Amstrad/Schneider Differences

 

This document lists the differences between the English CPC's and the German CPC's.

  1. The original distributor in Germany was "Schneider Computer Division" a part of "Schneider Rundfunkwerke AG".

    The machines distributed by Schneider had their logo on them. In addition, the monitors and some peripherals were also re-branded as "Schneider" e.g. Schneider DDI-1.

    Amstrad later took over the sale of CPCs in 1998, and these had the Amstrad logo on them.

  2. The three models distributed by Schneider were:
    • Schneider CPC464:
      • This had the Schneider logo followed by "64k Colour Personal Computer <<CPC464>>" printed on the keyboard.
      • The keyboard did not have green and red keys, instead these were coloured light brown/grey.
    • Schneider CPC664:
      • This had the Schneider logo followed by "64k Colour Personal Computer <<CPC464>>" printed on the keyboard.
      • The keyboard did not have blue keys, instead these were coloured light brown/grey.
    • Schneider CPC6128:
      • This had the Schneider logo followed by "SchneiderCPC6128" printed on the top of the keyboard. The "CPC6128" part was written in italics. Early versions had this written in silver on black, and later the "6128" part was written black on black with a white outline.
  3. Early German CPC's show "Schneider 64K Microcomputer ..." or "Schneider 128K microcomputer ..." on start-up. Later CPC's showed "Amstrad 64k Microcomputer ..." or "Amstrad 128K microcomputer ...". The start-up name is defined by option links on the P.C.B.
  4. German CPC464's and CPC664's have P.C.B. edge connectors like the English CPC's.
  5. German CPC6128's have real connectors, instead of the P.C.B. edge of the English CPC's. This was done to reduce RF emissions. The printer is a 36-way female Centronics type, the Expansion is a 50-way female Centronics type.

    The second disc drive is also a 36-way female Centronics type. There are two useless pins, numbered 35 and 36, if you follow the numbering scheme of Amstrad/Schneider. All other connections are the same as the English CPC6128. The manual doesn't reflect this difference and the picture of the back of the computer shows a PCB connector and is documented as if there are only 34pins.

    All other connectors are the same. (joystick, stereo sound, monitor and power).

  6. All German CPC's have internal metal sheilding covering the circuit board. This is used to reduce RF emissions. Therefore the German CPC's are much heavier than the English CPC's.
  7. Internally, all German CPC's were identical to the English CPC's. The P.C.B. was identical.
  8. The quick reference "sheet" on the top of the CPC6128 and CPC664 disc drive is also in German.
  9. The computer information, printed on the base of the computer is also in German.

    Corrections to this document by Hauke Hagenhoff. Many thanks!