The BBC Micro was a microcomputer platform, first introduced in 1981, with Acorn Computers winning the contract for the BBC's Computer Literacy Project ahead of Sir Clive Sinclair and the ZX Spectrum. It was a way for Acorn to quickly make money thanks to the BBC name. Initially code-named "Proton" it became a great success in the UK, with every secondary school and primary school soon having access to one. At the time, the success of the BBC Micro made the UK the most computer-literate country in the world. Two revisions were released in November, 1981 the entry-level Model A at £235 and standard Model B at £335. Model B's included additional RAM a second processor. Later the BBC Master was released with more RAM and OS enhancements. The BBC B+ was released in 1984 which featured double the RAM found in the BBC B.
The BBC Micro is powered by a 6502 processor, the same one found in the Commodore PET and VIC-20 as well as the Atari 400 and 800.
Perhaps the best remembered game for the system was Acornsoft's Elite, the first fully 3D space trading and combat game. It was developed by Ian Bell and David Braben. Musician Martin Galway and director Chris Roberts also started out on the system, collaborating on the Superior Software game, Stryker's Run. Game adaptations of popular BBC TV shows like Doctor Who were also produced.
BBC Micro in dates
1980
The BBC is looking for a microcomputer platform for their show The Computer Programme. It must be a platform that has graphics and is able to show text.
1981
Acorn upgrades its Atom system as to be on par with what the BBC was asking for. Acorn wins the contract and starts building machines for the BBC. The BBC Microcomputer System is born.
1982
The BBC Micro gets some competition ( ZX Spectrum and the Commodore 64) and Acorn has trouble answering customer demand.
1985
Despite releasing multiple versions of the BBC, Acorn Computers is almost bankrupt and is bought by Olivetti.
1989
The final model of the BBC is released but is already technically inferior to other machines such as the Amiga. This is the end of the BBC Micro.
Technical Specifications
| - | Model A | Model B | Model B+64 | Model B+128 |
|---|
| Processor | MOS 6502A
@ 2 MHz | MOS 6502A
@ 2 MHz | Rockwell 6512A
@ 2 MHz | Rockwell 6512A
@ 2 MHz |
| RAM | 16 kB | 32 kB | 64 kB | 128 kB |
| ROM | 32 kB | 32 kB | 48 kB | 48 kB |
| Graphics | Motorola 6845 CRT | Motorola 6845 CRT | Motorola 6845 CRT | Motorola 6845 CRT |
| Sound | TI SN76389
DCSG chip | TI SN76489
DCSG chip | TI SN76489
DCSG chip | TI SN76489
DCSG chip |
| Disk Storage | Optional | Optional | WD 1770 floppy
disk controller | WD 1770 floppy
disk controller |
- The Model A, while having the same graphics chip as the Model B variants, was unable to run Modes 0-3 due to the lack of sufficient memory
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