The LINK 480Z was an 8-bit microcomputer produced by Research Machines Limited in Oxford, England, during the early 1980s.

The 480Z used a Z80 microprocessor with up to 256 KB of bank-switched RAM.[1] The system could be used as a stand-alone unit with cassette-based storage and the BASIC programming language run from ROM, or it could boot CP/NOS (a network version of CP/M) over a local area network from a file server. When fitted with an optional external floppy disk drive the system could boot the CP/M operating system directly.

The 480Z was sold mainly to the UK educational market as cassette-based system or as a diskless node which could be connected, via the proprietary CHAIN Network, to a Research Machines 380Z acting as a file server.

The LINK 480Z was packaged as an integrated keyboard and system unit. Early systems were supplied with a black sheet-metal case, however this was quickly replaced by a cream-coloured plastic housing.

Our machine is the earlier metal case machine

Developer Research Machines Limited

Type Personal computer
Release date 1982
Discontinued c. 1985
Media 5¼-inch floppy disk
Operating system CP/NOS (network) or CP/M (disk)
CPU Z80 at 4 MHz
Memory 256 KB maximum (58 KB directly addressable)
Graphics 640×192 pixels, 1 bit per pixel (optional)

Manufacturer: Research Machines
Date: 1982

This exhibit has a reference ID of CH31283. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.

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