The Acorn System 2 was the first in a series of 'proper' computers with screen & keyboard, they comprised Eurocard sized boards housed in a 19" Vero Card Frame. It came in two versions: a bare bones System 2 and full spec System 2A.
Both systems comprised the same basic set of four Eurocards: a 6502 CPU Board, 40x25 VDU (Teletext) Interface Board, 8K RAM + 8K ROM Board and the Keyboard, Display & Cassette Interface Board from the System 1 all in a Vero Card Frame. The basic System 2 was aimed at the DIYer and came as a kit (£285) or assembled and tested (£320), the System 2A was more complete with fully populated cards an enclosed card frame and front panels but was only available assembled and tested (£480). An ASCII keyboard (£96) and monitor were required but not included.
"The System 2 has many applications in the area where audio
cassette based storage is required. It also provides a basis for the addition of
more Eurocards.
The System 2 contained within a 19" card frame consists of
the following Eurocards:
6502 CPU
VDU Interface
This board drives a TV monitor in monochrome or colour giving Teletext
characters or graphics. The Operating System program sets up and controls
the screen format and scrolling.
Memory Board
Carrying 4K bytes of RAM (a further 4K may be added) this board provides the
system memory. Also supplied is the
BASIC ROM which is mounted on this
board. A second ROM containing a floating point package and scientific
functions may be added.
Cassette
Interface Using this board programs and data may be stored on an audio
cassette recorder.
The four boards are connected in the card frame using an
8-slot backplane with two-part Eurocard DIN connectors and the system is easily
expanded with other boards from the Acorn range.
The System 2 provides a cost effective computing system
with the addition of a parallel ASCII keyboard, a TV monitor and a 5V at 3A
power supply.
Further optional refinements are the addition of front
panels with professional connectors and a 19" case for the card frame.