This is a bare PCB for an Acorn System Computer ASCII Keyboard.

Based on their Issue 4 schematic, the original keyboard had a latching CAPS LOCK keyswitch, these are hard/impossible to find and so an alternative electronic implementation has been made using a 555 timer.

The keyboard requires a donor Electron Computer case and keyboard (and 4 extra keyswitches).

The Electron keyboard mounting plate needs to be modified to allow for the repositioning of some of the keys:

The Electron case requires modification to allow for the extra keys and holes drilled for the LEDs, the board then directly replaces the original Electron keyboard PCB.

The original Electron keycaps can be used but I think it looks smarter with a set of keycaps from a BBC Computer.


I have a range of replica or compatible PCBs available, mainly for the early Acorn System Computers range but also for the later Atom, BBC and Master computers as well as many Econet components and some early SC/MP based items e.g. the MK14 Computer.

Not all of these boards may be in stock, if you wish to buy an out of stock board drop me an email and I will reorder.

Further details can be found on my website, including all the Schematics and BOMs (Bill Of Materials).though you'll have to search for it because I can't put a link here - try 'acorn system computers website'.

I will combine postage on multiple items, please ask for a total before paying as I cannot combine postage after you have paid !