{"id":424,"date":"2019-06-27T03:35:48","date_gmt":"2019-06-27T03:35:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nzwww.vintagevibe.co.nz192.168.1.161\/?p=424"},"modified":"2025-07-25T00:48:20","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T00:48:20","slug":"nascom-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/?p=424","title":{"rendered":"Nascom 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n

The Nascom 1 and 2 were single-board computer kits issued in the United Kingdom in 1977 and 1979, respectively, based on the Zilog Z80 and including a keyboard and video interface, a serial port that could be used to store data on a tape cassette using the Kansas City standard, and two 8-bit parallel ports. At that time, including a full keyboard and video display interface was uncommon, as most microcomputer kits were then delivered with only a hexadecimal keypad and seven-segment display. To minimize cost, the buyer had to assemble a Nascom by hand-soldering about 3,000 joints on the single circuit board.<\/p>\n

The original Nascom 1 was designed by Chris Shelton. Shelton\u2019s design work was outlined in a series of articles published between November 1977 and January 1979 by Wireless World magazine.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/nascom_suitcase.jpg” title_text=”nascom_suitcase” _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n

I got my unit from our local auction site which didn\u2019t come with any keyboard and is at present not going and was installed in a suit case and has all the connections on the outside of the case. It was in poor condition, started debugging the video circuit.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/nascom-power-side.jpg” title_text=”nascom-power-side” _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n

The Nascom 2 showing power side it in the suite case<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/nascom_cpu.jpg” title_text=”nascom_cpu” _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n

The mighty Z80 CPU<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/eprom_dump.jpg” title_text=”eprom_dump” _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n

Backed up all the EPROM\u2019s and burned a new Character Generator EPROM.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The video circuit working with just the Character Generator replacement EPROM.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Step.23-1.jpg” title_text=”Step.23″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n

Added the video RAM ic and have random characters displayed \u2013\u00a0 happy with the progress so far.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/nascom-z80ice.jpg” title_text=”nascom-z80ice” _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n

I finally got back to the Nascom 2 and programmed a new set of PROMs and NAS-SYS ROM and it\u2019s not showing life Checking Memory decoding with the Z80 ICE emulator, There is a bad bi-polor PROM.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Nascom-ICE-test.jpg” title_text=”Nascom-ICE-test” _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n

Next on to the CPU and memory decoding.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/20190904_134607_001-scaled.jpg” title_text=”20190904_134607_001″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n

Chip replaced and\u00a0NAS-SYS 3 on the screen Ya.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/basic_working.jpg” title_text=”basic_working” _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n

Keyboard tested and working. Now to get Microsoft BASIC working.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/nascom-case1.jpg” title_text=”nascom-case1″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n

\u00a0It\u2019s now time to build a new case for the computer.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/nascom-case2.jpg” title_text=”nascom-case2″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Started with scrap pine for the sides and folded up some 1.8mm Aluminum.\u00a0Top side cut out for the keyboard<\/span><\/p>\n

\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/nascom-case3.jpg” title_text=”nascom-case3″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

The test fit with transformer and the Backplane<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/nascom-case5.jpg” title_text=”nascom-case5″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Cut all the holes for the ports I needed and added labels.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/nascom-case4.jpg” title_text=”nascom-case4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/nascom-case6.jpg” title_text=”nascom-case6″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/nascom.mp4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ title_text=”nascom”][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

The fun time load a program off my ipod into the Nascom 2.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.3″ _module_preset=”default”] The Nascom 1 and 2 were single-board computer kits issued in the United Kingdom in 1977 and 1979, respectively, based on the Zilog Z80 and including a keyboard and video interface, a serial port that could be used to store data on a tape […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":427,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-424","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-vintage-computers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/424","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=424"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/424\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1657,"href":"https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/424\/revisions\/1657"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/427"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=424"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=424"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vintagevibe.co.nz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=424"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}