New Acquisition: Acorn Electron
| Make | Model | Serial Number |
|---|---|---|
| Acorn Computers | Electron | 07-ALA01-0108825 |
Overview
- Manufacturer: Acorn Computers.
- Production Years: The Acorn Electron was introduced on August 25, 1983.
- Historical Significance: The Acorn Electron was designed as a more affordable alternative to the BBC Micro, targeting the home computer market. It retained many of the BBC Micro's features, including compatibility with BBC BASIC, while offering a compact and cost-effective design.
- Architecture: The Electron was based on the Synertek SY6502A processor and featured a custom Uncommitted Logic Array (ULA) for graphics and I/O handling.
Specification
- Processor: Synertek SY6502A running at 2 MHz when accessing ROM, 1 MHz when accessing RAM.
- Memory: 32KB RAM and 32KB ROM.
- Storage: Programs could be saved and loaded via cassette tape. Optional expansions, such as the Acorn Plus 3, added floppy disk support.
- Display: Capable of multiple display modes, including:
- 160×256 resolution with 4 or 16 colors.
- 320×256 resolution with 2 or 4 colors.
- 640×256 resolution with 2 colors.
- Audio: Basic tone and noise generation capabilities.
- Connectivity: Included a cassette interface, RGB video output, and expansion ports for peripherals.
- Expansion: The Acorn Plus 1 provided additional ports for joysticks and printers, while the Acorn Plus 3 added floppy disk support.
- Operating System: Acorn MOS v1.0, with BBC BASIC II included in ROM.
- Common Faults:
- Failure of the ULA chip, which could cause display or I/O issues.
- Degradation of the cassette interface, leading to unreliable program loading or saving.
- Age-related wear on power supplies, resulting in instability or failure.
How Did I Acquire It?
Where Did I Get It From?
I picked this up on Ebay
How Was It Described to Me?
Acorn Electron Computer 1982 Hong Kong - Untested
Item specifics
Condition: For parts or not working: An item that does not function as intended or is not fully operational. ... Read moreabout the condition
Brand: Acorn
Type: Desktop Computers & All-in-Ones
Model: Acorn Electron
Country/Region of Manufacture: Hong Kong
Acorn Electron Computer 1982 Hong Kong - Untested also missing a key
Supplier Photos
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Now That I Have It in My Hands
Initial Observations
The machine is as described, very dirty with the "6" key missing
Initial Inspection
It is described dirty with some age related yellowing but not too bad.
I took the keys off to start the cleaning process and so we could see the underside, it is very much as described.
One added bonus, when i plugged it into my regulated power supply and monitor it worked!
Inspection Photos
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Next Steps
Repair and Restoration Plan
- Giving it a good clean
- Replacing the "6" key, however this may end up repacing all the keys in order to match the shade....
Goals
- A fully working machine, refurbished and clean!
- In the original packaging
- Is this a candidate for retro brighting?
Challenges
- Replacing the key with a matching shade one...
- Finding original packaging equipment
Wishlist
- Boxes and pollys for the Electron
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