Background Information:
The National Museum of Computing is home to a cluster of BBC Micros and 32-bit Acorn machines, used to recreate a 1980s Classroom as part of the Museum's award winning Education Programme. The Museum intends to expand the working collection of machines, complementing our current Education Programme and celebrating British Computing history.
Despite daily use and being over 30 years old, the machines in our 1980s Classroom are typically very reliable. However, failures do occur, meaning there is a need for a float of back-up machines to be maintained.
About This Event:
Our Acorn 32-bit 'Fixathon' was a resounding success: A vast number of machines were brought back to life with some basic maintenance (whilst some did need a specialist’s touch!).
To continue this journey, we will be hosting an 8-bit 'Fixathon' on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th April 2022. We seek to repair and set up the following BBC Micro equipment:
BBC B and Master
Cub and Philips Monitors
Acorn Filestores and SJ Research MDFS File Servers
Econet Installation
Second Processor Rejuvenation.
If you are keen to support us in ensuring our amazing collection receives the delicate care and attention it needs, it would forever be appreciated. Our Phoebe will also be making an appearance; we are seeking we are advice from the enthusiast community on how best to preserve and display her. Please note, we are actively recruiting Museum Volunteers to assist with the continual maintenance of our Acorn collection, ensuring the Museum's mission to Conserve, Educate and Engage is safeguarded for years to come.
Refreshments (tea, coffee, water, cold drinks and biscuits) plus lunch will be provided over the course of the weekend. This is a two-day event. Attendees may choose to attend 'Day 1', 'Day 2' or both days, dependant on their skills and interests.
Requirements:
While the Museum has tools available we do not expect to have enough tools for all, so we encourage you to bring your own. We are looking for people with all levels of skill. Here are some of the tasks to be completed/skills we are looking for:
Unboxing and switching on machines to assess their condition, review the contents of their HDD and install new items.
Dismantling machines and swapping their cards/components to create a working machine from the parts.
Soldering skills and a knowledge of electrical safety, including confidence working on switch mode power supplies.
Fine soldering skills, including surface mount and the ability to change an Archimedes clock chip.
To help us plan ahead, we ask that you provide us with a basic overview of your skill level. Please include any particular areas of expertise or special interests, as you feel appropriate. Please send this information via email to the Museum at museum@tnmoc.org, using the subject line 'BBC Restoration Day.'
For any queries or further information please contact Jacqui Garrad, the Museum Director, at museum@tnmoc.org. Alternatively, you can contact the Museum via telephone on 01908 374708.
