The BBC Computer Literacy Project Interviews

David Kitson (Head of Transmission Group within BBC Designs Department)

David Allen Series 1 Episode 1
First broadcast 20th May 2018, 10:00
Duration: 19:40
David Kitson (Head of Transmission Group within BBC Designs Department) became responsible for monitoring the progress of the BBC micro computer in behalf of BBC Engineering.

Clips from this programme

David Kitson and his BBC Engineering colleagues get involved with the BBC Micro project via engineer Richard Russell who helped specify the machine working with Sophie Wilson. Liason with Acorn's Chris Turner (Acorn's chief engineer responsible for the design and production). The BBC Micro had many peripheral connection options. (David Kitson and David Allen)

Duration: 04:23

The BBC Micro for use in Studio recording: Power supply problems and the ULA or Uncommitted Logic Array ('Steve Furber's baby') that ran very hot and could fail. Ferranti were abandoned as the source of this chip for another supplier. 'On Air' with a suspect machine: BBC anger at Acorn, and Hermann Hauser (with Porsche) who stayed calm for his team. Freeze it spray to keep things cooled helped. Manufacture in South Wales, and thorough testing. Chris Turner is an un-sung hero at Acorn. (David Kitson and David Allen)

Duration: 04:50

BBC Micros' manufacture in South Wales, and thoroughly tested. Chris Turner ensured adequate tests, the un-sung hero at Acorn. Steve Furber, Andy Hopper and Sophie Wilson (a genius) were all stars at Acorn and Acorn then developed the Acorn RISC Machine (ARM) (David Kitson and David Allen)

Duration: 01:58

BBC Engineering support made the Project a success from considering first offers with Richard Russell working through the process. Delays in the availability of the BBC Micro for sale whilst Computer Literacy was being debated. John Cole, chairman of MUSE , got involved with the project early on, then working for Acorn and writing the User Guide with David Allen. (David Kitson and David Allen)

Duration: 04:13

Was there any Acorn resentment to the BBC's input and constant checking on progress? The Welcome tape needed to have software written for it before the Micro design was finalised. Control of cassette machines via a relay for another 40 pence. BBC Basic, flexible but an expensive machine. (David Kitson and David Allen)

Duration: 04:16

The BBC Computer Literacy Project Interviews

Sheila Innes, former BBC Controller Educational Broadcasting

First broadcast: 1st May 2018
Duration 09:45

Sheila Innes Head of Department and later Controller of Educational Broadcasting remembers origins and highlights of the project, recorded May 2018

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John Radcliffe (Executive producer)

First broadcast: 14th May 2018
Duration 57:47

John Radcliffe (Executive producer and later Head of Open University Productions) and David Allen (project editor) In conversation in May 2018, remembering the Computer Literacy Project 40 years on.

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David Kitson (Head of Transmission Group within BBC Designs Department)

First broadcast: 20th May 2018
Duration 19:40

David Kitson (Head of Transmission Group within BBC Designs Department) became responsible for monitoring the progress of the BBC micro computer in behalf of BBC Engineering.

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