This item is the stripboard prototype of the MK14 presented to Clive Sinclair and Chris Curry by Ian Williamson.

The Microcomputer Kit 14 (MK 14) was Sinclair's (at that time called "Science of Cambridge”) first computer. Based on the National Semiconductor SC/MP processor, the MK 14's capabilities were minimal by today's standards - modern digital watches are considerably more powerful!

Despite the MK 14's severe limitations, it was one of the most important British computers ever produced. Its success in finding a previously untapped market was not lost on either Sinclair or his employees, notably Chris Curry, soon to break away and establish Acorn. Without the MK 14, there probably would never have been a ZX81, Spectrum, BBC Micro or Archimedes, and the British computer scene would have been very different.

The MK 14 was a 31-piece computer kit sold by Science of Cambridge of the United Kingdom. It was first introduced in 1977 for UK£39.95 +VAT. The MK14 eventually sold over 50,000 units.

Manufacturer: Sinclair
Date: 1977

This exhibit has a reference ID of CH50186. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.

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	Articles Memories - Early Computing with the Science of Cambridge MK14 and the SIB (Small Is Beautiful) Computer