Date   : Wed, 28 Feb 2007 12:53:47 -0000
From   : christopher.whytehead@... (chris whytehead)
Subject: Filestore, and Torch Communicator

Hi

> I have just acquired a boot full of Beeb equipment, including some BBC
> Bs (most seem to have Econet fitted) and an item which looks like the
> base-unit for a Master compact, but isn't. It has a centronics lead
> hanging out the back labelled Filestore Expansion Bus - presumably SCSI.
>
> So I'm guessing it's a Filestore unit. But as there is no other kit in
> the collection to connect it to, I'm guessing I don't have the computer
> that's supposed to drive it. Ah, well.
>
> The serial number underneath is 01-AEH37-1000017. Seems quite low - how
> many were made?
>
The AEH37 is a Filestore E60S which connects via the centronics lead (SCSI)
to an E01S. If you look inside it will have a 60MB drive and not much else.
See here for the similar E40S:

http://acorn.chriswhy.co.uk/Network/Acorn_FileStoreE40S.html

BTW if you don't want the E60S I will happily make an offer for it.

>
> Also, one of the Beebs has Econet fitted and a an extra board inside it
> labelled "Torch Communicator" with a Z80 on it. It's connected to the
> Tube. I seem to recall reading that to use a Beeb as a file server for
> an Econet network required such a board, so could this computer be a
> former server from a school? It has a key-lock fitted into the ashtray
> too, but I think this might be for write-protecting the RAM on the
> sideways-ROM expansion card thats also fitted.
>
The Torch Communicator is a Z80 second processor running CPN (ROMed version
of CP/M) with 64K memory. Was pretty good in its day. See:

http://acorn.chriswhy.co.uk/8bit_Upgrades/Torch_Z802ndproc.html

Hope this helps

Chris