Acorn System 2

The Acorn System 2 expanded the System 1 design into a card frame with a full keyboard, video output and configurable memory. Owners selected processor, memory and interface cards to suit education or development work.

Its open Eurocard construction turned Acorn’s trainer into a practical small computer and provided the basis for the more integrated System 3.

Notable Features

• MOS Technology 6502 at 1 MHz forms the centre of the system.
• The standard memory and storage configuration was Typically 4KB; expandable through Eurocard memory boards and Cassette interface with optional floppy-disc controller.
• Its principal display arrangement was External monochrome display or terminal.

Historical Significance

• Its open Eurocard construction turned Acorn’s trainer into a practical small computer and provided the basis for the more integrated System 3.
• 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 System 2
Manufacturer	Acorn Computers
Launched	Tuesday, January 1, 1980
Launch Price	£320 - £480
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	MOS Technology 6502 at 1 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Acorn monitor, BASIC and Acorn DOS options
I/O	Eurocard bus, cassette, video, printer and user I/O according to configuration
Keyboard	Full-size ASCII keyboard
Storage	Cassette interface with optional floppy-disc controller
Sound	Optional sound through expansion hardware
Graphics	Text or graphics according to fitted video card
Display	External monochrome display or terminal
ROM	Monitor and BASIC ROM depending on configuration
RAM	Typically 4KB; expandable through Eurocard memory boards
CPU Speed	1 MHz