ElkMac needs an Electron ROM.
Don't worry — you only need to do this once. Here's what the app needs and how to set it up.
What's a ROM?
The original Electron kept its operating system and BASIC in a chip called a ROM. ElkMac needs a copy of that built-in software to start.
Why isn't it included?
Acorn's ROM software remains copyrighted and was not released for unrestricted distribution. ElkMac does not include any Acorn ROMs, and I Aberdeen Software cannot provide them.
Where can I get one legitimately?
- Your own Electron. If you own an original machine, its ROM can be read (“dumped”) using suitable equipment. A retro-computing group or repair specialist may be able to help.
- An existing emulator setup. If you already have a legitimately obtained Electron ROM in MAME or another emulator, you may be able to reuse it. ElkMac can automatically locate MAME ROMs.
If you don't have a legitimate ROM, we cannot point you to a download. Avoid unknown ROM download sites.
I have my ROM. What now?
- Return to ElkMac's “One more thing before ElkMac can start” message.
- Click Choose ROM….
- Choose your Electron ROM file, a folder containing it, or a .zip containing the ROM.
- ElkMac copies what it needs. You won't need to choose it again.
Accepted formats include one 32 KB file (often called os_basic.ic2), two 16 KB operating system and BASIC files, a folder or a .zip containing them.
What about expansion ROMs?
Optional add-on ROMs for Plus 1, Plus 3 disc drives and ElkSD can also be detected when included in the selected file, folder or zip. They are needed only for features that use those expansions, such as disc and SD-card games.
“That doesn't contain an Electron ROM”
The item selected may be a game file or an expansion ROM rather than the Electron's operating system and BASIC. Try another file.
Frequently asked questions
Can't you just include the ROM?
No. The original ROM software is copyrighted.
Do I need to do this every time?
No. Once a valid ROM is chosen, ElkMac keeps its own copy for future launches.