Just for fun, building an Acorn Atom rev 5

Post by **PhilC** » Wed Sep 24, 2025 8:31 pm

Annoyingly it looks like the replacement PCB I have won't fit in an original Atom case. It seems that this is the case with all of the PCB sets I've seen so far, so it looks like I'll be attempting to repair the original keyboard.

I can't believe that someone thought the two spring designs were a good idea.

Post by **PhilC** » Tue Oct 21, 2025 5:37 pm

So I've been building a replacement keyboard for the Atom.

It's involved removing the terrible original one and installing another PCB over the top of the Atom PCB that accepts modern key switches.

I've had to 3d print some key spacers from Ken Lowes github and have now got it all assembled. It's still got that missing X key, so I'll have to search for a new one.

: PXL_20251021_161517518.MP.jpg (269.05 KiB) Viewed 958 times

Next I've got a ram rom board, colour board and an Atommc to install and then I'll finally have a go at using the Atom.

Post by **PhilC** » Wed Oct 22, 2025 9:30 pm

So the Atom has been getting some more love today.

It's had a YARRB-M2 ram rom board, an ATOMMC V4 SD card solution and a Noise Killer board which replaced the 2114 video ram and helps to get rid of the Jail bars on the screen. Not perfect but looking much better now.

On the to go list is a Colour board and then I think I have my perfect Atom.

: PXL_20251022_200941793.jpg (178.21 KiB) Viewed 942 times

Post by **PhilC** » Mon Jan 19, 2026 2:27 pm

So I've given the Atom a bit of an upgrade.

I ordered some Atom RGB2HDMI PCBs and got one finished yesterday.

It was pretty easy to build and fortunately I had enough parts in stock to get it built.

: PXL_20260119_142249098.jpg (391.86 KiB) Viewed 814 times

It really is amusing that my 1Mhz Acorn Atom now have a RPi that's so much faster it's not really comparable, and that I'm just using it to Display what's on the Atoms screen.

Post by **rubber_jonnie** » Mon Jan 19, 2026 2:36 pm

PhilC wrote: Mon Jan 19, 2026 2:27 pm So I've given the Atom a bit of an upgrade.

I ordered some Atom RGB2HDMI PCBs and got one finished yesterday.

It was pretty easy to build and fortunately I had enough parts in stock to get it built.

PXL_20260119_142249098.jpg

It really is amusing that my 1Mhz Acorn Atom now have a RPi that's so much faster it's not really comparable, and that I'm just using it to Display what's on the Atoms screen.

Out of curiosity which RGB2HDMI board is that? I was thinking of building one as I am short of RGB inputs on my workbench.

Also, I must get on with the Atom replica you gave me!!!

Post by **PhilC** » Mon Jan 19, 2026 2:40 pm

rubber_jonnie wrote: Mon Jan 19, 2026 2:36 pm
PhilC wrote: Mon Jan 19, 2026 2:27 pm So I've given the Atom a bit of an upgrade.

I ordered some Atom RGB2HDMI PCBs and got one finished yesterday.

It was pretty easy to build and fortunately I had enough parts in stock to get it built.

PXL_20260119_142249098.jpg

It really is amusing that my 1Mhz Acorn Atom now have a RPi that's so much faster it's not really comparable, and that I'm just using it to Display what's on the Atoms screen.
Out of curiosity which RGB2HDMI board is that? I was thinking of building one as I am short of RGB inputs on my workbench.

Also, I must get on with the Atom replica you gave me!!!

It's the specific Atom RGB2HDMI board, no need for colour board in the atom at all with this.

Let me know when you need one as I have four spares (JLC minimum ordering 5).

Post by **rubber_jonnie** » Mon Jan 19, 2026 2:55 pm

PhilC wrote: Mon Jan 19, 2026 2:40 pm
rubber_jonnie wrote: Mon Jan 19, 2026 2:36 pm

Out of curiosity which RGB2HDMI board is that? I was thinking of building one as I am short of RGB inputs on my workbench.

Also, I must get on with the Atom replica you gave me!!!
It's the specific Atom RGB2HDMI board, no need for colour board in the atom at all with this.

Let me know when you need one as I have four spares (JLC minimum ordering 5).

Cool thanks, I guess I'd better get building then!!!

Post by **PhilC** » Mon Jan 19, 2026 3:06 pm

rubber_jonnie wrote: Mon Jan 19, 2026 2:55 pm
PhilC wrote: Mon Jan 19, 2026 2:40 pm

It's the specific Atom RGB2HDMI board, no need for colour board in the atom at all with this.

Let me know when you need one as I have four spares (JLC minimum ordering 5).
Cool thanks, I guess I'd better get building then!!!

Oh yes and then there's noisekiller, yaarrb and the Atommc you'll want too

Post by **rubber_jonnie** » Mon Jan 19, 2026 3:08 pm

PhilC wrote: Mon Jan 19, 2026 3:06 pm
rubber_jonnie wrote: Mon Jan 19, 2026 2:55 pm

Cool thanks, I guess I'd better get building then!!!
Oh yes and then there's noisekiller, yaarrb and the Atommc you'll want too

I was just looking for keyboard switches. They are so not cheap!!!

Post by **PhilC** » Mon Jan 19, 2026 3:13 pm

rubber_jonnie wrote: Mon Jan 19, 2026 3:08 pm
PhilC wrote: Mon Jan 19, 2026 3:06 pm

Oh yes and then there's noisekiller, yaarrb and the Atommc you'll want too
I was just looking for keyboard switches. They are so not cheap!!!

Buy a complete beeb keyboard? then you'll have keycaps that should work too.

May even have a spare somewhere here.

exxos's Atari, Amiga & retro forum

Just for fun, building an Acorn Atom rev 5

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