| Make | Model | Serial Number |
|---|---|---|
| Acorn Computers | BBC Micro Model B | 01-ANB01-3056744 |
Overview
- Manufacturer: Acorn Computers.
- Production Years: The BBC Micro Model B was produced from December 1981 to 1994.
- Units Produced: Over 1.5 million units were sold.
- Historical Significance: The BBC Micro Model B was central to the BBC's Computer Literacy Project, aimed at increasing computer literacy across the UK. It became iconic in education settings, establishing Acorn Computers as a household name.
Specification
- Specifications Overview: The Model B featured a 2 MHz MOS Technology 6502A processor, 32KB RAM, and 32KB ROM.
- Operating System: It initially ran Acorn's MOS (Machine Operating System) and supported BBC BASIC language ROM as standard.
- Upgradeability: RAM could be expanded to 64KB, and additional ROM sockets allowed for language or utility ROMs.
- Storage: The machine supported cassette tape storage, and later disk drives were available via expansion.
- Connectivity: It included ports such as a cassette interface, RGB output, user port, printer port, and analog input.
- Expansion Possibilities: A Tube connector allowed for co-processors, and an Econet network interface provided connectivity.
- Common Faults: Known issues include leaking RIFA capacitors in the PSU, and chip failiour after such a long period of time is not uncommon.
How Did I Acquire It?
This listing is for an Acorn BBC Micro Computer, a vintage computer mainframe originally manufactured in the United Kingdom.This Acorn BBC Micro is a piece of computing history, perfect for collectors or enthusiasts of vintage technologyI'm not able to check if it works or not, so I'm listing as Spares Or Repairs, also two missing keys. The power lead has got paint or something on it, just in case the photo is not clear....See Photos.Loft find, could be a bargain!!Fast postage and will be well packaged for transit.
- I found this machine on Ebay where it's condition was set as: For Spares or Repairs.
- The listing included images shown the computer only in a dirty condition with some keys missing; there also appears to be something blocking the RGB, RS432 & Cassette ports.
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Now I Have It in My Hands
WARNING
⚠ Do not look past this point if you are afraid of spiders⚠
- Initial Observations: The shipment contained the machine itself; no box, polystyrene packaging, cables,welcome tape, user guide and welcome booklet.
- Inspection Details: Upon opening and looking inside, I observed:
- The RIFA capacitors had leaked, and will lead to PSU failure.
- The keyboard whilst dirty and msiing the 'W' and 'L' key does initally look in good condition
- Both the TV out socket and the Analog inn ports are showing signs of corrosion.
- It looks like a previous owner has fitted a homemade headphone jack adapter.
- The blockages in the external ports are a foreshadowing of things to come, they appear to be spider eggs cocoon / food stores.
- The inside of the board was covered in spider webs, old cocoons and other insect debris.
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Next Steps
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Repair and Restoration Plan:
- Replace the failing PSU with a known good and look to repair this one later.
- Replace the keyboard with a known good and look to repair this one later.
- Literally debug the computer....
- Thoroughly clean and inspect all components for further signs of damage or wear.
- Attempt to source the missing user guide and welcome booklet to complete the set.
- Lets see what upgrade options we have.....
- Goals: Can we get it to boot and pass diagnostics?
- Challenges: The condition of the equipment does not boade will for its health, who knows what damge the sider webs, and fluids may have done.
- Wishlist: To replace the missing box, pollys cables & manuals.
Henceforth this computer shall be known as
SpiderBeeb
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