Research Machines

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RM was founded in 1973 in Oxford, England by Mike Fischer and Mike O'Regan, respectively graduates of Oxford and Cambridge Universities. Initially it traded under the name Sintel which was a mail-order supplier of electronic components, mainly dealing with the hobbyist market. Fischer and O'Regan's ambition was to grow their business into a manufacturer of scientific equipment, with the educational and scientific market chosen because they judged that their business would not be able to grow fast enough to be successful in the general computer market that they expected to be dominated by existing big players.
 
With the arrival of microcomputer chips in the mid-1970s, the company expanded into the design and manufacturing of microcomputers. The company shipped its first computer in 1977 to a customer in a Local Education Authority and has been involved with educational computing ever since.
 
Source - Wikipedia

Timeline for Research Machines :

Date Event
Jul 1980 News Article : Deep Thought developed
Jul 1980 News Article : 380-Zs offered as prize in DoI competition
Oct 1980 News Article : Easy software transfer
Mar 1982 News Article : How to keep the 380-Z at a distance


Hardware Products

RM Nimbus Domesday Cables

RM Nimbus Domesday Cables
Unknown
Cables to connect a Domesday Philips Laserdisc player to an RM Nimbus.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Peripheral

RM Nimbus Internal PICONET Cable

RM Nimbus Internal PICONET Cable
Unknown
Internal PICONET connection cable.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Peripheral

RM Nimbus External PICONET Cable

RM Nimbus External PICONET Cable
Unknown
This cable connects between two external PICONET interface boxes.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Peripheral

RM Nimbus Memory Expansion Card

RM Nimbus Memory Expansion Card
Unknown
This card contains 512K of memory, and is added to the RM Nimbus PC to extend the onboard memory which would normally have been 512K.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Peripheral

RM Nimbus 5.25-inch External Floppy Disk Drive

RM Nimbus 5.25-inch External Floppy Disk Drive
Unknown
Serial Number: XF 00168 For use with a RM Nimbus Computer with external FDD controller fitted.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Peripheral

RM 380Z (with Colour Card)

RM 380Z (with Colour Card)
1978
The Research Machines 380Z, often called the RML 380Z or RM 380Z, was an early 8-bit microcomputer produced by Research Machines Limited in Oxford, England, from 1978 to 1985.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Computer

Research Machines Disc Controller

Research Machines Disc Controller
1978
This expansion board allows a Research Machines RM380Z computer to control two 5.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Peripheral

RM 380Z (Black Case)

RM 380Z (Black Case)
1978
The Research Machines 380Z, often called the RML 380Z or RM 380Z, was an early 8-bit microcomputer produced by Research Machines Limited in Oxford, England, from 1978 to 1985.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Computer

RM 380Z (Light Blue Case)

RM 380Z (Light Blue Case)
1978
The Research Machines 380Z, often called the RML 380Z or RM 380Z, was an early 8-bit microcomputer produced by Research Machines Limited in Oxford, England, from 1978 to 1985.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Computer

RM LINK 480Z

RM LINK 480Z
1st January 1981
Research Machines developed computers largely aimed at the educational market.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Computer

RM Link 480Z in Metal Case

RM Link 480Z in Metal Case
1982
The LINK 480Z was an 8-bit microcomputer produced by Research Machines Limited in Oxford, England, during the early 1980s.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Computer

RM Nimbus PC TN (Early model)

RM Nimbus PC TN (Early model)
1984
This is the early version of the RM Nimbus PC.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Computer

RM Nimbus Domesday System

RM Nimbus Domesday System
1984
The BBC Domesday Project was a partnership between Acorn Computers Ltd, Philips, Logica, and the BBC to mark the 900th anniversary of the original Domesday Book, an 11th century census of England.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Computer

RM Nimbus PC (Later Beige Model)

RM Nimbus PC (Later Beige Model)
1985
The Nimbus PC was introduced by Research Machines for use in the education market.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Computer

RM Nimbus PC-186

RM Nimbus PC-186
1985
The RM Nimbus PC-186 was a later version of the RM Nimbus PC.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Computer

RM Nimbus PC-186 - Diskless

RM Nimbus PC-186 - Diskless
1985
The RM Nimbus PC-186 was a later version of the RM Nimbus PC.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Computer

RM Nimbus External PICONET Parallel Interface 01 - Original Verison

RM Nimbus External PICONET Parallel Interface 01 - Original Verison
1986
This is the external version of the RM Nimbus PICONET Parallel Interface Card.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Peripheral

RM Nimbus AX/2

RM Nimbus AX/2
1986
This RM Nimbus AX/2 machine forms part of our working RM Nimbus Network.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Computer

RM Nimbus VX/2

RM Nimbus VX/2
1986
This RM Nimbus VX/2 machine forms part of our working RM Nimbus Network.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Computer

 RM Nimbus External Winchester Controller

RM Nimbus External Winchester Controller
4th August 1986
External Winchester controller for RM Nimbus PC/PC186 Issue 4 RM PNs PCB - 12865 Complete Item - 15690...

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Peripheral

RM Nimbus Parallel and User port Card

RM Nimbus Parallel and User port Card
1988
Internal card to add a BBC compatible parallel port and user port.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Peripheral

RM Nimbus External PICONET Parallel Interface 01 - Newer Version

RM Nimbus External PICONET Parallel Interface 01 - Newer Version
1988
This is the external version of the RM Nimbus PICONET Parallel Interface Card.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Peripheral

RM Nimbus Internal Floppy Drive Controller

RM Nimbus Internal Floppy Drive Controller
20th June 1988
Internal floppy drive controller for RM Nimbus PC/PC-186 Issue 4 RM PNs PCB - 12865 Complete Item - 12866...

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Peripheral

Internal PICONET Serial Interface Card

Internal PICONET Serial Interface Card
23rd June 1988
This is in internal version of the PICONET serial interface.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Peripheral

RM Nimbus External Serial PICONET Interface 01

RM Nimbus External Serial PICONET Interface 01
1989
This is in external version of the PICONET serial interface.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Peripheral

RM Nimbus NB300

RM Nimbus NB300
June 1991
This PC-compatible laptop from Research Machines shipped with up to 5MB of RAM.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Computer

RM Nimbus NB400

RM Nimbus NB400
June 1991
The Nimbus range was a change of strategy at RM for in-house hardware design and manufacture.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Computer

RM Nimbus NB300

RM Nimbus NB300
June 1991
This PC-compatible laptop from Research Machines shipped with up to 5MB of RAM.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Computer

Research Machines Ethernet-MC

Research Machines Ethernet-MC
1992
This Microchannel adapter card by Research Machines allows an IBM PS/2 computer to connect to an Ethernet local area network, either through a BNC connector ('thinnet') or thtrough a DA-15 socket ('thicknet').

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Peripheral

RM Nimbus PC-486/66

RM Nimbus PC-486/66
1993
This is an RM nimbus S-Series PC-486, and is PC-compatible, using an ISA bus.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Computer

RM PC-5200 Accelerator

RM PC-5200 Accelerator
1993
...

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Computer


Software Products

RM 380Z CP/M Version 2.2C

RM 380Z CP/M Version 2.2C
Unknown
CP/M Boot disk for the RM 380Z.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

RM 380Z 12K Disk Basic V 3.0P

RM 380Z 12K Disk Basic V 3.0P
Unknown
12K Disk Basic version 3.0P for the RM 380Z on a single 5.25 inch floppy disk...

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

RM 380Z 9K Disk Basic V 3.0B

RM 380Z 9K Disk Basic V 3.0B
Unknown
9K Disk Basic version 3.0B for the RM 380Z on a single 5.25 inch floppy disk...

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

RM380Z Software Bundle Master Disk Packaging

RM380Z Software Bundle Master Disk Packaging
Unknown
Plastic wrapper which contained the master disks for the software bundle supplied to schools...

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

RM 380Z SPA RAF (Random Access Files)

RM 380Z SPA RAF (Random Access Files)
Unknown
Random Access Files Software by Software Production Associates for the RM 380Z.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

X/M Series Ethernet Drivers Disk PN 29595

X/M Series Ethernet Drivers Disk PN 29595
Unknown
X/M Series Ethernet Drivers on 5.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

PC-286/386 PSETUP AND ADF FILES PN 24247

PC-286/386 PSETUP AND ADF FILES PN 24247
Unknown
RM Nimbus PC-286/386 PSETUP and ADF Files, on 5.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

RM Ethernet Network Drivers Disk PN 27895

RM Ethernet Network Drivers Disk PN 27895
Unknown
RM Ethernet Drivers for RM NET 3.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

RM Nimbus PC 286/386 MS-DOS 4.01 Release 1.00H PN 30142

RM Nimbus PC 286/386 MS-DOS 4.01 Release 1.00H PN 30142
Unknown
RM Nimbus PC 286/386 MS-DOS 4.01 Release 1.00H on 5.25 inch disk RM PN:- 30142 ...

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

SIR - Schools Information Retrieval System (Version 1.0A)

SIR - Schools Information Retrieval System (Version 1.0A)
24th January 1981
Schools Information Retrieval System for the RM 380Z Version 1.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

RM 380Z TXED V4 With Formatter

RM 380Z TXED V4 With Formatter
18th April 1981
TEXD V 4 with Formatter for the RM 380Z on a single 5.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

RM 380Z Extended Basic Version 5.0H

RM 380Z Extended Basic Version 5.0H
28th December 1981
Extended BASIC Verions 5.0H - Level 2 for the RM 380Z on 2 x 5.25 inch floppy disk. One disk for Level 2 Graphics One disk for Text Only machines...

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

RM 380Z ZASM Z80 Assembler Verions 3.0

RM 380Z ZASM Z80 Assembler Verions 3.0
4th March 1982
ZASM Z80 Assembler Version 3.0 for the RM 380Z on a single 5.25inch floppy disk...

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

ALGOL 60 System Version 4

ALGOL 60 System Version 4
4th March 1982
ALGOL 60 Version 4 for the RM 380Z on two 5.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

ZASM / TXED

ZASM / TXED
4th March 1982
Software disk from Research Machines containing TXED V4.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

RM 380Z TXED V4.2E With Formatter

RM 380Z TXED V4.2E With Formatter
1st November 1982
TEXD V 4.2E with Formatter for the RM 380Z on a single 5.25inch floppy disk...

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

 RM 380Z Extended Basic Version 5.0L

RM 380Z Extended Basic Version 5.0L
6th December 1982
Extended BASIC Verions 5.0L - Level 2 for the RM 380Z on a single 5.25 inch floppy disk....

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

RM 380Z TXED V4.2H With Formatter

RM 380Z TXED V4.2H With Formatter
24th January 1983
TEXD V 4.2E with Formatter for the RM 380Z on a single 5.25inch floppy disk...

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

RM 380Z Pascal V 3.0B

RM 380Z Pascal V 3.0B
30th January 1984
PASCAL Version 3.0B for the RM 380Z on a single 5.25 inch floppy disk ...

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

RM 380Z Microcomputers In Schools Extension Scheme

RM 380Z Microcomputers In Schools Extension Scheme
7th March 1984
Microcomputers In Schools Extension Scheme Software Distribution Disk.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

RM 380Z Extended Basic Version 6.0A Level 2 Graphics

RM 380Z Extended Basic Version 6.0A Level 2 Graphics
2nd April 1984
Extended BASIC Version 6.0A - Level 2 graphics for the RM 380Z on a single 5.25 inch floppy disk....

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

RM 380Z Disk Box 4

RM 380Z Disk Box 4
12th May 1984
Contains disks RM380001 - RM380012 and RM380095...

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

RM 380Z Disk Box 2

RM 380Z Disk Box 2
12th May 1984
Contains disks RM380001 - RM380012 and RM380095...

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

 RM 380Z Extended Basic Version 5.0A Level 1

RM 380Z Extended Basic Version 5.0A Level 1
12th May 1984
Extended BASIC Verions 5.0A - Level 1 for the RM 380Z on a single 5.25 inch floppy disk....

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

Telesoftware - Local ViewData and PRESTEL

Telesoftware - Local ViewData and PRESTEL
25th September 1984
Local ViewData and PRESTEL software for the 380Z, 480Z and Network system Telesoftware is a package with three aspects.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

Rm 380Z SBAS Structured Basic 5.0L

Rm 380Z SBAS Structured Basic 5.0L
9th November 1984
Structured Basic (SBAS) Version 5.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

RM Nimbus Retrieval System For Domesday PN 16486

RM Nimbus Retrieval System For Domesday PN 16486
1986
This is the software disk to allow the Domesday System to be run on an RM Nimbus PC using an external SCSI port, SCSI cable, and video cable - see 48177 Version:- 1.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software

RM Nimbus MSDOS System and Welcome Disk V 3.10 Rel 3.02

RM Nimbus MSDOS System and Welcome Disk V 3.10 Rel 3.02
1989
MS DOS 3.1 System and Welcome software for RM Nimbus PC Includes RM Basic V 1.1A, and Silicone Disk support RM PN 17183...

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Software


Promotional Items

Research Machines HRG Hardware and Software Ordering Information - January 1981

Research Machines HRG Hardware and Software Ordering Information - January 1981
Unknown
Information sheets on Research Machines HRG hardware and software, including a price list.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Promotional Item

Research Machines 380Z Microcomputer System Brochure

Research Machines 380Z Microcomputer System Brochure
1978
This Research Machines 380Z Microcomputer System leaflet and specification consists of three A4 illustrated pages.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Promotional Item

Research Machines 380Z Information Bulletin - 80/40 Video Console Upgrade

Research Machines 380Z Information Bulletin - 80/40 Video Console Upgrade
1980
This Research Machines 380Z 80/40 Video Console Upgrade is a single sheet summary of features.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Promotional Item

Research Machines High Resolution Graphics Leaflet

Research Machines High Resolution Graphics Leaflet
July 1980
This Research Machines High Resolution Graphics leaflet specification for the HRG board.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Promotional Item

Research Machines MDS-1, MDS-2, FDS-2 Floppy Disk Systems for the 380Z Leaflet

Research Machines MDS-1, MDS-2, FDS-2 Floppy Disk Systems for the 380Z Leaflet
1981
Four-page information and specification leaflet for the Research Machines Floppy Disk Systems.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Promotional Item

Research Machines Computer Systems UK Domestic Price List - January 1981

Research Machines Computer Systems UK Domestic Price List - January 1981
January 1981
Research Machines Computer Systems UK domestic price list, dated 1st January 1981.

Manufacturer : Research Machines
Type : Promotional Item


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Magazine Articles About Research Machines

 

Research Machines

 

 

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