[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n
The NorthStar Horizon, launched in 1977, is a standout in the early era of personal computing, notable for its unique blend of aesthetics and functionality. With its distinctive blue metal chassis and elegant wooden case top, the Horizon offered a stylish yet practical design that set it apart from other computers of its time. Powered by the versatile Zilog Z80 processor and featuring an expandable S-100 bus architecture, the Horizon catered to both hobbyists and professionals alike. It supported up to 64KB of RAM and was among the first systems to include an integrated floppy disk drive, which revolutionized data storage for small businesses and home users. Compatible with a wide range of software, including the CP\/M operating system and NSDOS (North Star\u2019s proprietary Disk Operating System), a standard North Star system sported one or two hard-sectored single sided 5.25 inch floppy disk drives, the NorthStar Horizon quickly became a favorite in the microcomputer community, representing a perfect marriage of form and function during the dawn of the personal computing era.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/system1.jpg” title_text=”system1″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n
System number one with the two shugart SA400 Floppy Drives.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/system2.jpg” title_text=”system2″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n System number two with the two Tandon TM-100 Floppy Drives.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n A few months back I picked up a couple of Northstar Horizon computers. That needed restoring.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/deap-clean.jpg” title_text=”deap-clean” _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/ram-testing.jpg” title_text=”ram-testing” _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n First power up after reforming the Capicators and with the Z80 ICE plugged in.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”711,712,713,714,715″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n Above is a selection of NorthStar cards installed<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/system-restored.jpg” title_text=”system-restored” _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n Now running with 3 disk drives the 2 internal and one external with the Virtual disk working, So i can use soft sector disks as well as hard sector.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n