Not much is known about this UK single board computer, also called PT-502. It was available only on loan to Open University students. The purpose was to teach electronic and computer engineers students how to conceive and build a microprocessor based system. The system was delivered with a peripheral board and a complete course enabling students to experiment both software and hardware problems.
More info needed about Model 2 and Model 1 (PT-501) systems
Kerry J. Morris reports:
Oh yes, I remember it well..... (H)ome (E)lectronic (K)it compu(TOR) (!) or something similar.
I used one myself, as a part of my OU (Open University) studies c. 1986,
for the course 'TM222 - The Digital Computer'. I think they must have
originally been developed around 1981.
A bit clunky, I recall, but a great way of learning about
microprocessor-based systems. In fact, I continued to use the HEKTOR
user manual as a convenient and well written 8085 assembly language
reference for about 10 years afterwards!
I seem to remember that a few years ago, when the OU revised the courses
which used HEKTOR, and wanted to replace the (by then) ageing
technology, they gave students the opportunity to buy a HEKTOR system
for a minimal sum (but I can't recall exactly how much).
Since they were only for use with a few specialised OU courses, and were
loaned to the students for the duration of the course, they are probably
a bit of a rarity (at least compared to some systems), with perhaps no
more than a few thousand ever made?
We need more info about this computer ! If you designed, used, or have more info about this system,
please send us pictures or anything you might find useful.
Please consider donating your old computer / videogame system to Old-Computers.com or one of our partners from anywhere in the world (Europe, America, Asia, etc.).
If you have a working Hektor for sale, contact me at my email pconst167@gmail.com
Thanks a lot!
Paulo
Saturday 27th August 2016
PAULO (UK)
I''m just about to list an original HECTOR on Ebay (uk) if anyone is interested. See listing $586462769322 later today. :-)
Wednesday 11th May 2016
peabody_pearce (Loughborough)
Hi keira hope-thompson (london), I am interested in this kit. And The OU- Working with Hektor brochures (parts:6,7,8). How can I contact you?
