Date   : Thu, 22 Apr 1993 22:02:13 BST
From   : RWF Whitehand <R.W.F.Whitehand1@...>
Subject: BBC Master + 2nd processor

>  
> I have recently bought a BBC Master and I am thinking about trying to expand
> it. I have heard about various 2nd processors but the one that sounds the
> most interesting is the 6502C (i think thats what its called) because it makes
> the BBC slightly PC compatible.

The co-processor that makes the BBC somewhat PC compatible is the '512 board'
(which uses an 80186 processor) and Norton SI claims its about 5 times the
speed of the original IBM PC/XT thing. The 6502 2nd processor is simply a
faster version of the processor already in the beeb/master with another 64k
of RAM. Theres also a co-processor board (co-processors go inside the master,
2nd processors are attached outside) which is the 65C102...this goes slightly
faster than the 6502 2nd proc as its clocked at 4Mhz instead of 3.

If you want to go really over-board then there are a few 32016 2nd processors
(Acorn never sold the 32016 co-processor) around (rather rare/still quite
expensive) that'll give your beeb some serious, erm, Ummmf.

> Could someone please give a a list of the features of the 6502C and more
> importantly where I could lay my hands on one? (I gather Acorn have stopped
> making them).

The second hand market is quite rich in 6502 2nd processors, 65C102 and
M512 co-processors. Check out Micro Mart, etc. You shouldn't be spending
more than 50quid, with perhaps a little more on an M512 board (it comes with
a mouse and other bits and pieces).

> Any help would be much appreciated.
>  
> Cheers - Chris
> 

Regards,

Richard.

 Challenger BBS - Fast Viewdata - v23/22/22bis/MNP2-5 - 24hrs - 021 445 3913
 SysOp: Richard Whitehand - R.W.F.Whitehand1@...
                            R_Whitehand@...