Qwint Systems
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Founded | December 1974 |
| Founder | Donald Paul Martin |
| Defunct | 1986 |
| Fate | Acquired by Zebra Technologies |
| Headquarters | Northbrook, Illinois , United States |
| Products | Mike series microcomputers, teletypes, printing terminals |
Number of employees | 130 (1984) |
Martin Research Ltd., which later became known as Qwint Systems, Inc., was an American computer manufacturer established by Donald Paul Martin in Northbrook, Illinois. Beginning in 1975, the company introduced the Mike series of modular microcomputer kits. These systems, built around the Intel 8008, 8080, and Zilog Z80 processors, became favored by hobbyists looking for cost-effective trainer computers.
Foundation (1974–1975)
Donald Paul Martin (1940–2019), an MIT alumnus with a degree in electrical engineering, founded Martin Research in late 1974 in Northbrook, Illinois. Around this period, he also helped establish the Chicago Area Computer Hobbyists' Exchange (CACHE). Although initially aimed at industrial clients requiring programmable factory controllers, Martin Research found its niche among hobbyists who utilized their microcomputers primarily as educational trainer systems. The company subsequently shifted its focus to cater to this emerging user base.
Their inaugural offerings included the Mike 1 microcomputer and the publication Microcomputer Design (1975). The Mike 1 showcased a modular architecture powered by the Intel 8008 CPU. Meanwhile, the book was designed for enthusiasts interested in building microcomputers based on Intel’s 8008 and 8080 processors. Critics recommended it particularly for readers with knowledge of digital circuit design and transistor–transistor logic. For an additional $25 beyond the $75 book price, purchasers could obtain it bundled with an 8008 processor chip. John Gilchrist, writing for Byte magazine, lauded Microcomputer Design as an outstanding hardware guide authored by a seasoned engineer.
Mike family (1975–1980)
The Mike series of microcomputers were available both as kits and fully assembled units, featuring a modular construction composed of stacked circuit boards measuring , interconnected through a shared bus and ribbon cable—a design approach common among sophisticated minicomputers of that era. Typically, the board arrangement began with the Console Board at the front, followed by the CPU Board and then the PROM/RAM Board, with room for expansion via additional boards. The Console Board was equipped with a six-digit seven-segment LED display and a twenty-key keypad enabling octal input, allowing users to directly access and modify memory locations.
The original Mike 1 system utilizing the Intel 8008 was soon succeeded by the Mike 2 in early 1975. While still based on the 8008 processor, the Mike 2 introduced enhancements such as the 2-20 Console Board, a 2-1 CPU Board that included crystal oscillator and timing circuitry, and a 2-3 PROM/RAM Board providing 1 KB RAM alongside 2 KB PROM. Mid-1975 saw the release of the Mike 3, which upgraded to the Intel 8080 processor and expanded RAM capacity to 4 KB while preserving bus compatibility—users could interchange CPU Boards between Mike 2 and Mike 3 models. Both versions achieved strong sales during 1975, ranking second only to the Altair 8800 in popularity according to industry reports.
In early 1977, Martin Research introduced the Mike 8, a three-board system powered by the Zilog Z80 microprocessor. It featured 4 KB of RAM and included a 1-KB ROM memory monitor program that supported RAM diagnostics, single-step execution, and interrupt management. The Mike 8 also incorporated a blank Intel 2708 EPROM for program storage that could be programmed using onboard hardware controls and supplied an ultraviolet light source for erasing EPROMs—features appealing to industrial users as well as advanced hobbyists. Notably, this model was the first in the Mike lineup offered with an optional rugged "black-box" enclosure designed for demanding environments.
Restructuring (1980–1985)
During the early 1980s, the company redirected its efforts toward serving business, industrial, and medical sectors. It ceased production of kit computers, adopted the new name Qwint Research, and moved its main office to a different location within Northbrook. Instead of entering the rapidly expanding personal computer arena, Qwint focused on marketing teletypes and printing terminals. In 1977, marketing VP Kerry Berland voiced doubts about competing in the personal computer space without control over semiconductor technology. Subsequent industry evaluations credited the decline of Martin Research's kit computer line to the IBM PC's commoditization of the market post-1981, which posed significant challenges for companies targeting hobbyists.
Under the Qwint brand, the company unveiled its initial products in April 1981: the KSR-743 transmit-and-receive printing terminal, KSR-744 teletype, and RO-743 receive-only terminal. By 1982, the KSR-744 series had grown to include two variants featuring increased RAM and editing capabilities similar to word processors; the higher-end version also incorporated early email functionality. In 1983, Qwint rolled out the 780 series teleprinters with graphic support. This line generated sufficient profits for Qwint to expand its workforce to 130 employees by 1984 and relocate to a 46,907-square-foot facility in Lincolnshire, Illinois. The company was ultimately acquired by Zebra Technologies in 1986.
External links
- Various brochures (1974–1975) at the Internet Archive
- Martin Research catalog (1975) at the Internet Archive
- Mike 3 CPU Board schematic (1975) at the Internet Archive
- Mike 2 Monitor – Version 1.3 program listing at the Internet Archive