The list of exhibitors lined up for RISC OS North isn’t limited to just the world of modern RISC OS computing. Some will also cater to older platforms – and that doesn’t just mean older RISC OS platforms.
If you have an Acorn Electron, for example, you should make your way to the Retro Hardware stand, where you’ll be able to find “all things Electron”.
For slightly newer machines, Retro Hardware will also have a 32-bit DMA EIDI hard drive interface for A7000, A7000+, and RiscPCs – and some software, with Cross-32, a meta-assembler package for the Archimedes that can be used to develop software for a number of different microprocessors, including the Z80 and 6502.
Whether you have old kit or not, you should still check out the Northwest Computer Museum as well. The museum, based within shouting distance of the show venue at the Leigh Spinners Mill site (okay, it would have to be a very loud shout), shows off usable exhibits from the 1970s right up to date, and holds programming workshops and more – so it’ll be interesting to see what they have in store for the RISC OS world to see.
Finally, the charity stand never fails to cater for people who still have older hardware in use. You’ll usually find a wealth of old software, books, magazines, and peripherals for which you can haggle a good price – and if you’re really lucky, you might even be able to pick up a retro machine for a bargain price. It has been known!