Acorn BBC Micro model B Master solid state disk drive

This upgrade will allow you to attach solid state storage to your BBC Micro

• Fast, reliable data storage for BBC Micro
• Suits BBC Model B, B+ and Master.
• Professionally made PCB with all surface mount components
• 256MB SanDisk MMC card now included
  
• Turbo MMC ROM loads data typically three times faster
• Can be mounted internally or externally
• Draws its power from the User Port - no PSU required
• 1 year guarantee

This kit has to be one of the easiest ways to add solid state memory storage to your BBC Micro and probably the best value too. Absolutely everything you need to get started is provided, including a memory card. The key parts of the kit are shown below.

Just about in the middle is the green interface board itself measuring about 1.9" by 2.3". One end of the ribbon cable (at the right) plugs into this interface and the other into the User Port on the underside of the computer. The ribbon cable and 20-way connectors are completely standard so it is easy to make up another of a different length if required.

The software required to load and save data to the memory card is provided on a 16K EPROM although the code can also be put into some kind of sideways RAM system too (ideally non-volatile). This software will typically load files around three times quicker than the standard version. It is not necessary to have a floppy disk system fitted in order to install this kit.

The four square objects are self-adhesive pillars which are ideal for attaching the interface to the underside of the lid if an internal installation is preferred.

The memory card itself just slides into the socket on the interface board. The card in the photo has deliberately not been pushed fully home so you can see the seven contacts of the socket. It is OK to swap cards around with the machine turned on and a 256MB Sandisk memory card is included with the kit so you can get started right away. Each MMC card can hold the equivalent of a maximum of 511 80-track single-sided disks, but of course there is no limit to the number of MMC cards that you can have available.

No separate power supply is needed because power is drawn from the User Port, about 8mA when idle and this rises to around 30mA when loading or saving data.

Finally, the CD contains instructions on how to prepare new MMC cards for use with the interface and of course installation and using the product generally.

The photo below shows what a typical external arrangement might look like. Internal installations are also possible. Please note that the floppy disk drives and computer are not included in the sale.

Guarantee

The product is covered by a 1 year guarantee. Additionally, most eBay Buy It Now sales are covered by the Distance Selling Regulations (DSR). In essence this gives you a 7-day period in which to return the goods for any reason whatsoever. If you wish to return this item in the 7-day period then you will receive a full refund (cost of the item itself and the postage too). The cost of returning the item to us is to be borne by the purchaser unless, of course, the item is actually faulty in which case we will refund any reasonable postage costs as well.