Full content from the completed page crawl (media download still running)
6,654 pages: 1,289 machines, 702 software, 460 companies, 64 history, 17 articles, 59 fun. 4,336 media files so far; references to files not downloaded yet are left out. Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 5.5 <noreply@anthropic.com> Claude-Session: https://claude.ai/code/session_01YDRjtmAiNpo5mK5N3d7QwZ
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Claude Opus 5.5
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---
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title: Acorn Computer BBC Master
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categories:
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- Computers
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types:
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- Home Computer
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origins:
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- United Kingdom
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years:
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- '1986'
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cpus:
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- 65C102
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params:
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name: BBC Master
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company: /companies/acorn-computer
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company_name: Acorn Computer
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specs:
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- label: NAME
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value: BBC Master
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- label: MANUFACTURER
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value: Acorn Computer
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- label: TYPE
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value: Home Computer
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- label: ORIGIN
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value: United Kingdom
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- label: YEAR
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value: February 1986
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- label: END OF PRODUCTION
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value: '1993'
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- label: BUILT IN LANGUAGE
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value: BBC BASIC IV interpreter
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- label: KEYBOARD
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value: Full stroke 93 key with numeric keypad and 10 function keys
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- label: CPU
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value: 65C102 (an evolution of the 6502)
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- label: SPEED
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value: 2 MHz.
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- label: RAM
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value: 128 KB
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- label: ROM
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value: 128 KB (Expandable)
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- label: TEXT MODES
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value: 40/80 x 25 lines, 20/40/80 x 32, Teletex mode (40 x 25 x 8 colours)
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- label: GRAPHIC MODES
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value: 160/320/640 x 256 dots in 2 to 8 colours
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- label: COLORS
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value: 8 among 16
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- label: SOUND
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value: 4 chanels, 8 octaves - SN76489 sound generator
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- label: SIZE / WEIGHT
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value: 46.7 (W) x 34.5 (D) x 7.5 (H) cm.
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- label: I/O PORTS
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value: Tube expansion, BBC High Speed Bus, FDD interface, User interface, RS423 serial, Analog, Econet network, Parallel, tape recorder, TV/RF, RGB & Composite outputs,
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- label: BUILT IN MEDIA
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value: Cassette & FDD interfaces
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- label: OS
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value: MOS
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- label: POWER SUPPLY
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value: Built-in switching power supply unit
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- label: PERIPHERALS
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value: External FDD unit, processor card, etc.
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- label: PRICE
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value: £499
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tabs:
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- photos
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- hardware
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- emulators
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- links
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- docs
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photos:
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- title: BBC MASTER
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subtitle: ''
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text: ''
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image: null
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- title: 'KEYBOARD CLOSE-UP #1'
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subtitle: ''
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text: Notice the function-key help insert which can be changed according to the software used.
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image: null
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- title: 'KEYBOARD CLOSE-UP #2'
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subtitle: ''
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text: Twin cartridge housings, numeric keypad and Master series logo.
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image: null
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- title: REAR CONNECTORS
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subtitle: ''
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text: |-
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**(1)** Econet network DIN plug\
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**(2)** Audio out RCA jack\
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**(3)** Tape recorder DIN plug\
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**(4)** Serial RS423 DIN plug\
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**(5)** Analogue port DB15 connector\
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**(6)** Analogue RGB video out\
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**(7)** Composite video out\
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**(8)** TV/RF video out\
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**(9)** Optional modem cable
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image: null
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- title: BOTTOM CONNECTORS
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subtitle: ''
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text: |-
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**(1)** Auxiliary power supply - +5V & +12V\
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**(2)** External disk drive unit. FD controller chip is provided on the mainboard\
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**(3)** Parallel printer\
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**(4)** User port\
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**(5)** 1 MHz bus\
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**(6)** Tube interface
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image: null
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- title: INSIDE
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subtitle: ''
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text: |-
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**(1)** Switching power supply unit\
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**(2)** Optional modem card\
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**(3)** Optional ROM card. Allows 13 ROM chips to be added\
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**(4)** ROM cartridge connectors\
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**(5)** Setup and clock battery backup
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image: null
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- title: MAINBOARD
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subtitle: ''
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text: |-
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**(1)** Bottom connectors\
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**(2)** Cartridge connectors\
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**(3)** Rom socket area
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image: null
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- title: SET OF MANUALS
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subtitle: ''
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text: The "Welcome Guide" is very detailed, giving all the information about internal hardware and built-in software.
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image: null
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hardware:
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- title: OPUS FD UNIT
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subtitle: ''
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text: |-
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This dual 5.25" floppy drive unit could be used with Acorn DFS or Opus DDOS operating systems.\
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Users could select single or double-sided, 40 or 80 track format.\
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Depending on the format used, a diskette could store from 100 KB to 360 KB of information.\
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Power is supplied by the BBC auxiliary connector.
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image: null
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- title: 'DUAL ROM SUPPORT #1'
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subtitle: ''
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text: Two ROM modules can be inserted in this support. Here one of them is equipped with a null insertion socket.
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image: null
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- title: 'DUAL ROM SUPPORT #2'
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subtitle: ''
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text: ''
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image: null
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- title: 64 KB RAM CARD
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subtitle: ''
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text: ''
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image: null
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- title: FUNCTION KEY INSERTS
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subtitle: ''
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text: Users could insert function key reminders for some of the major software above the row of function keys.
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image: null
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- title: VOLTMACE DELTA CONTROLLERS
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subtitle: ''
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text: 'Voltmace modified its Database videogame system controllers to be sold for micro-computers, mainly Acorn systems : BBC and Electron (with Plus-1 interface). As the keypad was of no use anymore, it was reduced to only 3 fire buttons.'
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image: /media/museum/hardware/voltmace_joysticks.jpg
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emulators:
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- title: The BBC Lives !
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url: http://www.nvg.org/bbc/emulators.php3
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platform: MS DOS
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text: This excellent site has a complete list of Acorn systems emulators
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links:
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- title: Acornusers.org
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url: http://www.acornusers.org/
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text: The acornusers.org server hosts several Acorn web sites
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- title: comp.sys.acorn.games FAQ
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url: http://www.landfield.com/faqs/acorn/games/
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text: newsgroup FAQ
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- title: RetroBBC
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url: http://www.strafom.force9.co.uk/bbc/Retrobbc/Index.htm
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text: Mainly a software archive. Cool !
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- title: The BBC and Master Computer Public Domain Library
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url: http://8bs.com/
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text: Lots of stuff to see and download
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- title: The BBC Lives!
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url: http://bbc.nvg.org/
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text: The net's largest site catering for enthusiasts of Acorn's range of 8-bit micros
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- title: The Stairway to Hell
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url: http://www.stairwaytohell.com/
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text: Electron and BBC support. Excellent site with a lot of stuff !
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- title: The Unofficial Acorn Computer User WWW Server
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url: http://www.poppyfields.net/acorn/
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text: ''
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- title: Web Wiz CAPTCHA
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url: http://www.webwizcaptcha.com
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text: Programming of Acorn computers
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docs:
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- title: ADVANCED REFERENCE MANUAL FOR THE BBC MASTER
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url: http://members.aon.at/~musher/bbc/essentials.htm
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cover: null
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text: |-
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[**ADVANCED REFERENCE MANUAL FOR THE BBC MASTER**](http://members.aon.at/~musher/bbc/essentials.htm)written by Ian Bishop Laggett
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compiled/archived by Chris Richardson\
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type of document : RTF\
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source : [BBC Documentation Project](http://www.bbcdocs.com)
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- title: BBC MASTER SERIES MICROCOMPUTER SERVICE MANUAL
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url: http://members.aon.at/~musher/bbc/essentials.htm
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cover: /media/museum/docs/couvs/vide.gif
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text: |-
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[**BBC MASTER SERIES MICROCOMPUTER SERVICE MANUAL**](http://members.aon.at/~musher/bbc/essentials.htm)written by Acorn Computers Limited
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compiled/archived by Chris Richardson\
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type of document : RTF\
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source : [BBC Documentation Project](http://www.bbcdocs.com)
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- title: BBC MASTER REFENCE MANUAL - PART 1
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url: http://members.aon.at/~musher/bbc/essentials.htm
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cover: null
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text: |-
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[**BBC MASTER REFENCE MANUAL - PART 1**](http://members.aon.at/~musher/bbc/essentials.htm)written by Acorn Computers Limited
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compiled/archived by Chris Richardson\
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type of document : PDF\
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source : [BBC Documentation Project](http://www.bbcdocs.com)
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- title: BBC MASTER REFENCE MANUAL - PART 2
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url: http://members.aon.at/~musher/bbc/essentials.htm
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cover: null
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text: |-
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[**BBC MASTER REFENCE MANUAL - PART 2**](http://members.aon.at/~musher/bbc/essentials.htm)written by Acorn Computers Limited
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compiled/archived by Chris Richardson / Keith Howell\
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type of document : PDF\
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source : [BBC Documentation Project](http://www.bbcdocs.com)
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- title: BBC MASTER 512 USER GUIDE
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url: http://members.aon.at/~musher/bbc/essentials.htm
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cover: null
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text: |-
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[**BBC MASTER 512 USER GUIDE**](http://members.aon.at/~musher/bbc/essentials.htm)written by Acorn Computers Limited
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compiled/archived by Chris Richardson / Daniel G. van der Pol\
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type of document : ZIP\
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source : [BBC Documentation Project](http://www.bbcdocs.com)
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- title: MASTER OPERATING SYSTEM
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url: http://members.aon.at/~musher/bbc/essentials.htm
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cover: null
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text: |-
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[**MASTER OPERATING SYSTEM**](http://members.aon.at/~musher/bbc/essentials.htm)written by David Atherton
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compiled/archived by Chris Richardson\
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type of document : PDF\
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source : [BBC Documentation Project](http://www.bbcdocs.com)
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- title: MASTER COMPACT APPLICATION NOTE
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url: http://members.aon.at/~musher/bbc/essentials.htm
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cover: /media/museum/docs/couvs/vide.gif
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text: |-
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[**MASTER COMPACT APPLICATION NOTE**](http://members.aon.at/~musher/bbc/essentials.htm)written by Acorn Computers Limited
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compiled/archived by Chris Richardson\
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type of document : ZIP\
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source : [BBC Documentation Project](http://www.bbcdocs.com)
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comments:
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- author: Chris Jordan (UK)
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date: Saturday 19th April 2014
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text: |-
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David wrote: "the BBC B used the IC18 Sound Generator and the BBC Master the IC38 which offered the same number of channels (4) but slightly better quality sound. ... the BBC B+ also used the IC38!"
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David, ICXX is simply Acorn''s own designation for the position of the IC in the circuit. What identifies the Sound Generator is the manufacturer''s part number - SN76496 in the Model B and B+, and the SN76489 in the Master. There is no difference in the sound output quality between these two chips.
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By the way, are you the David Shepherd who wrote Atom Minotaur? I''m the Chris Jordan who designed the sound firmware driving the above chips in the BBC Micro.
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- author: David Shepherd
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date: Wednesday 2nd April 2014
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text: |-
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"I believe this inaccurate. I recall no improvement in the sound feature between these two models."
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Pedantically yes, the BBC B used the IC18 Sound Generator and the BBC Master the IC38 which offered the same number of channels (4) but slightly better quality sound.
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I say pedantically, because the BBC B+ also used the IC38!
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- author: Chris Jordan
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date: Monday 3rd February 2014
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text: |-
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"The BBC Master was an enhanced version of the BBC Model B providing improved features... These features were: ... 4 sound channels"
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I believe this inaccurate. I recall no improvement in the sound feature between these two models.
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- author: Matthijs (Netherland)
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date: Tuesday 30th October 2012
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text: |-
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As far as I remember de BBC Master512 ran DR-DOS en not MS-DOS.\
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However you could play Flight Simulator on it. $-)\
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Also were able to program in Turbo Pascal.
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- author: Userus
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date: Thursday 22nd March 2012
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text: Most accomplished 8-bit home computers? For home games were much important while BBC''s had inferior graphics system. You may compare with MSX2 appeared the same year, for example.
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- author: Mark (England )
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date: Thursday 20th January 2011
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text: |-
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Does anyone know if the BBC B or Master has been put into VHDL code so it can be put onto a single chip ??
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I know it''s been done for other old retro machines !! Might make a good project for a programmer proficiency in VDHL /Verilog programming.
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- author: John H
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date: Sunday 19th December 2010
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text: I started programming on one of these (actually on a model B in school)$ I''m now a senior software engineer on large server projects. It struck me the other day, there must be tens of thousands of professional programmers and engineers now active who all owe their careers to the BBC Computers In Schools project. Awesome, when you come to think about it.
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- author: Steve (Adelaide, Australia)
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date: Sunday 5th September 2004
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text: |-
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My high school had these things up until 1994 when they were replaced with Macs! I always loved seeing these in action in the late 80's at the library there (before I started at that school in 93) with networking and games like Xor. They were a well designed computer, the fact that they hung around for so long says something.\
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From the previous page, I think an Australian school having BBC micro's must have been something of an anomaly.
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related:
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- /museum/acorn-computer-atom
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- /museum/acorn-computer-bbc-master-aiv
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- /museum/acorn-computer-bbc-master-compact
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- /museum/acorn-computer-bbc-model-a-b-b
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- /museum/acorn-computer-electron
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oc_id: 850
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source:
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url: https://web.archive.org/web/20230608145639/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=850
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date: '2023-06-08'
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---
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The BBC Master was an enhanced version of the [BBC Model B](/museum/acorn-computer-bbc-model-a-b-b/) providing improved features, but sadly also introducing compatibility problems with earlier BBC systems.
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These features were: loads more memory such as shadow, sideways and private RAM, 4 sound channels, twin cartridge sockets, as well as several built-in ROM software packages like **View** (word processor), **ViewSheet** (spreadsheet), **ADFS** (Advanced Filing System), a text editor and terminal utilities.
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Like the Model B, the system had so many I/O ports that most of them had to be placed under the case. Luckily, they only used flat-cable connectors.
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When it was released, the BBC Master met with great success. From 1986 to 1989, about 200,000 systems were sold, mainly to U.K. schools and universities.\
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Several enhanced versions of the Master were launched in the following months:\
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\- The **Master 512** was a Master 128 with 512 KB of RAM and an internal 80186 processor. It could be upgraded up to 1024 KB and ran MS-DOS.\
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\- The **Master Turbo** was a Master 128 with a 65C02 as a second processor.
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The BBC Master and [Master Compact](/museum/acorn-computer-bbc-master-compact/) could be considered the most accomplished 8-bit 'home' computers and among the last mass-produced 8-bit machines. Production ended in 1993.\
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While developing and marketing the BBC Master, Acorn realized the PC world was moving on from 8-bit to 16-bit processors and started developing their own 32-bit chip, the Acorn RISC Machine, or ARM.
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