Amstrad MP1/MP2 modulator

A TV-modulator and power supply by Amstrad for the classic CPC-computers

As the Amstrad CPCs always came together with a monitor, normally there was no need for a TV modulator inside the CPC as seen on other home computers (Sinclair Spectrum, Commodore C64/C128 and so on). As the power supply was included inside the monitor, there wasn't an external power supply either.

If you bought an Amstrad CPC together with one of the Amstrad GT64/GT65 Green Monitors however, you might have wanted the ability to play games on the colour TV-set later, so Amstrad also made the MP-1/MP-2 devices. They provided the power needed by the CPCs, so that you didn't have to carry the monitor around just to have power, and a TV-modulator which modulated the monitor signal in a way that it could be seen on a regular TV-set.

Having an MP-1/MP-2 today is more or less just a gimmick, as a self-made TV SCART cable gives better picture quality (SCART connectors weren't common back in the 80s) and the power can be taken from a PC AT or even ATX power supply as well.

The difference between the MP-1 and MP-2 models is just the additional 12V power supply for the CPC664/CPC6128's disk drive in the later model.

Technical Specs.

Supply In: ~220V/50Hz, 12W
Supply Out: +5V (both MP1 and MP2), +12V (MP2 only)
Video In: RGB, Sync (6pin DIN)
Video Out: Unknown, probably UHF 37 or so (?) (2pin)

Note: There has been also french versions with Scart RGB output, of the MP1 (no 12V) and MP2 (with 12V), see MP2F. As well as a spanish version, the MPV 001 (with unknown output).