---
title: MIDWICH Microcontroller
categories:
- Computers
types:
- Home Computer
origins:
- United Kingdom
years:
- '1982'
cpus:
- Z80
params:
  name: Microcontroller
  image: /media/museum/photos/midwich_microcontroller_s2.jpg
  company: /companies/midwich
  company_name: MIDWICH
  specs:
  - label: NAME
    value: Microcontroller
  - label: MANUFACTURER
    value: Midwich
  - label: TYPE
    value: Home Computer
  - label: ORIGIN
    value: United Kingdom
  - label: YEAR
    value: '1982'
  - label: BUILT IN LANGUAGE
    value: Control BASIC + machine code monitor
  - label: KEYBOARD
    value: fullstroke keyboard (QWERTY), 57 keys
  - label: CPU
    value: Z80
  - label: SPEED
    value: 2 MHz
  - label: RAM
    value: 16 KB
  - label: VRAM
    value: unknown
  - label: ROM
    value: 12 KB (expandable to 16 KB)
  - label: TEXT MODES
    value: 24 x 40 characters
  - label: GRAPHIC MODES
    value: unknown
  - label: COLORS
    value: unknown
  - label: SOUND
    value: unknown
  - label: SIZE / WEIGHT
    value: unknown
  - label: I/O PORTS
    value: TV / Monitor video output, tape interface (300/1200 bauds), System bus expansion
  - label: POWER SUPPLY
    value: unknown
  - label: PERIPHERALS
    value: 6 slot bus expander and experimental breadboard, analogue input board, analogue output board, digital I/O board, PROM programmer, prototyping board
  - label: PRICE
    value: £375 (UK, 1982)
  forum_thread: 1268
  oc_id: 1303
  source:
    url: https://web.archive.org/web/20230604030330/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=1303
    date: '2023-06-04'
---

Called the Midwich Microcontroller, this British computer was developped to provide a small desktop micro capable of running other equipment throug a variety of interface cards.

In 1979 an Italian IC manufacturer designed and began to sell a single board micro system that could be expanded to a full system with a VDU, discs, etc. Called the Nanocomputer, it was manufactured by SGS Ates and one of the distributors in the UK was Midwich. The Nano was somewhat expensive and suffered from a number of minor problems which prevented its use in the market for which it had been originally designed. Quite how much this prompted Midwich to proceed with their own system is not clear, but the influence is plainly here.

**Construction**\
The case of the Microcontroller is made out of structured foam sitting on a steel chassis. It is certainly rigid but its impact strength (ie dropping things onto its top), may be suspect. The top of the case is both wide and deep enough to allow a portable TV or monitor to sit on it. One nice touch is that the ventilation slots are covered internally with mesh thus preventing thke ingress of paper clips and the like.

The steel chassis extends up to form the rear panel of the unit and is securely attached to the lid. Indeed, there are so many fixing screws that only the most determined "peeker" will have the patience to remove them and gain access to the inside! Once into the interior the overall impression is of neatness. Everything is well laid out, all the components are of top grade and the whole unit has the appearance of being built to last.

<table> <tr> <td></td> <td>We need more info about this computer ! If you designed, used, or have more info about this system, please send us pictures or anything you might find useful.</td> <td></td> </tr> </table>