Didaktik

Didaktik - a home computer based on the Z80 processor. It was in many ways almost identical to ZX - Spectrum 48 including ROM and internal configuration although there were minor differencies in the electronic scheme. Two main types of Didaktik had been produced in the late 80' - Didaktik Gama and Didaktik M. Didaktik Gama was the first ever clone of the ZX Spectrum with one speciality: 80 kB RAM divided into two switched 48 kB memory banks, while the size of ROM was 16 kB. This computer had become unreachable dream for many of children and adults in former socialist Czechoslovakia as the computer was considerably expensive and seldom available to buy. It is said there were waiting lists several years long. Design of the computer was very simple - just a grey or black box the size of A4 with flat plastic keyboard and connectors mounted on the rear side. All games developed for the ZX Spectrum 48 were generally compatible with this computer. There is no need to say that it established massive and flourishing black-market with these games country-wide as they were oficially unavailable behind the "iron curtain". An audio cassette was used as the data store and classic TV set served for monitor. The next version - Didaktik M - was more advanced in design and reliability. The insides were the same but by its design, Didaktik M resembled more of a professional home computer with arrow keys separated from the rest of the keyboard and more ergonomic shape of the case. Inside there were only 64 kB of total memory (16 kB ROM and 48 kB RAM) which was sort of disappointment in comparison to the Gama. There also were two separated connectors for joysticks and one connector for additional interfaces (such as printer interface). Unlike the previous version of Didaktik, these connectors were typical "socialistic solution" compatible with nothing that was then available in the CSSR. Thus, users were forced to develop and produce various and sometimes funny home-made interfaces to satisfy their needs. Data storing and monitor type was the same as in the case of the Gama. These computers were famous for their simplicity so almost everyone who possessed little technical abilities could produce various hardware add-ons such as FDD controllers, AD/DA convertors or software (such as Desktop - unique WYSIWYG word processor with functions like proportional text, pictures in text support, block functions, multi-font support etc.). Both version of these computers were produced in Skalica, Slovakia. Didaktik's glory went out with price fall of 16-b computers (Atari, Amiga...) around the middle 90' until it was finally steam-rolled by PC soon after.