Research Machines Nimbus PC-186

The Nimbus PC-186 was Research Machines’ first 16-bit Nimbus computer, launched for education at the 1985 BETT exhibition. Its 80186 processor, high-resolution graphics and network facilities delivered more power than typical school micros while retaining RM’s emphasis on managed classroom installations.

The Nimbus ran adapted versions of MS-DOS and Windows but was not fully IBM PC compatible. Schools could choose floppy, hard-disk or network-boot configurations, with Piconet allowing workstations to share files and printers.

Notable Features

• Used the advanced Intel 80186 rather than the 8088 found in many contemporary PCs.
• Included proprietary high-resolution colour graphics and an AY-3-8910 sound generator.
• Available as single-floppy, twin-floppy, hard-disk and network workstation configurations.

Historical Significance

• Brought Research Machines’ school networking experience into the 16-bit era.
• Its distinctive architecture favoured managed education software over strict IBM compatibility.

Collector’s Notes

• Original software may require the Nimbus-specific versions of MS-DOS or Windows.
• Memory, disk and processor-speed descriptions can differ between early and later configurations.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Research Machines Nimbus PC-186
Manufacturer	Research Machines
Launched	Monday, January 21, 1985
Discontinued	Late 1980s
Launch Price	£945 education price for a 128KB single-floppy PC1; £1,395 retail
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Intel 80186 at 8 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Nimbus MS-DOS; Microsoft Windows; network software
I/O	Serial, parallel, four expansion slots and Piconet networking
Keyboard	Separate full-size keyboard
Storage	One or two 3.5-inch floppy drives; optional 10MB or 20MB hard disk; network boot
Sound	General Instrument AY-3-8910 programmable sound generator
Graphics	Proprietary colour graphics with 64KB video RAM
Display	High-resolution RGB monitor
ROM	Nimbus firmware
RAM	128KB or 256KB initially; commonly 512KB, expandable to 1.5MB
CPU Speed	8 MHz