The Spectrum Next claims to be the “Evolution of the Speccy”, which is a very bold statement. The Sinclair name and Spectrum brand evokes strong memories in a whole generation of adults who grew up in the mid-80s with one in their home, so any new machine with Sinclair stamped on it needs to walk the walk and talk the talk. Speaking as one of those adults, an ex-games developer and long-term Spectrum fan, I …
The BBC Micro and Master computers were designed by Acorn from the outset to support a second processor via the proprietary Tube interface. Typically Acorn’s external second processors are in enclosures that matches the aesthetics of the BBC Micro and contain a power supply, processor, RAM and ROM. Essentially a computer without a keyboard and video output. The only IO is via a custom ULA that provides four bi-directional FIFO buffers. The second processors connect …
I’ve been donated a couple of BBC Micros from a friend who is in the process of clearing out his late uncle’s house. The first, a BBC Model B, is in need of significant repair – I tested it after recapping the power supply and got the dreaded beep of death and no video. The second, a BBC Master 128, is in much better condition. Cosmetics The machine had been used in a special needs …
