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BBC Micro

BBC Micro icon BBC Micro logo

Overview

The BBC Microcomputer System, launched by Acorn Computers in 1981 as part of the BBC’s Computer Literacy Project, became a staple of UK schools and homes. The platform spanned several models—the Model A/B, Master 128, Master Turbo and Master 512—and is celebrated for its robust OS, expandable architecture and educational software like Granny’s Garden and Elite.

REG-Linux exposes the system via the bbc group so compatible themes can use the bbc visual set.

Technical specifications

  • Manufacturer: Acorn Computers
  • Release year: 1981
  • Hardware type: computer

Supported ROM extensions

mfi, dfi, hfe, mfm, td0, imd, d77, d88, 1dd, cqm, cqi, dsk, ima, img, ufi, 360, ipf, ssd, bbc, dsd, adf, ads, adm, adl, fsd, wav, tap, bin, zip, 7z

Quick reference

  • Emulator: MAME
  • ROM folder: /userdata/roms/bbc
  • Accepted formats: see list above
  • System group: bbc

BIOS

BBC Micro emulation requires several ROM sets. Copy them (zip/7z archives are accepted) into the roms/bbc folder or your global BIOS directory so REG-Linux can discover them:

MD5 checksum Share file path Description
bbcb.zip bios/bbcb.zip BBC Model B ROM bundle
bbc_acorn8271.zip bios/bbc_acorn8271.zip 8271 floppy controller ROM
saa5050.zip bios/saa5050.zip SAA5050 text/graphics chip ROM

For additional audio support place bbc.zip inside bios/mame/samples so sample-dependent software can play correctly.

ROMs

Store BBC Micro games and utilities under /userdata/roms/bbc. Use raw disk dumps, tape images or archives; MAME automatically reads supported containers from that folder.

Emulators

MAME

MAME (which includes the former MESS project) emulates the BBC Micro driver. Each ROM contains the metadata needed to select the correct driver, so keep your ROM set aligned with your MAME build. Use the in-game Menu ([HOTKEY] + south button or Tab) to remap controls, adjust video or switch disks.

Standardized features exposed via REG-Linux include bbc.videomode, bbc.decoration and bbc.padtokeyboard.

ES setting name REG-Linux.conf_key Description => ES option key_value
VIDEO MODE bbc.video Choose BGFX shaders or direct Accel/OpenGL rendering.
BGFX GRAPHICS API bbc.bgfxbackend Select the API used by BGFX if enabled (OpenGL, GLES, Vulkan).
BGFX VIDEO FILTER bbc.bgfxshaders Apply CRT/smoothing shaders from the BGFX list.
CRT SWITCHRES bbc.switchres Use SwitchRes profiles on CRT displays.
VERTICAL ROTATION bbc.rotation Rotate output for vertical setups.
ALT DPAD MODE bbc.altdpad Adjust D-pad orientation when controllers behave oddly.
SPECIAL CONTROL LAYOUTS bbc.altlayout Choose alternate layouts for unique control needs.
MEDIA TYPE bbc.altromtype Specify the media you are loading (cassette/disk/ROM).
UI KEYS bbc.enableui Enable MAME UI key bindings at launch.

Controls

The BBC Micro supported joysticks, paddles and light pens; REG-Linux maps the default layout to a REG-Linux Retropad:

bbcmicro controller overlay

Use the MAME menu or the bbc.altlayout option to mimic special peripherals if required.

Troubleshooting

  • Confirm BIOS archives (bbcb.zip, bbc_acorn8271.zip, saa5050.zip) exist with the correct MD5 checksums.
  • Double-check ROMs live under /userdata/roms/bbc and use a supported format.
  • Use the MAME menu to change media type (cassette vs disk) or load an alternative TAPE/DISK image if a game stalls.