Yamaha CX5

Music computer

Yamaha CX5 music computer MSX

1983 (Nov.)
Initially sold for ¥59,800

Cheaper version of the Yamaha CX5F with rubber dome switches (also known as chiclet keyboard). Given how bad the real mechanical keyboard is already, this one should be probably avoided at all costs.

The keyboard layout is also slightly different, probably some of the keys were inherited from the original KB2 keyboard of the YIS system. A keyboard overlay sheet (OV01) was available for the CX5 and YIS303 computers to help remember the position of shape characters. A 1983 pre-production shows what looks like a "DX green" STOP button which would have looked great next to a Yamaha DX100, and no venting holes on the top.

Yamaha CX5 advertisement, with a DX7
Yamaha CX5 advertisement, with a DX7
Yamaha CX5 on One Two Testing, Oct 1984
Yamaha CX5 on One Two Testing, Oct 1984
Yamaha CX5 keyboard covers
Yamaha CX5 keyboard covers
Yamaha CX5 prototype
Yamaha CX5 prototype

Technical
specifications

Computer

MSX BASIC v1.0
3.58 MHz Zilog Z80 CPU
32 kb (up to 64 kb) RAM, 16 kb VRAM, 32 kb ROM

Tone generator

General Instruments AY-3-8910
SFG-01: FM tone generator (4 operators, 8 algorithms)

Simultaneous note output

Polyphonic: 8 notes
Monophonic: 1 note

Connection terminals and interfaces

Cartridge slot
Expander port (SFG-01)
Printer connector
Joystick port 1, Joystick port 2
Tape interface
Video RF output, video composite output
Output L, Output R
Music keyboard connector
MIDI IN, MIDI OUT

Dimensions and weight

423w x 60h x 200d (mm)
2.8Kg

External
links