8 Bit Computing, a trip down memory lane.
While still at school back in the 1980’s, home computers started becoming available and I was fortunate enough to be loaned a ZX80 by a friend. This started my passion for computers and programming. It also allowed me to experiment with interfacing computers with electronics projects.
This is not an extensive guide to 8 bit computers but a trip down memory lane describing the computers I have owned over the years, most of which I still have.
Sinclair ZX80
Released: 1980
CPU: Z80
My ZX80 was loaned to me and had a little pink plastic box on top that contained a circuit to convert it to a ZX81. This circuit in combination with a new ROM allowed ZX81 software to to run on it and removed the annoying pause in display when the computer was doing something.
The photograph here was taken at the Centre for Computing History in Cambridge.
Sinclair ZX81
Released: 1981
CPU: Z80
My original ZX81 suffered from a keyboard failure and I created a makeshift keyboard from PCB switches. I had the original case without the keyboard and purchased two more from eBay over the years including a boxed version.
After a recent test I had to use components from each to provide a single working version. It is difficult to get a usable picture from a ZX81 on a modern LCD television or monitor so a modification is required to provide the correct composite signal these monitors need.
I used a simple version to test my ZX81 but I need to build a better version for a good display.
Acorn BBC Micro
Released: 1981
CPU: 6502
I have a BBC Micro Model B in my collection that was given to me by a friend. It had been heavily modified with extra memory and additional ROM space. I removed these and returned it back to as standard a condition as possible.
I have a dual 51/4″ disk drive for it and more recently I purchased a SD Card Drive. A while ago it suffered from the dreaded breakdown of the power supply capacitors resulting in a lot of smoke.
I replaced the capacitors and the computer sprang back to life.
Sinclair ZX Spectrum
Released: 1982
CPU: Z80A
I have a 48K Spectrum I purchased from eBay many years ago. I only checked it worked and never did much more with it. At some point I will set it up and take some pictures.
Dragon Data Dragon 32
Released: 1982
CPU: 6809
I have two Dragon 32’s in my collection and a Dragon 64. My original Dragon 32 was removed from its case and put in a home made case. Many years later after my original case disappeared, I bought a non-working Dragon from eBay and restored it to a working condition using my original PCB’s
Later a second Dragon was given to me by a friend along with a collection of software titles most of which I have now. Back in the 1980’s I really wanted a Dragon 64 and over 30 years later I added one to my collection.
This is my favourite 8 bit computer and is the one I use the most now.
Apple IIe
Released: 1983
CPU: 6502
My Apple IIe belonged to my father-in-law. I have not used it much but I still have the disk drives and software he originally purchased.
This is the end of my trip down memory lane. There is quite a revival of 8 bit home computing and lots of Facebook groups exist for like minded people.
My next memory of home computing will be about the 16 bit era.