Heathkit Zenith ETW-3800 Educational Systems

Object/Artifact

-

Retro Tech Restoration Collections

Name/Title

Heathkit Zenith ETW-3800 Educational Systems

Entry/Object ID

CI-CS-0030

Tags

Microcomputer, computer, Heathkit, Heath Company

Description

Heathkit Zenith ETW-3800 Educational Systems

Category

Computers

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Heath Company

Date made

circa 1993

Other Names and Numbers

Other Names

Name Type

Brand/Product Line Name

Other Name

Heathkit

Name Type

Model

Other Name

ETW-3800

Other Numbers

Number Type

Serial Number

Other Number

n/a

General Notes

Note Type

General Notes

Note

The Heathkit ETW-3800 is a vintage 8-bit microprocessor training system released by the Heath Company / Heathkit Educational Systems around 1991 for about $695. Key Features & DesignForm Factor: A cream and yellow plastic benchtop unit with an angled work surface, integrated keypad, and built-in solderless breadboards. Processor Modules: Uses interchangeable CPU cartridge modules. It commonly shipped with the ETC-6811 module (using a Motorola 68HC11 8-bit microcontroller) or the rarer ETC-8085 module (using an Intel 8085 processor). Interface & I/O: Features an alphanumeric LCD panel, a hexadecimal keypad, RS-232 serial communication for computer connection, user LEDs, and input/output ports. Prototyping: Includes onboard solderless breadboarding areas and breakout headers for building and testing custom electronic circuits. Documentation: Widely used in universities and technical schools as part of structured educational courses. You can find schematic and manual downloads on archive sites like Elektrotanya.

Note Type

Object Specific Information

Note

This machine was purchased from a ebay.com online auction and is in fully working condition. It includes the ETC-8085 CPU module and the ETC-128 memory module. (More details coming soon.)

Create Date

September 10, 2026

Update Date

September 11, 2026