DistantStar001
Experienced Member
- Joined
- May 8, 2019
- Messages
- 178
So like the title says, BBC Micro, Issue 4, Model B.
So far the computer is working as expected. Boots to BASIC, and seems to have OPUS DDOS 3.45 installed. If someone could tell me what that is, it would be appreciated. I had to partially recap the PSU (some bulging capacitors and a little leaking but nothing serious). I'm in the States, but I've decided (for the moment) to leave it at 250v. I have a step up transfromer, os it's not a problem.
Overall, the exterior of the computer is in pretty fair shape. No chips, or scratches. It was missing all its case screws but I found some suitable replacements. However, the vinyl on top is cracking and chipped along the right side of the keyboard and the user-ROM slot has been punched out. Question: Is there anyone who makes a suitable replacement? I could fashion one, but I'd lose the labeling for the lights.
Inside it has a Sidewise board (not entirely sure what's on it) which is attached to two switches on the back. As to what thiose switches do... I have no idea, as switching them up or down doesnt seem to do anyhting. This leads to my next question: Would the Sidewise interfere with the User-ROM? I was considering adding a ZIF Socket (to plug the hole if nothing else), but I wanted to know how functional that would be? I've also seen an edge connector, but I have no idea why or what functio it would serve?
Additionally, there's a spot below the keyboard where I've seen some people (pictures and YouTube videos) where people added dip switches but they never explained why? Is ther any utility or advantage to having these switches?
Also, there's what I'm guessing is a double-density(or 2-sided) floppy board installed. But I know how proprietary the drives are? If I could get the right connector, could I adapt a standard PC drive? I also have a drive for a TRS-80 and Apple II, though I doubt that the latter would work. At some point, I was going to get an SD solution, but floppies can be fun too. Basically, what kind of drive do I need, and can I adapt one that I have?
My next question regards ECONET. I know nothing about it (other than it was used to distribute software in a classroom enviorment with limited access to floppy drives). At the moment, my computer doesn't have it installed, but I was thinking of adding it. But what are the advantages and limitations? Can I use it to network to other non Acorn 8-bit micros? Or am I limited to other BBCs? Can I use it to connect to outside servers? I understand these things can still connect to the BBC News feeds, but I'm not sure what I would need to do it?
Lastly, is there anything else I should be looking into? Games? Accessories? Upgrades? Other add-ons that might be fun to play with? Any advice would be appreciated!
So far the computer is working as expected. Boots to BASIC, and seems to have OPUS DDOS 3.45 installed. If someone could tell me what that is, it would be appreciated. I had to partially recap the PSU (some bulging capacitors and a little leaking but nothing serious). I'm in the States, but I've decided (for the moment) to leave it at 250v. I have a step up transfromer, os it's not a problem.
Overall, the exterior of the computer is in pretty fair shape. No chips, or scratches. It was missing all its case screws but I found some suitable replacements. However, the vinyl on top is cracking and chipped along the right side of the keyboard and the user-ROM slot has been punched out. Question: Is there anyone who makes a suitable replacement? I could fashion one, but I'd lose the labeling for the lights.
Inside it has a Sidewise board (not entirely sure what's on it) which is attached to two switches on the back. As to what thiose switches do... I have no idea, as switching them up or down doesnt seem to do anyhting. This leads to my next question: Would the Sidewise interfere with the User-ROM? I was considering adding a ZIF Socket (to plug the hole if nothing else), but I wanted to know how functional that would be? I've also seen an edge connector, but I have no idea why or what functio it would serve?
Additionally, there's a spot below the keyboard where I've seen some people (pictures and YouTube videos) where people added dip switches but they never explained why? Is ther any utility or advantage to having these switches?
Also, there's what I'm guessing is a double-density(or 2-sided) floppy board installed. But I know how proprietary the drives are? If I could get the right connector, could I adapt a standard PC drive? I also have a drive for a TRS-80 and Apple II, though I doubt that the latter would work. At some point, I was going to get an SD solution, but floppies can be fun too. Basically, what kind of drive do I need, and can I adapt one that I have?
My next question regards ECONET. I know nothing about it (other than it was used to distribute software in a classroom enviorment with limited access to floppy drives). At the moment, my computer doesn't have it installed, but I was thinking of adding it. But what are the advantages and limitations? Can I use it to network to other non Acorn 8-bit micros? Or am I limited to other BBCs? Can I use it to connect to outside servers? I understand these things can still connect to the BBC News feeds, but I'm not sure what I would need to do it?
Lastly, is there anything else I should be looking into? Games? Accessories? Upgrades? Other add-ons that might be fun to play with? Any advice would be appreciated!