Software, MBASIC Data Base Systems by the Heath Users’ Group

Description:

This software, written by Heath Users' Group (HUG) was for use on Heath H8 and H89 microcomputers. One 5 1/4” diskette is for the MBASIC Data Base System, and the other diskette is an untitled copy of HUG software number 885-1127-B.

In 1977, the Heath Company, known for their electronic kits for hobbyists (radios, oscilloscopes, amplifiers, etc.) offered the Heathkit H-8 computer. It too was sold in kit form, requiring the buyer to assemble and even solder some of the computer boards. The buyer had to provide a terminal and external storage. In 1982 the 30-pound computer sold for $375 ($988 in 2019 dollars). The H89-1 kit, introduced in 1979, was an “all-in-one” computer with a built in CRT as well as a built-in floppy drive. It weighed 96 pounds and sold in 1982 for $1925 ($5,071 in 2019 dollars). These computers could run the Heath Company’s custom operating system, HDOS, or CP/M.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s very few people owned their own microcomputers. To help new users understand how to use their Heathkit computer, the Heath Company started the Heath Users’ Group (HUG). HUG offered a large selection of reasonably priced software, mostly written by their members. Heath users formed local user groups, held meetings, and some groups even published newsletters.

See also: 1989.3073.01-24, 1993.0491.01, 1993.3181.01-.03, and 2012.3098.043-.44

Location: Currently not on view

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Computers, Computers & Business Machines

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 2012.3098.024Catalog Number: 2012.3098.024Nonaccession Number: 2012.3098

Object Name: software

Physical Description: paper (overall material)plastic (overall material)Measurements: overall: 5 3/8 in x 5 11/16 in x 3/16 in; 13.6525 cm x 14.44625 cm x .47625 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746b1-c823-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1695394

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.