Microcomputer System LMC 6800-2

The Limrose LMC 6800-2 was a sophisticated microcomputer system based on the Motorola 6800 processor, designed for educational and development purposes. This system, which was Limrose's second iteration of their 6800-based computer, incorporated several advanced features that made it particularly suitable for schools, laboratories, and developers.

Hardware Specifications
The LMC 6800-2 was built around the Motorola 6800 microprocessor, an 8-bit CPU with a 16-bit address bus capable of addressing up to 64 KB of memory. The system was designed with a 19" rack-mounting form factor, making it ideal for integration into laboratory and educational environments.

Key Features

1. EXORciser Bus Compatibility: The LMC 6800-2 featured the same 86-pin EXORciser bus as Motorola's development system, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of expansion modules and peripherals.
2. Debugging Capabilities: The system came equipped with comprehensive machine-code debugging facilities, essential for software development and educational purposes.
3. BASIC in ROM: A notable feature was the inclusion of a "crash-proof" BASIC interpreter in ROM. This provided a stable programming environment, particularly useful for educational settings5.
4. Built-in Logic Analyzer: The LMC 6800-2 incorporated a built-in logic analyzer, a powerful tool for hardware debugging and system analysis.
5. LIMBUG: The system utilized a version of Motorola's EXbug, renamed to LIMBUG, likely offering similar functionality for low-level system control and debugging.

Memory and Expansion
While specific details about the memory configuration are not provided, the Motorola 6800 architecture supports up to 64 KB of addressable memory. The system likely included RAM and ROM, with the BASIC interpreter occupying part of the ROM space.

Software and Development Environment
The inclusion of BASIC in ROM and the LIMBUG system software provided a robust development environment. The machine-code debugging facilities, combined with the built-in logic analyzer, offered powerful tools for both software and hardware development.

Market Position and Pricing
The LMC 6800-2 was positioned as an educational and development tool, following Limrose's tradition of producing electronic tutors and development systems. It was sold in kit form for £370 plus VAT, which would be equivalent to approximately £2,990 in 2025, indicating its positioning as a serious development tool rather than a home computer.

Historical Context
The LMC 6800-2 was part of the early microcomputer revolution, competing with systems like the Intel 8080-based machines. Its focus on education and development is aligned with the growing need for hands-on experience with microprocessor systems in academic and industrial settings.

The Motorola 6800, released in 1974, was a popular choice for computer peripherals, test equipment, and point-of-sale terminals, making the LMC 6800-2 a relevant platform for developing skills applicable to various industrial applications.

In conclusion, the Limrose LMC 6800-2 represented a sophisticated development system that combined the power of the Motorola 6800 processor with advanced debugging tools and a stable programming environment, catering to the educational and professional development markets of the late 1970s.

Here you find 3 models, 3 with images and 0 with schematics for wireless sets etc. In French: TSF for Télégraphie sans fil.
All listed radios etc. from Limrose Electronics Ltd., Limrose Group Ltd.; Cheshire