Author: Steve B
Date: 17:37:10 06/30/05
The Novag Savant is perhaps the most legendary computer ever made i say legendary because, by in large, none are known to exist today in perfect working condition released in 1981 it was the first Touch Screen chess computer ever released .it did not use a pen like todays touch screen computers but rather was activated by the players actual touch( finger)much like todays Automated Bank Cash Machines,a true technical marvel for its time a black power like substance was used to display the pieces with the screen backlit by small light bulbs which could be replaced today over 20 years later this powder has either dried or evaporated leaving a blackened/ clouded screen or a blank screen My original Savant was fine for about 10 years little known, is that even though the screen might not display the pieces the processor can still be in perfect working condition indeed i have 2 such Savants where the screens are blank but when i attach the Novag Printer i can play and print out a game to determine if a Savant will still play a game, the procedure is to press the screen and if you hear the corresponding tones indicating move input, then there is a strong likelihood that the processor is fine i also have a partially working Savant where i can still ,just barely, make out the pieces and it will play a game on Auto ,but after a few moves the pieces become too faint and blurred to follow the game the Savant contained Dave Kittingers "MYCHESS" program and was released in three Versions all running on the Single Chip Z80: Savant(1981) ..6 Mhz- program 24 K-Elo 1275 http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/cpaa2@sbcglobal.net/detail?.dir=4ec4&.dnm=1191.jpg&.src=ph Savant II-Z80(1982)..6Mhz- Program 32 K-Elo 1365 http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/cpaa2@sbcglobal.net/detail?.dir=4ec4&.dnm=3256.jpg&.src=ph and finally, we have what i think is perhaps the only photo ever seen on the Net: Savant Royale(1982)-Program 32k-7.5 Mhz-1375 http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/cpaa2@sbcglobal.net/detail?.dir=4ec4&.dnm=2c90.jpg&.src=ph Steve
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