Nigel Barnes
@pernod70.bsky.social
Emulation developer specialising in Acorn computers, also a pioneer of Psion SIBO emulation. If it's 8bit (or 16bit) and it's obscure and not emulated then I'm interested!
Here's some emulation progress of the rare Wren Executive, only 1000 made. An interesting CP/M machine with 64K/256K RAM and graphics capabilities with colour attributes. It also came with BBC BASIC and had a 40 column mode with 8 colours for Prestel.
October 31, 2025 at 7:29 PM
Here's some emulation progress of the rare Wren Executive, only 1000 made. An interesting CP/M machine with 64K/256K RAM and graphics capabilities with colour attributes. It also came with BBC BASIC and had a 40 column mode with 8 colours for Prestel.
With the latest video improvements in MAME 0.280 we can now also play with the PMS Genie ROM (with PMS Clock). It's quite an impressive package for the time with 32K battery-backed RAM to keep it's data safe.
September 3, 2025 at 5:02 PM
With the latest video improvements in MAME 0.280 we can now also play with the PMS Genie ROM (with PMS Clock). It's quite an impressive package for the time with 32K battery-backed RAM to keep it's data safe.
The latest MAME 0.280 release has lots of BBC Micro improvements, fixing lots of silly issues, and is finally able to render Elite correctly.
Another nice addition is the emulation of the Acorn speech upgrade, which currently no other emulator supports.
Another nice addition is the emulation of the Acorn speech upgrade, which currently no other emulator supports.
September 3, 2025 at 11:27 AM
The latest MAME 0.280 release has lots of BBC Micro improvements, fixing lots of silly issues, and is finally able to render Elite correctly.
Another nice addition is the emulation of the Acorn speech upgrade, which currently no other emulator supports.
Another nice addition is the emulation of the Acorn speech upgrade, which currently no other emulator supports.
Ever wondered what it's like to have a Votrax Type 'N Talk hooked up to a BBC Micro via the RS423 port?
July 18, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Ever wondered what it's like to have a Votrax Type 'N Talk hooked up to a BBC Micro via the RS423 port?
Another ROM for the Psion Series 3mx was dumped yesterday, this is a Dutch version and will be supported in the next MAME release.
We're always looking out for non UK versions of Series 3a/3c/3mx, and already have a few for the 3a/3mx but only a UK version of the 3c. Get in touch if you have any.
We're always looking out for non UK versions of Series 3a/3c/3mx, and already have a few for the 3a/3mx but only a UK version of the 3c. Get in touch if you have any.
July 6, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Another ROM for the Psion Series 3mx was dumped yesterday, this is a Dutch version and will be supported in the next MAME release.
We're always looking out for non UK versions of Series 3a/3c/3mx, and already have a few for the 3a/3mx but only a UK version of the 3c. Get in touch if you have any.
We're always looking out for non UK versions of Series 3a/3c/3mx, and already have a few for the 3a/3mx but only a UK version of the 3c. Get in touch if you have any.
A few months ago I started work on emulating the Psion Series 7. The machine starts to boot and confirms I have the palette and screen rendering implemented correctly, but still lots more work required to understand the hardware.
July 4, 2025 at 3:40 PM
A few months ago I started work on emulating the Psion Series 7. The machine starts to boot and confirms I have the palette and screen rendering implemented correctly, but still lots more work required to understand the hardware.
Here's a preview of something coming soon to MAME!
July 3, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Here's a preview of something coming soon to MAME!
Reposted by Nigel Barnes
We are VERY excited to announce our first major retro event - RetroFest 2025, to be held at STEAM, the GWR museum in Swindon on 31st May / 1st June. Over 40 exhibitors will be bringing a vast range of computers from the 70s, 80s and 90s. More info - retrofest.uk
March 2, 2025 at 10:30 AM
We are VERY excited to announce our first major retro event - RetroFest 2025, to be held at STEAM, the GWR museum in Swindon on 31st May / 1st June. Over 40 exhibitors will be bringing a vast range of computers from the 70s, 80s and 90s. More info - retrofest.uk
Today's MAME 0.275 release has some improvements to a couple of Acorn machines. I've done some work on the Electron ULA to improve video rendering (not yet cycle accurate), and FireTrack now scrolls smoothly. The Communicator also now has working MODE7 teletext using the SAA5040.
February 26, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Today's MAME 0.275 release has some improvements to a couple of Acorn machines. I've done some work on the Electron ULA to improve video rendering (not yet cycle accurate), and FireTrack now scrolls smoothly. The Communicator also now has working MODE7 teletext using the SAA5040.