New Acquisition: Acorn BBC Micro - 01-ANB01-3033186
| Make | Model | Serial Number |
|---|---|---|
| Acorn Computers | BBC Micro Model B | 01-ANB01-3033186 |
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?
The seller described the sale as follows:
Hi all.
I inherited this BBC Micro from a deceased relative, so apologies if I'm not able to fully describe what I'm seeing here. I'll do my best, please correct me if I've said anything wrong!
As far as I can ascertain from the serial number, this is a Model B BBC Micro. When I plugged it in there was a pop and a tiny bit of smoke came out, but it does still switch on. As you can see from the photo, however, whilst it is displaying something it's not displaying everything it should. Although I was also issuing a scart lead, as I don't have a CRT. It might be salvageable, or it might only be useful for spare parts.
I also think it might have been modified by the previous owner, for example there is a little button on a wire coming out the back of it, which you can see in the pictures.
It's showing its age, but there is no significant visible damage beyond what's already been described.
Please check out my other listing for some other BBC Micro hardware/software bits that came with it.
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| What did it come with: | |||
| Nothing just the beeb. | |||
| Notes: | |||
| At least we know about the PSU being bad, plus a random push button | |||
Now I have it in my hands
Next steps:
- Recap the PSU
- Give it a good clean inside and out
- See what else is broken.
This does suggest to me that i should investigate in a good set of diagnostic utilities to help as it' seems to be a recurring pattern.
As I get to each stage I'll create a sperate blog post to document my journey.
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