I have three main units (one CIB), two Microbee monitor, cables and double Disk Unit.
type computer
country Australia
year 1982
os Microword level II extended
basic, CP/M 2.2
cpu Zilog Z80A
speed 3,375 MHz
ram 32 KB
rom 16 KB
graphic 64 x 16, 128 x 48
colors no
sound monotonic sound generator
ports Serial RS 232, tape interface (300 and 1200 baud), composite and RGB (optional) video output, parallel port (optional on early units), expansion bus
The MikroBee 32K IC — Australia’s Own Computer
The MikroBee (also written Microbee) was an Australian home and educational computer developed by Applied Technology Pty Ltd of Gosford, New South Wales, from 1982. The 32K IC variant used a Zilog Z80 processor with 32 KB of RAM and featured built-in ROM with BASIC and a word processor — making it immediately useful without additional software purchases. The MikroBee achieved significant commercial success in Australia, becoming a common school computer and finding a loyal following among home users and hobbyists.
Australia’s Computing Culture
Australia developed a surprisingly vibrant domestic computing culture in the early 1980s, with several locally designed computers achieving commercial success despite competition from imported British and American machines. The MikroBee was the most successful Australian-designed home computer, benefiting from government support for educational computing and genuinely competitive specifications. Its built-in word processor — available immediately without loading software — was a practical advantage over competitors.
The IC Designation
The ”IC” in the MikroBee 32K IC referred to the machine’s use of integrated circuits for its memory, distinguishing it from earlier MikroBee variants. The MikroBee line continued to develop through the 1980s with progressively more capable models, maintaining Australian manufacturing and the company’s educational focus throughout — a rare example of a domestic computer industry thriving outside the major computing nations.