Date   : Thu, 07 Jul 2005 20:59:27 +0100
From   : Sprow <info@...>
Subject: Re: Compressed Model B

In article <42CD45C1.7020009@...>,
   Richard Gellman <splodge@...> wrote:
> Darren Grant wrote:

> >Rather than use a BBC why not try a Mini Beeb
> >http://homepage.ntlworld.com/rpsprowson/bbc/minib.htm
> >  
> >
> One, there's no challenge :)
> And two, that board doesn't look to be too BBC Micro compatible. I've 
> not read in-depth, but since it runs its own OS (as opposed to OS1.2) 

I'd argue it's very BBC Micro compatible, certainly for what I use it for.
There are events, filing systems, a VDU driver, vectors, workspace all in
the same place (see the docs you can download). 

> the phrase "Repton won't run on this" springs instantly to mind. Nice 
> little device though.

Repton would probably run, but you wouldn't see any graphics on a text only
LCD.

> Re: The advice on conglomerating parts: I'll be economising where 
> possible, but I want to stick pretty close to the original circuit. Some 
> parts will be eliminated, but the basics need to be present, 6502, 6845, 
> 6522 VIA-A, VIDPROC, RAM, SAA5050, sound chip, WD1770 + support 
> componets (ideally).

You'll be hampered on getting many of those parts (VIDPROC, the sound chip,
WD1770 in particular). The RAM can be massively simplified now though with a
single SRAM.

I can supply you with as many speech upgrade kits as you need
 http://www.sprow.co.uk/bbc/speechupgrade.htm
if that helps,
Sprow.