Busicomputers Prophet 3

[Busicomputers Prophet 2]     [Atom Computers]     [Busicomputers Ltd]     [Companies ]     [BBC Micro ]

Introduction

The Busicomputers Prophet 3 is a modified Atom built by Acorn for Busicomputers Ltd

Manuals and documents

I have no documentation for the Prophet 3.

Busicomputers Prophet 3

You will see the differences between the Atom and the Prophet 3 in the pictures. The Prophet 3 is similar to the Prophet 2 but has a built in disc drive. This Prophet 3 comes in an unlabeled metal case which houses the disc drive and power supply, I don't know if this was the original design or added later. The case has a handle for carrying which would make it a very early luggable, needing only a power supply and monitor.
 
Here are some pictures of the Prophet 3:

 Prophpet 3 with TV

The Prophet 3 and TV, unfortunately it does not work yet.

 The Prophet 3 plugged into to my TV and swtitched on. Unfortunately it doesn't quite work correctly. I think the screen pattern may be a memory check failing. Below the TV is the Prophet 3 in its case. With the front flap down, you can see the floppydisc drive on the right with a disc in it (the disc is labelled "Prophet Plan").

 Prophet 3 case front

Prophet 3 case (front)

 My Prophet 3 is in a steel case, I don't know if this was standard. The 2 clips at the top corners release the front flap to get to the computer. At the back on the right is the power out socket and video out socket for a monitor ,

 Prophet 3 right

Prophet 3 case right side

 My Prophet 3 comes in a case and on the right is the carrying handle. You can also see the clip in the top left to release the front flap and the monitor power out and video out on the top right (so you could place the monitor on top of the case).

 Prophet 3 case back

Prophet 3 case back

 The back of the Prophet 3 case showing, from left to right:

On the top left of the case is the moniter power out and video out sockets.

 Prophet 3 case top

Prophet 3 case top

 The Prophet 3 case top showing the monitor power out and video out sockets. At the bottom of the picture you can see the front flap and the tabs on the left and right to open it.

 Prophet 3 case open

Prophet 3 case open

The Prophet 3 case with the front flap open, showing the Prophet 3 computer and the floppy disc drive above it. The floppy disc drive is a Y E Data YD580 5.25" 360KB drive.

 Prophet 3 front and keyboard

Prophet 3 front and keyboard

The Prophet 3 pulled part way out of its case showing the disc drive on the right. The keyboard is the same as the Prophet 2, but there is no MODE switch on the top right, although the case has a cut out for it which is covered by the keyboard surround.

 Prophet 3 out of case

Prophet 3 out of case

 The Prophet 3 removed from its case showing, from left to right:

 Prophet 3 top

Prophet 3 (top)

 Prophet 3 back

Prophet 3 (back)

 The back of the Prophet 3 showing, from left to right:

 Prophet 3 open

Prophet 3 open

 The Prophet 3, with the case open, showing:

Prophet 3 expansion cards

 Prophet 3 expansion cards

The two expansion cards fitted to my Prophet 3 are:

  1. Acorn 32K dynamic RAM
  2. Polebrook Computer Services Ltd FDC1  (floppy disc controller).

The cards are firmly stuck to the base of the Prophet 3 and cannot easily be removed.

 Prophet3 motherboard

Prophet 3 motherboard

The Prophet 3 motherboard showing, from left to right:

Here is a Hi-Res picture of the Prophet 3 motherboard. 

 Prophet3 keyboard

Prophet 3 keyboard

 Here is a Hi-Res picture of the Prophet 3 keyboard .

 Specificiation:

Serial No.284333
Motherboard part no.202,000 Issue 5
CPU6502
CPU Clock1MHz
RAM34K
ROM 12K
- 4K MOS
- 4K P2/FP
-4K P3 DOS
Floppy Disc DriveY E Data YD350 5.25" 360KB
Add in/UpgradesAcorn 32K Dynamic RAM
Polebrook Computer Systems Ltd FDC