The British Broadcasting Corporation MicrocomputerPrestel Adapter

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Connecting a Prestel* Adapter to yourBritish Broadcasting CorporationtMicrocomputer provides a link with theexciting world of computercommunication. Inexpensive and easy touse, the Prestel Adapter converts theBBC Microcomputer Model B into apowerful computer terminal capable oftwo-way communication.

Access to viewdataFirstly, the Prestel Adapter allows theBBC Microcomputer to communicatewith the British Telecom viewdataservice through the public telephonenetwork. Subscribers to Prestel are ableto dial up a wealth of constantly updatedinformation on a variety of subjectsincluding news, sport, travel information,microcomputing, financial news and agreat deal more.

Access to other databasesIn addition, information can be obtainedfrom other computer systems. Severalcompanies are already providinginformation and services which can beaccessed by a computer terminalconnected to the telephone network. ThePrestel Adapter is far less expensive thana dedicated device yet it allows you totake advantage of the large amounts ofinformation available. Users who need tohave rapid access to such informationwill be able to write programs for theirBBC Microcomputers which will instructthe unit to dial up another computerautomatically, retrieve a certain piece ofinformation, and then finish the call; allin a matter of seconds!

Access to softwareAlso available as part of the Prestelsystem is the Prestel microcomputingservice which includes Micronet 800 andother information services. Subscribersare able to download a wide variety ofsoftware in addition to accessinginformation of general interest tomicrocomputer owners.

Access to electronic mailThe Prestel Adapter can be used to talkto almost any computer with a 1200/75bits-per-second telephone connection,such as the British Telecom Gold*business service. A subscriber to thisservice is able to type messages on aBBC Microcomputer fitted with a PrestelAdapter, edit the text until it issatisfactory and then send thecompleted message by telephone to acentral computer. Only the person towhom the message is addressed can dialin and read it. This system can be faster,and is more secure, than the telexsystem. Once loaded into the memory ofthe BBC Microcomputer the messagecan be recorded on cassette tape or discor dumped onto a printer.As well as being able to communicatewith one another within the UK,subscribers will be able to sendinternational messages as the BritishTelecom Gold service has direct linkswith similar electronic mail servicesoverseas.

Access to armchairshoppingIt is already possible to book hotels,theatre tickets, or holidays and transfermoney from one bank account toanother. It is likely that these serviceswill continue to expand until it ispossible to do all the shopping withoutleaving the comfort of your armchair.

Access to businessinformationThe Prestel database has an areadedicated to financial information.Subscribers can obtain up-to-date shareprices and use the service for sharetransactions.

Automatic diallingThe Prestel Adapter, which is connectedto the BBC Microcomputer via the RS423port, contains a function which allowsthe compter to dial telephone numbersautomatically § A list of frequently usedtelephone numbers can be stored in thecomputer ready for instant use.A viewdata telecommunications ROM issupplied with the Prestel Adaptertogether with a voucher which entitlesthe holder to a version 1.2 operatingsystem ROM if one is not already fitted tothe BBC Microcomputer. These twoROMs contain all the operating softwareneeded to drive the Prestel Adapter andto download programs offered by dial-upsystems such as Prestel and Micronet.No additional software is needed toparticipate in the BT Gold service.Sideways’ ROMs are easy to instal at

home with the aid of a screwdriver, butthose who prefer to have the ROMs fittedby a dealer can do so, free of charge.

The Prestel Adapter is housed in a creamcoloured case to complement the BBCMicrocomputer and a comprehensiveuser guide is supplied with each adapter.

Technical dataYou will need a BBC MicrocomputerModel B and a colour or monochromemonitor (or television set) to receive ortransmit data. If you want to store datayou will need a cassette recorder or discdrive.A dot matrix or daisy wheel printerwith a Centronics® parallel interface willbe needed if printed information isrequired.The unit operates in full duplex mode,baud rate 1200/75(1200 receive and 75transmit) and measures approximately205mm by 345mm by 75mm.Three leadsare supplied with the unit: a mains leadwhich is two metres long and fitted witha 13 amp plug; a 700mm lead with a five-way DIN plug for connection to theR5423 interface; and another lead, twometres in length, with a Type 600connection for insertion into the new-type British Telecom telephone socket. Ifyour existing telephone has an old-typeconnection, you will be able to makearrangements with British Telecom forthem to fit a new socket.Protocol conforms to CCITT V23specification. Power supply is containedwithin the unit.

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The British Broadcasting Corporation MicrocomputerPrestel Adapter

The Prestel Adapter isfully approved byBritish Telecom.

* Prestel is a registered trademark of British Telecom

British Broadcasting Corporatton is abbreviated to BBC throughoutthe text

~ British Telecom Gold is a registered trademark of British Telecom

There are some restrictions on this facility if you have a telephoneconnected to an MF rather than pulse-dialled PABX

For further details ask your nearest dealeror write to:Acorn Computers LimitedFulbourn RoadCherry HintonCambridge CB1 4JNThe BBC Microcomputer Prestel Adapter a distributed in the UK byAcorn Computers Limited Every effort is made to ensure that theinformation in this leaflet incorrect but we reserve the right to makealterations to the system at any time No responsibility is acceptedfor errors or cirnissions

The British Broadcasting Corporation MicrocomputerPrestel Adapter

AMP 07 May 1984