![\"Nascom-1\"](\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/PXL_20251105_204230171-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Manufacturer<\/strong>: Nascom Microcomputers<\/li>\n
- Type<\/strong>: Single Board Computer<\/li>\n
- Release Date<\/strong>: 1978<\/li>\n
- Cost at release<\/strong>: \u00a3197.50 plus VAT (CAD ~$1,900 adjusted for inflation)<\/li>\n
- MIPS<\/strong>: 0.05 (50 KIPS)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Hardware Specifications<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
- \n
- CPU<\/strong>: Zilog Z80 microprocessor running at 1 or 2 MHz<\/li>\n
- RAM<\/strong>: 2 KB installed (about 850 bytes available to user), expandable up to 64 KB<\/li>\n
- ROM<\/strong>: 1 KB initially, later 2 KB with extended monitor programs<\/li>\n
- Display<\/strong>: Memory-mapped video with 16 rows of 48 characters (monochrome text only, no graphics)<\/li>\n
- Keyboard<\/strong>: Full typewriter-style keyboard (unusual for kit computers of its time)<\/li>\n
- I\/O<\/strong>: Serial port for cassette storage (Kansas City standard), RS232, two 8-bit parallel ports (PIO)<\/li>\n
- Storage<\/strong>: Data stored\/loaded via cassette tape at 300 baud (wow!)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Monitor\/Operating system<\/strong>: Included simple debug monitors (NAS-BUG variants) and later CP\/M support via external ROMs<\/li>\n
- Dimensions<\/strong>: Main board approximately 8″ x 10″ (203 mm x 254 mm)<\/li>\n
- Assembly<\/strong>: Kit form requiring hand soldering of approx. 1,310 joints on a single circuit board<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Operating System & Programming Languages<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
- \n
- Operating System<\/strong>: NAS-BUG monitor program initially, later NAS-SYS 2 KB OS on Nascom-1 and Nascom-2<\/li>\n
- Supported Languages<\/strong>: Z80 assembly language and Microsoft BASIC (on certain versions\/ROMs). Software entry largely manual in early versions, with monitor commands facilitating debugging and program execution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Notables<\/h3>\n
- \n
- The Nascom-1 was designed on an airline serviette during a transatlantic flight, conceived by John Marshall after attending a microprocessor seminar and amateur computer club in California.<\/li>\n
- It was one of the first UK microcomputer kits to include a full typewriter-style keyboard and video output instead of just a hex keypad and seven-segment display.<\/li>\n
- The Nascom-1 was initially priced at \u00a3197.50 plus VAT in kit form, making it affordable for hobbyists relative to other computing options at the time.<\/li>\n
- It became the fastest-selling microcomputer in the UK by mid-1978, outselling competitors like the MK-14 and Acorn System 1.<\/li>\n
- The kit required users to hand solder over 3,000 joints, reflecting the DIY ethos of early microcomputing enthusiasts.<\/li>\n
- The system\u2019s operating environment used a rudimentary command set called NAS-BUG based on single-letter commands for debugging and memory manipulation.<\/li>\n
- Nicknamed by some enthusiasts as the \u201cN-1,\u201d it spawned an active user community supported by newsletters such as INMC NEWS, which was user-run.<\/li>\n
- The Nascom 1\u2019s design included a memory-mapped video display with unusual line-scrolling characteristics unique for the era.<\/li>\n
- Expansion and peripherals, including a full colour PAL video support and built-in Microsoft BASIC ROM, came later with the Nascom-2.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Donated by<\/strong>: Dr Arlen Michaels<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Nascom-1 [Vin118] The Nascom-1, launched in 1977 in the UK, was notable for being one of the earliest single-board computer kits based on the Zilog Z80 processor, featuring a rare inclusion at the time of a full keyboard and video display interface rather than a hexadecimal keypad and 7-segment display. Its claim to fame was […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"parent":19704,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"yoast_head":"\n
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- Supported Languages<\/strong>: Z80 assembly language and Microsoft BASIC (on certain versions\/ROMs). Software entry largely manual in early versions, with monitor commands facilitating debugging and program execution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- RAM<\/strong>: 2 KB installed (about 850 bytes available to user), expandable up to 64 KB<\/li>\n
- Type<\/strong>: Single Board Computer<\/li>\n