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Just for fun, building an Acorn Atom rev 5
Posted: 18 Jun 2025 16:43
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
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.
Re: Just for fun, building an Acorn Atom rev 5
Posted: 18 Jun 2025 16:55
by arkadiusz.makarenko
This is very interesting project!
Atom is the only 8-bit computer that I would like to buy one day.
Re: Just for fun, building an Acorn Atom rev 5
Posted: 18 Jun 2025 21:31
by rubber_jonnie
Ohh nice, what are the rare chips then?
Re: Just for fun, building an Acorn Atom rev 5
Posted: 18 Jun 2025 22:11
by PhilC
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
Re: Just for fun, building an Acorn Atom rev 5
Posted: 18 Jun 2025 22:20
by rubber_jonnie
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 😁
Re: Just for fun, building an Acorn Atom rev 5
Posted: 19 Jun 2025 11:22
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
Re: Just for fun, building an Acorn Atom rev 5
Posted: 19 Jun 2025 11:35
by rubber_jonnie
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.
Re: Just for fun, building an Acorn Atom rev 5
Posted: 19 Jun 2025 11:59
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
Re: Just for fun, building an Acorn Atom rev 5
Posted: 19 Jun 2025 15:16
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.
Re: Just for fun, building an Acorn Atom rev 5
Posted: 19 Jun 2025 15:53
by peters
Do you have to get the special Atom ones that key repeat all the time :D