It ain't the best model but does that really matter?
The PC-9801F is a great computer. It took the PC-9801 and added a fair few useful things: An 8086-2 CPU switchable between 5MHz and 8MHz, one or two integrated DS/DD 5.25" floppy drives, ROMs built into the motherboard, updated system ROMs that support things like hard disk booting, and eventually even a model with 256K RAM plus a 10MB hard disk built into the system itself.
I personally think that the PC-9801VF is also a great computer. It takes the PC-9801F and adds more useful things: An 8MHz V30 CPU, the new-for-'85 GRCG graphics system, 256K of RAM standard, and a mouse interface.
The reason I say "I personally think" is that the PC-9801VM - an objectively better series with a 10MHz V30, 384KB of RAM stock, and up to two 1.2MB floppy drives (which became the standard starting on that model) - also existed at the same time. The VF was an alright budget option for a "full system" with two disk drives. It was also an "upgrade path" for 9801F owners. That said, anyone who was willing to spend the extra money (a VM2 cost 31,000 yen more, a VM0 cost 89,000 yen less and then you would just buy your own disk drives) got the clearly better system.
I've been collecting double-density software for some time now. A 9801F was one of my first systems and has kept being one of my more-loved systems. I also have an interest in the less popular models. The day I'm starting this page is July 4th, 2024. If I go on Yahoo Auctions Japan and look at closed listings for the 9801VM, ten computers sold in the last month. If I look for the 9801VF? Only four computers sold in the last six months.
Could I just plug a double-density drive into the 640K FDD port of a VM and be happy? Nah. I'm a sucker for hardware so I got myself a VF.
I got my 9801VF on September 9th, 2023. Of course the first thing I did was tearing the computer down to check the floppy drives for loose head covers and the motherboard RTC battery for leaks. As-expected, the foam which holds the head covers onto the FD1155s had disintegrated leaving little metal bits flopping around; these were removed that way they didn't scratch any disks or short any electronics out. The battery had a very slight leak but nothing that would harm the computer, it was clipped and the area was neutralized with white vinegar. I also took a minute to check the power supply, its voltaged were as-expected.
The system came to me in its original configuration but didn't stay that way for long. My current list of expansions goes as-follows:
C-Bus Slot 1: Empty
C-Bus Slot 2: Logitec LHA-15U
C-Bus Slot 3: SNE Little Orchestra V
C-Bus Slot 4: IO Data PIO-9234-2M
VRAM Slot: PC-9801-24
I wanted to do the same as my 9801M and use an IO Data GA-1024 board. This sadly caused conflicts with the SCSI card no matter how I set my DIP switches. The GA-1024 was removed as I would rather have my BlueSCSI than the ability to run just a few more games.
Speaking of running games, about half of what I use the computer for is Hydlide or Karateka. They're two titles that I quite enjoy. The other half of my time is usually spent in Disk BASIC. I think it would be fun to write a little game, even if quite simple, to distribute on 640K disks!
The current plans for this system are simple. I want to take it to conventions as it's a fun representation of earlier 16-bit Japanese systems. I'm going to continue buying double-density software as there's lots that seems to not be dumped to the public. I may also replace the old power supply with modern switching bricks in an effort to "futureproof" things/increase reliability for long-use situations like doing Disk BASIC work or demonstrations at shows.
I do plan on making gerber files for a "DIY" PC-9801-24 board. Finding one was a bit of a pain, it took three months of being teased by someone who refuses to sell to foreign buyers mixed alongside listings that cost what I consider to be an absurd amount (10,000 yen or more). It will get posted here once done.
Last Update: 07044-1120
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