SDK-86

The SDK-86 (System Design Kit) was the first available computer using the Intel 8086 microprocessor. It was sold as a single board kit at a cheaper price than a single 8086 chip because Intel thought that the success of a microprocessor depends on its evaluation by as many users as possible. All major components were socketed and the kit could be assembled by anyone having a limited technical knowledge thanks to a clear and complete assembly manual. The system could be used with the on-board

keyboard and display or connected to a serial video terminal.

The internal ROM monitor offered the following commands:

S (Substitute Memory): Displays / Modifies memory locations
X (Examine / Modify registers): Displays / Modifies 8086 registers
D (Display memory): Displays memory content
M (Move): Moves block of memory data
I (Port Input): Receives data from input port
O (Port Output): Send data to input port
G (Go): Execute user program
N (Single Step): Execute single program instruction
R (Read File): Read object file from tape to memory
W (Write File): Writes block of memory to tape.