BBC model B microcomputer

Made:
1982-1984 in United Kingdom
maker:
Acorn Computers Limited
BBC model B microcomputer BBC model B microcomputer BBC model B microcomputer BBC model B microcomputer
BBC model B microcomputer BBC model B microcomputer BBC model B microcomputer BBC model B microcomputer

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Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Licence

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

BBC model B microcomputer, designed by Acorn Computers Limited and manufactured by ASTEC Components Limited, British, 1982-1984. Serial number 1,000,000

The BBC B microcomputer was introduced as part of the BBC's Computer Literacy Project, which was designed to help familiarise children with computers and particularly basic programming, using a simple programming language known as BBC BASIC (beginners all-purpose symbolic instruction code). It was supported by TV and radio programmes, software and publications. It was heavily used in schools. At first, the BBC ordered only 12,000 of the computers to be made, but in 1982 alone, 24,000 were produced. This computer has the serial number 1,000,000, and was bought as a birthday present for £399 in 1984.

Details

Category:
Computing & Data Processing
Object Number:
1995-632
Materials:
plastic, metal (unknown), electronic components and composites
Measurements:
'Second Processor' (without cable): 70 mm x 200 mm x 340 mm, 1.722 kg
Main Console - keyboard (without cable): 75 mm x 410 mm x 345 mm, 3.66 kg
Main Console - keyboard (including cable tied at back): 75 mm x 410 mm x 460 mm,
'Second Processor' (including cable tied at back): 70 mm x 200 mm x 475 mm,
type:
personal computer
credit:
Donated by J Manser

Parts

BBC model B microcomputer BBC model B microcomputer BBC model B microcomputer

BBC model B microcomputer

BBC model B microcomputer, designed by Acorn Computers Limited and manufactured by ASTEC Components Limited, British, 1982-1984. Serial number 1,000,000

More

The BBC B microcomputer was introduced as part of the BBC's Computer Literacy Project, which was designed to help familiarise children with computers and particularly basic programming, using a simple programming language known as BBC BASIC (beginners all-purpose symbolic instruction code). It was supported by TV and radio programmes, software and publications. It was heavily used in schools. At first, the BBC ordered only 12,000 of the computers to be made, but in 1982 alone, 24,000 were produced. This computer has the serial number 1,000,000, and was bought as a birthday present for £399 in 1984.

Materials:
plastic (unidentified) , metal (unknown) , composites and electronic components
Object Number:
1995-632/1
type:
personal computer
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
BBC model B second processor BBC model B second processor BBC model B second processor

BBC model B second processor

Second processor for BBC model B microcomputer, designed by Acorn Computers Limited and manufactured by ASTEC Components Limited, British, 1982-1984.

Materials:
plastic (unidentified) , metal (unknown) and electronic components
Object Number:
1995-632/2
type:
computer component
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Tape player used with BBC model B microcomputer, made by Bell and Howell, Taiwan, 1982-1984.

Tape player for BBC model B microcomputer

Tape player used with BBC model B microcomputer, made by Bell and Howell, Taiwan, 1982-1984.

Measurements:
overall: 70 mm x 195 mm x 295 mm,
Materials:
plastic (unidentified) , metal (unknown) , electronic components and composites
Object Number:
1995-632/3
type:
computer component
Joystick controller for BBC model B microcomputer, unknown maker, British, 1982-1984.

Controller for BBC model B microcomputer

Joystick controller for BBC model B microcomputer, unknown maker, British, 1982-1984.

Materials:
plastic (unidentified) and electronic components
Object Number:
1995-632/4
type:
joystick
Books, software and cable for BBC model B microcomputer, unknown maker, British, 1982-1984

Software and accessories for BBC model B microcomputer

Books, software and cable for BBC model B microcomputer, unknown maker, British, 1982-1984

Materials:
paper (fibre product) and plastic (unidentified)
Object Number:
1995-632/5
type:
software

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