My BBC Pickup! Massive Load! Unusual VDU! A Good Deal???

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Hello Fixers!

This is a pickup of a BBC load from Farnborough, and boy is it dirty! We have a look at the items and also try a power-on of the BBC!!!!!

In the heart of Farnborough, I stumbled upon a retro computing treasure trove that took me straight back to the 1980s. Listed on Facebook Marketplace, a BBC Micro Model B package caught my eye, but little did I know that this nostalgic adventure would uncover a fascinating slice of British tech history. In today’s post, I’ll share the highlights of this amazing haul and the historical gems hidden in dust and grime.

The Discovery: BBC Micro Model B
The BBC Microcomputer, often affectionately known as the BBC Micro, was the bedrock of British computing education in the 1980s. Produced by Acorn Computers, this iconic machine became synonymous with the BBC's Computer Literacy Project, encouraging a generation of schoolchildren to engage with coding and digital literacy. As I arrived to pick up the BBC B, I knew I was on the cusp of uncovering a true piece of history.

The seller mentioned the machine had been in storage for a while, which was evident as I brushed away the thick layer of dust clinging to the machine’s beige casing. Yet, beneath the grime lay a sturdy, unassuming exterior that hinted at the quality craftsmanship of Acorn Computers. The BBC Micro is not only famous for its solid build but also for its ability to withstand the test of time, something I was hoping would hold true as I examined this relic.

A Trove of 5.25" Floppy Disks
Adding to the vintage vibe, the haul included a stack of 5.25" floppy disks—once the lifeblood of storage in 1980s computing. These disks are an emblem of a bygone era, when 1.2 MB was an impressive storage capacity! I could almost feel the nostalgia radiating from each labeled disk. Sorting through them, I realised these weren’t just blank storage media; they were filled with software, games, and maybe even forgotten files from a previous owner.

It was like diving into a time capsule—each disk a window to the past. The thrill of wondering which classic programs or games might be hidden on these disks brought a wave of excitement.

The Rediffusion Color Monitor: A Rare Gem
One of the most intriguing finds was a Rediffusion-branded color monitor. Rediffusion was well-known in the UK, primarily as a television and cable services provider, so seeing their logo on a vintage monitor was both surprising and thrilling. Monitors were often bundled with computers back in the day, and Rediffusion monitors, known for their durability, provided BBC Micro users with clear, vibrant displays. This unit showed its age, with dust and wear indicating years of use, but it still had that solid, unmistakable charm. The monitor’s rugged build made it clear why so many of these devices have survived well into the modern day.

Double 5.25" Floppy Disk Drives
Finally, a real gem in this collection was the external double 5.25" floppy disk drive unit. Back in the 80s, this was quite the upgrade. Many BBC Micro systems only came with a single drive, so this dual-drive unit likely gave its original owner a serious edge in productivity and data handling. The drive was also coated in dust, and its exterior had aged considerably, but it looked like it could still be operational despite some loose wiring inside.

Bringing It All Home: The Revival Process Begins
After carefully loading these items into my car, I began planning how to restore each piece to its former glory. Cleaning and testing a 1980s computer requires patience, but the potential payoff—bringing the BBC Micro B back to life—is more than worth it.

This trip to Farnborough has turned into more than just a pickup; it’s a journey back in time to the golden age of British computing. As I dive into the restoration process, I’ll be documenting each step, testing the disks, and bringing this BBC Micro setup back to life. The goal is not just to revive these relics, but to preserve a piece of computing history that laid the foundation for many of today’s digital advancements.


#retrocomputing #1980s #nostalgia
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