Cobra 1

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Cobra 1 is a Polish 8-bit home and industrial microcomputer that was built around the Zilog Z80A processor. Designed by Andrzej Sirko, it was meant to be assembled by the user rather than produced as a finished, ready-made computer.

Key facts
- CPU: Zilog Z80A running at 3.25 MHz
- Memory: 16–48 KB RAM (depending on 4116 memory); 16–64 KB on 4164 systems; 2 KB ROM
- Graphics: character mode only (64 characters, expandable to 256); text display 32×24 characters; 8 brightness levels (black and white)
- Sound: 1 channel
- I/O and storage: PIO 1×74S412 for keyboard and cassette; cassette tape data storage (300/1200 bps)
- Peripherals: printer ports (D-100), Seikosha GP-500A, teleprinter
- Software: machine code monitor in ROM; BASIC, assembly language, and machine code programming
- Display/monitor: TV monitor used as display
- Expansion: supports 5¼" floppy drive (360 KB) as mass storage
- Development: created 1984–1986 and publicized in a Polish magazine series

Overview
Cobra 1 was an original Polish design not compatible with other systems of the time, unlike some other Polish computers that copied existing machines. Sirko initially hoped state-owned enterprises would produce components for user assembly, but authorities did not, so people who wanted Cobra 1 had to build it themselves. The project was described in a series of Audio Video articles, but by 1986 the design was already becoming obsolete due to the magazine’s limited publication schedule.

See also
- History of computing in Poland
- Other Polish 8-bit computers from the era