Raspberry Pi Model A & 3A+ Multi-Core Co-Processor Adapter Board
for the BBC Model B, B+ and Master 128
** New version compatible with HDMI output of latest Hognose firmware **
Please see my other listings for Pi Zero and HAT versions, compatible with other Pi boards
This is a Buy-It-Now sale, for a new Raspberry Pi Model A Zero Co-Processor adapter board, for the BBC Micro range Model B, B+ and Master 128. It is also suitable for the Acorn Electron, providing you have a compatible tube interface.
Having an adapter specifically for the Model A, means you can fit the latest 3A+, which runs at a core speed of 1.4GHz, for an even faster Co-Pro emulation! It cannot be used with a Model B, please see my listings for a HAT adapter for use with those.
In this sale you are buying just the adapter PCB assembled and tested, that allows you to plug your own Raspberry Pi Model A into it, and once fitted with a suitable MicroSD card and firmware, it can operate as a Multi-Core Second Processor system, running at lightning speeds! If you use a Pi Zero, it must be fitted with the GPIO 40 way header.
Once assembled with a Pi Model 3A+, Model A or Zero and firmware, this clever device doesn't just limit you to a 6502 running at 3, 4, or even 16MHz, it can emulate many of the different Co-Processors available to the BBC Micro over the years, such as:
- 6502 running at either the original 3MHz, or a blistering equivalent of over 300MHz
- A Z80, running at over 60Mhz for CP/M
- An 80286 for DOS
- A 32016 Cambridge Co-Processor for running the Panos Operating System.
- A 6809
- A 9MHz emulation of the original ARM Evaluation system
- A native ARM Co-Processor, running at 1.4GHz!
This board is a universal type, that plugs into the Tube port of any BBC Micro, and draws power from the Tube port itself, so no extra power supply is required. I also supply a dedicated internal version for the Master 128, that plugs into its internal Tube connector, please see my other listings.
Comes as just the PCB as pictured in the first three photos. The other photos are representative of how it looks assembled, and the system running. The photos of the installation into a B are using a standard Model A. You will need to source your own Raspberry Model A or 3A+, along with a MicroSD card for the firmware which I can email to you. Whilst is can be used with the Zero, it's not recommended due to the mounting holes, I do a specific adapter for that version please see my other listings. You'll also need a 40 way connector cable to connect to the tube. You may also want some self adhesive mounting posts (3mm), and some supports for the Pi itself. I can provide any of these extra bits if you need them at extra cost.
NEW - This adapter is my new Issue 3 version, which allows access to the HDMI port. Previous versions, and other adapters you may see on eBay and elsewhere, obstruct the HDMI port, meaning you couldn't make use of it. The new Hognose firmware allows the HDMI port of the Pi to be used as a second Beeb display. It's not a screen mirror, you will still need to use your original RGB output, but it's yet another function of this amazing device, and is great for programming and graphics using the 6502 or ARM cores.
The Pi Model A and 3A+ use a standard HDMI cable, with either regular HDMI, or DVI at the other end.
If you would prefer a complete setup, that comes with everything you need to plug and go, please see my other listings.
Please note, that any second processor needs the Tube Host code inside the BBC Micro to run. This is always fitted in a Master 128, and is usually present in a B+. However, a Model B may not have it fitted, and you may need an additional DNFS ROM to allow this to work. If you're not sure, send me a screenshot of your computer displaying the results of a *HELP - I should be able to tell from there if it's needed or not, and supply it at the same time.
No BBC Micro software for the Co-Processor itself is included, but this can all be downloaded from the net, or I can supply boot disk images for various cores on request free of charge, to use on a GOTEK USB Floppy drive (Please see my other listings if you're interested in one of those as well).
Due to 2nd class mail becoming more and more unreliable, all items are now being migrated to Tracked 48 postage. T48 and T24 postage on small items are usually free for any additional items of the same type. I am unable to get the system to automate combined postage for different items, however if you make the purchase for multiple different items using the basket method, I will combine them into one parcel where possible, and refund any postage excess at the time of shipping.
** UK POSTAGE BY ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 **
** Worldwide shipping by the eBay Global Shipping Program **
** Please check my feedback! **
Kits are also available to upgrade your BBC B or Master with our popular Internal DataCentre system.
We also supply GOTEK USB drives for the BBC Micro, as well as Raspberry Pi multi-core Second processors in internal and external versions.
As well as 1770 Disk Upgrade kits, 4 way switchable OSs for the Master 128 and 2 way for the B+, we can supply other refurbished BBC Model Bs and Master 128s to your specification.
Please check my other items for sale, or if they've sold out on my listings, please contact me for details.
