Science of Cambridge (Sinclair) Mk.14 Micro Computer - vintage

[bukster1]

I built a similar hex display computer in the mid 80's. It was called a TEC-1 and used a Z-80. It had no tape interface.

[mjperigo]

For pics of mine in its original box + extras check out the MK14 set on flickr (username = retrophilepix)

[mjperigo]

For modern reproduction boards and website check out mk14man's channel

[mjperigo]

Love the video but...

Arrghh!

The MK in MK14 Stands for 'Microcomputer Kit' NOT Mark!

also SC/MP (pronounced Scamp) stands for Simple, Cost-effective Microprocessor so SCMP Microprocessor is a tautology.

[MrBl0cky]

Love it, an absolute inspiration! shame its not fully functional.

[MrAgaSaga]

I built one of these when I was aged about 18 to try to learn assembly language programming but I just didn't get it. All I needed was better instruction than the MK14 manuals provided. The membrane keyboard that came with it was rubbish and it was too easy to enter multiple characters with one keypress. Like the one in the video I soon added a better external keyboard.

[SiriusHardware]

I've got one of these as well - mine is in a much more naff looking plywood box so I'm in no position to criticise the finish on this one, which I think is quite good.- they came as an unboxed PCB kit and the buyer even had to find a power supply for it.

For a while mine also had the 'VDU' card connected to it but it consumed most of the system memory and eventually I uninstalled it and kept it to one side. The machine now just consists of the main board plus the cassette tape interface.

[circuitryboy]

Processor Modes? "N T S/S A .."?

Try N (=Normal?) [S/S is Single Step. The rest ??]

Is display ALWAYS '0' at far right? Try:

Power off. GENTLY prise IC11, 12, & 13 up a little at each end (use cocktail

stick or sharpened matchstick). Press back home into sockets (don't touch ICs with fingers - protect print with a tissue/etc)

Remaking socket contacts thus may get display scanning again.

[mikenurton]

I had one of these kits when they came out. I built it and needless to say it didn't work and so back it went. They repaired it and I had loads of fun with it. It was groundbreaking in it's day. I loved it and really regret selling mine (to fund a TRS-80 clone).

However, this case looks pants - no offence tho. You need to see the original board and miniscule display to truly appreciate this classic. The original never had a processor switch - this example is just so naff. And it doesn't work!

[circuitryboy]

"0" at display right? Processor is running but display not scanning.

What "Processor Mode" is selected?

Probably very simple fault: a display IC needs reseating in socket, or

stuck in Reset, etc.

[wgoodf]

Great stuff! - i have never quite managed to find the £200 that it seems i would need when they turn up on ebay.

Very nice. Always a risk trying to fix such things, could be very simple, or you could ruin the whole package.

[slowlyover]

One of these turned up on eBay a month ago, sold for £621-00. Item nr = 120461893880

[cairnemmerson]

Thanks for the video. I'm a lucky owner of a MK14, although I don't have a case (just the motherboard and tape interface). I assume the case is a homebrew creation?

[slowlyover]

Yes, homemade wooden box, with a metal faceplate.

[rudeydudey05]

I wished a company still sold these kits today, i would like to build a computer from the ground up.

[slowlyover]

Initially only 2000 of these kits were manufactured. Eventual sales were either between 10,000-15,000, 20,000, or 50,000, depending where you look on the Net. It was the UK's first cheap computer kit, sold for £39-95.