{"id":22694,"date":"2025-11-06T16:27:25","date_gmt":"2025-11-06T21:27:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/?page_id=22694"},"modified":"2026-06-22T13:45:51","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T17:45:51","slug":"vin136","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/vintage-computing\/item\/vin136\/","title":{"rendered":"Nabu Personal Computer NPC-2"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"w-screen px-6 cu-section cu-section--white ml-offset-center md:px-8 lg:px-14\">\n    <div class=\"space-y-6 cu-max-w-child-5xl  md:space-y-10 cu-prose-first-last\">\n\n            <div class=\"cu-textmedia flex flex-col lg:flex-row mx-auto gap-6 md:gap-10 my-6 md:my-12 first:mt-0 max-w-5xl\">\n        <div class=\"justify-start cu-textmedia-content cu-prose-first-last\" style=\"flex: 0 0 100%;\">\n            <header class=\"font-light prose-xl cu-pageheader md:prose-2xl cu-component-updated cu-prose-first-last\">\n                                    <h1 class=\"cu-prose-first-last font-semibold !mt-2 mb-4 md:mb-6 relative after:absolute after:h-px after:bottom-0 after:bg-cu-red after:left-px text-3xl md:text-4xl lg:text-5xl lg:leading-[3.5rem] pb-5 after:w-10 text-cu-black-700 not-prose\">\n                        Nabu Personal Computer NPC-2\n                    <\/h1>\n                \n                                \n                            <\/header>\n\n                    <\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/vintage-computing\/item\">Vintage Computing Collection<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"nabu-personal-computer-npc-2\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nabu Personal Computer NPC-2<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>[Vin136]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/canada-400x400.jpg\" alt=\"canada logo\" class=\"wp-image-20437\" style=\"width:150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/canada-400x400.jpg 400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/canada-160x160.jpg 160w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/canada-240x240.jpg 240w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/canada-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/canada-360x360.jpg 360w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/canada.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Nabu Personal Computer NPC-2 is historically significant as the world\u2019s first cable-ready home computer, pioneering the concept of delivering software and data via a high-speed cable TV network starting in 1983. This innovation anticipated key aspects of modern cloud computing and subscription software services decades ahead of their time. The NPC-2, a Zilog Z80-based system, uniquely combined downloadable operating systems and software from network servers with local computing, making it a rare example of early distributed computing. While important historically for its innovative networking approach and software delivery model, the Nabu PC had limited commercial success and remained relatively obscure compared to contemporaries like the Commodore 64.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250716_184948587-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250716_184948587-400x300.jpg\" alt=\"Nabu Personal Computer NPC-2\" class=\"wp-image-22703\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250716_184948587-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250716_184948587-160x120.jpg 160w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250716_184948587-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250716_184948587-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250716_184948587-1536x1153.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250716_184948587-2048x1538.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250716_184948587-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/PXL_20250716_184948587-360x270.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Manufacturer<\/strong>: NABU Manufacturing Corp., a Canadian company based in Ottawa.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Type<\/strong>: Personal computer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Release Date<\/strong>: 1982<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cost at release<\/strong>: CAD ~$3,450 (adjusted for inflation)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>MIPS<\/strong>: 0.58 (580 KIPS)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"hardware-specifications\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW36078203 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW36078203 BCX0\">Hardware Specifications<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>CPU<\/strong>: Zilog Z80A, 8-bit, running at 3.58 MHz<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Main memory<\/strong>: 64 KB RAM under CPU control<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>ROM<\/strong>: 4 KB or 8 KB for bootstrap, self-test, and initialization<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Video memory<\/strong>: 16 KB RAM controlled by the video processor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Video display processor<\/strong>: Texas Instruments TMS9918A supporting 256\u00d7192 graphics with 16 colors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sound generator<\/strong>: General Instrument AY-3-8910 programmable sound chip<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Storage<\/strong>: No built-in offline storage by default; optional floppy disk drive and hard drive available via expansion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Expansion<\/strong>: Four 30-pin expansion ports<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keyboard:<\/strong> 66-key QWERTY detachable keyboard with microprocessor control and two game controller ports (DB-9)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Display<\/strong>: Required dedicated monitor or TV with RF modulator output<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ports\/connectors<\/strong>: Serial RS-422 interface, parallel printer port, keyboard connector, video\/audio RCA jacks, cable IN and OUT RF connectors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Data transmission rate over cable<\/strong>: Up to 6.312 Mbits per second<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"operating-system-programming-languages\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW136206418 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136206418 BCX0\">Operating System &amp; Programming Languages<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Operating System<\/strong>: Downloadable operating system called NABU BDOS (NABU Basic Downloadable Operating System) and modules called XIOS1 and XIOS2 (Extended Internal Operating Software). This OS was unique because it was downloaded dynamically from the cable network server rather than stored permanently on the device.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Supported Languages<\/strong>:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NABU BASIC, a version of BASIC accessible through the network and local execution<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assembly language for the Zilog Z80 CPU, including tools like an editor and assembler<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CP\/M was also available but hidden on some versions and mainly used on the developer&#8217;s floppy-based systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Extended BASIC and other network-service-based programming environments were supported via downloaded software modules<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"notables\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Notables<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/first-place-400x400-1.png\" alt=\"First Ever icon\" class=\"wp-image-21940\" style=\"width:150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/first-place-400x400-1.png 400w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/first-place-400x400-1-160x160.png 160w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/first-place-400x400-1-240x240.png 240w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/first-place-400x400-1-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/260\/first-place-400x400-1-360x360.png 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NABU = &#8220;Natural Access to Bi-directional Utilities&#8221; and named after the ancient Babylonian god of writing, wisdom, and understanding\u200b<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Created by Canadian entrepreneurs John Kelly and Bruce Hempell; company incorporated June 1981<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>World&#8217;s first cable-ready personal computer (1982)\u200b<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First Canadian microcomputer designed for home use\u200b<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First commercial computer network providing high-speed software downloads to homes (launched October 15, 1983)\u200b<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pioneered &#8220;cloud computing&#8221; and subscription-based software model decades before it became mainstream<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Network went offline August 31, 1986 after only 3 years of operation\u200b<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2,200 brand-new units discovered in a Massachusetts barn after 30+ years, sold on eBay starting at $59.99 in 2022-2023<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The computers were originally purchased in bulk by James Pellegrini, a retired computer designer, during the bankruptcy of Nabu Networks in 1989. After years of storage, Pellegrini decided to sell the units, first listing them on Craigslist for $20 and then on eBay for $59.99 each (later increasing to $99.99 as demand grew). The eBay listings quickly attracted attention from retro computing enthusiasts, with each batch selling out rapidly due to the rarity and historical significance of the machines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Over 140 titles available by 1984, including iconic games: Pac-Man, Q*bert, Zork I, Dig Dig, Galaxian\u200b<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offered education, entertainment, home management, and business applications via cable download<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preceded AOL and dial-up internet as an online service\u200b<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#8220;The 80s computer you&#8217;ve never heard of&#8221; &#8211; predicted the internet&#8217;s future but failed commercially<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Donated by<\/strong>: Dr. Arlen Michaels<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/vintage-computing\/item\">Vintage Computing Collection<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Nabu Personal Computer NPC-2 [Vin136] The Nabu Personal Computer NPC-2 is historically significant as the world\u2019s first cable-ready home computer, pioneering the concept of delivering software and data via a high-speed cable TV network starting in 1983. This innovation anticipated key aspects of modern cloud computing and subscription software services decades ahead of their time. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":19704,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_cu_dining_location_slug":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"cu_page_type":[127,90,123],"class_list":["post-22694","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","cu_page_type-pc","cu_page_type-vintage-computing","cu_page_type-vintage-inventory"],"acf":{"cu_post_thumbnail":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22694","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22694"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22694\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25075,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22694\/revisions\/25075"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19704"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22694"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"cu_page_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_page_type?post=22694"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}