Synertek SYM-1

Synertek SYM-1

[vin43]

The Synertek SYM-1 was a pioneering single board computer introduced in 1975, designed by Ray Holt for Synertek Systems. It was a significant product in the early microcomputer era, offering a complete and versatile platform for learning and development. The Synertek SYM-1 was a single-board “trainer” computer notable for its use of the 6502 processor, enhanced monitor ROM, expandable RAM, and versatile I/O options, including an RS-232 serial port and a unique oscilloscope display interface. Its claim to fame was being a more advanced, compatible successor to the KIM-1, offering features like vectored I/O routines and high-speed cassette storage, which made it popular for education, hobbyists, and as a development platform, selling  ~50,000 units

• Manufacturer: Synertek
• Release Date: 1975
• Cost at release: USD $240 (CAD ~$1,000 adjusted for inflation)
• Cost with peripherals: USD $800 (CAD ~$3,300 adjusted for inflation)

Hardware Specifications

• CPU: Synertek 6502 running at 1 MHz
• Memory
  • RAM: 1 KB expandable to 4 KB on-board
  • ROM: 4 KB (expandable to 24 KB)
• Ports:
  • 28-key dual-function keyboard
  • 6-digit LED display
  • 48 programmable parallel I/O lines (expandable to 71)
  • Serial interface (RS-232 and teletype compatible)
• Storage: Audio cassette interface
• Dimensions: 10.75″ x 8.25″ x 0.5″
• Power: Single 5V power supply

Operating System & Programming Languages 

• Operating System: Supermon monitor

• Supported Languages: 6502 assembly (via its built-in monitor and optional Resident Assembler/Editor), BASIC (through an add-on ROM), and could also run languages like Pascal, Forth, and even C with appropriate software tools and configuration

Notables

• The SYM-1 was originally called the VIM-1 (Versatile Input Monitor) and was designed by Ray Holt as a more advanced, compatible successor to the KIM-1

• It featured unique capabilities for its time, such as allowing an oscilloscope to be used as a 32-character display and included a high-speed (185 bytes/second) cassette storage interface-much faster than its competitors

• The SYM-1 included a sophisticated monitor ROM (Supermon) with vectored I/O, making it easy to interface with new hardware and develop custom routines-an approach later seen in the BBC Micro

• It was known for its robust I/O lines, expandability, and the ability to run on a single +5V power supply, making it popular for education, prototyping, and embedded applications

• The SYM-1 was sometimes referred to as the VIM-1 in early documentation and circles

• While not as widely recognized as some contemporaries, it sold about 50,000 units and played a significant role in early microcomputer development and education, especially as a trainer and for hardware interfacing

• Its flexible ROM sockets allowed users to add languages like BASIC, Resident Assembler/Editor, and Macro Assembler, making it adaptable for various uses

• The SYM-1’s design and documentation inspired a dedicated user community and newsletters, such as the SYM-Physis User Group

Donated by: Arlen Michaels