Just for fun, building an Acorn Atom rev 5

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PhilC
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Just for fun, building an Acorn Atom rev 5

Post by PhilC »

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

Post by arkadiusz.makarenko »

This is very interesting project!

Atom is the only 8-bit computer that I would like to buy one day.
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Re: Just for fun, building an Acorn Atom rev 5

Post by rubber_jonnie »

Ohh nice, what are the rare chips then?
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PhilC
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Re: Just for fun, building an Acorn Atom rev 5

Post by PhilC »

rubber_jonnie wrote: Wed Jun 18, 2025 9:31 pm 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
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Re: Just for fun, building an Acorn Atom rev 5

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PhilC wrote: Wed Jun 18, 2025 10:11 pm
rubber_jonnie wrote: Wed Jun 18, 2025 9:31 pm 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 😁
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
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Re: Just for fun, building an Acorn Atom rev 5

Post by alexh »

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

Post by rubber_jonnie »

alexh wrote: Thu Jun 19, 2025 11:22 am 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.
Collector of many retro things!
800XL and 65XE both with Ultimate1MB,VBXL/XE & PokeyMax, SIDE3, SDrive Max, 2x 1010 cassette, 2x 1050 one with Happy mod, 3x 2600 Jr, 7800 and Lynx II
Approx 20 STs, including a 520 STM, 520 STFMs, 3x Mega ST, MSTE & 2x 32 Mhz boosted STEs
Plus the rest, totalling around 50 machines including a QL, 3x BBC Model B, Electron, Spectrums, ZX81 etc...
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PhilC
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Re: Just for fun, building an Acorn Atom rev 5

Post by PhilC »

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

Post by PhilC »

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

Post by peters »

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