For some time, I have been tired by the lack of interest of companies who used to be at the forefront of BBC sales. I mention no Watford Electronics in particular.
Instead of sitting around grumbling I am doing something about it. Hence, the Sprow business. If you have anything 8 bit Acorn-related that needs fixing then this is the new place to come - although my address applies at the time of writing, I shall be moving in October to start a degree in Electronics.
All work is guaranteed. Indeed, if your circuitry comes back in a worse state than you sent it, you are entitled to compensation. Hence you can't lose.
I am also open to questions that you might have. If I can't answer them directly, then I have an Acorn software boffin friend who surely can.
I shall also be developing a range of brand new gizmoes and addons while at University (making use of their facilities, if you like). So, if you're tired of seeing the same old wood in for sale notices, then watch this space.
Noteable, see my message about the VIGLEN/CARE cartridges on this EUG. The first of many. Future projects include a Real Time Clock board, 8Mb Paged RAM upgrade (Hmmm, this will take a while so don't hold your breath), numerous utility ROMs and software, printer buffer, BBC slow motion dial (not software driven), background digital speech playback started by an OS Event (prototype already up and working) such as 'printer buffer emptying event' and, my latest scheme, real-time video feed on screen in a window (I've seen it done - can't be all that hard!)
As you can see then, lots of new blood to look forward to. But in the meantime do write to me to let me know what you want to see, software and hardware, in the future. As well as any problems you are having with existing broken hardware/software.
Letters will not be processed before June 25th but after that it's a first come first served basis. Below is a skeleton text file which you must use to submit your entries, so I can keep them organised.
I do intend to accept long files/requests over the phone by Modem. Let me know if this service is worth starting.
Robert Sprowson, EUG #26
SPROW
6 Bollinbrook Road,
Macclesfield, CHESHIRE SK10 3DJ
Please print out and complete the following BEFORE sending any hardware
to SPROW for repair. You may also ask for any ACORN-related questions to
be answered. Having done this, write your name and address and affix ONE
postage stamp to the bottom portion and post along with a SECOND stamp
to the above address.
QUESTIONS & REPAIRS
===================
Brief description of problem/enquiry:
Continue on a SEPARATE sheet if required, including any diagrams that
may make your enquiry clearer - NOT on the reverse of this sheet.
IF NOT REPAIRABLE
=================
If the article has been sent but cannot be repaired, do you:
[ ] WANT THE EQUIPMENT RETURNING NO CHARGE (NB:YOU MUST PAY RETURN P&P)
[ ] WANT A COMPENSATION OFFER TO BE MADE FOR ITS SPARE PARTS VALUE
[ ] WANT IT TO BE THROWN AWAY
REGULARS
========
Tick box(es) for details on the following items (including service
charges):
[ ] Model A -> Model B
[ ] Model B -> Model B with Econet interface
[ ] DFS 0.90 -> DFS 1.20 or BASIC1 -> BASIC2 or OS1.00 -> OS1.20
[ ] BBC with no disk interface -> BBC with DFS
[ ] Master 128 + flat battery -> Master 128 + rechargeable battery
[ ] Blank EPROM -> Programmed EPROM with software supplied by you
[ ] BBC file <-> Archi file <-> PC file <-> Apple Mac file <-> RISC PC
file
[ ] Complete list of articles currently for sale (1 stamp only reqired)
COMING SOON
===========
Please express your interest in the following:
[ ] Adaptor to allow BBC B Viglen/Care ROM cartridges to be used with
a Master 128 cartridge slot
[ ] Real Time Clock with *CONFIGURE/*CLOCK/*STATUS etc... commands ROM
[ ] Other .............................................................
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Reference JUL/EUG +----+
Address: .................................
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Postcode: .................................