Just for fun, building an Acorn Atom rev 5

Post by **PhilC** » 18 Jun 2025 16:43

I do like to check out the Acorn Atoms when I see them on eBay as they are the one 8 but Acorn that I've never owned. They always seem very expensive, so when I saw a listing with an Atom PCB with a few of the rare chips required I had to get it.

PXL_20250618_153743223.jpg

I'll keep you all updated with the progress as I get it assembled. I'll likely make it 3D print a case for it once complete as well. The expansion port socket looks like it'll be a pain to obtain, so hopefully I won't need that right away.

Post by **arkadiusz.makarenko** » 18 Jun 2025 16:55

This is very interesting project!

Atom is the only 8-bit computer that I would like to buy one day.

Post by **rubber_jonnie** » 18 Jun 2025 21:31

Ohh nice, what are the rare chips then?

Post by **PhilC** » 18 Jun 2025 22:11

rubber_jonnie wrote: 18 Jun 2025 21:31 Ohh nice, what are the rare chips then?

There's half a dozen off buffer chips that I've not heard of and didn't have. I'll try and remember what they are later :D

Post by **rubber_jonnie** » 18 Jun 2025 22:20

PhilC wrote: 18 Jun 2025 22:11
rubber_jonnie wrote: 18 Jun 2025 21:31 Ohh nice, what are the rare chips then?
There's half a dozen off buffer chips that I've not heard of and didn't have. I'll try and remember what they are later :D

Cool. I may have to build one too 😁

alexh · Post by **alexh** » 19 Jun 2025 11:22

I've been looking out for an original Acorn Atom for a while but they all go for more money than I am prepared to pay. I was the next highest bidder on this auction last week.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/277185721375

Post by **rubber_jonnie** » 19 Jun 2025 11:35

alexh wrote: 19 Jun 2025 11:22 I've been looking out for an original Acorn Atom for a while but they all go for more money than I am prepared to pay. I was the next highest bidder on this auction last week.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/277185721375

I wouldn't pay that for a 'parts' machine either TBH.

I'm sure it can be made to work, but it's a bit of a risk.

Post by **PhilC** » 19 Jun 2025 11:59

The two motherboards I have can be used to transplant into an existing Atom as they are set out like the originals.

There was a parts Atom on eBay the other day, no keyboard and that still sold got over £100

Post by **PhilC** » 19 Jun 2025 15:16

Just looking for keyboard keys for the Atom boards and can I find any 2 pin switches? It seems that most new keys are either three or five pin and are a totally different format these days. I guess I really shouldn't be surprised.

peters · Post by **peters** » 19 Jun 2025 15:53

Do you have to get the special Atom ones that key repeat all the time :D

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Just for fun, building an Acorn Atom rev 5

Just for fun, building an Acorn Atom rev 5

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Re: Just for fun, building an Acorn Atom rev 5

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