range of specialised software. Like other IBM compatibles, the system can be modified and expanded by users if necessary.
 +
 
 +
The Teradrive was always envisioned as a low cost machine for the home, which is reflected in its choice to use IBM's PS/2 Model 30 286 as a base for the PC side (itself one of the lower cost variants of the PS/2 family). By 1991, more advanced 386 and 486 computers (including those sold by IBM) were becoming more common, and in some cases were actually cheaper than any of the three Teradrive configurations. Sega instead emphasised the fact the machine had two processors (though technically it has three), with the Mega Drive's [[68000]] playing a role in advertising.
 +
 
 +
As a Mega Drive, it is identical to a standard NTSC-J console and uses its own version of the [[TradeMark Security System]], but lacks any support for the [[Sega Mega-CD]] or [[Sega 32X]]. While the Mega-CD was not announced until after the Teradrive's launch, support for it was planned, with Sega creating at least two prototype Mega-CD units around the Teradrive's (otherwise unused) expansion port. Poor sales of the Teradrive meant development of this add-on was cancelled before designs left the prototype stage.
 +
 
 +
The Teradrive also allows some degree of interaction between the PC and Mega Drive hardware. The only known software to make use of this is ''[[Puzzle Construction]]'' and ''[[The Manhole]]'', the former was included with the Teradrive. Exactly how the x86 code communicates with the Mega Drive hardware, and the limits of what is possible through this interface, are currently unknown. The Mega Drive's video signal can be passed to an external monitor, allowing for both the PC and Mega Drive portions to be used simultaneously.
 +
 
 +
Teradrives have a unique BIOS and menu system, however all shipped with IBM DOS J4.0/V and is expected to run all compatible software. Windows 3.0 was also advertised as being compatible.
 +
 
 +
===Technical specifications===
 +
{{otherPage|desc=Mega Drive specifications|page=Sega Mega Drive/Technical specifications}}
 +
The Teradrive came in three different models with the main differences being RAM, storage, and price, aptly named Models 1-through-3{{fileref|ItsMegaWorld 01 JP.pdf|page=4}}.
 +
 
 +
====All models (PC side)====
 +
*Processor: 10MHz Intel 80286
 +
*Maximum supported RAM: 2.5MB
 +
*Graphics: VGA
 +
** 640x480 (262144 colors/16 on-screen)
 +
** 320x200 (262144 colors/256 on-screen)
 +
*Sound: PC speaker
 +
*I/O ports: VGA, parallel, 1x RS232 serial, 2x PS/2, 2x Mega Drive controller ports, unused Mega-CD expansion, 15-pin RGB connector
 +
 
 +
====Model 1====
 +
*RAM: 640KB
 +
*Floppy disk drive: 1x 3½-inch 2HD
 +
*Price: ¥148,000
 +
 
 +
====Model 2====
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*RAM: 1MB
 +
*Floppy disk drive: 2x 3½-inch 2HD
 +
*Price: ¥188,000
 +
 
 +
====Model 3====
 +
*RAM: 2.5MB
 +
*Floppy disk drive: 1x 3½-inch 2HD
 +
*Storage: 30MB HDD (with DOS/V already installed)
 +
*Price: ¥248,000
 +
 
 +
==History==
 +
The Teradrive was developed jointly by Sega and IBM. During development, the latter codenamed the hardware "Spica", following its naming scheme based on stars. Sega were influenced by this, creating their [[planet codenames]] scheme and choosing to initially call it "Terra", alternate name for Earth. However, the company discovered at the very last minute that the name had already been trademarked, instead opting for Teradrive based on the Mega –> Giga –> Tera logic.
 +
 
 +
Following its last minute renaming, the Teradrive was announced publicly in Japan towards the end of 1990. Sega opted to use ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (16-bit)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' as a flagship means to demonstrate its ability to run Mega Drive software. However, at launch it was ultimately not possible to play ''Sonic'' on the Teradrive, as the game was not released in Japan until the end of July. This also meant that all marketing material had to resort to showing prototype versions of the game.
 +
 
 +
While the Teradrive was never sold outside of Japan, a similar Mega Drive/PC hybrid exists as the [[Mega PC]] by [[Amstrad]]. Released in 1993 in the United Kingdom, the Mega PC is more capable on the PC side, but similarly to the Teradrive, was a budget machine sold at a non-budget price. It also lacks any interaction between the Mega Drive and PC hardware, unlike the Teradrive, and is not thought to have had much input from Sega.
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==Software==
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{{BulletPointGameList|category=JP IBM PC games}}
 +
 
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==Production credits==
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===Japanese version===
 +
{{creditstable|
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*'''Team Leader:''' [[Masami Ishikawa]]
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*[[Mutsuhiro Fujii]]
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*[[Hiroyuki Ohtaka]]
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| source=Developer mentions{{ref|https://www.polygon.com/features/2015/2/3/7952705/sega-genesis-masami-ishikawa}}{{ref|https://www.sega.jp/fb/album/05_fz/interview1.html}}{{ref|https://www.facebook.com/hiroyuki.ohtaka/about_work_and_education}}
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| console=MD
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==Magazine articles==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
 +
 
 +
==Promotional material==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Promotional material}}
 +
 
 +
===Merchandise===
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Merchandise}}
 +
 
 +
==Photo gallery==
 +
<gallery>
 +
TeradriveKeyboard MD.jpg|Keyboard
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Teradrive Mouse.jpg|Mouse
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Teradrive JP Disk Driver.jpg|Driver disk
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Teradrive JP Disk DOS.jpg|DOS disk
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</gallery>
 +
 
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==Physical scans==
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Teradrive
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| region=JP (Model 1)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
}}
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{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Teradrive
 +
| region=JP (Model 2)
 +
| front=TeradriveModel2 MD JP Box Front.jpg
 +
| back=
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Teradrive
 +
| region=JP (Model 3)
 +
| front=Teradrive3 MD JP Box Front.jpg
 +
| back=
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Teradrive
 +
| region=JP (HTR-2200 monitor)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| square=yes
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Teradrive
 +
| region=JP (HTR-2300A mouse)
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
| square=yes
 +
}}
 +
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Teradrive
 +
| region=AS
 +
| front=
 +
| back=
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==External links==
 +
* [https://web.archive.org/web/*/http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/md/tera.html Sega of Japan catalogue page (Japanese)]
 +
 
 +
==References==
 +
<references />
 +
 
 +
{{MegaDrive}}

Latest revision as of 13:25, 21 April 2024

Teradrive logo.png
Teradrive.jpg
Teradrive
Manufacturer: IBM, Sega
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega Drive
JP 		¥148,000 (152,440)148,000e[1] HTR-2000
Sega Mega Drive
JP
(Model 2) 		¥188,000 (193,640)188,000e[1] HTR-2001
Sega Mega Drive
JP
(Model 3) 		¥248,000 (255,440)248,000e[1] HTR-2002
Sega Mega Drive
AS 		MK-52002-18

The Teradrive (テラドライブ) is a hybrid computer system developed by Sega and IBM containing both an IBM PC and Sega Mega Drive. It was released exclusively in Asia in May 1991.

Hardware

The TradeMark Security System screen used by the Teradrive.

The Teradrive was designed to fullfil two roles, being a fully fledged IBM PC AT-class PC system also capable of running Mega Drive games through standard cartridges. Three models were made available with different RAM, floppy disk and hard drive configurations (for the PC side), alongside a full keyboard, two-button mouse, full colour monitor (all in black plastic) and range of specialised software. Like other IBM compatibles, the system can be modified and expanded by users if necessary.

The Teradrive was always envisioned as a low cost machine for the home, which is reflected in its choice to use IBM's PS/2 Model 30 286 as a base for the PC side (itself one of the lower cost variants of the PS/2 family). By 1991, more advanced 386 and 486 computers (including those sold by IBM) were becoming more common, and in some cases were actually cheaper than any of the three Teradrive configurations. Sega instead emphasised the fact the machine had two processors (though technically it has three), with the Mega Drive's 68000 playing a role in advertising.

As a Mega Drive, it is identical to a standard NTSC-J console and uses its own version of the TradeMark Security System, but lacks any support for the Sega Mega-CD or Sega 32X. While the Mega-CD was not announced until after the Teradrive's launch, support for it was planned, with Sega creating at least two prototype Mega-CD units around the Teradrive's (otherwise unused) expansion port. Poor sales of the Teradrive meant development of this add-on was cancelled before designs left the prototype stage.

The Teradrive also allows some degree of interaction between the PC and Mega Drive hardware. The only known software to make use of this is Puzzle Construction and The Manhole, the former was included with the Teradrive. Exactly how the x86 code communicates with the Mega Drive hardware, and the limits of what is possible through this interface, are currently unknown. The Mega Drive's video signal can be passed to an external monitor, allowing for both the PC and Mega Drive portions to be used simultaneously.

Teradrives have a unique BIOS and menu system, however all shipped with IBM DOS J4.0/V and is expected to run all compatible software. Windows 3.0 was also advertised as being compatible.

Technical specifications

For Mega Drive specifications, see Sega Mega Drive/Technical specifications.

The Teradrive came in three different models with the main differences being RAM, storage, and price, aptly named Models 1-through-3[2].

All models (PC side)

  • Processor: 10MHz Intel 80286
  • Maximum supported RAM: 2.5MB
  • Graphics: VGA
    • 640x480 (262144 colors/16 on-screen)
    • 320x200 (262144 colors/256 on-screen)
  • Sound: PC speaker
  • I/O ports: VGA, parallel, 1x RS232 serial, 2x PS/2, 2x Mega Drive controller ports, unused Mega-CD expansion, 15-pin RGB connector

Model 1

  • RAM: 640KB
  • Floppy disk drive: 1x 3½-inch 2HD
  • Price: ¥148,000

Model 2

  • RAM: 1MB
  • Floppy disk drive: 2x 3½-inch 2HD
  • Price: ¥188,000

Model 3

  • RAM: 2.5MB
  • Floppy disk drive: 1x 3½-inch 2HD
  • Storage: 30MB HDD (with DOS/V already installed)
  • Price: ¥248,000

History

The Teradrive was developed jointly by Sega and IBM. During development, the latter codenamed the hardware "Spica", following its naming scheme based on stars. Sega were influenced by this, creating their planet codenames scheme and choosing to initially call it "Terra", alternate name for Earth. However, the company discovered at the very last minute that the name had already been trademarked, instead opting for Teradrive based on the Mega –> Giga –> Tera logic.

Following its last minute renaming, the Teradrive was announced publicly in Japan towards the end of 1990. Sega opted to use Sonic the Hedgehog as a flagship means to demonstrate its ability to run Mega Drive software. However, at launch it was ultimately not possible to play Sonic on the Teradrive, as the game was not released in Japan until the end of July. This also meant that all marketing material had to resort to showing prototype versions of the game.

While the Teradrive was never sold outside of Japan, a similar Mega Drive/PC hybrid exists as the Mega PC by Amstrad. Released in 1993 in the United Kingdom, the Mega PC is more capable on the PC side, but similarly to the Teradrive, was a budget machine sold at a non-budget price. It also lacks any interaction between the Mega Drive and PC hardware, unlike the Teradrive, and is not thought to have had much input from Sega.

Software

Production credits

Japanese version

Source:
Developer mentions[3][4][5]


Magazine articles

Main article: Teradrive/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Main article: Teradrive/Promotional material.

Merchandise

Main article: Teradrive/Merchandise.

Photo gallery

  • Keyboard

  • Mouse

  • Driver disk

  • DOS disk

Physical scans

Teradrive, JP (Model 1)

Teradrive, JP (Model 2)
TeradriveModel2 MD JP Box Front.jpg
Cover
Teradrive, JP (Model 3)
Teradrive3 MD JP Box Front.jpg
Cover
Teradrive, JP (HTR-2200 monitor)

Teradrive, JP (HTR-2300A mouse)

Teradrive, AS†

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 http://sega.jp/fb/segahard/md/tera.html (Wayback Machine: 2013-02-14 04:19)
  2. ↑ File:ItsMegaWorld 01 JP.pdf, page 4
  3. ↑ https://www.polygon.com/features/2015/2/3/7952705/sega-genesis-masami-ishikawa
  4. ↑ https://www.sega.jp/fb/album/05_fz/interview1.html
  5. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/hiroyuki.ohtaka/about_work_and_education


Sega Mega Drive
Topics Technical specifications (Hardware comparison) | History | List of games | Magazine articles | Promotional material | Merchandise | Cartridges | TradeMark Security System
Hardware Japan | North America | Western Europe | Eastern Europe | South America | Asia | South Korea | Australasia | Africa
EZ Games | Genesis 3 | LaserActive | Mega Jet | Mega PC | Mega Play | Mega-Tech System | Mega 6 | Nomad | Teradrive | Mega Drive Mini | Mega Drive Mini 2
New Mega Drive | Tianli VCD/DVD Players | "Consoles on a chip" | Licensed clones (Magic 2 | Mega Game II | Power Pegasus | Super Bitman)
Unlicensed clones
Add-ons Game Box | Power Base Converter | Mega-CD | 32X (Mega-CD 32X) | Mega Modem | Demo System DS-16
Cases Sega Genesis Nomad Carrying Case | System Carry Case
Controllers Control Pad | Six Button Control Pad | 6 Button Arcade Pad | Arcade Power Stick 6B | Konami Justifier | MK-1470
Action Chair | Activator | Arcade Power Stick | Keyboard | MegaFire | Mouse | Mega Stick | Menacer | Remote Arcade System | Ten Key Pad | Third Party Controllers
Accessories 4 Way Play | AC adaptor | Cleaning System | Control Pad Extension Cord | Game Factory | Genesis Speakers | Headset | HeartBeat Catalyst | Microphone | Region converter cartridges | Mega Terminal | Nomad PowerBack | RF Unit | SCART Cable | Stereo Audio Video Cable | Team Player | Video Monitor Cable | Third-party AC adaptors | Third Party Accessories
Network services Sega Channel | Sega Game Toshokan | Mega Anser | Mega Net | TeleBradesco Residência | XB∀ND
Development tools ERX 308P | ERX 318P | Sprobe | SNASM68K | SNASM2 (Mega Drive) | SNASM2 (32X) | PSY-Q Development System (Mega Drive) | PSY-Q Development System (32X) | 32X CartDev | Sega Mars Development Aid System | Sega 32X Development Target
Unreleased Edge 16 | Floppy Disk Drive | Mega Play 1010 | Sega VR | Teleplay System | Video Jukebox
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