BBC Master 512
The BBC Master 512 had 512 kByte of RAM and a 10MHz Intel 80186 co-processor card. This enabled the system to run DOS Plus, and the GEM Graphical User Interface. The co-processor card was also introduced as an upgrade to the BBC Master 128 also, for a reduced price. There were compatibility issues with various DOS applications, which constrained the system. The memory requirement of the GEM ui was also a constraint and caused problems with some applications. These could be helped with memory expansion modules. DOS was only supported up to version 2.1, later versions of DOS were not supported officially and could cause software not to work.
BBC Master Models
The BBC Master was produced in a few variations. Not all were produced in large quantities, and some of them are hard to find.
- Master 128 - First model of the Master series
- Master Turbo - Featured a 65C102 co-processor @4MHz
- Master AIV - Master Turbo with a SCSI interface and a Videodisc
- Master ET - For use on a network, only had RGB and Econet connectors
- Master 512 - Intel 80186 co-processor @ 10MHz to run DOS Plus and GEM
- Master Scientific - Prototype, NS32016 co-processor @ 8MHz
- Master Compact - Compact version of the 128
BBC Master rear ports
- ECO-Net connector
- Audio Out
- Cassette port
- RS 432 communications port
- Analoge port
- RGB Monitor connector
- Composite Video connector
- RF Output for TV
MOS 6502 CPU
The 6502 is an 8-bit MicroProcessor designed by MOS Technology. The team was led by Chuck Peddle and had also worked on the Motorola 6800. The 6502 is a simplified, but faster and cheaper design than the 6800.
The 6502 was introduced in 1975 and was the cheapest microprocessor on the market. Together with the Zilog Z80, the 6502 helped start the home computer revolution of the 1980s. The 6502 was used in a wide range of devices: the Atari 2600, the 8-bit Atari home computers, the Apple II, the Nintendo Entertainment System, the Commodore 64, the BBC Micro and many others. All used the 6502 or a variation of it.
The 6502 is a 1MHz design, while the 6502A is designed for 2MHz. The 6502A is 100% compatible with the original 6502.
Commodore soon bought MOS Technology, but conitnued to sell the microprocessor to competitors and licensed the design to other manufacturers.
Source: WikiPedia - MOS Technology 6502
320x256 4 colors
160x256 8 colors Best Color 8 colors Best Graphics 160x256 in 8 colors Sprites none System OS Acorn MOS
DOS Plus (optional) Storage External Tape