Science of Cambridge MK 14 - Original Kit

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The Microcomputer Kit 14 (MK 14) was Sinclair's (at that time called "Science of Cambridge”) first computer. Based on the National Semiconductor SC/MP processor, the MK 14's capabilities were minimal by today's standards - modern digital watches are considerably more powerful!

Despite the MK 14's severe limitations, it was one of the most important British computers ever produced. Its success in finding a previously untapped market was not lost on either Sinclair or his employees, notably Chris Curry, soon to break away and establish Acorn. Without the MK 14, there probably would never have been a ZX81, Spectrum, BBC Micro or Archimedes, and the British computer scene would have been very different.

The MK 14 was a 31-piece computer kit sold by Science of Cambridge of the United Kingdom. It was first introduced in 1977 for UK£39.95 +VAT. The MK14 eventually sold over 50,000 units.

It used a National Semiconductor SC/MP CPU (INS8060), 256 bytes of random access memory (RAM), which was directly expandable to 640 bytes on board and 2170 bytes total. It used an 8 or 9 red light-emitting diode (LED) seven segment display. There was also an optional VDU supporting 32×16 text or 64×64 graphics. Input and output was a 20-key keyboard and reset switch, with an optional 128 bytes of RAM and 16 I/O lines available by adding an INS8154N RAM/IO chip. Cassette-based and PROM storage were optional extras, a sound card was not included but a design for one was provided.

The MK 14 Specification

Hexadecimal keyboard
8-digit, 7-segment LED display
8 x 512 PROM, containing monitor program and interface instructions
256 bytes of RAM
4 MHz crystal
5 V regulator
Single 8 V power supply
Space available for extra 256-byte RAM and 16 port I/O
Edge connector access to all data lines and I/O ports

This MK14 kit is with the original packaging as well as the original manual.

This kit was very generously donated by Ian Fowler.

Manufacturer: Sinclair
Date: 1977



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Science of Cambridge MK 14 - Original Kit Manuals:

Item Manufacturer Date
Science of Cambridge MK14 - Training Manual Sinclair 1977
SC/MP Processor Applications Handbook (MK14) National Semiconductors 1977
MK14 Circuit Board Layout Diagram Sinclair 1978
MK14 Circuit Diagram Sinclair 1978
MK14 Manual update Revised Monitor Sinclair 1978
MK14 Manual update Tape Interface Sinclair 1978
MK14 Manual update Addendum Sinclair 1978
MK14 Manual update Writing A Program Sinclair 1978

Science of Cambridge MK 14 - Original Kit Articles:

Item Manufacturer Date
Memories - Early Computing with the Science of Cambridge MK14 and the SIB (Small Is Beautiful) Computer Mar 2013

Magazines RELATED to Science of Cambridge MK 14 - Original Kit in our Library

Item Manufacturer Date
Practical Computing - November 1978 ECC Nov 1978
Personal Computer World - December 1978 Dec 1978
Personal Computer World - September 1980 Sep 1980
Home Computing: Games Programs - Summer 1981 Modmags Jul 1981

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Item Manufacturer Date
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Science of Cambridge MK 14 + Original Keyboard Sinclair 1977
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This exhibit has a reference ID of CH28272. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.

 

Science of Cambridge MK 14  - Original Kit


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Articles

Memories - Early Computing with the Science of Cambridge MK14 and the SIB (Small Is Beautiful) Computer

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