How to emulate an Oric 8-bit computer
The 1980s home computer scene was such an important time in our (GenX) lives. Intel was yet to make its mark all over the world, and many countries still favoured Commodore, Sinclair, and Amstrad machines.
In 1982 the Cambridgeshire-based Tangerine Computer Systems released its Oric-1. This was a 1MHz MOS Technology 6502 CPU powered 8-bit computer that came with either 16 or 48KB of RAM. It was designed and priced to compete with Sinclair’s Spectrum.
The Oric-1 and the ZX Spectrum shared one design trait: an awkward keyboard. Where the ZX Spectrum used “dead flesh” rubber keys, the Oric-1 used small, thin plastic keys that were a typist’s nightmare. This issue was later fixed in 1983 with the introduction of the Oric Atmos, essentially an Oric-1 with a better keyboard and improved BASIC ROM. It also saw the release of a number of peripherals; a printer, disk drive and modem were initially promised for the Oric-1. The Atmos has the better keyboard, but the Oric-1 has a charming design aesthetic.
With the ever-rising cost of retro hardware, emulation has become the most popular means to relive the past. The 1980s saw so many machines that you would be forgiven for missing out on some hidden gems, and the Oric machines are just that. We took an Oric-1 for a spin
