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anchor: compinfoacorn
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Founded in Cambridge, England, in 1978, Acorn Computer Company gained prominence with the release of the BBC Microcomputer in 1981, becoming a cornerstone of British educational computing. Despite this success, the company faced challenges in the competitive market. Leading to the development of the Acorn Archimedes series in the mid-1980s, featuring the revolutionary ARM architecture. Acorn Computer Company ceased operations due to financial difficulties, internal conflicts, challenges in product adoption, and an unsuccessful shift in focus to set-top box technology.
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anchor: Electron
Acorn Electron
Neat tiny computer! This computer was one of the few that was actually dropped off at my doorstep by the seller — in this case, by the elderly parents of the seller. Being skeptical about the whole deal, I managed to postpone payment until they arrived. The elderly father came to the door alone, carrying an old fruit box containing the computer, a tape recorder, a couple of tapes, and the necessary cables.
As often happens in these situations, a conversation ensued. The father reminisced about the computer, asked me about my interest in it, and gave some technical advice regarding the cassette player, suggesting it needed cleaning with a cleaning cassette. I find these conversations always highly enjoyable. While maintaining the conversation, I attempted to pay for the computer on my phone. Just as I was about to finish typing my verification code, I heard the voice of the elderly mother. It was evident that she was trying to prevent her husband from handing over the computer without confirming the money had been transferred to their son. She held up her phone, clearly following instructions from her son. I found her earnestness quite amusing, and I reassured her that I was in the process of making the payment, which would be completed soon. |
Released in
1900
System Overview
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Once the money was successfully transferred, the kind elderly couple left. Now every time I handle the Electron, I find myself thinking back to this funny encounter.
This is probably the longest text I have written about a drop-off. I'm certain I will share this story in a video when I showcase the Electron, which, by the way, is the focus of this text. The Acorn Electron is a very nice and compact computer that I am not very familiar with, and I've discovered that it's not quite straightforward to use. Fortunately, while tidying up some closets, I found an Advanced User Manual that I can reference.
The tapes that came with the computer will likely find their way to RetroMelsArchive.com, and I may create a video about them as well. Also, a slight yellowing is visible on the computer, but I have a feeling the type of plastic it uses will be a bit challenging to retrobright.
This is probably the longest text I have written about a drop-off. I'm certain I will share this story in a video when I showcase the Electron, which, by the way, is the focus of this text. The Acorn Electron is a very nice and compact computer that I am not very familiar with, and I've discovered that it's not quite straightforward to use. Fortunately, while tidying up some closets, I found an Advanced User Manual that I can reference.
The tapes that came with the computer will likely find their way to RetroMelsArchive.com, and I may create a video about them as well. Also, a slight yellowing is visible on the computer, but I have a feeling the type of plastic it uses will be a bit challenging to retrobright.
Why the Electron matters
The Acorn Electron is interesting because it represents Acorn’s attempt to create a more affordable home-computer companion to the BBC Micro. It was manufactured by Acorn and positioned as a budget version of the BBC Micro, making it part of that broader British educational and home-computing lineage.
The Electron kept important parts of the Acorn experience, including BBC BASIC and a 6502-based architecture, but reduced the hardware complexity. A large part of the design was built around a custom ULA, which helped lower the cost but also made the machine technically quite different from the BBC Micro in practice. Its specification included 32K RAM and 32K ROM containing the operating system and BASIC interpreter.
For my collection, this particular Electron matters not only because of the machine itself, but because it came with a tape recorder, tapes, cables, and a story. The tapes give it a clear route into RetroMelsArchive, while the doorstep encounter gives the computer a personal history that makes it much more memorable than a simple online purchase.
The Electron kept important parts of the Acorn experience, including BBC BASIC and a 6502-based architecture, but reduced the hardware complexity. A large part of the design was built around a custom ULA, which helped lower the cost but also made the machine technically quite different from the BBC Micro in practice. Its specification included 32K RAM and 32K ROM containing the operating system and BASIC interpreter.
For my collection, this particular Electron matters not only because of the machine itself, but because it came with a tape recorder, tapes, cables, and a story. The tapes give it a clear route into RetroMelsArchive, while the doorstep encounter gives the computer a personal history that makes it much more memorable than a simple online purchase.
Technical specifications
| Specification | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Acorn Computers | [1] |
| Model | Acorn Electron | [1] |
| Release year | 1983 | [1] |
| Computer type | 8-bit home computer; budget version of the BBC Micro | [1] |
| CPU | Synertek 6502A / 6502-class microprocessor | [1] |
| Clock speed | 2 MHz processor; effective speed depends on memory and display access | [2] |
| RAM | 32 KB RAM | [2] |
| ROM | 32 KB ROM containing the Machine Operating System and BASIC interpreter | [2] |
| Operating system | Acorn MOS | [1] |
| Built-in language | BBC BASIC | [2] |
| Graphics | Multiple text and graphics modes, including high-resolution display modes | [2] |
| Display output | Television output, composite video and RGB monitor output | [2] |
| Sound | Internal speaker with single-channel sound | [2] |
| Storage | External cassette recorder; disk expansion possible with additional hardware | [2] |
| Keyboard | Full-travel QWERTY keyboard | [2] |
Collection status
| Collection status | Details |
|---|---|
| Condition | Works, slight yellowing visible on the case |
| Included items | Computer, tape recorder, several tapes and necessary cables |
| Origin | Dropped off at my doorstep by the seller’s elderly parents in an old fruit box |
| Archive plans | Included tapes will be digitised and added to RetroMelsArchive.com |
| Restoration notes | The plastic may be challenging to retrobright, so cosmetic work needs consideration |
RetroMelsArchive resources
RetroMelsArchive Resource
| Resource | Access |
|---|---|
| Software tapes | Coming soon |
| Documentation | Coming soon |
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Magic smoke reportPASSED: the Electron passed the smoke test!
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anchor: bbcone
Acorn Electron
Neat tiny computer! I purchased this BBC Micro from eBay for a significant project I have in mind. I am still developing the details of that project, but the machine already feels like an important addition to the collection.
I did not expect that getting this computer to function properly would be quite so challenging. At the moment, I am trying to determine whether I can get the power supply operational again, either by sourcing a low-cost replacement part or by investing in a more expensive refurbished option. The BBC Micro is one of those machines that carries a lot of history with it. Even before I have it fully working, it already feels like a computer that deserves some careful attention. The case has the familiar BBC Micro look, with the distinctive red function keys, large beige body and serious “educational computer” presence. It is not the smallest or easiest machine to handle, but that is also part of its appeal. For now, this machine is in the investigation stage. The first priority is the power supply. Once that is resolved, I can start exploring what condition the rest of the system is in and whether it can become part of the larger project I originally bought it for. |
Released in
1900
System Overview
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Why the BBC matters
The BBC Micro matters because it was not just another 8-bit home computer. It was closely tied to the BBC Computer Literacy Project, an educational effort designed to introduce people in Britain to computers through television, books and practical use. Acorn’s prototype, originally known as the Proton, became the BBC Micro after Acorn won the contract.
It also became one of the defining educational computers of the United Kingdom. The machine was expensive compared with many home computers of the period, but it offered a strong technical platform: a 2 MHz 6502A processor, BBC BASIC, high-resolution display modes, Teletext mode, sound, and a wide range of expansion ports. The Model B added 32K RAM and extra display/connectivity capabilities over the Model A.
For my collection, this BBC Micro is especially interesting because it was bought with a specific future project in mind, rather than simply as another machine to add to the shelf. Its current power supply problem also makes it part of the restoration side of the collection: before the larger idea can happen, the machine first needs to be made safe and reliable again.
It also became one of the defining educational computers of the United Kingdom. The machine was expensive compared with many home computers of the period, but it offered a strong technical platform: a 2 MHz 6502A processor, BBC BASIC, high-resolution display modes, Teletext mode, sound, and a wide range of expansion ports. The Model B added 32K RAM and extra display/connectivity capabilities over the Model A.
For my collection, this BBC Micro is especially interesting because it was bought with a specific future project in mind, rather than simply as another machine to add to the shelf. Its current power supply problem also makes it part of the restoration side of the collection: before the larger idea can happen, the machine first needs to be made safe and reliable again.
Technical specifications
| Specification | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Acorn Computers | [1] |
| Model | BBC Micro Model B | [1] |
| Release date | December 1981 | [1] |
| Computer type | 8-bit desktop / educational microcomputer | [1] |
| CPU | MOS Technology 6502A | [1] |
| Clock speed | 2 MHz | [1] |
| RAM | 32 KB RAM in the Model B | [2] |
| ROM | 16 KB Machine Operating System ROM plus 16 KB language ROM containing BBC BASIC | [2] |
| Operating system | Acorn MOS | [1] |
| Built-in language | BBC BASIC | [1] |
| Keyboard | 73-key full-travel QWERTY keyboard with 10 user-definable function keys | [2] |
| Graphics | Multiple text and graphics modes, including 640 × 256 two-colour graphics and Teletext Mode 7 | [2] |
| Sound | Four-channel sound circuit: three-part music plus one noise channel | [2] |
| Display output | UHF television output, composite video and RGB output on the Model B | [2] |
| Storage | Cassette as standard; optional floppy disk interface and other expansions available | [2] |
| Expansion | RS423 serial, user port, analogue inputs, 1 MHz bus, optional floppy disk interface, optional Econet and other expansion options | [2] |
Collection status
| Collection status | Details |
|---|---|
| Condition | Present in the collection; currently awaiting power supply work before proper testing |
| Power supply | Not yet operational; deciding between a low-cost repair part or a refurbished replacement option |
| Case | Classic BBC Micro case with visible age-related discolouration |
| Keyboard | Full-travel keyboard with distinctive red function keys |
| Origin | Purchased from eBay for a larger project that is still being developed |
| Project notes | Intended for a significant future project, but restoration and power testing come first |
| Restoration priority | Power supply safety and reliability before further system testing |
| Collection state | Broken |
RetroMelsArchive resources
RetroMelsArchive Resource
| Resource | Access |
|---|---|
| Software archive | Coming soon |
| Floppy disk images | Coming soon |
| ROMs | Coming soon |
| Documentation | Coming soon |
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Magic smoke reportFailed! This BBC is broken: no smoke emited
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