![]() Why these SBCs like the KIM-1 became so popular? One reason was the low price ($ 280 for a KIM-1, I paid 795 guilders ), so it was in the price range of the average student and hobbyist. 2K ROM, 1K RAM, many I/O lines free, six LED displays and a keyboard with hexadecimal keys and some function keys. Also common is the ability to attach a teletype like the ASR33.Ī good example of such a SBC is the KIM-1, shown below. Loading and saving data is limited to either papertape readers and punches, quite common in these days, or via some modulation as data files on audio cassette recorders. The operating system allows entering and examining of data in memory locations, and start and stop a program. The display is often not more than 6 or 8 seven segment LED displays, just enough to show, in hexadecimal format, addresses and data. The I/O is often not more than a small keyboard with hexadecimal functions. Though it is a complete computer, it has a CPU, memory and I/O, it is also a very limited one. ![]() For professionals a way of getting acquainted with the new hardware and learning the basics of programming at a (very!) low level. The ‘operating system’ is stored in a (EP)ROM, an often small amount of RAM is available to store programs and data These were the first microprocessor based computers with affordable prices for hobbyists in the late seventies of the previous century. What is a SBC for me?Ī SBC, short for Single Board Computer can be defined as a computer system, based on a microprocessor, on one printed circuit, with keyboard and display, programmable I/O ports, expansion connectors and without a casing. Elektuur published also articles on these subjects, many are available here. From 1977 until 1996 I worked as technical editor for Radio Bulletin and published about microcomputers and more general electronics. ![]() The magazines featured here are the dutch magazines Elektuur and Radio Bulletin. In the early days of computing, magazines about popular electronics played a big role in making microprocessors available for the beginner, whether the professional or hobby electric engineer. If it is of any use for others, fine, enjoy! I set up this archive as my personal archive of what I research on the subject. The retro computing pages are documenting my experiences with 8-bit systems like the KIM-1 and its relatives such as the Apple 1 and the Junior. Also the Dutch users club, called KIM Gebruikersclub, which I joined in 1978 and contributed to as member of the board and as chief editor of the magazine issue 11 to 25. And the role of Dutch electronic magazines like Elektuur and Radio Bulletin in the eighties of the 20th century. This page is about my interest in retro 8-bit small computer systems computing and electronics.
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