Acorn BBC Master Compact

The Acorn BBC Master Compact repackaged the Master architecture into a smaller computer with a separate keyboard and a 3.5-inch floppy drive built into the monitor stand. Several legacy BBC interfaces were removed or made optional.

It was the final major 8-bit computer designed by Acorn and introduced a more modern physical arrangement shortly before the Archimedes generation.

Notable Features

• Western Design Center 65C12 at 2 MHz forms the centre of the system.
• The standard memory and storage configuration was 128KB RAM and External 3.5-inch 640KB floppy drive in monitor stand.
• Its principal display arrangement was Bundled monitor or external RGB/composite display.

Historical Significance

• It was the final major 8-bit computer designed by Acorn and introduced a more modern physical arrangement shortly before the Archimedes generation.
• This page represents a distinct Acorn model rather than a regional, memory-only or bundled-software variation.

Collector’s Notes

• Original keyboards, power supplies, manuals, expansion cards and storage hardware materially improve a surviving system.
• Internal revisions and dealer-installed upgrades mean an individual machine should be checked against its serial label and fitted hardware.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Acorn BBC Master Compact
Manufacturer	Acorn Computers
Launched	Monday, September 1, 1986
Discontinued	1990
Launch Price	£399
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Western Design Center 65C12 at 2 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Master Compact MOS 5.10 with BBC BASIC IV and ADFS
I/O	RGB, composite, printer, joystick/mouse, expansion and optional serial and Econet interfaces
Keyboard	Separate 64-key keyboard with numeric keypad and function keys
Storage	External 3.5-inch 640KB floppy drive in monitor stand
Sound	Texas Instruments SN76489; three tone channels plus noise
Graphics	BBC display modes plus shadow-screen modes
Display	Bundled monitor or external RGB/composite display
ROM	64KB ROM containing MOS, BBC BASIC IV and ADFS
RAM	128KB RAM
CPU Speed	2 MHz