Packages and Options

The "HP 9800 Series System 45" line startet in 1978 with the introduction of the 9845A, at that time generally referenced as "System 45". From the very beginning, the System 45 was a highly modular system with a number of configurable options which could be either ordered with the system (factory installed) or ordered for later installation/expansion (field installed). Options included

The usage of the term "option" with the 9845 systems was not completely consistent. It could describe a distinct pre-packaged system configuration, a special extension module, or a special variant of a selected component (e.g. a language option of a software package). Sometimes the same component is labeled with different options, depending on the configuration which is to be extended.

Starting with the 9845A, there were just two pre-packaged configurations: the basic configuration 9845A and the extented configuration 9845S. The term "option" basically referred to the components installed. One of the pull-out cards could be used to mark the components which were currently installed, so the actual configuration could be checked with one glance.

Later, with the introduction of the bit-slice language processor, the pre-packaged configurations also were identified with option numbers, which probably led to some confusion. See the 9845 Options section at the end of this article for details.

When ordering a 9845 system configuration, a couple of accessories such as manuals or basic supplies were always included. The content of the packages slightly differed between the configurations. Most add-ons like interfaces and option ROMs were packaged separately in combination with the appropriate documentation.

Operating Supplies (all Systems)

Here are the items which could be ordered in addition to the pre-packaged accessories:

Part No. Item Price
98200-67000
Blank Tape Cartridges (package of five) $95
92161A
Blue-Print Continuous Thermal Paper 8.5" (6 rolls/box) $50
92161M
Blue-Print Continuous Thermal Paper 210mm (6 rolls/box) $50
92161B
High-Contrast Blue-Print Continuous Thermal Paper 8.5"(6 rolls/box) $63
92161N
High-Contrast Blue-Print Continuous Thermal Paper 210mm (6 rolls/box) $63
92161C
High-Contrast Black-Print Continuous Thermal Paper 8.5" (6 rolls/box) $63
92161P
High-Contrast Black-Print Continuous Thermal Paper 210mm (6 rolls/box) $63
92161D
Black Print Perforated Paper 8.5" (6 rolls/box) $70
92161Q
Black Print Perforated Paper 210mm (6 rolls/box) $70
92161E
High-Contrast Black Print Perforated Paper 8.5" (6 rolls/box) $82
92161R
High-Contrast Black Print Perforated Paper 210mm (6 rolls/box) $82
09845-64401
Carrying Case (hard and soft) Mainframe  
09845-64402
Carrying Case CRT (hard and soft, 9845A and 9845B Model 100)  
09845-64403
1540-0491
Carrying Case Mainframe (soft) $260
09845-64404
1540-0492
Carrying Case CRT (soft, 9845A and 9845B Model 100) $170
09845-64405
9211-2720
Carrying Case Mainframe (hard) $700
09845-64406
9211-2730
Carrying Case CRT (hard, 9845B Model 100 only) $170
09845-64408
1540-0669
Carrying Case CRT (soft, 9845B Model 200 and 9845C) $250
6010-0694
Spray Paint - Cocoa Brown  
0610-0695
Spray Paint - Pearl Grey  
7120-6164
Individual Blank Special Function Key Overlay  

 

Serial Numbers

The serial number tells not only about the production order, but also about where the system has been produced (Fort Collins/Colorado, Böblingen/Germany or Japan), the year of production and whether the system belongs to prototype, pilot run or production units.

The serial number can be found at the bottom front side, just between the two air filter ports.

Serial Number

All serial numbers are of the form

Serial #AABBCDDDDD

where

AA is the production year less 60

BB is the production week number

C denotes the country of origin: A is the U.S., G is (formerly West) Germany, and J is Japan

DDDDD is the actual serial number:

00001 - 00050 Prototype Units

00051 - 00100 Pilot Run Units

00101 - 99999 Production Units

Example:

The system with the serial #2052G03281 was produced in week 52 of the year 1980 in Germany, with the actual serial number 03281.

Pull-Out Cards

All 9845 systems had pull-out cards below the CRT monitor which could be used as quick reference.

9845A-0 9845A-2 9845A-3
About the 9845A Syntax Error Messages

9845A Pull-Out Cards

9845B-0 9845B-3 9845B-4
About the 9845B Syntax Error Messages

9845B Pull-Out Cards

9845A-1 9845B-1 9845B-2 9845A-1
About the 9835 Syntax Error Messages Options Errors

9835A/B Pull-Out Cards

9845A-1 9845B-1 9845B-2 9845A-1
Option Errors Option Errors Option Errors Option Errors (Blank)

9845B Option Errors Pull-Out Cards

9845A-1 9845B-1
Graphics Syntax

9845C Pull-Out Cards

9845A-1 9845B-1 9845B-1
Error Messages Error Messages Option Errors

9845C Error Pull-Out Cards

 

The first card was the "About"-card. It showed some basic procedures for cleaning, paper loading, tape operation or ROM drawers. In addition, this card had a list of all available option numbers intended to be marked for an overview of the actual configuration. If delivered properly, the original configuration of the systems should be denoted on this card. See the options sections below for the option codes.

The second card, labeled "Option Errors", was a blank card where stickers for option ROM error codes could be added. Card number three was the "Syntax" card and showed a brief overview of all functions, commands, mass storage operations and statements. The fourth and last pull-out card, the "Error Messages" card, hold the error codes from 1 to 104 (9845A) or 110 (9845B/C) with brief descriptions.

9845A/S

The "HP 9800 Series System 45 Desktop Computer" was introduced in 1978 and offered in two configurations, the 9845A and the 9845S. The 9845A was configured as base system with 16 KBytes RAM and one single tape cartridge drive, whereas the 9845S (the "S" stood for "System") was the extended version with full 64 KBytes RAM, second internal tape drive, built-in thermal line printer and graphics support. The 9845A was priced at $11,500, whereas the 9845S was priced at $20,000.

Not much is known about the packaging of the 9845A/S.

9835A/B

The HP 9835 was introduced in 1979. It was available in two configurations, the HP 9835A or System 35A with CRT display and the 9835B or System 35B with LED single-line display. All 9835A/B were packaged including a number of accessories (also available separately as 09835-87901 accessories kit for the 9835A and 09835-87902 for the 9835B):

Part No. Item #
09835-90000
Operating and Programming Manual 1
09835-90001
Beginner's Guide 1
09835-90002
Preview 1
09835-90005
Owner's Manual 1
09835-90010
Reference Guide 1
09835-90040
System Test Manual 1
09835-90041
System Test Cartridge 1
09835-10000
Utility Library 1
7120-6452
Special Function Key Overlays 5
9162-0061
Blank Tape Cartridges 2
9222-0594
Dust Cover (System 35A only) 1
9222-0495
Dust Cover (System 35B only) 1
8500-1251
Magnetic Head Cleaner 1
2110-0003
Spare Fuse 3 Amp (NB) 1
2110-0043
Spare Fuse 1.5 Amp (NB) 1
2110-0544
Fuse Holder Cap 1
5041-1403
I/O Door 1
  Power Cord (country specific) 1
  Printer Paper (only with option 500) 3

The following items were available on demand:

98025A Soft Carrying Case - Computer (Same as HP 9825)  
09845-64404 Soft Carrying Case - CRT (Same as HP 9845)  
9270-0479 Printer Paper (Six Roll Pack)  

9845B/T

The 9845A/S was replaced by the "Series 9800 System 45B" or just HP 9845B in the year 1980. The 9845B included 55 KBytes RAM and one single internal tape cartridge drive. As with the 9845A, there was a special extended version 9845T ("T" as follow-up for "S"), which included one extra 128K RAM extension board, a second internal tape drive, built-in thermal line printer and graphics support. The 9845B was sold for $14,000, whereas the 9845T was priced at $23,500.

In fact, the amount of installed dynamic RAM was 96 KBytes for the 9845B and 224 KBytes for the 9845T, however the "official" RAM count was with reference to the RAM which was available to the user (e.g. for BASIC programming) in order to avoid getting confused when executing the LIST command. Some RAM was reserved for the system, so was the complete PPU RAM (32 KBytes) and the amount of RAM which was consumed by the installed option ROMs.

All 9845B/T were packaged including a number of accessories (also available separately as 09845-80020 accessories kit):

Part No. Item #
09845-93000
BASIC Programming Manual 1
09845-93005
Installation, Operation and Test Manual 1
09845-93015
Quick Reference 1
09845-90600
BASIC Language Interfacing Concepts 1
9282-0898
Manual Binder 2
09845-92041
System Exerciser Cartridge #1 1
09845-92042
System Exerciser Cartridge #2 1
09845-10120
9845B Introductory Training Package (includes a Introductory Training Cartridge and the System 45 Workbook) 1
09845-10200
Utility Library Software Pack 1
7120-6164
Special Function Key Overlays (pack of 5) 1
9162-0061
Blank Tape Cartridges 2
9222-0592
Dust Cover 1
8500-1251
Magnetic Head Cleaner 1
2110-0365
Spare Fuse 4 Amp (SB) 1
2110-0342
Spare Fuse 8 Amp (NB) 1
5953-4525
Brochure 1

 

9845C

The color version of the 9800 Series System 45, the 9845C, was introduced in December 1980 and first listed the the 1981 catalog. The base configuration for the 9845C was the same as the 9845T. The only visible differences were the huge color CRT monitor, a light pen, and color coded special function keys (SFKs).

All 9845C systems were packaged including the following accessories (also available separately as 09845-80025 accessories kit):

Part No. Item #
09845-93000
BASIC Programming Manual 1
09845-93005
Installation, Operation and Test Manual 1
09845-93015
Quick Reference 1
09845-90600
BASIC Language Interfacing Concepts 1
9282-0898
Manual Binder 2
09845-92041
System Exerciser Cartridge #1 1
09845-92042
System Exerciser Cartridge #2 1
09845-10120
9845B Introductory Training Package (includes a Introductory Training Cartridge and the System 45 Workbook) 1
09845-10220
9845C Introductory Training Package (includes a Graphics Training Cartridge and the System 45 Graphics Workbook) 1
09845-10200
Utility Library Software Pack 1
7120-6164
Special Function Key Overlays (pack of 5) 1
9162-0061
Blank Tape Cartridges 2
9222-0728
Dust Cover 1
8500-1251
Magnetic Head Cleaner 1
2110-0365
Spare Fuse 4 Amp (SB) 1
2110-0342
Spare Fuse 8 Amp (NB) 1
2110-0056
Spare Fuse 6 Amp (NB) 1
2110-0051
Spare Fuse 10 Amp (NB) 1
5953-4525
Brochure 1
11141-10224
Demo Cartridge 1
11141-10225
Data Cartridge 1
09845-15241
Demo Manual 1

 

High Performance Models

In 1982, the so-called Option 200 models were introduced on both the 9845B and the 9845C lines. The enhancment for the 9845B Option 200 was a new power supply unit, a bit-slice LPU and a hardware accelerated, monochrome graphics CRT monitor with light pen. Size and acceleration features of the 9845B Model 200 CRT were very similar to that of a standard 9845C, however reduced to bi-level images and deriving power from the 9845B mainframe PSU. Since the 9845C graphics system already was hardware accelerated, the enhancements for the 9845C Model 200 were limited to a new power supply unit and a bit-slice LPU.

The Option 200 models were available with several variants, the cheapest 9845B Model 200 was priced at $20,000 and could be expanded to the 9845B Model 290 for $38,000. The least expensive 9845C Model 200 was offered for $35,500, and could be expanded to the 9845C Model 290 for $54,000, which was really top of the line. Apparently, there were - at least temporarily - also a Model 275 and a Model 280, which never officially appeared in any catalog. The Model 275 was a model 290 less database package and with one 09845-66590 512K R/W Expansion board instead of three 09845-66526 R/W Expansion boards, and the Model 280 was the same with database package instead of a datacomm package.

Internal (not visible) changes for the Model 200 systems include other RAM/ROM boards for LPU and PPU and another system ROM set.

The following table shows an overview of all high performance (bit-slice LPU) models:

Part No. Option Item 9845B 9845C
200 250 270 275 280 290 200 250 270 275 280 290
   
98780A Enhancend Monochromatic CRT
X X X X X X            
   
98770A Color Graphics CRT
            X X X X X X
   
Single Tape Drive
X X X X X X X X X X X X
  600
98460A Second Tape Drive
  X X X X X   X X X X X
  040,041,
060,061
Termal Line Printer
  X X X X X X X X X X X
09845-65501  
Enhanced Graphics ROM
X X X X X X X X X X X X
   
Graphics Package
X X X X X X            
   
Color Graphics Package
            X X X X X X
  775
98775A Interactive Light Pen
  X X X X X   X X X X X
  312
98412A I/O ROM
    X X X X     X X X X
09845-65516 313
98413A Mass Storage ROM
    X X X X     X X X X
09845-65521 314
98414A Advanced Programming ROM
    X X X X     X X X X
09845-65528 315
98415A Structured Programming ROM
    X X X X     X X X X
   
56kBytes of R/W Memory
X           X          
  204
187kBytes of R/W Memory
  X           X        
   
318kBytes of R/W Memory
    X           X      
  206
448kBytes of R/W Memory
          X           X
   
512kBytes of R/W Memory (09845-65590)
      X X         X X  
   
98417A Basic Datacomm ROM
      X   X       X   X
   
9846B Opt. 001 Datacomm Interface
      X   X       X   X
09845-10180  
High Speed Asynchonous Terminal Emulator
      X   X       X   X
   
98430A Data Base Management Package
        X X         X X

All 9845B Model 200 systems were packaged including the following accessories (also available separately as 09845-80220 accessories kit):

Part No. Item #
09845-93000
BASIC Programming Manual 1
09845-93005
Installation, Operation and Test Manual 1
09845-93015
Quick Reference 1
09845-93050
Monochromatic Graphics  
09845-90600
BASIC Language Interfacing Concepts 1
9282-0898
Manual Binder 2
09845-92041
System Exerciser Cartridge #1 1
09845-92042
System Exerciser Cartridge #2 1
09845-10120
9845B Introductory Training Package (includes a Introductory Training Cartridge and the System 45 Workbook) 1
09845-10200
Utility Library Software Pack 1
7120-6164
Special Function Key Overlays (pack of 5) 1
Blank Tape Cartridges 2
9222-0728
Dust Cover 1
8500-1251
Magnetic Head Cleaner 1
2110-0056
Spare Fuse 6 Amp 1
2110-0051
Spare Fuse 10 Amp 1
5953-4525
Brochure 1

All 9845C Model 200 systems were packaged including the following accessories (also available separately as 09845-80225 accessories kit):

Part No. Item #
09845-93000
BASIC Programming Manual 1
09845-93005
Installation, Operation and Test Manual 1
09845-93015
Quick Reference 1
09845-90600
BASIC Language Interfacing Concepts 1
9282-0898
Manual Binder 2
09845-92041
System Exerciser Cartridge #1 1
09845-92042
System Exerciser Cartridge #2 1
09845-10120
9845B Introductory Training Package (includes a Introductory Training Cartridge and the System 45 Workbook) 1
09845-10220
9845C Introductory Training Package (includes a Graphics Training Cartridge and the System 45 Graphics Workbook) 1
09845-10200
Utility Library Software Pack 1
7120-6164
Special Function Key Overlays (pack of 5) 1
9162-0061
Blank Tape Cartridges 2
9222-0728
Dust Cover 1
8500-1251
Magnetic Head Cleaner 1
2110-0056
Spare Fuse 6 Amp 2
2110-0051
Spare Fuse 10 Amp 2
5953-4525
Brochure 1
11141-10224
Demo Cartridge 1
11141-10225
Data Cartridge 1
09845-15241
Demo Manual 1

At the time the Model 200 systems were introduced, HP changed their whole configuration scheme a little bit. The 9845T was completely eliminated, instead the old 9845B and 9845C with the standard LPU, PSU and graphics could both be ordered as Model 100, Model 150, and Model 190. The Model 100 was the minimal configuration, the Model 150 was the new "standard" configuration (same as the previous 9845T), and the Model 190 was the expanded system. Apparently, there was - at least temporarily - also a Model 175, which never officially appeared in any catalog. The Model 175 was a model 190 less database package and with one 09845-66590 512K R/W Expansion board instead of three 09845-66526 R/W Expansion boards.

The following table shows an overview of all standard LPU models, according to the new classification:

Part No. Option Item 9845B 9845C
100 150 175 190 100 150 190
   
98750 Standard Monochromatic CRT
X X X X      
   
98770 Color Graphics CRT
        X X X
   
Single Tape Drive
X X X X X X X
  600
98460A Second Tape Drive
  X X X   X X
  040,041,060,061
Termal Line Printer
  X X X X X X
09845-65517 311
98411B Graphics ROM
  X X X      
09845-65501  
Enhanced Graphics ROM
        X X X
  700
98470A Graphics Package
  X X X      
   
Color Graphics Package
        X X X
  775
98775A Interactive Light Pen
    X X   X X
  312
98412A I/O ROM
    X X     X
09845-65516 313
98413A Mass Storage ROM
    X X     X
09845-65521 314
98414A Advanced Programming ROM
    X X     X
09845-65528 315
98415A Structured Programming ROM
    X X     X
   
56kBytes of R/W Memory
X       X    
  204
187kBytes of R/W Memory
  X       X  
  205
318kBytes of R/W Memory
             
  206
448kBytes of R/W Memory
      X     X
   
512kBytes of R/W Memory (09845-66590)
    X        
   
98417A BASIC Datacomm ROM
    X X     X
   
9846B Opt. 001 Datacomm Interface
    X X     X
09845-10180  
High Speed Asynchonous Terminal Emulator
    X X     X
   
98430A Data Base Management Package
      X     X

All 9845B and 9845C Model 100, 150, 175 and 190 systems were packaged including the same accessories as the standard 9845B or 9845C resp. (see above).

9845 Options

Several features can be ordered for either factory or field installation. Not much is known about the options which were available with the 9845A. With a look at the "About"-pull-out card of a 9845A, the options 201-205, 500-590, 600, 700 and 800-890, and, of course, the upgrade kit 98402A, were provided for the 9845A. All other options below apply to the 9845B/C only.

Upgrade Kits:

Product No. Item Factory Installed Field Installed Price
98401A
Upgrade Kit 9845S to 9845B Opt. 150 (includes 576K R/W Memory, Graphics ROM, Printer ROM)
  X $9,000
98402A
Upgrade Kit 9845A to 9845B Opt. 100 (includes 56K R/W Memory)
  X $6,000
98403A
Fast Language Processor (for 9845B/C only)
  X $7,000
98404A
Upgrade Kit Monochromatic Display to 9845B Enhanced Graphics (Requires 98403A)
  X $8,000
98405A
Combines 98403A and 98404A
  X $14,000
98771A
Upgrade Kit 9845B to 9845C
  X $19,500

R/W Memory Options:

Product No. Option Item Factory Installed Field Installed Price
 
9845B/C Option 100 & 200 R/W Memory
98425A 204
186K R/W Memory (includes one 128K RAM Board)
X X  
98426A 205
318K R/W Memory (includes two 128K RAM Boards)
X X  
98427A 206
448K R/W Memory (includes three 128K RAM Boards)
X X  
 
9845B/C Option 150 & 250 R/W Memory
98425A 215
318K R/W Memory (includes one 128K RAM Board)
X X  
98426A 216
448K R/W Memory (includes two 128K RAM Board)
X X  
98407A 207
512K R/W Memory Expansion Board (includes 512K RAM Board and ROMs)
 Opt. 001: For 9845B < 500K
 Opt. 002: For High-Performance 9845B
 Opt. 003: For 9845B/C with IMAGE/45 Rev. B
  X $5,000

ROM Options:

Product No. Option Item Factory Installed Field Installed Price
98411B 311
Graphics ROM (Opt. 100 only)
X X $160
98412A 312
I/O ROM
X X $265
98413C 313
Mass Storage ROM
X X $160
98414A 314
Advanced Programming ROM
X X  
98415A 315
Structured Programming ROM
X X  
  316
Reserved
     
98417A 317
BASIC Datacomm ROM
X X  
98418A 318
RJE Bisync Datacomm ROM (Requires 98417A)
X X $525
98419B 319
Resource Management ROM (also order 98029A with one option)
X X  
98429A  
IMAGE/45 Database Management
 Opt. 330: English Language
 Opt. 331: French Language
 Opt. 332: German Language
X X $600
98430A  
Database Management System (IMAGE/45 management ROM and QUERY/45 software, requires 98413C and 98414A, I/O ROM not required, but if used with IMAGE/45 must be Revision C)
 Opt. 330: English Language
 Opt. 331: French Language
 Opt. 332: German Language
X X $1,000
98438A 438
Assembly Language Execution ROM
X X $525
98439A 439
Assembly Execution and Development ROM
X X $2,625

Line Printer Options (includes Printer ROM):

Product No. Option Item Factory Installed Field Installed
 
Thermal Line Printer (for 9845B/C Opt. 100 & 200)
98456A 560
8.5" Paper, ASCII/EUR Character Sets
X X
98456A 561
210mm Paper, ASCII/EUR Character Sets
X X
98454A 540
8.5" Paper, Katakana Character Sets
X X
98454A 541
210mm Paper, Katakana Character Sets
X X
 
Thermal Line Printer (for 9845B/C Opt. 150, 250, 270, 190 & 290)
98456A 060
8.5" Paper, ASCII/EUR Character Sets
X X
98456A 061
210mm Paper, ASCII/EUR Character Sets
X X
98454A 040
8.5" Paper, Katakana Character Sets
X X
98454A 041
210mm Paper, Katakana Character Sets
X X

Language Options (includes Keyboard, System ROMs, Printer ROM and CRT ROM):

Product No. Option Item Factory Installed Field Installed
  800
ASCII (English) Keyboard
X X
  810
French Keyboard
X X
  820
Spanish Keyboard
X X
  830
German Keyboard
X X
  840
Katakana Keyboard
X X
  850
Swedish/Finnish Keyboard
X X
  860
Reserved
   
  870
Reserved
   

Other Options:

Product No. Option Item Factory Installed Field Installed Price
98460A 600
Second Tape Cartridge Drive (9845B/C Opt. 100 & 200 only)
X X  
98470A 700
Graphics Display Subsystem (9845B Opt. 100 only, order with Opt. 311)
X X  
98775A 775
Light Pen (9845B Opt. 200 or 9845C Opt. 100 & 200)
X X $1,575
98776A  
Red/Green/Blue Output (9845C only)
  X $315
98777A  
Camera Attachment (9845C only)
  X $1,050

Special Furnitures:

Product No. Item Price
92170A
Mobile Table for Desktop Computers (with casters)
$240
92170G
Stationary Table for Desktop Computers (designed to be used with 7908 disk/tape drive)
$230
92172A
Storage/Security Cabinet
$830