FIDELITY WELCOME MESSAGE
Used by Fidelity Electronics in some of their product catalogs
FIDELITY ELECTRONICS was formed in 1959 in Chicago, Illinois and sometime later moved to Miami, Florida. Originally Fidelity produced medical equipment and also imported hearing aids from Austria.
In 1968 Sidney Samole became General Manager at Fidelity and by 1970 he had bought out all the other shareholders thereby becoming sole owner and president.
Sidney Samole - President of Fidelity Electronics
At some point during 1976 as Sidney was watching with fascination a Star Trek episode in which Mister Spock was playing chess against a ship computer, the idea for creating a dedicated chess computer was formed after spending a restless night thinking excitedly about this Star Trek episode.
The next day he discussed his thoughts with his secretary who after hearing his ideas informed him that her husband was working on a chess program as a hobby in his spare time. Upon hearing this news Sidney of course immediately employed this person. His name was Ron Nelson.
Ron Nelson went on to write for Fidelity all the chess programs for the early range of chess computers.
Finally in January 1977, Fidelity was ready to show to the world the world's first dedicated chess computer the FIDELITY CHESS CHALLENGER 1.
The Chess Challenger 1 had many faults, it was a very weak program and very user unfriendly. But it started the dedicated chess computer era. It was quickly replaced by Chess Challenger 3 which went on to enjoy huge worldwide sales.
Fidelity used this success to quickly establish themselves as the worlds premier chess computer manufacturer and in the years that followed launched a large continuously improved range of excellent machines.
Meanwhile Ron Nelson who had proven to have great abilities in the hardware side of chess computers began working more in production and engineering.
Fidelity wanting to ensure their status as the top manufacturer successfully engaged Dan and Kathe Spracklen, who joined their Team sometime in 1979, after having recently terminated their relationship with Chafitz Inc.
Kathe & Dan Spracklen
Programmers of the World Famous Sargon Chess.
Success for the Spracklen’s at Fidelity was immediate after entering their first Fidelity project the Fidelity Chess Challenger X into the 1st World Microcomputer Chess Championship (WMCCC) in 1980. Where it won the tournament and became the 1st World Microcomputer Champion with a perfect score of five wins in five games.
Fidelity and the Spracklen’s went on to win the first four World Microcomputer Chess Championships that were held before they had to concede the crown to Hegener & Glaser’s Mephisto computers and programmer Richard Lang. Fidelity were never able to win another World Microcomputer Chess Championship after this.
First 4 World Microcomputer Chess Championships (WMCCC):
By the late 1980s the sales for dedicated chess computers began to decline due increasing competition from Home Micro PCs and rapidly improving software which was sold at a fraction of the cost of a comparably skilled dedicated chess computer.
Finally in 1989 after having made some huge financial losses Fidelity Electronics was sold to their major competitor out of Germany, Hegener & Glaser.
Fidelity continued to make large losses in North America until finally Hegener & Glaser decided to completely close the Fidelity operations in 1992.
The last computer produced by Fidelity may have been a Chess Mate or Avanti. In either case both machines were very poor efforts when compared to the many great machines produced during the Fidelity glory days.
Challenger Series product brochure from 1980/81
WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF THE FUTURE BROUGHT TO YOU BY FIDELITY
The CHALLENGER series of microprocessor based games utilizes all solid state electronic circuitry. The Brain, or thinking part of the electronics is a mini-computer (or more technically a micro-computer).
A little more than ten years ago, the CHALLENGERS, in their present compact size, would not have been possible. Computers were too big and the resultant product would be clumsy, costly and impractical.
The development of solid-state electronic components made small size possible. But the most significant breakthrough was the invention of the chip. The single chip micro-computer came on the scene in 1971. It contains all the elements of a near room-sized computer on one chip of silicon less than one-fifth of an inch square and only a few thousands of an inch thick. Just a few years ago, a comparable system would have required more than 20,000 transistors and related components at a cost of more than $10,000.
The chip can be programmed to perform many different functions. A CHALLENGER game is a complex device comprised of a chip -- we call it the Central Processing Unit -- and numerous other components that work together to digest the information provided as input by the human player, and to ultimately reach conclusions as directed by programmed instructions.
The programmed instructions contain both the rules of the game and the strategy of play. For example, a CHESS CHALLENGER no only responds to your move, it also it also investigates all of the possible moves and counter-moves and then selects its best response based on a plus or minus points factor. The level of play function, which the player selects, instructs the computer how many moves and counter moves it is permitted to examine for that particular level. Thus, the level of difficulty (or capability) is restricted to accommodate your own experience or ability at playing the game.
Think of it this way: Whereas a calculator will always give the same response to a given input, the CHALLENGER'S computer thinks of the probabilities before making a decision.
Excerpt taken from the back of a Fidelity Challenger brochure.
CC3 - 1977
Challenger 3
Table Top
6137 - 1992
Avanti
Table Top
CC1 - 1977
Challenger 1
Table Top
CC7 - 1979
Challenger 7 - I
Table Top
CHALLENGER computerized games that challenge YOU!
Picture take from a 1979/80 Fidelity product brochure.
BCC - 1980
CCX - 1978
CCX - 1979
Challenger 7 - III
Challenger 10A
Challenger 10B - I
Table Top
Table Top
Table Top
UVC - 1979
6136 -1992
6116 - 1990
6120 - 1990
Challenger Voice Advanced
Chess Mate
Chess Pal
Chesster Challenger
Table Top
Table Top
Table Top
Table Top
CC3 - 1977
Challenger 3 Upgrade
Table Top
6115 - 1990
Chess Card
Travel
Fidelity Chess Challenger
Picture taken from a Fidelity Designer box.
FIDELITY CHESS CHALLENGER
In early 1976, the concept of making a commercially available chess computer was first conceived by FIDELITY. A prototype was built. U. S. Patent # 4235442 was issued, and the first unit was introduced in January 1977. Both the prototype and the first commercially available unit were inducted in the Hall of Fame by the United States Chess Federation on May 20, 1988 at New Windsor, New York.
Since 1977 CHESS CHALLENGER has won the first four World Microcomputer Chess Championships, every United States Computer Chess Open and currently holds the highest certified rating of any computer chess program. FIDELITY is the only American computer chess manufacturer and from its home in Miami, Florida distributes products in over 60 countries around the world.
Excerpt taken from a Fidelity Chess Computer box.
6124 - 1990
6126 - 1990
6099 - 1988
Chesster Phantom
Chesster Phantom Eyeball
Computachess IV
Table Top
Table Top
Table Top
Family playing against a Fidelity Chess Challenger 7
Picture take from a 1979/80 Fidelity product brochure. This photo is also on the front of the Fidelity Chess Challenger 7 box.
6111 - 1988
6102 - 1988
6105 - 1989
6103 - 1988
6106 - 1988
Designer 1500 Chess Coach
Designer 2000
Designer 2000 Display
Designer 2100
Designer 2100 Display
Table Top
Table Top
Table Top
Table Top
Table Top
6113 - 1989
6120 - 1990
6119 - 1990
Designer 2265 Master
Designer 2325 Master
Eldorado
Table Top
Table Top
Table Top
FIDELITY DECORATOR CHALLENGER
Picture taken from a Fidelity product brochure.
EWC - 1984
EAS-C - 1984
EAS-C-V11 - 2001
EAG - 1985
6081 - 1986
Elite A/S Budapest
Elite A/S Glasgow
Elite A/S Version 11
Elite Avant-Garde
Elite A/G Mobile Master
Table Top
Table Top
Table Top
Table Top
Table Top
6088 - 1988
6114 - 1989
6131 - 1990
Elite Avant-Garde 2100
Elite Avant-Garde Version 2
Elite Premiere
Table Top
Table Top
Table Top
CHESS CHALLENGER 10
Taken from a Challenger Series product brochure from 1979/80.
6097 - 1988
6098 - 1988
6093 - 1987
EP12 - 1985
6080 - 1986
Excel 68000 Mach IIC+ LA
Excel 68000 Mach III Master
Excel Display
Excellence I
Excellence II
Table Top
Table Top
Table Top
Table Top
Table Top
FIDELITY DESIGNER SERIES
Picture taken from a Fidelity Designer box.
DESIGNER SERIES
The DESIGNER SERIES CHESS CHALLENGER COMPUTERS, continues FIDELITY’s championship software with the elegance and sleek styling of Italian design.
This design was created by the famous FRANCO ROCCO DESIGN STUDIO of Milan, Italy. Signor Rocco is an accomplished architect and sculptor, who excels in creating a fascinating blend of form and function. Each Designer Model carries the signature of his studio and the beauty of his artistry. His concept of a chess board within a chess board creates another dimension while retaining the integrity of this ancient game. The critics have acclaimed his design as attaining the look of Hi-Fashion, Hi-Tech, or a combination of both.
FIDELITY is proud to present this new series for your pleasure and enjoyment.
Excerpt taken from a Fidelity Designer Chess Computer box.
6084 - 1986
6108 - 1989
Gambit I
Genesis
Table Top
Table Top
CHESS CHALLENGER 7
Taken from a Challenger Series product brochure from 1979/80.
6127 - 1990
6125 - 1991
6125 - 1991
Kishon Chesster Challenger
Little Chesster Challenger I
Little Chesster Challenger II
Table Top
Table Top
Table Top
6096 - 1987
Micro Chess Challenger I
Travel
6096 - 1988
Micro Chess Challenger II
Travel
SC6 - 1982
Sensory Challenger 6
Table Top
FIDELITY ELECTRONIC, LTD
This picture is taken from the top of the Fidelity Chess Challenger 10 carrying case.
SCC - 1980
SC9 - 1982
CC8 - 1985
Sensory Challenger 8
Sensory Challenger 9
Sensory Challenger Classic A
Table Top
Table Top
Table Top
We're Proud We're Number One
A Fidelity Challenger certificate which was included in the boxes of Challenger series chess computers 1980/1981.
6079 - 1986
6079D - 1987
6092 - 1987
Sensory Challenger Classic B
Sensory Challenger Classic C
Excellence Voice
Table Top
Table Top
Table Top
SU9 - 1983
Super 9
Table Top
DS9 - 1984
USCF - 1984
Super 9 De Luxe
U.S. Chess Federation Special
Table Top
Table Top
6087 - 1986
Silver Bullet
Travel
VOICE CHESS CHALLENGER
Taken from a Challenger Series product brochure from 1979/80
CB9 - 1982
CB 9 Chess Book Cartridge
Chess Openings Cartridge
CB16 - 1982
CB 16 Chess Book Cartridge
Chess Openings Cartridge
CGG - 1982
Greatest Chess Games
Chess Games Cartridge
CAC - 1982
Mini Sensory Advanced
Chess Openings Cartridge
CB6 - 1982
Mini Sensory Book Openings
Chess Openings Cartridge
EOA - 1984
Challenger Book Openings A
Chess Openings Cartridge
EOB - 1984
Challenger Book Openings B
Chess Openings Cartridge
EOC - 1984
Challenger Book Openings C
Chess Games Cartridge
EOD - 1984
Challenger Book Openings D
Chess Openings Cartridge
EOE - 1984
Challenger Book Openings E
Chess Openings Cartridge
FP - 1980
Challenger Thermal Printer
Printer
IFP - 1983
Impact Printer
Printer
A FIDELITY INTERNATIONAL Mission Statement
Picture taken from a Fidelity Chess Computer box.
Fidelity Challenger
Advertisement taken from a Fidelity product catalog.
BKC - 1979
Backgammon Challenger
Backgammon Game
BB - 1980
Bridge Bidder
Bridge Game
BRC - 1979
Bridge Challenger
Bridge Game
VBRC - 1980
Bridge Challenger Voice
Bridge Game
BV3 - 1985
Bridge Challenger 3 Voice
Bridge Game
7002 - 1986
Bridge Challenger
Bridge Game
7016 - 1990
Bridge Challenger Deluxe
Bridge Game
7017 - 1990
Bridge Challenger
Bridge Game
7018 - 1990
Bridge Challenger
Bridge Game
ACR - 1978
Checker Challenger
Checkers Game
CR - 1979
Checker Challenger
Checkers Game
7006 - 1990
Gammon Pal
Backgammon Game
8004 - 1987
Micro Backgammon
Backgammon Travel Game
RSC - 1981
Reversi Sensory Challenger
Reversi Game
Fidelity Challenger Series
Advertisement taken from a Fidelity product leaflet.
6118 - 1990
Tiny Chess Challenger
Travel
6122 - 1991
Travel Master
Travel
CSC - 1981
VSC - 1980
Sensory Challenger Champion
Sensory Challenger Voice
Table Top
Table Top
SE12 - 1984
6086 - 1986
Sensory Challenger 12
Sensory Challenger 12B
Table Top
Table Top
6083 - 1989
6100 - 1988
Par Excellence III
Phantom
Table Top
Table Top
6121 - 1991
Marauder
Table Top
6095 - 1987
Gambit Voice
Table Top
6080 - 1988
Excellence IV
Table Top
SC12 - 1984
Sensory Challenger 12
Table Top
FRANCO ROCCO DESIGN STUDIO designed the Designer Series computer.
Picture taken from a Fidelity Chess Computer box.
6107 - 1987
Mini Chess Challenger III
Travel
6083 - 1986
Par Excellence I
Table Top
6083 - 1987
Par Excellence II
Table Top
MSC - 1981
Mini Chess Challenger I
Travel
6052 - 1982
Mini Chess Challenger II
Travel
6084 - 1988
6084 - 1989
Gambit II
Gambit III
Table Top
Table Top
6094 - 1987
6097 - 1987
Excel 68000 Mach I
Excel 68000 Mach IIb
Table Top
Table Top
6085 - 1986
EAS - 1983
Elegance Version B
Elite A/S
Table Top
Table Top
FCC - 1981
6104 - 1988
Decorator Challenger
Designer 1500
Table Top
Table Top
UCC10 - 1978
UVC - 1979
Challenger 10 Upgrade
Challenger Voice
Table Top
Table Top
CC7 - 1979
Challenger 10B - II
Table Top
CC7 - 1979
Challenger 7 - II
Table Top
6082 - 1986
Excellence 4 MHz
Table Top
AS12 - 1984
Elegance Version A
Table Top