# Nascom 2

> single-board computer kit

**Wikidata**: [Q25906090](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q25906090)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nascom-2

## Summary
The Nascom 2 is a single-board computer kit released in 1979, designed around the Zilog Z80 processor. It was part of the Nascom series and featured 8KB of storage, making it a compact and affordable early microcomputer for hobbyists and developers.

## Key Facts
- **CPU**: Powered by the Zilog Z80 microprocessor.
- **Storage**: Included 8 kilobytes of memory.
- **Price**: Sold for £225 (approximately $375 in 1979).
- **Release Date**: Launched in December 1979.
- **Discontinuation**: Production ended in 1983.
- **Classification**: A single-board computer kit, part of the Nascom series.
- **Image**: Featured in a photo alongside other computers, including the Kenilworth and TRS-80 CoCo.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the Nascom 2 used for?
A: The Nascom 2 was primarily used as a hobbyist and educational computer kit, allowing users to build and program their own microcomputer system.

### Q: How much did the Nascom 2 cost?
A: The Nascom 2 was priced at £225, which was relatively affordable for a single-board computer kit in the late 1970s.

### Q: What processor did the Nascom 2 use?
A: The Nascom 2 was based on the Zilog Z80 microprocessor, a popular 8-bit chip at the time.

### Q: How much memory did the Nascom 2 have?
A: The Nascom 2 included 8 kilobytes of storage, which was a modest but functional amount for early microcomputers.

### Q: When was the Nascom 2 discontinued?
A: Production of the Nascom 2 ended in 1983, after about four years of availability.

## Why It Matters
The Nascom 2 was significant as one of the earliest single-board computer kits, designed for hobbyists and developers. Its compact design and use of the Z80 processor made it a practical choice for those interested in building their own microcomputer systems. While not as widely known as some of its contemporaries, the Nascom 2 contributed to the growing DIY computer movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Its affordability and modularity allowed users to customize their systems, fostering innovation in early home computing. The Nascom 2’s legacy lies in its role as a stepping stone for later microcomputer designs, demonstrating the potential of single-board systems in the early days of personal computing.

## Notable For
- **First in Photo**: Featured in a Wikimedia Commons image alongside other notable computers, including the Kenilworth and TRS-80 CoCo.
- **Z80-Based Design**: One of the first computers to utilize the Zilog Z80 microprocessor, which became a standard in early microcomputing.
- **Affordable Hobbyist Kit**: Sold at £225, making it accessible to enthusiasts and educational institutions.
- **8KB Memory**: Included 8 kilobytes of storage, a modest but functional amount for its time.
- **Part of the Nascom Series**: Contributed to the growing market of single-board computer kits in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

## Body
### Overview
The Nascom 2 was a single-board computer kit released in December 1979, designed around the Zilog Z80 processor. It was part of the Nascom series, which aimed to provide affordable and customizable microcomputer systems for hobbyists and developers.

### Technical Specifications
- **Processor**: Zilog Z80, an 8-bit microprocessor that became widely used in early microcomputers.
- **Memory**: 8 kilobytes of storage, which was a modest but functional amount for the time.
- **Price**: £225, which was relatively affordable compared to other microcomputers of the era.

### Market and Legacy
- **Release and Discontinuation**: The Nascom 2 was available from 1979 to 1983, lasting about four years in production.
- **Target Audience**: Designed for hobbyists, educators, and developers interested in building their own microcomputer systems.
- **Image Recognition**: Featured in a Wikimedia Commons photo alongside other notable computers, including the Kenilworth and TRS-80 CoCo, highlighting its place in early microcomputing history.

The Nascom 2 played a role in the early microcomputer market, offering a compact and affordable solution for those looking to build their own systems. While not as widely recognized as some of its contemporaries, it contributed to the growing DIY computer movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s.