Micro-Robotics Scorpion 1986

[Pernod]

Anyone know anything about the Scorpion? The ROMs are at http://mdfs.net/System/ROMs/Unsorted/Dave1/

The only info I've been able to find is attached. I'd obviously like to emulate the thing so am looking for any info and hopefully photos.

[Arcadian]

Just to confirm, though it was part of a batch of ROMs I passed to JGH for dumping, I can't provide any further info as I was never in possession of the actual device.

[Pernod]

Just to confirm, though it was part of a batch of ROMs I passed to JGH for dumping, I can't provide any further info as I was never in possession of the actual device.

I did wonder, so thanks for clarifying.

I'm not really expecting any results to this quest here. Can anyone recommend any FB/Reddit/forums or other groups that specialise in these types of devices?

[Jonathan Finn]

Hi Nigel
Try Peter Miller who ran Micro-Robotics (Newmarket Rd, Cambridge) and invented the Scorpion: looks like he's at http://petereastern.com. I worked there briefly before uni.

The Scorpion won a 1991 Academy Award (Oscar!!) as part of the Henson Performance Control System (that's Jim Henson's animatronics). As you can see here: http://cinemasight.com/awards-history/6 ... d-winners/

I found an impressive TV interview with PM demoing the Scorpion on MicroLive (Oct 1986) https://vhistory.wordpress.com/2016/03/ ... -tape-174/

Jonathan

[BigEd]

Here's that Micro Live segment cued up:
https://youtu.be/bggSwpX99nI?t=148

[Pernod]

Hi Nigel
Try Peter Miller who ran Micro-Robotics (Newmarket Rd, Cambridge) and invented the Scorpion: looks like he's at http://petereastern.com. I worked there briefly before uni.

Thanks, I'll try to contact him. The video was interesting as it gives me an idea of how the Scorpion can be used with the Beeb.

Also on his webpage is:
- Started my technical career at Acorn Computers developing computer games for the Acorn Atom, as lead programmer the embedded sound system of the BBC Computer operating system

So he may also have some interesting projects to share from his time at Acorn.

[Pernod]

Peter Miller has been very helpful:

He also has lots of documents from his time at Acorn, mainly BBC OS development notes and printouts.

[Pernod]

The Scorpion Intelligent Controller will be usable in the next MAME release:

[Arcadian]

Wow good work Pernod very happy to finally see this supported!