1st February 1994Introduction
Somewhere on this planet there must be an organisation entirely dedicated to the invention of 'Wise' sayings which, over a period of time, pass into everyday language. One of these pearls of wisdom is the expression, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"
I think this is probably the way a lot of us feel about our 32K Elks and BBC Bs - they do most of the things we require of them so we're quite happy, thank you very much.
However, it would be very naive to think that everyone should see the world through the same cosy, rose-tinted spectacles. Let's face facts: Some people do have computing needs that cannot be satisfied by a mere 32K of memory; faster processing times are essential for some tasks and it is inevitable that people will upgrade to more powerful machines.
The thing about substantial upgrades is that they can place you in the position of being the 'New kid on the block' and you may find yourself all alone without a single like-minded friend in the world.
Perhaps it is for this reason (plus hefty dollops of nostalgia!) that a number of EUG members are upgraders who choose to maintain their links with the cuddly old 32K/8bit scene either by setting aside a bit of shelf space for a beloved Elk/BBC B, or in the case of Archimedes owners making full use of the Beeb emulator.
Over the next few issues we will be presenting the views and experiences of several upgraders with different stories to tell, beginning with Alec Miles on the Master Compact.
If you are thinking of changing your computer, do so by all means, but don't dump your Elk/BBC altogether. You could be, "throwing out the baby with the bathwater." (There's another of those 'wise' sayings!)
The BBC Master Compact - A discussion with Alec Miles
What was the first computer you ever owned?
That was a Sinclair ZX81. I've still got it. I've got two actually!
Then you went on to the Electron?
Yes.
How long did you have that for?
I've still got it. We used it when the children were young; they messed about on it, then it was put away and I'd only get it out now and then. It's only in the last three years that I really started to use it.
What made you decide to upgrade to the Master Compact?
Well, first of all I had a standard Electron then I added a Plus 1. I could use View and Viewsheet but it was tedious loading and saving files to tape so I bought the Plus 3. But there were still lots of restictions and things you couldn't do that were possible on other machines. I wanted to use software like AMX PAGEMAKER, but when I weighed up the cost of the upgrades needed it seemed too expensive. It just wasn't worth paying out that sort of money! I had been looking around for a second hand colour monitor and I saw an advert in the newspaper for a BBC Master Compact, a really good printer and a colour monitor as one package, all for £125. It seemed the best option.
What kind of software is available?
That's one of the drawbacks. The software is there but it's mostly on 5.25" DFS disks. The Master Compact comes with an internal 3.5" ADFS system as standard. The DFS is no problem as you can load it into sideways RAM from disk, but you really need a 5.25" drive.
Are you planning to fit one?
I would do if I saw one at a reasonable price.
Is it a simple job?
Oh, yes! All you do is buy a lead from Watford Electronics and clip it on to the existing internal drive cable. It's just a loop that runs outside the casing to the second external drive.
Do you still use your Electron software?
Not a lot. I've loaded in bits and pieces, but sometimes I just got rubbish up on the screen. A lot will run, anything in BASIC of course, but most commercial stuff, like games, runs too fast on the Compact.
Are you still using View and Viewsheet?
No, no, I've upgraded! I've got rid of that rubbish! (Laughs)
What are you using now?
Computer Concepts' Interword and Intersheet. It's all ROM-based and the Compact comes with an internal ROM board as standard. Being menu-driven, the software is very easy to use. I've also got the Computer Concepts Spellcheck ROM and it's lovely! You just have to press a few keys and it does everything automatically. It will work while you're actually typing. If you mis-spell a word it beeps at you - but I don't use it like that. I make too many spelling mistakes and it interrupts me too often! You've really got to use it to see how good it is.
What kind of support have you found for the Master Compact?
Well, there's Solinet, but for obvious reasons they only like to supply 5.25" DFS disks. 8 Bit Software seem to be very good, although most of their stuff is for the BBC B and not specifically for the Master Compact - but that doesn't matter.
Have you made contact with other Master Compact owners?
Yes! They keep ringing me up! (Laughs)
So you've got a bit of a network going?
Yes, but I don't know how it started. You know what it's like, if someone has the same machine as you, it's a lot easier to get information and sort out problems with people who know what you're talking about. Now I get people phoning me saying, "You don't know me but...".
So your phone number is just being passed around all over the place?
Not really! It's a two-way thing. I help people out when I can and they do the same for me.
Do you plan to make another upgrade in the future and, if so, what?
Well, I've had a look at the newer Acorn Archimedes machines and to be honest, they seem so complicated and serious. It's not "Leisure and Pleasure" if you see what I mean - and they're so expensive! But I know it all depends on how far you want to go into things. I've got a contact with an Archimedes and he sends me print-outs, beautiful stuff, fine colour graphics. Obviously, the more money you pay for your equipment the better the quality, but things also become more complicated. I suppose if I were twenty five again my brain might be able to take in a bit more, but as I said, how far do you want to go...?
Alec Miles was talking to Will Watts
