pongmuseum.com - APF TV Fun

APF TV Fun - Model 401A
Produced by: APF Electronics Inc., USA, 1977
Chip: AY-8500 (General Instruments)

Specifications

ON/OFF power button
RESET (start) button
SELECT GAME knob
BAT SIZE (small/large) switch
ANGLE 40°/20° switch
BALL SPEED switch
internal controllers (turning knobs)
Built-in amplified mono speaker
Black & White support
Ports: Video out, controller, psu, gun
PAL TV support
DC 9 volt or 6 x C batteries
manual download

Games

Tennis, Hockey
Squash, Practice

English

APF TV Fun Model 401 is a classic pong system. It is one of the first system based on the common AY-3-8500 chipset from General Instruments. Thus, it offers four basic pong games : tennis, hockey, squash and single handball. The case is quite nice with woodgrain style finish and silver-like knobs, switches and buttons. Switches are used to turn the system on and off, select game option and service mode (auto/manual). Buttons are used to reset the system and serve the ball. Game selection is made through a small dial in the middle of the control panel.

The controllers are built-in the case. These are two dials placed on both sides of the case. The RF cable is built into the unit, but it's possible to unplug it from the insides of the machine for replacement. The system can be powered by six C-size batteries or by an external power supply.

The APF TV Fun was an early competitor of Pong manufactured by APF Electronics Inc. and built for APF Electronics Inc., USA in Japan in 1976. The game was named by 11 year old Stuart Lipper the son of the CFO and Nephew of the President, he was paid $1 for his efforts. The APF was sold for around $125.

There are several variations

APF - 401
APF - 401A
APF - 402 - pill bottle shaped controllers and a lightgun
APF - 405 - detachable cont., rectangular shaped console
APF - 406 - round paddles
APF - 442
APF - 444
APF - 500
APF - Match - SD-01
They also made the M1000 (models MP-1000A, MPA-10) and the Imagination machine
APF - TV Fun Sportsarama

The TV Fun package was the first excursion of APF into the video game market, APF was formerly a calculator and other small electronics developer. TV Fun was one of the largest selling TV games of its time. It was sold at Sears under the name Hockey Jockari. TV Fun was followed up by the MP 1000 and then APF Imagination Machine a few years later. The system itself was 16" x 7.5" x 3" and featured a faux-woodgrain finish, as did many of the early home video game consoles. Sears also had version with their "Tele-games" logo on the consoles in the 400 series. View the gallery.

Deutsch

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Gallery

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Museums Collection

Our collection includes: Console, original shipping box (slightly torn due to age and former storage), detachable external controllers, -sliders, -joysticks, manual, styrofoam (parts), powersupply (AC/DC 9 volt), connection cable, TV adapter, board schematic, optional pistol or gun (model), original bill

The console is tested, the controllers work reliable.
Battery terminals are cland and are not corroded.
The console is actually without function, it displays no screen.
The controllers are misaligned. / One controller is misaligned.
The original PSU is defect.

Any informations, inputs, contributions, descriptions or anything related to this Pong console will be greatly appreciated! Please contact us.

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