Tandy 1400FD

Tandy 1400FD

The Tandy 1400FD was a Tandy 1400 Series computer, replacing the earlier 1400LT model. The 1400FD however had a very similar specification, with it's V-20 CPU, two 720K floppy drives, and 768KB RAM. The system ran Tandy MS-DOS 3.30 and Deskmate.

The machine was made mostly by Sanyo, with a Toshiba display panel.

The 1400HD version was identical except that it was fitted with a 20MB hard disk in lieu of one of the floppy drives.

System Features

Tandy 1400FD/HD Catalogue Page

 Dimensions: 3.5 X 12.5 X 14.5               Weight: 12.8 lbs.
  Processor: NEC V-20 (8088 equivalent)   CPU Speed: 8/4.77 MHz Switchable
  FCC Class: B, UL Listed                   Battery: 4.8V 4400 MAh(Nickel-Cadmium)
 # of Slots: (1) Modem slot
       MTBF: N/A                        Std. Memory: 768K
    Op. Sys: MS-DOS                     Max. Memory: 768K
      Video: Backlit LCD                  Mem Cache: No cache, RAMDISK
Heat Output: N/A                       Power Supply: 15VDC 700 mA,4.8V 4400 MAh
 Std. Ports: AC Adapter                    Keyboard: Full Size 76 Keys
             Parallel Printer-(DB-25)      Math Co.: 8087-2 Intel 8 MHz
             Serial-(DB-9)                   Floppy: (1) 720K 3.5"
             RGB Monitor-(DB-9)         Environment: Operating: 41 to 95 F
             External Disk Drive(DB-37)              Storage: -4 to 140 F
             External Keyboard(7-Pin)                Humidity: 20 to 80 %

CURRENT   BIOS ROM Version: 01.08.00     Utilities Version: N/A

AC Adapter:    Input: 105-135 VAC 60Hz
              Output: 12VDC 1.2A
            Polarity: Center Positive

BIOS Configuration

The BIOS configuration utility is accessed using <CTRL><ALT><INSERT>.

Accessories and Options

A number of accessories and options could be added:

• 8087-2 math coprocessor (not listed as a RadioShack part)
• Internal modem boards - 2400bps (cat # 25-3524) or 1200bps (cat # 25-3510)
• Internal 20MB hard disk (cat # 25-3516)
• Carry case (cat # 25-3511)
• Weltec External 5¼-inch floppy drive (cat # 900-2084)

The user guide noted,

CAUTION: Before installing or removing an optional board in your Tandy 1400 FD, turn off the system, and disconnect the AC adapter. Installing or removing a board with the power on can damage the option board as well as the main logic board.

If you wish to add a math coprocessor or hard disk drive kit, it must be installed by a qualified service technician.

Notes

Contrary to information in the Tandy 1400FD GW-BASIC Quick Reference Guide, only access communications channel 1 can be accessed using a BASIC program. Communications channel 2 cannot be used in BASIC.

Speaker volume can be adjusted with a variable resistor located on the right side of the computer near the power switch. Turning the resistor (using a cross-head screwdriver) clockwise increases the volume and counterclockwise decreases the volume.

Reference Material

• Tandy 1400FD PSUs
• Tandy 1400FD Pinouts
• Tandy 1400FD Battery
• Tandy 1400FD Video
• Tandy 1400FD Floppy Drives
• Tandy 1400FD Keyboard Reference
• Tandy 1400 Series Expansion Slots
• Service Manual for the very similar 1400LT
• Tandy 1400FD BIOS Image

See Also

• Tandy 1400FD at RadioShack.com
• Tandy 1400 Series Laptops