====== Nascom 1 (1978) ======
===== Features =====
* CPU: Z80 1 or 2 MHz.
* Co-Processor: None
* RAM: 1 KB
* VRAM: 1 KB
* ROM: 1 or 2 KB
* Text Modes: 48 chars. x 16 lines
* Graphic Modes: None
* Colors: Monochrome
* Sound: Unknown
* I/O Ports: TV-UHF video interface, selectable serial port (Tape recorder or RS232 or Teletype current loop)
* Keyboard: Full stroke 47 keys
* Built In Media: Cassette tape
* OS: Monitor in ROM
* Built In Language: Monitor
* Peripherals: Memory boards and various I/O interfaces
===== Usage =====
Nascom 1 supports .nas and .bin files.
The .nas files are loaded by the monitor. Type
L
wait for the loading to finish, then type
E<start addr>
The start address is the address first displayed by the load, usually 1000.
To load the .bin files, use
R
in the monitor.
MESS supports three monitor roms for the Nascom 1: NASBUG1.T1, NASBUG1.T2 and NASBUG1.T4. You can switch between them, changing the -bios parameter. At command line,
"-bios 0" or "-bios T4" = NASBUG1.T4 (1979)
"-bios 1" or "-bios T1" = NASBUG1.T1 (original version)
"-bios 2" or "-bios T2" = NASBUG1.T2 (1978)
===== History and Trivia =====
The Nascom 1 was the most popular British made computer kit in the U.K. It was an affordable single board Z80 based computer with a keyboard attached by cable. It came as a kit or ready-built.
== Why Nascom? ==
Because the idea of a low cost computer intended for U.K. hobbysts was originated by an American company called Nasco. However, the board was designed in the U.K. by Shelton Instruments Ltd that, later, also designed and sold the Sig-Net.
The minimum configuration featured 2 KB RAM and 1 KB ROM monitor, but the Nascom could be gradually extended into a system that was powerful enough to compete with many home computers of the time, Pet, Apple or Tandy.
Actually, the RAM area was divided into two parts: 1 KB for user program and data and 1 KB for storing characters displayed to the television. The ROM monitor provided basic functions: enter program and data, display memory content and processor registers, save and load programs from a tape recorder.
A whole range of peripherals and expansions were available from independant suppliers, as well as a vast range of software and many user groups. Several magazines dedicated to the Nascom and its relatives, the Gemini computers, were published. Many languages were available
including BASIC, PASCAL, C, FORTH, etc.
//(info from old-computers.com)//
===== Links =====
* Nascom at 80 Bus -- http://www.80bus.co.uk/pages/nascom.htm
* MIXTEL -- http://www.mixtel.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/nascgem/index.html
* Nascom Nostalgia -- http://www.myplace.nu/nascom/index2.htm
* The Nascom Home Page -- http://www.nascomhomepage.com/
* Nascom 1 at old-computers.com -- http://old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=814
===== Other Emulators =====
* Nascom 1 Emu (DOS) -- http://members.aol.com/mk14emu/nascom.htm
* Virtual Nascom -- http://www.nascomhomepage.com/#Virtual%20Nascom
Generated on Sun Jul 19 10:17:28 2009