BBC Microcomputer cream box body with black section containing a black keyboard with a row of red keys at the topBBC Microcomputer

The Micro-Professor I Plus (MPF-IP) was a low cost, versatile microcomputer system featuring sophisticated software and hardware capabilities. (MPF-IP) boasted a display panel with the ability to display 20 characters using 16-segment fonts. All 64 standard ASCII characters could be displayed. The operation of the MPF-IP was controlled by an 8k monitor program which resides in the Read Only Memory (ROM). The monitor, aided by 4k Random Access Memory (RAM), enabled the user to enter a comprehensive set of single keystroke commands, making it easier for the user to use the CPU, memory and I/0 devices. This allowed the user to concentrate of microprocessor software development and application design. The system allowed printing at 48 lines per minute, and the ability to permanently record the commands, data, programs, status and other messaged. Each character printed by the printer is in a 5 by 7 dot matrix. Although the prime purpose of the programming was for machine language object code formed as hexadecimal numbers, the Micro-Professor has an embedded Tiny Basic interpreter for which formation of some of the alpha characters using a standard 7 segment display was ingenious. The program memory consisted of non volatile 2 kilobytes electrically programmable ROM whilst the Random Access Memory came with 2 kilobytes of static RAM but could be upgraded to 4 kilobytes by insertion of another chip. The entire memory space of 64 kilobytes was accessible by way of the terminals on the left hand side of the board. Engineering and Science students from the Ballarat School of Mines and the Ballarat College of Advanced Education used a class set (as they were relatively inexpensive at approx. $100 each) during the mid to late 1980s. Student were encouraged to borrow the Micro-Professors in order to assist in learning how to use them. Only one was ever not returned on time. When pressed to return the device the student confessed that his dog had chewed the plastic case. This is still in our collection complete with bite marks! The Micro-Professor used a Zilog Z80 microprocessor. This was the most powerful of the 8 bit microprocessors at the time. Zilog was derived from the Intel 8080 microprocessor. The Z80 had 158 instructions of which the Intel 78 instructions were a subset. The Intel processor continued on through development in the IBM computers as 8086, 80286, 80386, 80486 and later the pentiums. Zilog lost most of its market share when it developed the 16 bit Z8000 microprocessor. Although the microprocessor was excellent, the lack of peripherals caused users to abandon Zilog products. A brown and gold plastic box containing a microcomputer for use in classrooms. Four manuals are titled 'Micro-Professor MPF-IP user's Manual', 'MPF-I Experiment Manual (Software/Hardware)', Micro-professor MPF-IP experiment Manual (Software/Hardware)' and Micro-Professor MPF-I Monitor Program Source Listing.microcomputer, micro computer, micro professor, electronics

MicroBee was a series of networkable home computers by Applied Technology, which became publicly listed company MicroBee Systems Limited soon after its release. The original Microbee computer was designed in Australia by a team including Owen Hill and Matthew Starr. The MicroBee's most distinctive features are its user configurable video display and its battery backed non-volatile RAM and small size allowing it to be powered off, transported, and powered back on and resume activities on the currently loaded program or document. It was originally packaged as a two board unit with the lower "baseboard" containing all components except the system memory which was mounted on the upper "core board". (Wikipedia).1) Ballarat College of Advanced Education Applied Science students demonstrate the use of the Applied Physics MicroBee Computer. .2) Jenny Simkin and Graeme Clark demonstrate the Microbee in Applied Physics at the Ballarat College of Advanced Education in August 1983. The MicroBee interfaced to radio, and assisted in finding messages via Amateur Radio (note the transceiver and RTTY interface VK3NV) An audio cassette for program and data storage is located to the right behind the keyboard. .1) verso Ballarat CAE Applied Science students test 'Microbee' computers which are used by students staking studies in Applied Physics. Frances, would be grateful if this could be returned. Thank you Mike .2 verso Jenny Simpkin Graeme Clark Microcomputer/Radioteletype demo App Physics Aug '83ballarat college of advanced education, jenny simpkin, graeme clark, microbee computer, physics, applied scinece, computer science, computers

The Logic Analyser was purchased by the Ballarat College of Advanced Education Physics Department in the early 1980s. At the time it was a state of the art piece of test equipment used for fault finding and programming diagnostics for 8 bit computers. It was later used by the Electrical Engineers, after Physics merged with Engineering in the mid 1990s. The device monitored the 16 bit Address buss and 8 bit Data buss of an 8 bit computer. This device continually samples the 24 bits simultaneously and looks for a preset pattern. When the pattern is matched the logic analyser continues for a set number of steps thus allowing an operator to examine the data and address information both leading up to and after an event. This was particularly useful for diagnosing unusual programming and hardware errors. Logic analyzers are used in debugging and troubleshooting in mini- and microcomputers. The HP analyzers collect information through 24 (1615A) or 32 (1610B) inputs leads, connected to the computer's address, data and/or control lines. The logic state flow is shown on a display in a number of traces, a single data line or an appropriate combination of data lines providing a trigger signal. Captured data can be stored for detailed analysis. (http://http://www.science.uva.nl/museum/hp1610.php)Grey Analog computer. Includes keys and small screen.computer, logic analyzer, physics

The HP-85A was Hewlett Packard's first Series 80 microcomputer, introduced about 1979. It had a keyboard, a dual alpha/graphics monochrome display, a bidrectional alphanumerics and graphics printer, and mass storage tape drive all integrated into a marvelously designed and compact case. It's operating system was seemlessly integrated with a powerful BASIC programming language that included intuitive graphics and input/output capabilities. The HP-85A was also wonderfully expandable through four ports on the back of the case for adding plug in ROMS and modules. Specifications CRT DISPLAY Size: 12.7 cm (5 in.) diagonal Alphanumeric capacity: 16 lines x 32 characters Graphics capacity: 192 x 256 dots Scrolling capacity: 64 lines Character set: 256 characters; set of 128 + same set underscored Character font: 5 x 7 matrix Intensity: adjustable Cursor: underscore BASIC LANGUAGE AND OPERATING SYSTEM Standard ROM - 32K bytes Maximum add-on ROM - 48K bytes CRT memory RAM - 8K bytes USER READ/ WRITE MEMORY Standard - 16K bytes Maximum - 32K bytes TOTAL MEMORY Standard - 56K bytes Maximum - 120K bytes (Information from http://www.ebbsoft.com/hp/85a.htm)Personal computercomputers, monitor