Atlas robotic arm, with cables and pendant control, BBC micro, RISC OS, PC etc

Ex college/university Atlas 2 Robot arm

This is a rare survivor from the 1980s 8-bit micro era, when students at colleges and universities used the 'latest' micros like the BBC B to perform all sorts of scientific research and training.

This particular Atlas example has a 6505 motherboard and upgraded roms taking it to Atlas II spec.

It's in good used condition and was shown until recently at occassional exhibitions. There's a short Youtube clip of it in action at the 2010 Bletchley Park Vintage Computer Festival at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpRq2gpn3bk

The arm is often shown with a top cover and larger side panels fitted, which include balance weights for lifting heavier loads at full extension. I have used it without these panels as I don't lift anything significant and the reduced weight makes it easier to move around, but all the original panels and fixings are included in the sale.

It comes complete with its manual and its original pendant controller ('teach pendant'). There's also a made-up lead and interface to allow direct connection to a parallel port. I used it this way with a RISC OS program (running on an Iyonix), a copy of which can be supplied if required.

Further details can be found on the BeebControl website's Atlas arm section. This site also has a copy of the full Atlas technical reference manual available for download.

This item is pick up in person only (no couriers) from Harrow, NW London, near M25 and M40.