Acorn Business Computer ABC 200

The Acorn Business Computer ABC 200 paired the BBC-derived host with a National Semiconductor 32016 second processor and dual floppy drives. It was intended to run Acorn’s Panos environment and a suite of scientific programming languages.

The 32016 branch moved the ABC concept from CP/M business software toward engineering and scientific workstation use.

Notable Features

• The main processing arrangement was Rockwell 6512 at 2 MHz with National Semiconductor 32016 second processor at 6 MHz.
• Its standard memory provision was 64KB host plus 32016 co-processor memory.
• The model’s storage arrangement was Two 5.25-inch floppy drives.

Historical Significance

• The 32016 branch moved the ABC concept from CP/M business software toward engineering and scientific workstation use.
• This entry represents a distinct processor, storage or enclosure design rather than a software bundle.

Collector’s Notes

• Surviving examples are scarce, and fitted boards, firmware and storage may differ from announced specifications.
• Original documentation, peripherals and prototype provenance are particularly important for specialist Acorn systems.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Acorn Business Computer ABC 200
Manufacturer	Acorn Computers
Launched	Sunday, January 1, 1984
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Rockwell 6512 at 2 MHz with National Semiconductor 32016 second processor at 6 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Panos with scientific and programming languages
I/O	BBC interfaces, printer, serial, Econet option and Tube co-processor link
Keyboard	Separate business keyboard
Storage	Two 5.25-inch floppy drives
Sound	BBC-compatible programmable sound
Graphics	BBC Micro display hardware
Display	Integrated monochrome monitor
ROM	BBC B+ class MOS and Panos firmware
RAM	64KB host plus 32016 co-processor memory
CPU Speed	2 MHz host; 6 MHz 32016