Prototype of MK14

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This item is the stripboard prototype of the MK14 presented to Clive Sinclair and Chris Curry by Ian Williamson.

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.

Manufacturer: Sinclair
Date: 1977

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Prototype of MK14 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

Magazines RELATED to Prototype of MK14 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

Other Systems Related To Prototype of MK14:

Item Manufacturer Date
Science of Cambridge MK 14 + Original Keyboard Sinclair 1977
Science of Cambridge MK 14 - Original Kit Sinclair 1977
Science of Cambridge MK14 + Memory Expansion in wooden case Sinclair 1977
Science of Cambridge MK14 Sinclair 1977
Sinclair ZX80 8K Basic Sinclair 1980
Sinclair ZX81 with Basic EPROM Sinclair 1980
Sinclair ZX80 Prototype PDZ 4732 Basic ROM - Nine Tiles Sinclair 1980
Sinclair ZX80 Updated to ZX81 Sinclair 1980
Sinclair ZX80 Sinclair 1st June 1980
Sinclair ZX81 Kit Sinclair 1981
Sinclair ZX Spectrum Prototype Sinclair 1981
Sinclair ZX81 Sinclair 1981
Sinclair ZX81 - Signed by Rick Dickinson Sinclair 5th March 1981
Sinclair ZX81 with Custom Case/Keyboard Sinclair 5th March 1981
Argentinian Sinclair Spectrum Sinclair 1982
Sinclair Spectrum with Homemade Keyboard Sinclair 1982
White Replica ZX Spectrum (Millionth Edition) Sinclair 1982
Early Sinclair ZX Spectrum Computer Sinclair 1982
Timex Sinclair 1000 Sinclair 1982
Sinclair ZX Spectrum Console Sinclair 1982
ZX Spectrum Issue 2 With ULA Modification Sinclair 1982
Timex Sinclair 1500 Sinclair 1982
Sinclair ZX Spectrum 48K (BBC) Sinclair 1st March 1982
Sinclair ZX Spectrum Case (Signed) Sinclair 1st March 1982
Sinclair ZX Spectrum Computer - Early Issue Sinclair 23rd April 1982
Sinclair ZX Spectrum 48k Sinclair 23rd April 1982
Sinclair ZX Spectrum 16K Sinclair 23rd April 1982
Sinclair Spectrum (Assembled in Portugal) Sinclair 1983
Sinclair QL + Schön Keyboard Sinclair 1984
Sinclair QL (German) Sinclair 1984
Sinclair QL (Signed) Sinclair 1984
Sinclair QL (US) Sinclair 1984
Sinclair QL (Property of Sinclair) Sinclair 1984
Sinclair QL Sinclair 1984
Sinclair ZX Spectrum+ Sinclair 1st June 1984
Sinclair ZX Spectrum +2 Sinclair 1986
Sinclair ZX Spectrum 128 Sinclair January 1986
Cambridge Z88 All In One Pack Sinclair 1987
Sinclair ZX Spectrum +3 (Currys Box) Sinclair 1st June 1987
Sinclair ZX Spectrum +3 Sinclair 1st June 1987
Sinclair PC200 Sinclair 1988
Cambridge Z88 With PC Link Kit Sinclair 1988

This exhibit has a reference ID of CH50186. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.

 

Prototype of MK14


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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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