All the components you
need to build a state of
the art RISC OS system
Complete with easy-to-
follow instruction manual
to help you build it
Pre-configured to
run once built - just
build and go
If you can use a
screwdriver, you can
build it - no soldering!
A fast computer and a project.
In one kit.
F&Q
What exactly do I get in the kit?
You get all of the parts that you need to build the computer system: all of the case parts, the carrier board
(which is different depending on the model), the Compute Module, a heatsink, an SD card (if needed), and a
pre-formatted NVMe drive and any adaptors needed. And some easy-to-follow instructions. The only thing you’ll
need to buy separately is a power supply, and we can help with that, if you want.
Does it include a keyboard, mouse and monitor?
You’ll be wanting a printer thrown in next! No, sorry, we just couldn’t do that and keep the prices as low as we
wanted. Most off-the-shelf USB keyboard and mouse kits will just work, as will most HDMI monitors and TVs. If
you need help with sourcing any of this, we’re happy to oblige.
What tools do I need?
A screwdriver. That’s it.
What skills do I need?
The ability to follow simple instructions! And knowledge of how to use a screwdriver. You don’t need to be able
to solder, or be an electronics engineer - consider it simple “building brick” type levels of difficulty.
Who is it aimed at?
If you’ve got this far, it’s clearly aimed at you! And anyone who fancies just putting their own little (but very
powerful and modern) RISC OS computer together. It could be great fun to do with your children, grandchildren,
even your parents(!) over a couple of hours.
Why would I build my own, when I can buy one pre-built?
For starters, it will save you a bit of money! Quite a bit of money. And you get the satisfaction of putting it
together yourself, or with someone else. You can customise the case. You’ll also see how easy it is to upgrade
parts and change components. It takes away some of the mystery of opaque black or silver boxes where you
can’t see inside.
How long does it take to build?
Times vary, but we think most could be built within a couple of hours, comfortably. Even including a bit of a tea
break.
Will I need to configure it all?
Not really, it will just run once it’s built. We pre-configure it that way. But the beauty of RISC OS is that it can be
tweaked to work as the user wants, not as the OS dictates. We even provide over 2GB of software to help you
do this.
What is the case made of?
It’s made of laser-cut oak-veneered MDF with occasional acrylic panels on the larger models. The case
materials are untreated, and covered in protective film/paper when you receive them. Once you’ve peeled this
off, you can treat them to any finish you like. We personally prefer a nice wipe over with Jacobean Oak
woodstain to really bring out the grain. But feel free to gloss, varnish, emulsion, lacquer, crayon or do whatever
to them - it’s your case, you choose!
Could I have a different material?
Certainly. We have designs for glass-effect acrylic cases, coloured acrylic cases, metallic cases - anything that
comes in sheets, really. We wouldn’t recommend paper though - robustness might be an issue!
Is it just a basic computer system?
Absolutely not! It uses the same components that you’d find in “double the price” pre-built systems from other
vendors. We use the latest state-of-the-art components and electronics from some very major players, and
we’ve made sure all of our systems run with the latest storage medium - NVMe. We install our own FreeNVMe
drivers (as adopted by RISC OS Open for inclusion with RISC OS itself) as standard, but if you wanted to use a
paid-for commercial driver, it would probably work too. But we’ve never felt the need to try.
One thing, though, our systems all run BBC BASIC so I guess they are BASIC systems!
Does it require a custom ROM build?
No. It uses the standard builds for the Raspberry Pi from the RISC OS Open downloads area. So you can run
a stable build, or the latest nightly beta. It’s up to you, depending on your level of comfort with RISC OS.
What if I want to upgrade my system later?
We really hope you do! It’s kind of the point!
If you wanted to upgrade to another system later, maybe a pre-built system, we can try to reuse some of your
components to keep the prices down. Or we can offer you a good trade in for your existing system.
If you just wanted to upgrade the carrier board, case, memory, storage, or network capabilities on your existing
system, we could help with that too.
Whilst we want you to feel happy to upgrade your own system, because you’ve already seen how it’s put
together, most people just buy a second system. Again, we’re happy to help!
Pics
Oak laminate case,
that you can finish as
you wish (not ZERO)
(not
Easy to upgrade
storage and memory -
just like the old days
The DIY Range
You can do it if you DIY it!
Kits
One.
2x USB ports
1x HDMI
1x Gigabit ethernet
1x USB-C for power in and programming
2GHz CPU
2GB RAM
128GB NVMe drive
32GB SD card for storage and OS
85mm x 110mm footprint
£119
Two.
4x USB ports
1x HDMI
1x Gigabit ethernet
1x USB-C for power in and programming
1x 5.5mm x 2.1mm 7v-26v barrel connector
2GHz CPU
2GB RAM
128GB NVMe drive
32GB eMMC for storage and OS
140mm x 120mm footprint
Three.
2x USB ports (2x optional front USB ports)
2x HDMI
1x Gigabit ethernet
1x 5.5mm x 2.1mm barrel connector for 12V power
1x micro USB for programming
2GHz - 2.2GHz CPU
4GB RAM
256GB NVMe drive
32GB eMMC for storage and OS
190mm x 105mm footprint
£199
£169
Zero.
2x USB ports plus header for two more
2x HDMI
1x Gigabit ethernet
1x 5.5mm x 2.1mm barrel connector for 12V power
1x micro USB for programming
2GHz - 2.2GHz CPU
4GB RAM
256GB NVMe drive
32GB SD for storage
190mm x 105mm footprint
NO CASE, JUST A BASE
