====== Nascom 2 (1979) ======
===== Features =====
* CPU: Z80-A 4 MHz.
* Co-Processor: None
* RAM: 9 KB expandable to 32 KB
* VRAM: 1 KB
* ROM: 10 KB - Monitor ( 2 KB) + Microsoft BASIC
* Text Modes: 48 chars. x 16 lines
* Colors: Graphic characters in ROM
* Sound: Unknown
* I/O Ports: Serial RS232, TV-UHF and composite video, I/O lines, TTY
* Keyboard: Full stroke 53 keys with arrow and graphic keys
* Built In Media: Cassette tape
* OS: Monitor in ROM
* Built In Language: Microsoft BASIC
* Peripherals: Memory board, graphic board, 5.25'' floppy disc controller
===== Usage =====
Nascom 2 supports .nas, .bin and .cas files.
The .nas files are loaded by the monitor. Type
L
wait for the loading to finish, then
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.
The .cas files are used by BASIC. To get there from the monitor, type
EE000
enter
49152
as the memory size then
CLOAD "<letter>"
You can then use RUN/LIST etc. The <letter> for the existing cassettes are
| adventr.cas | A |
| snailr.cas | S |
| startrek.cas | T |
| swinghs.cas | M |
| swords.cas | S |
MESS supports two monitor roms for the Nascom 2: NAS-SYS 1 and 3. You can switch between them, changing the -bios parameter. At command line,
"-bios 0" or "-bios NasSys 3" = NAS-SYS 3 (final update)
"-bios 1" or "-bios NasSys 1" = NAS-SYS 1 (1980)
===== History and Trivia =====
The Nascom 2 was a deep evolution of the Nascom 1 that required 18 months of design and development but offered lots of enhancements: a faster processor (4 MHZ.), greater RAM and ROM capacity (10 KB + 10 KB), built-in Microsoft BASIC, extended keyboard, improved tape interface, etc.
User RAM could be expanded to 32 KB on board and the system didn't need the use of expansion board or system bus to run large applications. Even now, the Nascom 2 is regarded as the most versatile single board computer in 1980's.
Sadly, in 1980, Nascom Limited company met difficulties in components sourcing, specially RAM chips, and the company ceased Nascom 2 deliveries. Some Nascom dealers will then set up the Gemini company and produce a copy of the Nascom 2. Finally, Nascom Limited is sold to Lucas Logic (later Lucas Nascom) in 1982 and the Nascom 2 will come back in a cased version called Nascom 3.
//(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 2 at old-computers.com -- http://old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=815
===== Other Emulators =====
* Nascom-2 Emulator -- http://www.myplace.nu/nascom/nasemu.htm
* Virtual Nascom -- http://www.nascomhomepage.com/#Virtual%20Nascom
Generated on Sun Jul 19 10:17:28 2009