Acorn BBC 8 Bit IDE Interface

Expand the storage capacity of your classic BBC Model B, B+ or Master computer system with this IDE interface card. This kit will allow you to easily add a high capacity compact flash card (or SD card with a suitable adapter, not supplied) to your Beeb, with more than enough storage space for all your programs, data and more.

The BBC microcomputer was a familiar site for anyone who went to school in the 1980s or early 90s. Often wheeled into classrooms on a trolley, it featured a huge library of unique educational titles, productivity software and of course games. The machine is hugely historically significant for the United Kingdom and prized by collectors all around the world.

The medium of choice for classrooms in the 80s was the 5.25 inch floppy disk. Usually handled exclusively by teachers due to their fragile nature. These magnetic media diskettes were certainly the least durable part of the BBC computer set-up, and decades later many are failing or have failed entirely. Preserve your BBC software library and history today before it’s too late by fitting this upgrade. Once this board is installed you can use any Compact Flash memory card (not supplied) and access it as though it were any other storage device within ADFS. Copy programs from original disks, run programs directly from CF card, save, load and edit files directly to the card with near unlimited capacity (up to 2 x 512mb partitions per CF card). A hard disk activity LED hookup is also available to give the installation a professional look when in use.

Each kit contains the following components.

• BetaGamma Acorn BBC 8 Bit IDE Interface PCB. This is fully assembled, tested and is the “host controller”
• 40 pin in-line CF adapter. This is a standard off the shelf IDE to CF adapter. It is powered directly by the Interface PCB, an external power connection is not required
• 34 Way IDE flat ribbon cable – 50cm. This cable connects the interface to the Acorn BBC’s 1MHz bus connector, usually found under the machine
• 3 Pin interface power cable. This cable is used to supply a regulated +5V DC supply to the interface and CF card
• Two Scotch lock connectors. These are supplied to allow quick connection of the 3 pin power cable onto the machines existing power loom
• Firmware ROM. This is a 32K OTP PROM device and contains 2 ADFS Filing System ROMs. ADFS 1.33 is used for BBC Model B and B+ microcomputer systems. ADFS 1.53 is used for BBC Master 128/512/Turbo microcomputer systems.

Documentation and on-line resources

You can obtain all the resources and software required for using the IDE interface by accessing the link here.

Updates and hot-fixes will be available from this folder and it is advisable to check it routinely for any troubleshooting tips or simply to download updated HD Images. Standard Acorn documentation such as ADFS manuals and Installation guides can also be found here.

It is also worth checking the ReadME.txt file in the root of this folder for any up to date news, tips or feedback from users, as well as any last minute omissions.

Support for this product is available via our forums here.

Disclaimer

Neither VideoGamePerfection.com/VGP Media Ltd or BetaGamma Computing will be held responsible for any loss of data or damage to equipment due to the misuse of this product. Care should be taken to ensure the product is installed in a professional and safe manner.

It is highly recommended that use of a good contact cleaner spray is applied to the pins of the BBC microcomputer’s 1MHz bus before connecting this interface. 30+ years of non-use can lead to oxidised pins and improper or poor contact.

Although the design has been tested on dozens of motherboards, it cannot be guaranteed that this product will work with your particular motherboard. Timing differences and signal loading can vary tremendously on Model B microcomputers. To date, one issue 7 board has been found to be incompatible. Incompatible boards can be returned to VideoGamePerfection for a full refund, as long as they are returned undamaged and will all accessories.